The cold wind swept the snowflakes and stopped at dusk. The snowflakes left in the air by the pen ~ fun ~ pavilion www.biquge.info are like white butterflies flapping their wings, gently fluttering and landing on the dead branches of the willow forest. The willow forest, dressed in white, is like a bright and beautiful embroidery against the colorful glow of the west.

Chen Wenqiang watched the winter scenery, exhaled a thick white mist from his mouth, and after a while, hoarfrost formed on his eyebrows and beard. He wasn't too thick and bloated, but he didn't feel that cold.

Hehe, Chen Wenqiang stomped his feet hard, and the white crushed ice made a clicking sound under his feet, which was surprisingly pleasant, and it sounded like a simple singing. And the occasional snowflake is also pleasant, like a living thing, gently falling on the hand and face.

Excited, well, and joyful, the weather was so cold that it made people feel like this, and even Chen Wenqiang felt a little surprised. And it was at this time that he returned to Shanghai, and the letters and envoys inviting him to come to meet and talk also surprised him even more at first, because they were actually written by Yuan Shikai, the governor of Zhili and the minister of Beiyang.

For this famous "thief of the country" in history, Chen Wenqiang is just curious, but he has no intention of making friends and acquaintances. But when he was preparing to take over the Guangdong-Hanzhou Railway, he found that he might really have to deal with Yuan Datou.

As the starting point of China's railway engineering education, many of the railway engineering scientists it has trained have become the pillars of China's railway construction and management in the future.

Chen Wenqiang sent an invitation to Zhan Tianyou, who he knew well, and wanted to hire him to preside over the construction of the Guangdong-Hankou Railway. However, Zhan Tianyou had been appointed as the chief engineer of the government-run Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway and the general affairs of the conference at this time, and was taking Chen Xilin, Zhai Zhaolin, Shen Qi, Chai Junchou, Yu Renfeng, and many engineering students of the Shanhaiguan Railway School to survey and build the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway.

Zhan Tianyou couldn't get out, so he had to recommend Kuang Sunmou (Guanwai Railway Engineering Division, young children in the United States) and Yan Deqing (Shanghai-Nanjing Railway Engineering Division, students in the United States) to Chen Wenqiang. It was also suggested that Chen Wenqiang should hire engineers and trainees from the railway engineering class of the Tianjin Beiyang Military Academy and the Shanhaiguan Railway School to assist in the design, survey and construction of the railway.

Chen Wenqiang accepted all of Zhan Tianyou's recommendations, sent people to send letters of appointment to Kuang and Yan, and had a gratifying reply. As for other engineering and technical personnel, Chen Wenqiang can of course be transferred through Zhang Zhidong. And that's exactly what it does. However, Yuan Shikai's letter, the enthusiasm in it made Chen Wenqiang feel that things were extraordinary, and if he could really take the opportunity to get acquainted with Yuan Shikai, it would be of great benefit to his future development.

Cen Chunxuan, Zhang Renjun, and then Zhang Zhidong, Chen Wenqiang got along relatively well, but he never attached himself to a certain faction clearly, and these officials were accustomed to taking Chen Wenqiang's achievements as their own political achievements. Chen Wenqiang didn't care about this, but befriended him through donations and other means. Make it his umbrella.

And Yuan Shikai's invitation surprised Chen Wenqiang, but after thinking about it carefully, he felt that this was not an opportunity to expand his way. The south is heavy and the north is light, which is the characteristic of Chen Wenqiang's career development, if he can be taken care of by the feudal officials in the north, why not do it? Even if there is no gain, it should be another trip home, and Yuan Shikai will spend the whole process. What does he have to lose?

What's more, Yuan Shikai said politely and clearly in his letter. Inviting Chen Wenqiang to meet was just a long-term admiration for the great name, and he wanted to ask for advice on foreign affairs, and it did not involve all kinds of official affairs at all. In other words, Chen Wenqiang does not have to worry about the etiquette of the lower officials to meet the upper officials, and it is a secret meeting, which is quite in line with Chen Wenqiang's thoughts. And. Yuan Shikai's chosen meeting place was Shanghai, which was Chen Wenqiang's place, and he had nothing to worry about.

Condescension? Yuan Shikai did have this meaning, which aroused Chen Wenqiang's interest even more, and he wanted to take a look. What is Yuan Datou going to do?

