Chapter 66

"Today is a historic day, a day that will be remembered forever. Many years from now, the young will ask with reverence and curiosity about what happened today. Today is a historic day, and you are a part of it. For thousands of years, the people have never been truly cared for. No matter who wrote the history, whether it was official or unofficial, whether it was a daily record or a county annal, no one has ever truly studied the daily lives of the people. Especially after the foreign powers invaded China, all we heard were people shouting that life was unbearable, that the country was on the brink of collapse, that China was about to be destroyed. Why was life unbearable? Why was China about to be destroyed? Under these slogans, what was the real state of Chinese society, and why did it become this way? No one has ever truly studied it. The actual lives of the people were at most rumors on the streets, vague stories. But today, a group of people, including ourselves, will conduct a social survey. The mysteries will be unraveled, the social chaos will be clearly seen and pointed out. The people will no longer be a vague term but real individuals, clear and present in the functioning of society. Therefore, today is a historic day!"

This speech was delivered by Qi Huishen at the "oath-taking meeting" for the social survey. After reading it, Chen Ke felt a sense of familiarity. It was a speech Chen Ke had given at a party meeting to encourage his comrades to focus on social surveys. Some of the phrases were modeled after the speech of the SS officer in "Schindler's List." Clearly, Qi Huishen had adapted it for his own use.

The letter was handwritten by He Zudao, whose beautiful penmanship was undoubtedly the best in the People's Party at this stage. The person who dictated the letter was likely Qi Huishen. Qi Huishen detailed the preparations for the recent rural surveys. As Xie Mingxian set out for Beijing, twelve research teams also departed for the countryside. The letter conveyed a sense of enthusiasm. After all, Qi Huishen had been leading a "revolution" for several years, and this was the first time he could organize a group of over a hundred people for a common purpose, all of them like-minded young people. Thus, Qi Huishen's letter was filled with emotion.

Chen Ke put down the letter and gazed at the blue sky outside. He wondered what results these young people would achieve in the countryside. Chen Ke recalled his first return to the countryside. Besides rational thinking, he had a faint sense of disgust, but not much deep sympathy for the working people.

However, Chen Ke did not feel ashamed of his coldness. After all, he had gone through countless exams and read many party theory books. In his subconscious, he had fully accepted that the world was a place of struggle—struggle against nature, against the earth, against people. In such a world full of struggle, seeing the problems was not enough. To liberate oneself, one had to fight against all unreasonable things. If someone was willing to rise up and fight, Chen Ke would gladly include them as a comrade. Even someone like Pang Zi, who rebelled for personal desires, Chen Ke did not give up on. The reason he spent so much effort teaching Pang Zi various revolutionary theories was to hope that Pang Zi's struggle would become a true revolution.

But as for those who accepted their fate, the People's Party did not yet have the strength to fully mobilize the masses. So Chen Ke did not even have the thought of "pitying their misfortune." Industrial society had ingrained the concept of "efficiency" in Chen Ke's instincts. He could tirelessly complete many tedious tasks because he believed these tasks were the most effective steps to advance the revolution at this stage. What seemed like a grand and sweeping mobilization of the masses was, in Chen Ke's view, the least efficient action.

He hoped the comrades would have some gains. Chen Ke silently wished.

He picked up the letter again and continued reading. Qi Huishen reported the latest resolution of the Shanghai party branch. After discussion, the Shanghai party branch had adopted a new plan for developing party members and formed a resolution.

According to the letter, Chen Ke pulled out the last page, which was a copy of the latest resolution document. In this document, the party branch required party members to abandon purely theoretical education and instead focus on results, the reasoning process, and directly lead the prospective members through social surveys for verification.

"The role of the party branch is finally being realized." After reading the resolution, Chen Ke was very pleased. In fact, it wasn't just the Shanghai party branch; the Beijing party cell had also adopted the same method based on the facts, choosing the workshop-style approach after an all-night discussion, just like Shanghai.

