Shanghai Embroidery Lady

Chapter 83
Two years later.

"Crackling!" A burst of firecrackers sounded, and a jumping spark was recklessly jubilant, shining brightly, reflecting the black lacquered wooden signboard with red silk hanging directly above the gate, and there were five golden characters written on it—" Shen Kee Huafu Store".

There were three women and two men standing in front of the store. The woman in the middle was wearing a cheongsam with a red plum pattern in fish-white and red trim, and a begonia-colored soft kudzu-cut sweetheart-neck single shirt on the outside. Inch tall, revealing a snow-white neck, a brooch inlaid with diamonds and emeralds was pinned to the neckline.This woman was dressed elegantly, and her gestures were dignified and courteous, quite like a lady of every family.Her smile is gentle, like the breeze in early March, with a trace of snowflakes in the warmth and a touch of plum fragrance.

"The new store is open, congratulations, Miss Zijin, I have to call you Boss Ye instead." Xiao Xia came to congratulate her wearing a police uniform, holding a gift in one hand, and supporting Grandma Qin in the other.

Ye Zijin hurriedly led the guests into the room, and poured tea for Grandma Qin and Xiao Xia.Grandma Qin took the tea, patted the back of Zijin's hand and said with a smile, "I've known for a long time that you are a good girl, and I'm pretty good at judging people."

Ye Zijin rubbed Grandma Qin's legs, and said with a smile, "Yes, it's all thanks to you. Look at what I said at the beginning, Xiao Xia is doing well now, and has been promoted to be the captain of the patrol team. You Just enjoy peace and happiness, I will have to rely on Xiao Xia to take care of my place in the future."

Xiao Xia patted his chest and said loudly: "Sister Zijin, in this French Concession, I will wear Shen Ji's Chinese clothes from now on without your orders."

Zizheng touched Xiaoxia's shoulder, and joked, "You, the patrol captain, look good, much more powerful than the shrimp soldiers and crab generals back then."

Xiao Xia joked: "You sour student, don't come here, brother, I'm still waiting for the wedding wine between you and Mi Siwang, sister Zijin, I think you should make a statement sometime, in fact, today you can Double happiness."

Wang Xinyu blushed at the side and moved behind Zizheng. Ye Zijin smiled and said, "Oh, my young couple is still studying, and they talk about ideals and beliefs every day. How can they talk about daily necessities so quickly? See You just don't have a partner, and you don't understand the love of children."

Xiao Xia waved his hand and sighed: "Sure enough, it would be nice to have an older sister who can protect my younger brother in everything, Ye Zizheng, how did you have such good luck in your previous life, to have such a capable and beautiful older sister, and a gentle and considerate sister?" My fiancée, I really envy others..."

Zizheng took Wang Xinyu's hand, shrugged his shoulders and pretended to be helpless, and said, "Luck is a little bit better than yours, who made you grow glib."

Grandma Qin poked her grandson's forehead and said, "Wandering around all day and patrolling, I didn't see you find me a grandson-in-law. Catch up tomorrow and ask Ms. Wang to introduce her. I like daughters who can read and write."

Xiao Wu and Xiaoyue had already prepared a table of good dishes in the backyard, and at this time, they set up the table and chopsticks for everyone to eat.A group of people happily sat around the round table to celebrate the opening of Shenji Huafu Store, chatting and laughing happily, like a family.

At the dinner table, Xiao Xia toasted one by one, and when it was his turn to toast Ye Zizheng, he suddenly remembered something besides saying things like a happy marriage for a hundred years, and leaned into Zizheng's ear and said cautiously: "Brother, Shanghai Beach is not very peaceful recently. Don’t join in the fun of things like student parades and speeches, I heard that the higher ups are trying to catch the Communist Party.”

Ye Zizheng clinked glasses with Xiao Xia, nodded with a smile and agreed, "I don't have that much free time, I can't even handle the exams."