The governor of Zhili and the minister of Beiyang, and the governor of Lu Yanzheng, supervised the railways inside and outside the Guan, participated in the political affairs, supervised the Minister of Commerce and the meeting of various countries, supervised the affairs of the Luhan Railway Company, supervised the training of the Eight Banners soldiers, supervised the revision of the Yangmen project, supervised the Minister of Electricity, the Minister of Commerce, and the Minister of Military Training. And with the eleven positions that Yuan Shikai has held, Chen Wenqiang is also quite surprised, could it be that Yuan Shikai is really a genius, not only proficient in politics, economy, military, education, architecture, and law...... can do anything, dare to do it, it seems that except for having children, there is nothing in this world that he can't do.

But Yuan Shikai's infamy is also quite common and extensive, not only the ministers in the court and the central government are scolding, but also there are many slanders among the people. Why?

In this way, with some expectations and many doubts, Chen Wenqiang returned to Shanghai, directing the preparations for taking over the Guangdong-Hanzhou Railway by telegram, while waiting for Yuan Datou to come secretly. In addition, there are some trivial matters that he also needs to deal with.

……………

Walking into the lobby of the Palace Hotel, Chen Wenqiang narrowed his eyes slightly to adapt himself to the indoor environment. The chandelier hangs high above the hall, and the surrounding walls are equipped with yellow wall lamps, and the huge hall looks quite dark under the light, as if it is under the sea.

After a moment's pause, Chen Wenqiang let the chattering foreigners with walking sticks pass past him and poured out of the hall. A color flickered, crimson and a white border, and the color flashed out of the dark corner and went straight under the light.

Emilie's steps were brisk, fluttering, wearing a loose blouse, the collar was trimmed with snow-white frills, covering her chin, and a pair of big blue eyes were raised on her white face, and she stretched out her pink gloved hand to Chen Wenqiang, "Hello, Mr. Chen." ”

"It's you." Mr. Chen recognized the foreign woman who had defended herself at a seaside restaurant in Qingdao and held out his hand to shake her. At that moment, Emily's fingers seemed to squeeze hard, then retracted and rested lightly on her crotch.

"Don't mind, I've been waiting for you here, and as the daughter of the expert you're about to hire, Mr. Jakop, I have great admiration for you. Giggles. Emily seemed amused by her little humor and let out a crisp laugh.

She spoke Chinese well, very quickly, as if she was speaking her native language. Chen Wenqiang thought to himself. A smile appeared on his face. This German woman named Emily is not familiar with herself, but she is not timid or shy. Her behavior seems to be a little abrupt, but there is no Chinese style of excessive politeness, but it makes people think that she is lively, cheerful, and full of passion.

"Last time in Qingdao. We've met. Emily suppressed her laughter and continued, "I proved it for you, don't you remember?" ”

"Yes, of course I do." Chen Wenqiang nodded and said, "I also expressed my gratitude at the time, well, time is in a hurry, maybe you think that may not be enough?" ”

"Yes, it's not enough." Emily laughed again. He said: "My father has to deal with an urgent matter and has to come a few days late, and I happen to be in Shanghai, so he entrusted me to apologize to Mr. Chen and discuss the specific treatment on his behalf. ”

"That's right!" Chen Wenqiang pondered for a moment and said, "Then let's find a seat and sit down and talk!" ”

"If you don't mind, I'd like to go for Chinese food." Emily blinked boldly and smiled. "You know where there are good restaurants around here, don't you?"

Chen Wenqiang thought for a moment. said, "Well, I know of an elegant little restaurant, it's just-"

"Then let's go!" Emily happily agreed, and at the same time stretched out her soft arm and touched Chen Wenqiang's arm. It was a bold move, certainly for a Chinese woman. Few Chinese women would dare to do this in public.

…………….

An elegant bistro is also one of the properties and contact points of Heungyitang. Chen Wenqiang asked for the best and quietest private room here, ordered a few dishes, and discussed with Emily while eating. Actually, it's a negotiation. It's better to talk and laugh.

"What a mess in the Public Concession, the British messed things up, their arrogance and impudence, they clearly despised the resistance of the Chinese." Emily ate the cold salad with sweet and sour shredded squid and asked Chen Wenqiang: "If the British make concessions, this boycott movement should stop, right?" ”

"It depends on the extent to which the British retreat." Chen Wenqiang did not give Emily an affirmative answer, and said ambiguously: "Have you read the newspapers, public opinion seems to be shifting from 'trial cases' to a comprehensive accusation against the British, and the crime of opium is exactly what the British cannot refute." ”

Hmm, hmm, Emily nodded and said vaguely, "If that's the case, this campaign will last a long time." Because, I am afraid it will not be easy to get the British to stop the opium trade. ”

Chen Wenqiang smiled faintly, not ready to talk about this issue, stretched out his finger and pointed to the new dish, and said, "Steamed fish, it tastes very good." ”

Emily stretched out her chopsticks again, while Chen Wenqiang just ate slowly, taking small sips of the scorching rice wine.

