flstandardbreds Chapter 1051 It's Master Wen! How's business?
Chapter 1051 It's Master Wen! How's business?
When Lin Ze's special train arrived in Beiping, someone naturally arranged to pick him up.
Not only did the Assistant Administration Bureau send people, but the Special Service Department also sent people, and even the Army Headquarters sent people. Okamura's personal aide-de-camp even came to the station to wait for him.
Others might not know, but he did know that young master Okamura was coming with Commander Hayashi!
Speaking of this, the aide-de-camp felt a surge of envy. He had served Okamura for so many years, yet Okamura still treated him with disdain.
But this Commander Lin not only won the admiration of General Okamura, who was eager to award him a grand medal every day, he also managed to get General Okamura's only son to go to Tianjin!
If they don't get promoted, who will? If they don't get rich, who will?
The area around the station was under lockdown again, but it didn't really hinder people's travel. The stations in Beiping were not far apart. When Zhengyangmen Station was temporarily closed due to an important reception task, several smaller stations, such as Dongbianmen, would increase the number of entrance channels and staff.
At Zhengyangmen Station, quite a distance away, several rickshaw drivers parked their rickshaws against the wall and then sat on foot mats, basking in the sun and chatting.
The rickshaw pullers waiting for fares at the station entrance are usually older, or they can no longer handle those odd jobs—especially in winter, when they've just started sweating and arrived at their destination. Young people are fine, but older people are bound to catch a cold.
They wait here, hoping to get a big job that will bring in a lot of money and supplies. While waiting, they can chat with their old buddies and even find a secluded spot to play a couple of rounds of Pai Gow.
Later, similar setups appeared at the entrances of high-speed rail stations, where small tables were set up for playing cards. Some players, particularly those addicted or engrossed in the game, would stay even when guests arrived, offering their seats to other drivers while continuing to play.
Another type of driver is the cunning type who likes to perform tricks and specializes in taking people from the countryside to make a living.
These people had some connection with local thugs. They would drag people into their cars without saying a word, and only ask where they were going after they started driving. From the station to Dashilan, they would ask if it cost them two silver dollars.
You won't give it to me? If you don't, I'll strip you of your cotton-padded coat and sell it for money.
There are fewer and fewer of these people. Although the security in Beiping is not as good as in Tianjin, the auxiliary police bureau is not to be underestimated. It is rare to see big gangsters who used to run rampant on the streets. Without the backing of gangsters, these rickshaw pullers have lost their means of survival.
"Master Wen, Master Wen! It's almost noon, aren't you going to eat?"
Wen San'er took off the hat covering his face. "Eat? I ate a bowl of wontons and three sesame seed cakes this morning. I haven't had any work all morning, and my stomach is still full!"
The mere mention of words like "wonton" or "sesame seed cake" made Wen San'er's stomach rumble, intensifying her hunger.
Affected by the disaster in the south, the number of rickshaw pullers in Beiping (Beijing) has increased again.
With more people offering rickshaws and lower prices, the number of passengers didn't increase; in fact, it seemed to be decreasing. Wen San'er was having a tough time.
The person next to him mocked, "Master Wen, I heard you say a while ago that you had a good relationship with the Dongbianmen garrison, and also with Old Duan, the manager of the silk shop. Now that Old Duan is gone, we haven't seen you going to the Dongbianmen garrison to spout nonsense anymore. What's going on? You're not planning to be a big shot anymore, and you're going to hang out with us poor guys now?"
Wen San'er scoffed, "Pah! The moment I heard you open your mouth, I knew you were a piece of dog meat that couldn't be served at the table. When it comes to making friends, is it about wealth or poverty? My friendship with Old Manager Duan isn't about whether I'm rich or poor. When the Duan family had their troubles, how many of Old Manager Duan's wealthy friends went to the funeral? But I, Wen San'er, did! That's what friendship is all about. Go ahead and learn from me. I've shared a table with Commander Lin, so no matter what, you'll still have to call me Wen San'er!"
He was quick-witted and spoke eloquently, making the coachman next to him look sullen.
Just then, a large group of people poured out of the station, and a row of cars were already waiting by the roadside.
The area was teeming with auxiliary police officers, patrol officers, and military police.
Wen San'er had a feeling that it might be Master Lin who had come to Beiping!
He immediately stood up excitedly.
He didn't intend to force his way in. The two of them were now worlds apart, and it was uncertain whether Master Lin even remembered him as a rickshaw puller. But in Wen San'er's heart, he felt that the few shining moments in his life were given to him by Master Lin, and Master Lin had been kind to him!
What do people live for?
I want to drink a couple of good drinks, eat a couple of good meals, experience a few big events, and show off a bit, so I can brag about it when I'm old.
Wen San'er thought about it carefully and realized that the few good wines he had ever drunk, the good meals he had ever eaten, and the things he could brag about to others were all thanks to Master Lin!
The large group of people walked to the car, the surrounding security personnel parted, and a young man of medium height stepped forward and opened the car door.
To be fair, Wen San'er's eyesight is really good. He spotted Director Niu from such a distance right away!
Then, a tall man in a black uniform, exuding the composure and elegance of a superior, appeared and prepared to get into the car.
The important figures of Beiping standing behind him watched his every move with utmost respect.
Wen San'er exclaimed excitedly, "Master Lin, it really is Master Lin!"
As Lin Ze was getting into the car, the people who were there to greet him were waiting quietly, and the scene was relatively quiet. Wen San'er shouted again without stopping his voice.
Everyone instinctively turned around and looked this way.
Several auxiliary officers acted quickly. Seeing that there was a gap in the fence, they realized something was wrong and hurriedly came over to patch the gap.
Lin Ze glanced at it as well and couldn't help but chuckle, "Isn't this Wen San'er!"
Then he said to Director Niu, "Hey, it's getting cold again. Let Wen San take us to eat braised pork offal tomorrow. I went there with Kitahara Ransuke once, and it was really good. We have to eat this stuff when it's cold."
Niu San'er nodded seriously and wrote it down.
They also noted down the loopholes that occurred when the auxiliary management bureau was in charge of security.
Without him saying anything, just one glance at the person in charge of the auxiliary management bureau was enough for that person to understand that they would have to make some serious changes when they got back!
Director Niu then closed the car door for Lin Ze, while he himself led a few people toward Wen San'er.
Wen San'er was timid. Seeing so many people staring at him, he realized he might have gotten into trouble. He was about to slip away when he saw Director Niu walking towards him, and his legs wouldn't obey him.
The coachman behind was dumbfounded.
What does it mean?
No, please don't! This seemingly imposing figure, please don't get involved with Wen San'er!
Otherwise, that grandson of Wen San'er will brag about it for another year when he gets back!
Director Niu walked closer and smiled, "Oh, it's Mr. Wen. How's business?"
Wen San'er's lips trembled.
Behind him, the hearts of the coachmen were shattered.
孽 孽!