Chapter 68

"For working hours, I suggest a weekly system. Seven days a week, with one day off each week. Everyone has already worked for six days, so we can rest tomorrow." Chen Ke proposed his work schedule. All matters in the factory were discussed collectively, and all systems were handled with transparency. For a project destined to fail, Chen Ke was not so picky. He applied advanced management practices from the future here, also as a form of social practice.

"Let's vote on it," Qin Tongren said calmly. After six days of work, the young man's calm demeanor also revealed signs of fatigue. The voting result was unanimous. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Such intense work had really exhausted everyone. If it weren't for the collective discussion model, many people would have started slacking off long ago.

"Everyone has just arrived, and the team is not yet stable. I suggest we adopt a weekly salary system for the next two months. We will pay salaries every week. Let's vote on it." Chen Ke put forward his "substance."

Upon hearing this suggestion, everyone was genuinely delighted. It was immediately passed unanimously. The agreed salary was 8 silver dollars per month, which meant 2 silver dollars per person per week. With the silver dollars in their pockets, everyone's joy was evident.

They also made a cleaning schedule and a few necessary shift systems for the factory. After Chen Ke repeatedly emphasized the importance of preventing carbon monoxide poisoning, the democratic meeting was adjourned. Chen Ke was about to leave with Xie Mingxian and Chai Qingguo when Qin Tongren came over and asked, "Are you going back to your residence, Wenqing?"

Qin Tongren was a typical representative of the old style, never discussing private matters in public. His question made Chen Ke curious. "Yes, I'm going back to my residence now."

"Let's go together. I'm just about to visit Mr. He." Qin Tongren looked quite spirited.

Chen Ke did not dare to be disrespectful to Mr. Qin. In fact, if he had to say it, Chen Ke even had some respect for Qin Tongren. Seeing that Qin Tongren was highly respected among his colleagues at the Tianjin Machinery Bureau, Chen Ke privately inquired about Mr. Qin's background. Yin Ergou and Shen Songwen, who had performed well in the house construction project, were the first to join Chen Ke. They told him about Qin Tongren's experiences.

The Tianjin Machinery Bureau was an official military enterprise established by the Minister of the Three Ports, Chong Hou, in Tianjin in 1867 (the sixth year of the Tongzhi era). Initially named the "Military Machinery General Bureau," it had an initial capital of over 200,000 taels and was second in scale only to the Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau. In 1869, it was taken over by the Viceroy of Zhili, Li Hongzhang, and renamed the "Tianjin Machine Manufacturing Bureau." This enterprise was the main base of the Northern Self-Strengthening Movement. Besides producing military equipment, it also made some warships, boats, including Empress Dowager Cixi's pleasure boat. Notably, it built China's first submarine and the first pontoon bridge in 1880.

During the Boxer Rebellion, the Eight-Nation Alliance was determined to destroy this largest military enterprise in Asia. As a technical staff member, Qin Tongren volunteered to fight under the command of General Nie Shicheng. The specific details are not clear, but according to the factory workers, Qin Tongren guarded the factory until the very end before evacuating.

After the military disaster, human calamities followed. After the factory was captured, except for Japan, other countries showed little interest in the equipment of the Tianjin Manufacturing Bureau. The Japanese, however, looted the equipment. Not only the Japanese, but many locals also took things from the factory to their homes. Thus, the once prosperous manufacturing bureau was completely destroyed, leaving nothing behind. Instead, many private factories and workshops appeared in Tianjin.

Chen Ke believed everyone was telling the truth. The manufacturing bureau was owned by the court, and the equipment taken home could become personal property. There was no need to explain who was more important. Yin Ergou also privately told Chen Ke that Qin Tongren had led some people to protect the manufacturing bureau, but they failed to save it. Qin Tongren even had one of his arms broken.

Hearing these stories, Chen Ke couldn't help but feel deep respect for Qin Tongren. In this era, such a person was as rare as a white rabbit in a coal pile.

Qin Tongren was usually quiet, and even when he spoke, his voice was low and his attitude calm, looking like a scholar. He had personally taken up arms to fight against the Eight-Nation Alliance and protect the factory. These two contrasting images could not be reconciled in Chen Ke's mind. But no matter how mysterious Qin Tongren was, since he said he wanted to go together, Chen Ke naturally did not refuse. On the way, they chatted casually. Qin Tongren did not ask many personal questions, and the conversation was pleasant.

At Chen Ke's doorstep, Chen Ke opened the gate.

Compared to a few days ago, the courtyard was now quiet. Pang Zi and others had left two days ago, Wu Xingchen and Chen Tianhua returned to Nangong County with Pang Zi, and the brothers from Shandong returned to their hometown. Xie Mingxian and Chai Qingguo stayed in Beijing and now lived with Chen Ke at the factory. Only Wang Bin was staying here, making it much quieter than before.

"Wenqing, you're back." Wang Bin was quite excited to see Chen Ke. "Do you want to attend the German embassy's cocktail party?"