"Do you have any specific requirements for treatment?" Chen Wenqiang was so courteous precisely because he wanted to transform the Yazhou Ironworks into production, using tungsten and manganese ore mined from Guangxi to produce special steel and lay the foundation for the manufacture of artillery, and Yakop was hired by experts from Krupp.

"Uh-" Emily frowned slightly, as if she was thinking, then smiled slyly and said, "A villa by the sea? Of course, this salary can be lowered somewhat. ”

"I'm afraid that's what you think, right?" Chen Wenqiang pursed the corners of his mouth and said with a smile: "I think it is more appropriate to have an interview with Mr. Yakop." Since he was able to come to China, the conditions were still acceptable. Of course, if there are additional requirements, it is not impossible to negotiate. ”

Emily shrugged her shoulders and pursed her lips faintly, as if bored by Chen Wenqiang's ability to see through the facts.

"You are very good at Chinese, where did you learn it?" Chen Wenqiang stretched out his chopsticks and firmly picked up a dumpling, and a wave of heat suddenly rose from the dumpling skin.

"At the university, I learned from Chinese students." Emily chewed the dumplings, swallowed them, leaned forward, lowered her voice, and said carefully: "Are Chinese men very, very shy, afraid of contact with women, or to maintain a dignified appearance? ”

"In terms of emotions, Chinese are not very open and outward." Chen Wenqiang smiled faintly and said, "Although what you said is not comprehensive, there is some truth in it. ”

"Mr. Chen, you are an exception." Emily chuckled, blinked, and proposed, "Shall we have something else?" Well, by the way, why don't you have some 'family fun'? She used a slang term for liquor.

"You mean whiskey, or beer?" Chen Wenqiang spread his hands and said with a wry smile: "There is only Chinese liquor here, and there is also rice wine, I don't know which one you want to order?" ”

Emily obviously didn't quite understand the difference between the two wines, her blue eyes flashed and flashed, and she said uncertainly, "The same glass?" Is that okay? ”

Chen Wenqiang was a little funny, called the waiter, and asked for a pot of rice wine and a bottle of white wine.

After drinking the scorching rice wine, Emily's eyes widened, pouted slightly, spit out a mouthful of hot air, and then smiled, looking comfortable.

"This wine is sweet to drink, but it has stamina, don't drink too much." Chen Wenqiang kindly reminded, took a sip of liquor, and a hot line from his throat to his stomach, he couldn't help but spit out lightly.

"I've got a lot of alcohol, you don't have to worry." Emily poured herself liquor and said with a smile, "Finally, no one cares about me, although it is very short, but in the end I can indulge as much as I want." ”

If I could indulge in one more thing, what would I do? It is to drink happily, to be drunk thoroughly, to be drunk like mud and fearless; It's a trip that says go, even if no one accompanies you; It is to climb to the top of a high mountain with exhaustion of physical strength, just to stand on the top of the mountain and blow the wind; It's to kill as you want, and to kill all the guys you don't like to see, even if you take a second look......

Chen Wenqiang pondered, and suddenly understood Emily's behavior very well, and couldn't help but raise his wine glass, and his voice was also raised, "Come, drink." When you can do whatever you want, you can drink it heartily. ”

The wine was indeed very pleasant, Emily was in German for a while, Chinese for a while, mixed with French, and even spoke foul language in Chinese. How did he learn this, Chen Wenqiang was quite curious, but he didn't have time to ask.

Emily stared at Chen Wenqiang, smirked non-stop, and said some messy hodgepodge in her mouth.

Half in the bag? Isn't it a lot of alcohol? Chen Wenqiang looked at the rest of the wine, but he really didn't drink much. However, he realized that he had missed one thing, and he didn't even ask Emily which hotel she was staying in.

Hehe, hehe, Emily snorted with wine, smirked and tried to move forward, but the alcohol had overwhelmed her. And Chen Wenqiang could only look at this drunk cat, and shook his head with a wry smile. (To be continued.) )