212: Chapter 10 Hey, isn’t this just a coincidence?
212: Chapter 10 Hey, isn’t this just a coincidence?
Mr.
Tong’s residence was indeed grand: a mansion with three courtyards in and out, made of blue bricks.
Without a certain fortune, it would be truly difficult to afford such a large estate.
Wang Yunxiao could smell a strong fragrance of tea leaves from the entrance; only after stepping in did he realize that this tea scent was meant to mask an even stronger odor of powder inside.
Such a nice house, yet as one passed by the front door, the overwhelming smell of powder was hardly proper.
Over time, neighbors would inevitably look down upon it.
But since Mr.
Tong was involved in this kind of business, there were no alternatives.
The only option was for Steward Li to chew on fine tea leaves…
No, to sprinkle some tea water at the doorway to conceal the smell.
The person who received Wang Yunxiao was the very woman who had just answered the phone, calling herself Snow Lady.
She seemed to be just over twenty, with a dignified appearance and a bewitching figure, exuding a delicate and gracious Jiangnan temperament in every gesture and word.
Even a fool could see that she was worlds apart from the tough old mothers bred in the icy snowscapes of the North.
Both with tea and with snacks.
No wonder people said this was their trade; they were truly professional in this aspect.
As expected, Mr.
Tong was not at home, and it wasn’t just an excuse.
Seeing that Wang Yunxiao was young and good-looking, not seeming like a frivolous man, Snow Lady offered him tea and then sat down to chat with him for a bit.
Only when she learned it was a matter of business did she relax completely.
In the future, the antagonism between the sexes was severe, with many men feeling that women were unreasonable, to the extent that the situation had evolved to be indescribable.
This was actually a misconception.
When women truly wanted to appease men, it was as simple as placating a son.
It was nothing more than them having no interest in you, too lazy to bother.
Someone observant and articulate like Snow Lady could easily charm people to the point of being bewildered and entranced.
Even with Wang Yunxiao’s resolute will, he almost didn’t withstand her sisterly sweet nothings, nearly spilling all his secrets.
If Mr.
Tong didn’t come back soon, he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to leave today.
Fortunately, Mr.
Tong returned early.
If he had been any later, the sister would have started whispering risqué jokes right by his ear.
“Sorry, sorry, I was out on an errand today and neglected a distinguished guest.
May I ask how the young brother is addressed?”
Mr.
Tong looked like a refined man, tall and slim, wearing a black satin long gown and holding a civilized cane, groomed like a pseudo-foreigner.
He was clearly a man of society; whether he knew you or not, he greeted everyone with a smile, followed by expressing difficulty and apologizing, maintaining impeccable manners, which made it hard for anyone to harbor a negative impression.
Wang Yunxiao stood up, cupped his fists with a smile, and said, “My name is Wang Yunxiao.
I came in a rush, without the chance to send a card ahead of time.
I hope I haven’t disrupted anything important and ask for Mr.
Tong’s forgiveness.”
In those days, you couldn’t just walk into a grand estate, especially not the homes of officials.
If it was a formal visit, you were supposed to send a card in advance to arrange a meeting with the host.
While those were the rules of the former dynasty and no longer counted for much, the more one was a remnant of the former dynasty, the more they adhered to such trivial formalities.
Everything else might be discarded, but the last bit of face must never be lost.
Of course, there are ways loafers approach situations, but Wang Yunxiao did not come to cause trouble today, so he didn’t resort to those despicable tactics.
“It turns out to be Young Hero Wang, I have long admired your name!”
Mr.
Tong handed his coat and cane to Snow Lady and invited Wang Yunxiao to sit down, chuckling, “Yours Truly Tong has always held respect for the heroes of Jianghu World.
I had heard of Young Hero Wang’s name a while ago and have been eager to make your acquaintance.
It’s just that I’ve been entangled in worldly matters recently and couldn’t find the time.
It’s rare that you have come to visit today.
Now that it’s getting late, I think you shouldn’t leave.
Stay for a simple meal and a few cups of wine to let Yours Truly Tong express some good will!”
Wang Yunxiao waved his hand and said with a smile, “I dare not disturb the gentleman’s leisure.
I am here today, actually, to discuss a matter.
Mr.
Tong, if you don’t mind, let’s speak frankly.
Did you not take in a girl from a decent family a few days ago, named Jiang Yinyin?”
Mr.
Tong paused, then nodded, “There is such a girl.
May I ask what relationship Young Hero Wang has with her?”
It’s good that you admit it.
Wang Yunxiao laughed heartily, then his face turned serious as he said, “Mr.
Tong, you didn’t inquire carefully.
She is a student at Qinghe Middle School.
As far as relationships go, she could be considered my junior.
With the new government established, clear laws prohibit human trafficking.
You went to my place in broad daylight to abduct her without even a greeting.
Did you not take me into account at all?”
Mr.
Tong said in surprise, “Yours Truly Tong is engaged in legitimate business and has a good reputation in the Jianghu World.
How could I knowingly break the law?
Could it be that some miscreants have been stirring up trouble behind my back, causing Young Hero to misunderstand?”
“Legitimate business?
I’ve seen the contract you signed with her parents.
You paid them two hundred in money, and you call that legitimate business?”
Faced with Wang Yunxiao’s pressing questions, Mr.
Tong remained calm and smiled slightly.
“So, Young Hero has met those parents and knows what kind of people they are.
If you talk to them about modern contracts, they wouldn’t understand.
Only by writing it in that style would they feel at ease.
As for that girl…”
“Young Hero may have some misunderstandings about Yours Truly Tong.
Even during the Former Dynasty, I never traded in people.
I merely helped friends make connections, occasionally receiving a fee for acting as an intermediary.”
“You, being part of the Jianghu World, need no explanation from me about the state of the world today.
They say they encourage women to get an education, to work, taking the President as an example.
But what is the reality?
How many women manage to comprehend their studies and forge a path for themselves?
Whether in elementary, middle, or university, don’t they end up marrying and having children after graduating?
Daughters of wealthy families can afford to read more books, and being older is not an issue.
But for girls from poor families, if they miss their prime years, it becomes difficult to find a match.”
“Whether she can find someone is none of my business.
It’s not like I’m her father!”
Wang Yunxiao sneered and said, “Mr.
Tong, it seems like we aren’t talking about the same thing, are we?”
“Ah…
I see!”
Mr.
Tong seemed to have an epiphany as he said, “I understand what Young Hero means now.
Indeed, it is my fault for not investigating thoroughly enough.
I did not realize this child had such a connection to you.
I accept my mistake and am willing to recognize any appropriate penalty.
Young Hero, please make your terms clear.
As long as it is within my power, I will do my utmost to comply.”
He thought that Wang Yunxiao came to get a share of the profits, seeking to extort money.
Of course, this is also the impression that Wang Yunxiao deliberately conveyed in front of him.
“Enough small talk, where is the girl?
Let her come out and see me first!”
“Ah…
this…”
Mr.
Tong said with a bitter smile upon hearing this, “It’s not that I intend to make light of Young Hero, but to tell you the truth, I went out today for this child’s matter.
How coincidental that right after she came to my place, before she even warmed the bed, a wealthy family who was looking for a literate maid for their young mistress showed interest in her.
They signed a contract on the spot, look, it’s still here with the ink barely dry!”