"Huh?" Chen Ke understood the words but couldn't grasp the meaning. The German embassy's cocktail party was a high-level diplomatic gathering. It was surprising that Wang Bin, a foreign trade company official, could attend, and even more surprising that he could bring friends.

Seeing Chen Ke's confusion, Wang Bin smiled. "My invitation is general. I can bring anyone, and there's no limit to the number. I can't find anyone else, so Wenqing, will you go with me?"

Foreign invitations were usually like this. Except in rare cases, these cocktail parties generally did not welcome single young men. Chen Ke had the idea of broadening his horizons, but after a moment's thought, he felt it was inappropriate. As he hesitated, he suddenly remembered something and asked, "Brother Wang, do you remember Qin Tongren? He's also a graduate of Humboldt University in Berlin, a few years ahead of you."

"Um... Um! I remember, the thin one from Tianjin." Wang Bin was excited.

"That's right, that one."

"How did you meet him?" Wang Bin asked eagerly.

"Through Mr. He next door. He's staying at Mr. He's house now."

"Wenqing, take me to see him. It's been a long time."

Chen Ke originally wanted to find He Ruming. After he had offended He Ruming, their relationship had become cold. Although Chen Ke had sold medicine to He Ruming at 12 taels, He Ruming was still clearly upset. But Chen Ke felt that this man was his benefactor. Even if it was just through He Ruming that he met Qin Tongren, Chen Ke felt it was worth it. Hearing Wang Bin's words, Chen Ke got up and said, "Let's go now."

When He Ruming saw Chen Ke, he still acted indifferently. Qin Tongren, however, looked slightly surprised at Wang Bin's excited face and then stood up. He spoke in his usual calm tone, "Is this Wang Bin?"

"Brother Qin, it's me." Wang Bin, seeing that Qin Tongren recognized him, quickly stepped forward and shook his hand, "It's been a long time, Brother Qin. You still look as good as ever."

He Ruming watched this scene with wide eyes. Although he was extremely dissatisfied with Chen Ke, he couldn't help but admire Chen Ke's extensive social network.

Qin Tongren, though not as enthusiastic as Wang Bin, was also very happy to meet his old friend here. He introduced Wang Bin to He Ruming, and they started talking at He Ruming's house. Wang Bin was very excited and, after a while, invited Qin Tongren to attend the German embassy's cocktail party with him. Wang Bin was also smart enough to invite He Ruming and his family to the party.

Chen Ke watched quietly from the side. Qin Tongren showed no interest in the invitation. He Ruming, upon hearing the invitation, was first shocked and then couldn't hide his joy. Wang Bin explained that the party was hosted by the wife of a counselor who had arrived in China. Not only foreign diplomats but also some Chinese officials were invited. He Ruming couldn't help but ask, "But the German embassy didn't send me an invitation."

"Don't worry about that. My invitation can be used by anyone, and there's no limit to the number of people."

"If I go, who should I bring?"

"Bring your wife and children."

"Oh?"

"But I suggest not bringing the children."

"Oh. When does the party start?"

"It starts in the morning and ends in the afternoon. We'll have lunch together. If Mr. He is willing, let's go together."

Upon learning that Wang Bin was now living with Chen Ke, He Ruming said he would reply to Wang Bin early the next day. Wang Bin also invited Qin Tongren to visit Chen Ke when he had time, and then he and Chen Ke got up to leave.

That night, Qin Tongren did not come, which disappointed Wang Bin. The next morning, however, He Ruming sent his steward to say that he was willing to go.

Regardless of what others thought, Chen Ke found the cocktail party rather unimpressive. A group of foreigners were coming and going. Wang Bin was initially with Chen Ke but then disappeared. The food was not great, far inferior to high-end buffets. Chen Ke lost interest after a few bites. He Ruming, seeing this, was initially nervous but soon met several Qing officials. As a member of the Ministry of Rites, these were likely his superiors. He Ruming's face lit up as he engaged in conversation with his superiors. Germany was a rising power in Europe, and many people were present. Listening to the various accents, Chen Ke felt a bit drowsy. He hid in a corner, idly munching on a piece of bread.

It was said that the great teacher Marx or Engels believed German women should go to the farm. German women were considered the second worst in Europe in terms of appearance. When the hostess appeared, Chen Ke expected a typical German cavalrywoman, but to his surprise, she was not bad-looking. The hostess introduced herself in French, which Chen Ke did not understand. She toasted the guests, and Chen Ke, following the crowd, took a glass and raised it, then drank. He then continued to be bored.

But if you wait, opportunities will come. Chen Ke seemed bored, but he was actually waiting for an opportunity. Now the opportunity had arrived. He Ruming had brought his two daughters. The girls had been following He Ruming, and now He Ruming had finally left to talk to his superiors. Chen Ke quickly walked over.

He Qian's outfit today was very different from the last time Chen Ke saw her. Although it was not a Western-style dress, it was not in the Qing style either. It was winter, and the dark green silk suit she wore was somewhat similar to a Han-style dress. Both girls had their hair in braids, with no extra accessories, making them look quite refined.

