Chapter 1: Origin
Snowflakes were falling in the air, and the snowflakes were so small that they couldn't stay long. www.biquge.info The weather is not cold, but the road surface is slippery. There are not many pedestrians on the road, and everyone walks carefully. It's Christmas, and the lights are all around. When night comes, the Christmas trees at the intersection are lit up, lighting up the entire street.
This is the most prosperous place in Shanghai, with entertainment venues, department stores, restaurants, and foreign shops, and singing and dancing in the surrounding area. War, disaster seems to be far away from here. The patrolling policeman carried the homeless man who had just died, and a richly dressed lady who passed by caressed her chest with her hand, watching this scene with disgust, and the diamond ring on her hand swayed. Recently, law and order seems to be very bad, and there is a constant influx of refugees into the city.
Qi Jun stood under the street lamp and looked at the Patek Philippe watch on his wrist over and over again. She wore elaborate makeup, an aqua blue gown, an expensive white mink jacket, and a pair of high-heeled dancing shoes. The pink pearls next to the ears emit a soft sheen, reflecting the fair face. Although immature, Tingting's girlish posture is also slightly charming. At this moment, she was waiting for someone, looking back and forth uneasily.
Not far away, two people were hurrying over.
Qi Jun breathed a sigh of relief when he saw them.
There were two students of her age, a man and a girl. The boy wears a cheap suit with his tie crooked to one side, is tall and muscular, and has a handsome appearance. The girl was handsome and richly dressed, but she wore no accessories, her clothes did not fit, and her lotus-colored coat was loosely draped over her smaller body.
Qi Jun was a little angry, "Jianhua! Good article! Do you know how much trouble it took me to get out of the house. Look at the time! A little later, the Santa Ball will be over. ”
The situation has been tense these days, and parents are telling students not to stay on the street for too long.
Song Jiawen hurriedly apologized, "Qi Jun, I'm sorry." I didn't have the right costume for the prom, and this one was stolen from my mom, and it took some time. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. ”
Jiawen is Qi Jun's classmate, and the two have similar interests and talk about everything. She has always been a very obedient girl, and her personality is also quiet, so late, if it weren't for Qi Jun's instigation, she would definitely not come out.
Xu Jianhua's originally smiling face quickly sank.
"Miss Yao, it's because you don't dare to participate in this kind of activity that you have to pull me in. Have you forgotten that I was punished by my husband today for copying ten texts! In order to finish copying, I didn't even eat dinner. You're still here to blame me for being late. ”
Looking at Xu Jianhua's angry appearance, Qi Jun especially wanted to laugh. This Xu Jianhua is really a lump of wood, do you really think that calling him here is to protect these two girls.
Qi Jun stepped forward, helped Jianhua sort out his tie, and said mischievously, "Xu Da Hero is a flower messenger, I'm afraid it is the goal of all the girls in the school." How can I blame you? Qi Jun's pearl earrings touched Xu Jianhua's face, and Jianhua looked at Qi Jun a little distracted.
Jiawen coughed lightly, "If you don't leave, people are really going to end." After finishing speaking, he picked up Qi Jun and left, and a hurried high-heeled sound sounded on the road, and Jiawen was in a hurry and didn't even walk steadily.
Xu Jianhua shook his hair lightly, took a big stride very chicly, and walked in front in a few steps, he put one hand in his pocket, and the other hand was very interested in catching a few snowflakes with his hand.
Qi Jun laughed softly, Jianhua has always looked down on the prom, and he didn't participate in the prom at school last year. But this time, he agreed. Of course, he didn't know that Qi Jun had to make another plan.
The three of them walked towards the White Rose Ballroom.
The White Rose Ballroom is the most prestigious entertainment venue here. Today was a celebration banquet held by the Shaw Group, and it was Christmas, so a Christmas ball was held.
The Xiao family is a well-known family in the financial industry, and its industries involve catering, medicine, entertainment, freight transportation, banking, etc. Moreover, it is rumored among the people that the founder of his industry, Mr. Xiao, has a lot to do with the Green Gang.
Some people even say that Master Xiao is the real leader of the Green Gang. And the influence of the Xiao family is not limited to business, they have donated military supplies to the country many times, and they also have a certain prestige in political circles. Therefore, this celebration banquet can be described as a gathering of celebrities, and there are many famous people in Shanghai.
Qi Jun, Jiawen, and Jianhua came to the door of the dance hall. It was the first time for the three of them to come to such an occasion, and they couldn't help but be a little excited. Jiawen kept reminding Qi Jun to pay attention to his manners, and Qi Jun looked around, completely forgetting the so-called etiquette. From the Christmas tree at the door that is several meters high to the guests to all kinds of novel shapes, Qi Jun has to look at them all.
The door greeting generals Qi Jun and Jiawen welcomed them in very respectfully, but they stopped Jianhua.
"This gentleman, please show me the invitation," the doorman bowed respectfully with one hand behind his back, but there was no respect on his face.
"I'm with the first two young ladies, why do I have to check it separately?" Jianhua was very displeased.
"That's right, that's right. This gentleman is indeed with us," Qi Jun and Jiawen hurriedly showed to the door.
