Shanghai in the Republican Era

Chapter 153 A Love Song of the Republic of China: Shanghai Turmoil, Surgical Risks, Emergency Meetin

The doctor's words struck me like a hammer blow: "The injury is serious, but we will do our best." These words kept echoing in my ears. My legs went weak, and I could barely stand. I relied entirely on Ah Qiang's support.

"Miss Lin, please calm down. Gu Shao is a lucky man, he will be alright." A-Qiang's voice trembled slightly as he tried to comfort me, but I knew that he was just as uncertain as I was.

I sat on a chair in the hospital corridor, my hands clasped tightly together, my knuckles turning white from the force. Memories of Gu Zixuan and I kept flashing through my mind—those days of struggle together, those moments of mutual support—now all of them were my most precious memories, and the strength that kept me going.

Time ticked by, each second feeling like an eternity. Finally, the operating room light went out, and the doctor emerged once more.

"Doctor, how is he? Please, you must save him..." I rushed forward, grabbed the doctor's arm tightly, and cried out.

The doctor wearily removed his mask, a hint of relief on his face: "The surgery was a success. The bullet has been removed, and he is now out of danger, but he still needs to be observed in the intensive care unit for a period of time."

Upon hearing the news, my tense nerves finally relaxed a little, and tears welled up in my eyes. These were tears of joy, but also tears of lingering fear.

"Thank you so much, doctor, thank you so much..." I said, my voice choked with emotion.

After Gu Zixuan was admitted to the intensive care unit, I stayed by the door, not daring to leave for even a moment. Su Yao and other company representatives also rushed over, bringing their condolences and encouragement.

"Fangfei, don't worry too much, Zixuan will definitely get better. You also need to take care of yourself and not overwork yourself," Su Yao said, gently patting my shoulder.

“Yes, I know. I must wait for him to wake up,” I said, my eyes never leaving the door of the intensive care unit.

In the days that followed, I stayed at the hospital during the day and dealt with the affairs of the textile factory and the Chamber of Commerce Alliance at night. Although I was exhausted, the thought that Gu Zixuan was still struggling with his injuries told me that I couldn't give up.

"Ms. Lin, this is the recent production report from the textile factory. Due to the still somewhat tight supply of raw materials, the output has been affected to some extent." Xiao Li came to me with the report.

"I understand. Try talking to the suppliers again and see if you can secure more raw materials. Also, we need to find ways to improve production efficiency and reduce costs," I said, forcing myself to focus on the task at hand.

"Okay, Ms. Lin. You should also take care of yourself and get some rest," Xiao Li said with concern.

"Thank you, Xiao Li. I'm fine," I said, forcing a smile.

Thanks to our collective efforts, the textile factory's production gradually stabilized, and the Chamber of Commerce alliance continued to operate smoothly. The evidence we collected regarding the illegal actions of the Japanese military was also being secretly compiled and refined.

Finally, on a sunny morning, Gu Zixuan was transferred from the intensive care unit to a regular ward.

"Zixuan, you're finally awake..." I said excitedly as I stood by his bedside, watching his face gradually regain its color.

Gu Zixuan slightly opened his eyes, and after seeing me, a weak smile appeared on his lips: "Fangfei, I'm sorry to have worried you... Evidence..."

“The evidence is safe, don’t worry, just focus on recovering,” I said, gently taking his hand.

“That’s good… Our plan can’t stop…” Gu Zixuan said, his eyes revealing determination.

"I know, don't worry. Everything is going according to plan," I said, trying hard not to let my tears fall.

During Gu Zixuan's recovery period, I would bring him some of his favorite foods every day and make him various kinds of soups to nourish his body.

"Zixuan, try the chicken soup I made and see how it tastes." I said, sitting on the edge of the bed with a bowl of chicken soup in my hand.

Gu Zixuan took the soup bowl, took a sip, and said, "Mmm, it's delicious. Fangfei, thank you for your hard work."

As I watched him slowly regain his strength, I felt more and more at ease.

However, just as Gu Zixuan's injuries were gradually improving, the Japanese military made a new move.

"Miss Lin, something terrible has happened! The Japanese military has issued new economic control regulations, which are even more restrictive on domestic companies. Many businesses are facing enormous pressure," A-Qiang told me anxiously as he ran over.

My heart sank: "They're trying to drive us to the brink. Notify the members of the Chamber of Commerce Alliance; we need to hold an emergency meeting immediately."

At the emergency meeting, representatives from various companies expressed their concerns.

"With these new regulations in place, our business is simply unable to operate. We can't get raw materials in, and we can't sell our products," Mr. Li said helplessly.

"Yes, if this continues, we'll all go bankrupt," Mr. Zhang said with a worried expression.

"Don't panic, everyone. Let's think of a solution together," I said, trying to calm myself down.

“I think we can try negotiating with the Japanese military to see if we can get some lenient policies,” Mr. Chen suggested.

"Negotiation? Do you think they'll agree to that so easily? I think they just want to wipe us out," Mr. Li said dismissively.

“But we don’t have any better options right now. We can’t just sit here and wait to die,” Mr. Chen said.

After some discussion, everyone decided to try negotiating with the Japanese military first. Gu Zixuan and I were chosen as our representatives to meet with the Japanese military officials.

"Zixuan, you haven't fully recovered yet, why don't I go instead?" I looked at Gu Zixuan with concern.