"He Miss, hello," Chen Ke said.

He Qian did not expect Chen Ke to come over and greet her, and her expression immediately became wary. "Mr. Chen, hello," she said coolly.

"Last time talking business with you was really enjoyable. I wonder if Mr. He has any other business ideas?" Chen Ke did not want to get entangled with He Ruming over the coal briquettes. Even though He Ruming had helped Chen Ke a lot, he still did not want to discuss business with him. It was too tiring.

He Qian did not expect Chen Ke to come over for this. She stared at him with her beautiful big eyes, trying to read his intentions.

"Don't worry, I have no other intentions. Mr. He is not a good business partner. For you, I am very willing to cooperate."

Hearing Chen Ke speak ill of her brother to her face, He Qian felt both angry and amused. She looked at Chen Ke with a disdainful gaze, "Mr. Chen, don't you think it's inappropriate to say this?"

Such a question had no effect on Chen Ke. He smiled, "Business is business. I hope to negotiate with the most suitable person. This is both convenient and efficient. I'm a lazy person."

He Qian, hearing Chen Ke's serious praise, couldn't help but smile. But the smile quickly faded, and she said seriously, "In my family, my brother is in charge. Mr. Chen, you've come to the wrong person."

Chen Ke stared at He Qian for a moment and then replied, "That's true." He then looked at the young girl who was timidly hiding behind He Qian but looking at him with curious eyes. The girl was about 15 or 16 years old, wearing a silk dress similar to He Qian's but in a dark green color.

"Hello," Chen Ke greeted her.

"Hello," the girl replied politely.

"Have you eaten enough? The food here is self-service, so don't be shy. Just take what you see on the table." Chen Ke said kindly to the girl.

"Thank you for the advice," the girl, though shy, was not timid. She replied seriously to Chen Ke. Chen Ke had expected the girl to be shy, but it turned out not to be the case. He couldn't help but look at her closely. She had dark but smooth skin, deep features, and did not look much like He Ruming. Chen Ke's gaze made the girl slightly lower her head. Damn, she really is a well-bred lady, Chen Ke thought. Although He Ruming was not much, his sister and this girl were truly exceptional. The women were strong, while the men were weak.

"Mr. Chen, do you have anything else?" He Qian asked bluntly, seeing Chen Ke looking at her niece. This was a clear dismissal. Chen Ke understood and quickly responded, "Enjoy yourselves and eat well. I'll go over there."

Sitting back in the corner, Chen Ke looked at the two He family girls again. He Qian was looking around, probably searching for He Ruming, while the young girl stood quietly, her gaze slightly downward. From a distance, she looked like a beautiful doll. Chen Ke suddenly wanted to go over and say, "Little loli, let me take you to catch goldfish."

While he was lost in thought, Wang Bin suddenly appeared in front of Chen Ke. He tried to force a smile, but his hidden anger was evident.

"What's wrong? Who upset you?"

Wang Bin remained silent.

"If you're not happy, let's leave. This cocktail party is a come-and-go event." Chen Ke smiled.

"Sure, that's a good idea." Wang Bin nodded fiercely.

They found He Ruming, who was standing cautiously next to several officials. One of them, who was speaking eloquently, was likely of high rank. No wonder He Ruming ignored his family; he had to serve his superiors well. Seeing Chen Ke wave to him, He Ruming excused himself and came over. He seemed to have gained some face, and his expression was quite excited. Upon learning that Chen Ke and Wang Bin were leaving, He Ruming looked somewhat hesitant.

"Don't worry, Mr. He. This cocktail party is a come-and-go event. We'll leave, and you can stay here without any problems." Chen Ke quickly explained.

Upon learning that he didn't have to leave, He Ruming immediately became happy again. They said their goodbyes, and Chen Ke and Wang Bin left.

"What's wrong? Did your friend's husband say something unpleasant?" Chen Ke asked, smiling.

"How did you know?" Wang Bin was startled.

"It's obvious. What happened? Tell me about it." Chen Ke comforted Wang Bin.

Humboldt University in Berlin, before World War II, was one of the world's academic centers. Many renowned scholars and politicians left their marks here, and it produced 29 Nobel laureates in chemistry, medicine, physics, and literature, achieving remarkable success.

Such a prestigious school naturally attracted many German noble children. Wang Bin met a lady here, Joanna von Wittbach, and they fell in love.

"Wait, von Wittbach? She's from Bavaria?" Chen Ke interrupted Wang Bin.

This deep knowledge of genealogy startled Wang Bin, who nodded in surprise.

"Brother Wang, you really know how to choose." Chen Ke said admiringly.

The von Wittbach family is a royal family from Bavaria, Germany, with an 800-year history. Several members of this family have been kings of some small European countries.

"Joanna's family is just a name now." Wang Bin said with a hint of regret. "I only learned about her family background a year after meeting her."

Joanna's family was not the one that inherited the family business but a standard branch. However, in Germany, this name was already quite famous