The invitation letter is in Qi Jun's hand, which she stole from the study a week ago because her father was unprepared, and the letter stated that the invitee was Qi Jun's family and friends.
"I'm sorry, sir. Your attire," the doorman said with a mocking tone, looking at Jianhua carefully, "not suitable for this kind of occasion. ”
Qi Jun wanted to argue, but was stopped by Jiawen.
Jian Hua glanced at Men Ying coldly and said, "Please show me your slave card." Oh, no, I see it. You have five words written on your face ... Jianhua put his hand in his trouser pocket and said slowly, "The dog's eyes look down on people!" ”
Men gritted his teeth angrily, and reached out to push Jianhua.
Jian Hua flashed over, grabbed Men Ying's arm with both hands, and forced him to the ground. The door screamed in pain.
Qi Jun and Jiawen secretly sweated for that door, Jianhua has been practicing martial arts since he was a child, and he is the school's boxing champion, and it is more than enough for one person to deal with eight with his bare hands.
The crowd at the door gathered more and more, and several people dressed in black gathered around. Qi Jun and Jiawen were afraid that things would make a big fuss, so they wanted to pull Jianhua and leave quickly.
Jianhua didn't mean to go at all, he was famous for his love of fighting at school, and fighting was simply a relaxing way for him. He continued to say defiantly: "Come with a few of you, I haven't practiced for a long time." I just let the event move today. As he spoke, he took off his coat and looked like he was going to do a big job.
Those people were about to make a move, but they suddenly fell silent and stepped back one by one.
A man in a black dress and a top hat appeared. He walked over unhurriedly, with a steady step and a tall posture. He walked up to Jianhua and took off his top hat. Through the crowd, Qi Jun was very surprised, because under the hat was an extremely young and handsome face. He had a sincere smile on his face and looked humble and polite.
Menying hurriedly greeted him, wanting to explain something, but he waved his hand and didn't let Menying speak.
"This little brother is a good guy. Please ask for your first name. The man asked with a smile.
Jian Hua suddenly realized that what he had done just now was a bit reckless, he didn't expect the manager to come out with such an attitude.
He straightened up, straightened his collar slightly, and met the man's gaze, "Xu Jianhua." ”
"Mr. Xu, I saw everything just now. Everyone who comes is a guest, and we don't take good care of it. Thank you for your understanding. The man still apologized sincerely, which made Jianhua embarrassed.
At this moment, a waiter came up and whispered a few words in the man's ear. He instructed the waiter to entertain Jianhua well, and left in a hurry.
Qi Jun stared at the place where he left for a long time. She must have seen this man, but she couldn't remember.
Suddenly, Jiawen exclaimed, "I remember, he is the eldest son of the Xiao family, Xiao Mingyi!" I've seen him in the newspapers. ”
That's right, Qi Jun remembered. She is Xiao Mingyi, the adopted son of Master Xiao, but she is a master in business at a young age, and she is deeply appreciated by Master Xiao.
Jian Hua suddenly realized: "It turns out that he is Xiao Mingyi." I had read his articles in the newspaper before, and he was very knowledgeable. No wonder I looked at him just now, not like a businessman, but more like a literati."
"Okay, okay, let's come here, the main purpose is not to discuss him." Jiawen pushed the two into the hall.
Xiao Mingyi led a few of his men to the corridor on the second floor. From the second floor, you can look down on the entire lobby.
The corridor was full of gang members, heavily armed, all nervous, observing the situation around them from time to time.
Next to the pillar on the second floor, Xiao Mingyi lit a cigarette and looked at the first floor thoughtfully, his deep eyes gradually empty.
At this time, a well-dressed man came and said, "Mingyi, he has come." Everywhere has been checked, and there are no anomalies. Each exit is also our people, and it is impossible to let him out alive. ”
Xiao Mingyi nodded, slowly exhaled the mist, and closed his eyes.
The man hesitated: "However, don't you really need to discuss this matter with the master?" ”
"No, Zhang Lie." He opened his eyes sharply, resolute.
The man named Zhang Lie still seemed to be worried: "I know what you think, but such a big thing... ”
"I'll take care of the big things." Xiao Mingyi threw the cigarette butt to the ground, took out a gun from his waist, skillfully loaded it, and installed a silencer. Glancing towards a figure in the corner of the first floor.
"Ah Lie, it must go according to the plan for a while, be careful when you get up and get up, and don't hurt the guests."
"Don't worry about this, the brothers who were picked out today are all excellent in kung fu."
Xiao Mingyi raised his hand and looked at his watch, there was still half an hour to twelve. He motioned to Zhang Lie, who nodded and left.
In fact, Jiawen has liked Jianhua for a long time, and of course Qi Jun knows this. Although Jiawen never admitted it. A girl's mind is always delicate and sensitive. So Jianhua didn't know what was going on at all, so Qi Jun secretly left the two.
Jiawen was secretly happy in her heart, dancing with Jianhua This was a dream she had had for a long time, and she silently thanked Qi Jun.
Qi Jun held champagne in his hand and watched Jiawen and Jianhua dance from a distance.