It seems I was wrong. Chen Ke admitted this fact. It seemed as if to confirm this thought, laughter came from the side room. It wasn't just Pang Zi laughing; the others were also laughing happily. The direction for future development had been set the previous night, and Wu Xingchen's lectures to Pang Zi and the others no longer centered on "the necessity of the revolutionary path" but focused on teaching specific revolutionary techniques. The result was continuous laughter in the side room, where the meeting was held. Chen Tianhua was also present. In the previous days, during Chen Ke's lectures, there was no laughter; everyone either looked up with their noses in the air or wore worried expressions. Listening to Chen Ke's lectures was clearly a torment for them.

But today, just from the atmosphere, it was clear that Wu Xingchen's lectures had captured Pang Zi and the others' emotions. The effect was likely very good.

With a pleasant mood, Chen Ke continued reading. One of the school buildings had been completed, and the previously ordered teaching equipment and instruments were starting to arrive. Before leaving, Chen Ke had also arranged for the construction of a glass factory, with You Gou introducing a few friends to take charge. Now, only Hua Xiongmeng and Qin Wuan remained in Shanghai, while the others had gone to the countryside. At the end of the letter, the comrades wished Chen Ke a smooth journey in Beijing and hoped he would return to Shanghai soon to reunite with everyone.

"It seems the comrades are doing well, but we haven't achieved the goals for this stage in Beijing." Chen Ke muttered to himself. Perhaps I am the one who is most off the mark in the People's Party. After reading the letter, Chen Ke could roughly determine that the comrades in the south were definitely making a lot of progress. While their final results might not reach Chen Ke's current level, they were bound to have significant success in recruiting new party members. Wu Xingchen and Chen Tianhua working in the northern countryside would not turn Pang Zi into a committed party member, but at least the revolutionary activities in the north would intensify. Compared to them, Chen Ke's own work had not progressed much.

Thinking about this, Chen Ke suddenly felt a sense of frustration. Perhaps he had made a dogmatic mistake. But then again, Chen Ke thought, maybe this idea was wrong. Although he was not familiar with the party's history, the party had made many mistakes in its early and middle stages. It was likely that someone had done what the Shanghai and Northern party branches were doing. Since these methods were not recorded in history books, it proved they had not succeeded. In the end, it was the revolutionary path pointed out by Chairman Mao that led the party to victory. Since history had already proven this, Chen Ke should not easily doubt the path.

After much thought, he could not come up with a better answer. Chen Ke did not want to waste time and decided to prepare for the afternoon class.

By noon, the door to the side room opened. Wu Xingchen and Pang Zi, among others, came out with radiant faces. The morning class had clearly been effective. Even Pang Zi, who was usually resistant, was unusually polite to Chen Ke. The usual resistance in his expression was completely gone. Chen Ke naturally followed suit, joking and laughing with everyone. He then started fiddling with the coal stove to prepare lunch.

Just then, He Ruming's steward came to invite Chen Ke, as He Ruming had returned.

He Ruming was clearly in high spirits. When Chen Ke entered, he smiled somewhat reservedly and then started beating around the bush: "How are you, Wenqing?" followed by a bunch of trivial talk about the weather in Tianjin and the changes in the city. Chen Ke was not optimistic about He Ruming's talent selection and was not in the best mood himself. After a few perfunctory responses, Chen Ke almost mentioned that he had a class at the Imperial University in the afternoon. But he held back, thinking that such a show of force might have an effect on He Ruming, but not necessarily a positive one. He Ruming was very concerned about his reputation, and Chen Ke's words would imply, "You, Mr. He, are nothing special." He Ruming would definitely pick up on the hidden meaning, and it would lead to conflict.

But Chen Ke did not have time for He Ruming's endless chatter. He decided to ask directly, "Mr. He, you look so happy. I assume you met many excellent friends in Tianjin?"

He Ruming frowned slightly, somewhat displeased, and replied, "I didn't meet many friends, but you were lucky. I found quite a few people."

