Chapter 30: Method
If it’s really just a business dispute, that’s fine, but if someone from the Northern Jiangsu or Shanghai area committees has a problem, this possibility cannot be ruled out by Gu Yansheng either.
“On this trip back, if you get the chance, report this situation to the organization and have them send someone specialized to investigate and eliminate the hidden danger. If it’s just that pharmacy causing trouble, that’s one thing, but if there’s an internal problem, that’s serious.” Gu Yansheng reminded.
“Alright, got it.”
“Good, now let’s talk about your departure. No. 67’s people are watching very closely right now. How do you plan to leave Shanghai? Do you have a plan?”
“Don’t worry about this. I have my own escape route.
There are smuggling boats on the Suzhou River. I just need to board a boat and go west along the Suzhou River, through Qingpu into the Taihu Lake waters, and I’ll be safe.
Actually, as soon as I leave Shanghai, no one will recognize this face of mine. The Japanese from out of town won’t know me.”
“Taking a small boat on the Suzhou River—that carries a risk of getting caught?”
Gu Yansheng’s intuition was that it wasn’t very reliable. There were smuggling boats on the Suzhou River, but also Japanese gendarmes’ patrol boats.
“There’s no foolproof method. The risk is very small—just travel at night.” Zheng Liangcai smiled. “I’ve heard our transit station’s transports often take that route.”
“Heard about it. They might get patrol information from the Japanese, knowing when the patrol boats come, but you don’t.”
Gu Yansheng shook his head. “I’ve thought of a way. Listen: we’ll go from Shiliupu Wharf, take a British cruise ship to Hong Kong. Once in Hong Kong, you head to Guangzhou, then go wherever you want.”
“No, no, that’s expensive and time-consuming.” Zheng Liangcai waved his hand. “Besides, there are definitely Japanese people at Shiliupu Wharf. Isn’t leaving from there just asking to die?
If we’re really going that way, it shouldn’t be like this.
Go to the wharf and apply as a porter. British Swire foreign firm’s cargo ships often load and unload there at night. Hide directly in the warehouse, stay a few days, and before you know it, you’re in Hong Kong—saves a ship ticket too.”
“Stealing aboard.” Gu Yansheng was surprised. “Can your body handle that? Weren’t you interrogated?”
“How couldn’t I handle it? I run a pharmacy—plenty of medicine. This little injury is nothing. I don’t even lack sulfonamide.” Zheng Liangcai scoffed, as if looking down on him. “I crawled out of a pile of corpses on the battlefield, you know? This is nothing.”
“Impressive.”
Gu Yansheng thought this method wasn’t bad—it would avoid No. 67’s people and save time and effort.
“Sigh, how do you get off the ship in Hong Kong? Jump into the sea and swim when it’s close to shore?”
“That’s one method. The Hong Kong border is very lax anyway—the British don’t care. Climb ashore and you’re a Hong Kong person. Of course, if you’re bolder, there’s another way: when the ship docks, Hong Kong side needs porters to unload cargo too. After moving a couple loads, carry a bag like a porter and walk out with the others. You’re out on your legs.”
Indeed, rich in life experience.
“Alright, that’s the plan.”
Going via Hong Kong is definitely safer than the Suzhou River.
Gu Yansheng had watched plenty of TV shows and still remembered the Japanese patrol boats on the Suzhou River vividly.
“No need, too expensive.” Zheng Liangcai looked disdainful. “Hong Kong consumption is high. I’d have to eat there, prices are high. Then take a boat to Guangzhou—more spending. Then detour to somewhere else. How much would this trip cost? The money I’ve saved wouldn’t even cover the road.”
“Money? Money is the least of our worries. I have money. Just go this way.”
What did Gu Yansheng make money for? Anything solvable with money isn’t a problem.
“You can’t spend money like that. This trip alone would cost at least 200 silver dollars.”
“Only 200 silver dollars?”
Without a word, Gu Yansheng pulled out his wallet and handed over a thick stack of US dollars. “Under 300. Enough? I only brought this much. If not, I’ll get more.”
US dollars now were 10 dollars per bill—a large denomination.
Zheng Liangcai was stunned, looking at Gu Yansheng like a monster. 300 US dollars! How many families in all of Shanghai could empty their fortunes and still not scrape together 300 US dollars?