Jiawen's movements are graceful, his face is ruddy, and he almost faints with happiness. Jian Hua moved his body stiffly, almost enduring the process.
Qi Jun smiled softly, her best friend can get love, she will definitely bless her.
Putting down the wine glass, Qi Jun wanted to find a quiet place to sit down. Today's main purpose is to help Jiawen realize his dream. Now the mission is done.
She saw a few people sitting here and there were empty seats in the corner, so she walked over.
I didn't want to, but I was stopped by the waiter: "Miss, I'm sorry, this place can't be used for guests to rest, you better find another place." ”
Qi Jun felt strange and wanted to open his mouth to ask. But I heard a dull "beep" sound, which seemed to come from behind, and then something fell to the ground.
She turned her head, and suddenly the power went out, and the hall suddenly went dark.
"Don't be afraid, we have deliberately arranged a fireworks show tonight, now please look out the window." The crowd rushed to the window.
Sure enough, it was brilliant outside the window. Brilliant fireworks bloom one by one. The crowd cheered.
But Qi Jun didn't move, there was always something wrong, she was very scared.
She suddenly found that her dress, for some reason, was wet. She wanted to get out of the dark place, and just as she took a step, she tripped over something.
She crouched down and groped slowly.
Just as another firework lit up the sky, and then the light lit up, and she could see clearly.
It's the waiter just now.
And she was covered in blood.
Qi Jun was so frightened that she stood there, forgetting even to shout. Someone covered her mouth from behind, and she began to struggle, desperately grabbing the man's face and clothes with her hands, fear penetrated her body, and she couldn't stop shaking, her hands had no strength, and she almost fainted.
There was a clear sound of gunfire in his ears, and the people in the hall did not know that there was a murder here, and they were still cheering and celebrating.
She slumped on top of the man and fell silent.
It was the first time Qi Jun was so close to the bullet.
Several bullets hit the wall next to her, and she couldn't scream, and the soles of her feet couldn't move as if they had roots. Let the man keep her behind.
The man shot while pulling Qi Jun out the back door.
As soon as they left the dance hall, Qi Jun fainted and fell to the ground. She was quickly picked up and run to a small garden not far away.
This small garden is the backyard of the church, which is beautifully decorated at the moment.
Christmas carols came from the church, and everything was so peaceful.
The lights were back on in the ballroom, and needless to say, it must be messed up now.
It was in that person's arms that Qi Jun woke up.
Although the ballroom is only across the road from the church, it makes Qi Jun feel safe. She wasn't so scared anymore.
The man let go of his hand and helped Qi Jun to sit down. Then he sat down in the snow and gasped for breath: "Miss, how is it, are you alright?" ”
Qi Jun was shocked, she simply looked at her body, and there were no injuries. When she ran out, she was not wearing a coat, only a thin gown, she was shaking very much, her face was pale and she was lying on her chair, one hand clutching her heart.
The man took off his coat and draped it over Qi Jun.
Qi Jun raised his head, it was actually him.
It's Xiao Mingyi.
Qi Jun wanted to ask him a lot of questions, but he couldn't say anything.
Suddenly, she noticed that there was blood dripping from Xiao Mingyi's arm. He's hurt.
She tore a piece of the dress from the dress and bandaged it.
"Thank you, Miss." Xiao Mingyi looked at Qi Jun treating his wounds with trembling hands, and felt very sorry for her. "I'm sorry to put your life at risk."
Qi Jun still didn't speak. But suddenly tears fell from the corners of his eyes. She sobbed as she continued to bandage.
For a while, Xiao Mingyi didn't know what to say. Even the air was quiet. Only Qi Jun's cry was left around.
Xiao Mingyi felt even more ashamed, "Miss, I'm sorry... ”
"You... No... I'm sorry ... Qi Jun sobbed and said; There was no one else in that corner but your target, and I ventured in and ruined your plans. If you hadn't saved me, I would have died a long time ago. ”
"Aren't you afraid of me when I killed someone?" Xiao Mingyi was a little surprised.
"I... Fear.. Shoot. Qi Jun touched a handful of tears and sobbed and cried, like a frightened deer.
Sirens have already sounded, and it seems that the police have been dispatched.
Qi Jun was still crying, and it was difficult for her to regain her composure. Xiao Mingyi understood that she was just a little girl, and what had just happened frightened her.
He stood up and gently hugged Qi Jun into his arms.
It was twelve o'clock in the morning, and the church bells were ringing. Suddenly, the snow fell heavier and heavier. In just a moment, both of them were covered in tiny snowflakes.
Xiao Mingyi suddenly wished that time would freeze like this. Because at this moment he can be calm, he can be free. Freely admire the snowflakes and listen freely to the church bells. Even, the girl in her arms is so gentle and cute.
After Qi Jun stabilized a little, Xiao Mingyi squatted down, gently lifted her chin, and asked in a low voice, "What's your name?" ”
"Yao Qijun"
The church bells reverberated incessantly.
It was the winter of 1935.
This year, Yao Qijun was 15 years old and Xiao Mingyi was 20 years old.