Gu Zixuan shook his head: "No, I have to go. This concerns the future of all national enterprises, and I cannot back down."

On the day of the meeting, Gu Zixuan and I dressed up carefully. I wore a black cheongsam with a pearl necklace, looking dignified and elegant; Gu Zixuan wore a dark gray suit, his eyes firm and confident.

We arrived at the Japanese military office and met with Colonel Yamamoto, the head of the Japanese military.

"Colonel Yamamoto, hello. We're here today to discuss the new economic control regulations with you," Gu Zixuan said politely.

Colonel Yamamoto sneered: "What's there to talk about? The policies of the Great Japanese Empire will not change. You national enterprises should just obediently submit."

"Colonel Yamamoto, as you know, our national enterprises have always operated in accordance with the law. The new regulations are too restrictive for us, and many companies are facing the risk of bankruptcy. This is not good for Shanghai's economic development either," I said, trying to remain calm.

"Hmph, your lives and deaths are none of our business. Shanghai's economy is naturally controlled by the Great Japanese Empire," Colonel Yamamoto said arrogantly.

"Colonel Yamamoto, we are not rebelling, but we hope you can give us some reasonable space so that we can continue to operate. We are also willing to contribute to the economic development of the Great Japanese Empire," Gu Zixuan said.

Colonel Yamamoto looked at us, a hint of disdain in his eyes: "I'll consider your offer. But don't get your hopes up too high."

After leaving the Japanese military office, Gu Zixuan and I both knew that the negotiations had not yielded any substantial results.

"Zixuan, they don't want to talk to us properly at all. What should we do?" I asked anxiously.

Gu Zixuan pondered for a moment: "It seems that negotiations are not an option. We have to find another way. I think we can use the pressure of international public opinion to make the Japanese military think twice."

"International public opinion? What should we do?" I asked.

Gu Zixuan said, "I have a friend who works for a newspaper abroad. We can compile detailed information about the illegal actions of the Japanese military against national enterprises and expose them in foreign newspapers. This will let the international community know what the Japanese military has been doing in Shanghai."

“That’s a good idea,” I said, a glimmer of hope rising in my heart.

Just as we were preparing to implement this plan, we suddenly received news that the Japanese military seemed to have realized our intentions and began to intensify its surveillance of us.

"Zixuan, they've started to suspect us. Will our plan still go smoothly?" I asked worriedly.

Gu Zixuan's eyes hardened: "No matter how difficult it is, we have to try. I won't let them succeed so easily."

But at this moment, the Japanese military's surveillance is like an invisible net, tightly enveloping us.

The Japanese military's surveillance severely restricted our actions; every move felt like being watched by countless eyes, a constant source of anxiety. But Gu Zixuan's resolve never wavered; a steadfast flame burned in his eyes—a flame of responsibility to the national enterprise and a testament to his dedication to our future.

"Fangfei, we need to be even more careful. Although they are watching us, we can't afford to lose our composure." Gu Zixuan said as he carefully checked every corner of the room to make sure there were no listening devices installed.

I nodded gently, trying to calm myself down: "I understand, Zixuan. So how do we safely deliver the documents to your friend?"

Gu Zixuan pondered for a moment and slowly said, "I plan to have A-Qiang make this trip. He is reliable and familiar with the terrain in this area, so he should be able to avoid the Japanese army's surveillance."

“Qiang? But this is too dangerous. What if the Japanese army finds out…” I was filled with worry. Qiang was our most capable assistant, and I really didn’t want him to take this risk.

Gu Zixuan grasped my hand, his gaze gentle yet firm: "I know this is dangerous, but Qiang is someone we trust. Moreover, for the sake of our national enterprise, for our future, we must take the risk."

Looking into Gu Zixuan's unwavering eyes, I knew he had made up his mind. In the end, I agreed to let A-Qiang carry out this difficult task.

That evening, A-Qiang came to our place.

"Young Master Gu, Miss Lin, I'm all ready. Don't worry, I'll definitely deliver the documents safely," Ah Qiang assured, patting his chest with a resolute look in his eyes.

Gu Zixuan patted A-Qiang on the shoulder: "A-Qiang, I'm entrusting everything to you. Be careful on the road and don't expose yourself."

"Young Master Gu, don't worry. I know what to do," A-Qiang said, carefully taking the file bag containing the documents and putting it into his pocket.

As I watched Ah Qiang disappear into the night, my heart pounded in my chest.

"Zixuan, will Aqiang be alright?" I asked worriedly, my hands unconsciously clutching the hem of my clothes.

Gu Zixuan pulled me into his arms: "Qiang will be fine. He's very clever and will definitely be able to complete the mission smoothly."

However, the very next morning, we received some distressing news.

"Young Master Gu, something terrible has happened! A-Qiang has been captured by the Japanese army!" A worker rushed over, panting.

My heart sank to the bottom: "How could this happen? How were I arrested?"

The worker said anxiously, "I don't know much either. I only heard that he was questioned by the Japanese army when he left the city. It seems that his document bag was discovered."

Gu Zixuan's face turned ashen: "The Japanese must have set a trap long ago, just waiting for us to take it."

"What if Ah Qiang..." I didn't dare to think any further, tears welling up in my eyes.

Gu Zixuan gripped my hand tightly: "We can't give up hope. I'll try to find out where A-Qiang is and see if we can rescue him."