At this moment, a long-drawn-out voice came from outside the door, "Is Miss Ye there? Here are some flowers..."

Ye Zijin heard someone calling her, so she quickly put down her chopsticks and went out to have a look, only to see a fat bald man pushing a cart full of daffodils to the door, Ye Zijin saw that this person looked familiar, but couldn't remember where to meet her However, she thought that this person came to sell flowers at the right time to open the store, but she really liked the pots of narcissus, which were slim and fragrant, and wanted to buy a few pots to put in the store to add festiveness, so she asked : "How did you sell this narcissus?"

The bald and fat man hurriedly shook his head and said: "These are free of charge, and they are specially sent to celebrate the opening of Shen Ji Huafu."

Ye Zijin was stunned, this man gave her so many daffodils without taking money, but she immediately thought of someone, and asked, "Be honest, did someone send you to deliver flowers?"

The bald and fat man turned pale with fright, took a few steps back, and said timidly, "No...no..."

Seeing his expression, Ye Zijin confirmed her guess even more, a kneeling figure suddenly flashed in her mind, and she couldn't help shouting: "I know who you are, you are the flower vendor who wanted to cheat money back then, take The man who bought the silver cup and the jade platform to fill the gold cup!"

Seeing that he was recognized, the bald-headed fat man touched the back of his head with some shame, and said with some shame: "This time, it's all real marigolds, Miss Ye, I'll let you put them here, I'll go first ..." After speaking, he ran away in a hurry, not even pushing the cart.

Xiaoyue came out after hearing the sound, saw a cart full of daffodils, and said with a smile: "Our Shen Ji Huafu shop is going to be fragrant for a long time, that person really has a heart."

Ye Zijin knew who Xiaoyue was referring to, so she deliberately changed the topic and said, "You are very good at using words now, how did I find that you are more sweet-talking after being with Ah Cheng?"

Xiaoyue angrily unloaded a pot of narcissus from the car, stuffed it into her arms, and said, "You're making fun of me again, I learned it from Xinyu, you all can read and write, I can't delay Shen Ji's hind legs, at least he can speak a few words."

Ye Zijin hugged the pot of narcissus, and suddenly remembered the scene of buying narcissus with Meng Haoxiang at the flower market that day. It is a bit funny to recall the scene at that time, but I was very nervous at that time.Two years later, Xiao Wu's debts to the casino have all been paid off, and Meng Haoxiang never came to her again, but she always had a feeling that he was still by her side, never leaving, just like the fragrance of narcissus, wafting in the air. In the air, as natural as breathing.

Xiaoyue called Xiaowu and his team to help move the flowers. After a while, the flower stand where Xiaoyue planned to put roses in the backyard was filled with daffodils. From a distance, it looked like piles of white snow, and there were still dots in the snow. Goose yellow buds emerge.

Seeing his sister standing in front of the flower stand, Ye Zizheng thought that Meng Haoxiang would fade out of their lives in two years, but for some reason, he had a deeper impression of Meng Haoxiang, and he gradually regretted it. Do that in the first place.In the past two years, Meng Haoxiang has kept his promise and never came to see his sister, but Ye Zizheng has seen every bit of what he has done secretly for her sister.If the days two years ago were just Meng Haoxiang's novelty to his sister, then what has Meng Haoxiang's persistence and protection proved over the past two years...

"Sister, if you want to thank the flower sender in person, I won't stop you. I've figured it out. Although I'm your younger brother, I can't control your happiness. As long as you are happy, I will support you in everything." Zizheng looked at Ye Zijin and said seriously.

Ye Zijin was taken aback for a while, seeing his younger brother's serious look, he couldn't help laughing, and said, "What are you talking about, I was wondering if so many narcissus would be too fragrant if put together, I almost fainted, hehe..."