A two-story stone-gate house in Zhabei, undamaged, could be bought for 800 silver dollars. 800 silver dollars on the black market would exchange for under 200 US dollars.
If not for the correct code phrase, he’d suspect this guy wasn’t underground party. He’d never seen such a rich underground party member.
“You’re that rich?”
“Not bad. Enough for your travel expenses.”
“…” Small eyes.
“…” Big eyes.
“Alright, you have the money, you decide.”
“Hey, that’s right.”
“200 is enough, plenty.”
“Good.”
“Hey, by the way, your shirt button isn’t done up right. The white coat is showing. If someone observant notices, they’ll know you work at a hospital. Check who wasn’t at the hospital at this time, and they’ll know it’s you. Pay attention to these details. In Shanghai, we have no room for mistakes.”
“Thanks, got it.”
The remaining matters were just to hash out: have Zheng Liangcai prepare his own travel essentials—medicine, food, water. Also, bring a gun for self-defense.
“Once in Hong Kong and safe, go to a Hong Kong newspaper company and place a missing person notice saying Golden Third Master is looking for Sister Liu Cai, meet at the old place. I’ll know you’re safe. If there’s a change or you need me to help contact the organization, switch the names’ order and leave a contact address. I’ll figure out how to notify the organization.”
“Alright, I’ll definitely place it.”
With that, Zheng Liangcai extended his hand solemnly. “Shanghai is in your hands. Take care.”
“You too.” Gu Yansheng shook his hand.
Zheng Liangcai gripped tightly. “If fate allows, we’ll meet again. The revolution will surely triumph. Then I’ll find you, and we’ll drink together.”
Gu Yansheng patted his hand. “Bring enough for 200 US dollars in drinks. I reckon plenty will join. All of Shanghai has plenty.”
“Hahahaha, good!”
That night, Zheng Liangcai proved himself a seasoned Jianghu man. In porter clothes, he looked just like a wharf laborer. He smoothly got a number from the wharf foreman and started working.
The night overseers were slacking too, squatting by the warehouse with a table set up. Several foremen drank together, snacking on peanuts, not even glancing at the workers. Zheng Liangcai gradually brought his road items onto the ship.
At 3 a.m., on the final load, Zheng Liangcai stepped out for a smoke. He exchanged a glance with Gu Yansheng at the street corner opposite. No words, no farewell. He turned and left.
At 3:30, the ship sailed.
Gu Yansheng could finally relax. Wishing his old friend a smooth journey.
He turned to head home. Still time before dawn—could sleep a few hours.
After dawn, he still had to go to No. 67 to deliver money. The unpaid car payment was about to come in handy.
Whether Zheng Liangcai left Shanghai safely required one final confirmation step.
At dawn, Gu Yansheng first went to the law firm to check in.
“Wolf, lend me that beloved car you just got back one more time.”
Gu Yansheng needed to enter the concession but didn’t want the Japanese gendarmes skimming his money box.
Wolf was easygoing and handed over the keys without a word, teasing, “I don’t mind lending it, but Gu, your car-borrowing fee is steep. Lose it again and it’s another 5000. Not considering buying your own? Even a cheap one for getting around would do.”
“Thinking about it.”
No car was indeed inconvenient. With a car, changing clothes in it yesterday or driving Zheng Liangcai to the wharf would reduce the risks on the way a lot.
Mainly, he hadn’t had time lately—schedule was packed tight.
“How much for a cheap car? You know I don’t have much money on hand now. Any good recommendations?”
Though Gu Yansheng had just invested 5000 US dollars as an angel investor and given Zheng Liangcai 200 US dollars, he still had nearly 3000 US dollars from converting his pound sterling.
Definitely enough to buy a car.
On this question, Wolf thought seriously before answering.
“Let me think—too cheap doesn’t fit your status, easy to be looked down on. Too luxurious is unnecessary for you now. Brand-wise, limit to Buick or Cadillac positioned for mid-to-high-end clients.
Oh, I know what to recommend: Buick Series 40, about 1000 US dollars, plus tariff and other fees maybe 1200. You can afford it.”
“Trust your taste.”
Gu Yansheng dangled Wolf’s car keys. “This tough task is yours. I trust as owner of a luxury car, you’re a VIP at the car dealer. Remember to get me a discount.”