"That's great," Chen Ke smiled.

"They will be in Beijing in a couple of days."

"How many people? I'll prepare accommodation for them right away," Chen Ke quickly responded.

Seeing Chen Ke's understanding, He Ruming was quite satisfied. "Prepare for twenty people. There might be more later."

"Since they will be here in a couple of days, I'll go prepare. If you have no other instructions, I'll take my leave," Chen Ke was eager to leave.

"There's no rush. Stay for lunch, Wenqing."

He Ruming actually invited him to lunch. What did this mean? Chen Ke was puzzled. He was also busy and didn't want to be tied up by He Ruming, which would disrupt his afternoon plans. He quickly explained, "I have friends from Shanghai coming over. We have lunch plans today. I'll have to take a rain check on your kind offer."

Hearing that someone was coming from Shanghai, He Ruming's eyes lit up. Chen Ke thought, "Oh no." As expected, He Ruming continued, "Wenqing, during my time in Tianjin, I saw many people suffering from serious illnesses, living in misery."

What does this have to do with me? Chen Ke thought. Mr. He still owes me money. Do you think I'm a three-year-old who will agree to anything you say? Chen Ke had met many people like He Ruming in the 21st century, similar to pyramid schemes. They would paint a beautiful picture and then try to get you to jump into it. The only difference was that those people knew they couldn't force others, so they focused on their speaking skills. He Ruming, as an official, thought Chen Ke should selflessly contribute to his "kind offer." If not for Yan Fu's backing, He Ruming would have already put on an official airs.

So He Ruming kept hinting that the patients were in urgent need, but he didn't mention the money. Chen Ke played deaf and dumb, remaining noncommittal. As they were bickering, Chen Ke heard a woman's voice. "Brother, it's time to eat." He Qian entered the living room.

He Qian had been listening outside the living room and could clearly hear Chen Ke's growing impatience.

In fact, He Ruming's trip to Tianjin had been quite successful. He Ruming's grandfather was an old Westernization advocate and one of the founders of the Tianjin Machinery Bureau. He Ruming had entered the bureau under his grandfather's arrangement. The old man was not fond of socializing, but whenever he hosted a dinner, he always brought his daughter. The adults would drink, and He Qian would also have a little, which the old man didn't mind. The people the old man invited were all decent, and they would discuss work matters at the table. He Qian remembered the people mentioned in these conversations. Before He Ruming went to Tianjin, He Qian had a detailed discussion with him about who to find and how to talk to them about coming to Beijing. The results were quite good.

But He Qian never expected that after He Ruming completed the task, he would start getting confused at a critical moment. Although she had only met Chen Ke once, He Qian could tell that Chen Ke was not a person who cared much about face or others' feelings. Negotiating with Chen Ke required a straightforward, clear-cut approach. Chen Ke respected the integrity of transactions. He Ruming thought he had a good hand and wanted Chen Ke to back down first. This would only lead to the failure of cooperation. Hearing Chen Ke's growing impatience, He Qian had to step in.

He Ruming was surprised that his sister would come out personally. More surprisingly, his sister just greeted Chen Ke and then started negotiating as if they were old acquaintances. "Mr. Chen is here," He Qian bowed slightly.

Chen Ke nodded in greeting, "Miss He, hello."

"Mr. Chen, my brother found people in Tianjin. It's been less than thirteen days. How are your preparations?"

"The medicine is already here."

"When will Mr. Chen meet these friends from the Machinery Bureau?"

"Day after tomorrow. After I prepare the accommodation, I'll invite them for a meal."

"When can we pay for the medicine?"

"After the meal, I'll come to your residence specifically."

"Mr. Chen should bring more people. The silver bills for several thousand taels of silver shouldn't be carried alone, in case they are robbed on the way."

Hearing this veiled threat, Chen Ke laughed. "Miss He, you think I don't trust Mr. He. I have no such intention. I'm just a businessman. Without Mr. He's word, I wouldn't dare mention money."