Ye Zizheng knew that his sister was deliberately avoiding this topic, so he didn't say anything else, smiled, and said, "Sister, now that a new shop has opened, and the old shop has hired a capable tailor, you just need to go over to supervise occasionally , don’t be busy on both sides anymore.”

Ye Zijin helped his younger brother pat the dirt on his cuffs, and said, "I know, I won't wear myself down again."

Xiaoyue came over, happily handed Ye Zijin two letters, and said impatiently: "Zijin, quickly open Niannian, it's a letter from Peiping, it should be written by Master."

Ye Zijin tore open one of them, and poured out a piece of letter paper and a photo from it.In the photo, Shen Kangtong and Miss Guixiang are standing behind Master Shen. Master Shen is sitting peacefully on the rattan chair with a kind smile, while the mischievous Xiao Jiaqi is sitting in his arms and laughing.

Xiaoyue looked at the photo again and again, wiped the corners of her eyes, and said with a smile: "Jiaqi has grown taller, and Master looks fatter than before."

Ye Zijin read the content of the letter. Master Shen was very happy to learn that they had opened a new store. He wrote a letter to congratulate him. He also praised the name Shen Ji Huafu and encouraged Ye Zijin to innovate more in the design of cheongsam.

This other letter from Peiping was actually from Lu Bo. Ever since Ye Zijin came back from Peiping, Lu Bo had asked someone to bring some snacks from the former Dutong Mansion to eat from time to time. She also occasionally did business. Will write to Luber for advice.Not long ago, when Lu Bo heard that she was going to open a new store, he specially sent someone to deliver the plaque hanging on the door. The words "Shen Ji Huafu Store" were personally mentioned by a calligrapher friend of Lu Bo in Beiping. written.Ye Zijin looked at the congratulations and subtle instructions on the letter, and felt warm in her heart.

In the past two years, Ye Zijin took every piece of clothing she handled seriously, gradually accumulating credibility for Shen Ji, and with Xinyu's help and publicity, everyone worked together to survive the most difficult debt repayment period.Unexpectedly, after paying off the debts and interest, Ye Zijin saved a sum of money. With the money, Ye Zijin bought a dilapidated shop in the French Concession, and worked with Xiao Wu and the others for two months to renovate the old shop by himself. They also ingeniously opened up a small area in the backyard to grow flowers and drink tea.Today's Shen Ji Huafu Store can be said to have condensed the painstaking efforts and sweat of all of them.

A distinguished guest came to Jin'an Hall today, but when Meng Haoxiang arrived at the living room, the distinguished guest had already left.Feng Li and Master Hua were discussing something, and seeing Meng Haoxiang coming, Master Hua asked him to sit beside him.

Master Hua held the teacup, used the lid to remove the tea dregs floating on it, and slowly said to Meng Haoxiang: "Just now, someone from the government came and wanted to cooperate with our Jin'antang, let us join their campaign to encircle and suppress the Communist Party. What do you have? view?"

Meng Haoxiang thought for a while, and said in a deep voice: "I think it's better not to meddle in political affairs lightly. It's normal in gangs to kill a few people, but killing the Communist Party is not so easy to control within the gang. The social discourse will inevitably push us as scapegoats, and then they can use the banner to encircle and suppress us openly."

Master Hua took a sip of tea, nodded and said, "I also have this concern. Besides, I'm getting old and don't want to get involved in the muddy waters of politics. One more thing is worse than one less thing. Now our Jin'an Hall's business is on the right track. It’s better to be cautious at this moment.”

Seeing that Hua Jinkun was leaning towards Meng Haoxiang, Feng Li forgot all his earnest persuasion just now, and was immediately annoyed, and said to Meng Haoxiang: "Now that the government is in power, do you know how much benefit you can get from cooperating with Jin'antang? Well, maybe after the siege is successful, my adoptive father will make the first great contribution, and the brothers in Jin'antang will also be able to become officials, and they will flourish from then on."

Meng Haoxiang glanced at him lightly, and said with a smile: "Do you think you can become an official and make a fortune by helping them kill a few people? Even if they give us a few officials, at most they are just empty titles, and there is no real power. A group of people generally appoint their own direct descendants, if they are willing to delegate power to outsiders like us, those direct descendants from Huangpu will definitely not be convinced."

Feng Li listened to what Meng Haoxiang said clearly, and seeing Hua Jinkun agreed with him very much, he really couldn't swallow his breath, but he couldn't get angry in front of Hua Jinkun, so he could only endure it with a look of disdain.

Hua Jinkun put down his teacup, patted Meng Haoxiang on the shoulder lightly and said, "I'll leave this matter to you to refuse. You have a lot of contacts in the government. Don't let them think that Jin'antang's non-participation is to fight against them. You Take me as an excuse for being old, weak and sick.”

"Well, I know what to do, Master Hua, don't worry." Meng Haoxiang replied respectfully.

Hua Jinkun glanced at Feng Li, and reprimanded angrily: "You are always impetuous and short-sighted in doing things, you have to learn from Haoxiang, otherwise how will you take over Jin'antang in the future. I think your father and I were born and died, and we had to bear Come here, why are you not even half as capable as him?"

Feng Li lowered his head and said in displeasure, "Father taught me the right thing."

Meng Haoxiang understood the intention of Hua Jinkun's words, and comforted him: "Master Feng has managed the big stage in an orderly manner, and the business is booming. It can be seen that he is still very capable, but he is just a little young and energetic. Don't worry, Master Hua."

Hua Jinkun sighed, and said earnestly: "Hao Xiang, I still count on you to help this kid deal with guild affairs in the future. With you here, I can safely hand over Jin'antang to him."

Meng Haoxiang helped Hua Jinkun get up, and said: "Master Hua, when you saved me, I swore to be loyal to you to the death. Master Feng is your adopted son, so I naturally want to be loyal to him too."

Hua Jinkun nodded slightly, and said with a satisfied smile: "I feel at ease with your words, you don't have to be busy with the business of foreign firms and casinos all the time, many things can be left to the people below, you have time to do it for me Spend more time with Manling, she grew up beside me, but my heart is dear to me, I am most afraid of seeing her unhappy."

"Well, good." Meng Haoxiang responded and sent Master Hua out. Feng Li behind him looked smug, secretly pleased that Hua Jinkun just let him out, and when he walked to the door, he squeezed Meng Haoxiang away to help Hua personally. Jin Kun gets in the car.

After the two watched Hua Jinkun's car drive away, Feng Li glanced arrogantly at Meng Haoxiang next to him, and said with great disdain: "Your Boss Meng doesn't fight for power and fame, but helps outsiders to fight for it, just Duan Lipeng, who fell on Yexiang The straw bag also deserves the silver medal issued by Nafa Consulate? It’s not that you are helping in the middle, he gets a medal for nothing. Wouldn’t you make people on the road laugh at Jin’antang by flattering Duan Lipeng like this? It’s really discrediting my adoptive father. "

Meng Haoxiang had no expression on his face, but seeing that the man in front of him was so arrogant and domineering and short-sighted, he couldn't help feeling a little bit sorry for Lord Hua.The corners of his lips rose slightly, and he said: "Boss Duan's low birth rate does not mean that he is not powerful in the Chao Gang, and there is no harm to Jin'antang's benefit from the Chaogang's support at the pier. I did this for the business of Jin'antang. Tomorrow night, if you have time, Young Master Feng, you might as well come to the French Consulate's medal awarding ceremony."

Feng Li snorted softly, smiled disdainfully, raised his hand and said, "Forget it, I'm not interested in seeing that Ye Xiang guy wear a medal, I'm afraid it will stink up that medal."

Meng Haoxiang looked at Feng Li's leaving figure and smiled faintly. Someone like Feng Li once planned to kill him and replace him, it was simply beyond his control.

(End of this chapter)