Seeing Chen Ke's straightforward attitude, He Qian had no other choice. They had discussed what needed to be discussed, and the necessary points had been made. She just smiled and said nothing more.

He Ruming saw that his sister had easily settled most of the matter but had not mentioned the key point. Chen Ke had said that if he was satisfied with the people He Ruming introduced, the price for twenty people would be much cheaper. But the two only talked about the medicine transaction and did not mention the discount. He Ruming looked at his sister. He Qian knew what her brother was thinking. She felt regret. Her brother's vision was too narrow, only thinking about saving a few hundred taels of silver. If He Qian were handling this, she would have paid for the medicine directly, regardless of the details, and first asked Chen Ke to sell medicine for fifty people. This time in Tianjin, He Ruming had indeed contacted patients. The patients were waiting for the medicine, and they would be willing to pay even fifty taels. Not aiming for big profits and instead haggling over small amounts, who knew what her brother was thinking.

But as a woman, He Qian couldn't say this. He Ruming had to say it himself. Seeing that her brother wouldn't speak up, He Qian blinked and came up with a plan. She excused herself.

Seeing his sister leave, He Ruming didn't know what to do. Chen Ke was unyielding, and the situation was like waiting for a rabbit to appear before releasing the hawk. What if Chen Ke said he didn't like the twenty people? They were all personally found by He Ruming. If Chen Ke sent them back to Tianjin, it would be a huge loss of face. He Ruming had planned to bring up the matter during lunch, but Chen Ke refused to eat. His sister had already set the delivery time for the next day. How could he make Chen Ke agree to treat these people well?

Just as he was at a loss for words, He Ruming's steward entered the living room. The steward greeted Chen Ke and said, "Mr. Chen, my master asked me to calculate the medicine money, which should be two hundred taels. I didn't make a mistake, did I?"

"That's not urgent," Chen Ke smiled.

"My master instructed me that since he invited you, although the medicine money should be paid by the Beiyang Army, you are not familiar with them, and he doesn't want you to worry. My master decided to advance the money. I was slow in handling this. When I went to find you, you weren't home, so it was delayed. I apologize."

He Ruming didn't remember instructing the steward to give Chen Ke the money. The patients were Beiyang Army officers, and Chen Ke should ask the Beiyang Army for the money. The Beiyang Army had already prepared the money, and Chen Ke could get it from Bu Guanshui. What was the steward up to?

But the steward had been with the old man since he was alive, and He Ruming knew he wouldn't act rashly. Indeed, Chen Ke said, "Mr. He, I appreciate your concern. Bu Guanshui said he would give me the money. You don't need to worry; I won't have any trouble getting the medicine money."

"That's good, that's good," He Ruming said, though he didn't understand the steward's intentions, he could play along.

"Master, you said last time that when we collected the money, we should send a car to pick up Mr. Chen. Should we do that again?" the steward asked.

"Send, send the car," He Ruming quickly followed the steward's lead. Although he planned to ask what was going on and punish the steward later, he didn't want to lose face.

Seeing the master and servant working together, Chen Ke knew there was more to come. But since He Ruming had given him this face, he couldn't let He Ruming lose face. He bowed to He Ruming, "Mr. He, I really appreciate your kindness. I can't take the car. You helped me meet Bu Guanshui, and we hit it off. Another day, I'll invite Brother Bu to have a meal with you. I hope you will honor us with your presence."

"Of course, of course," He Ruming felt a twinge of jealousy hearing that Chen Ke and Bu Guanshui were on such good terms.

"Since Mr. He has helped me so much, one meal can't express my gratitude. If you have any requests, I will do my best to fulfill them," Chen Ke said, hoping the steward was acting on He Qian's instructions. He couldn't help but glance at where He Qian had left. Although the door was covered with a curtain, it was a glass bead curtain, and he could faintly see He Qian's figure hiding