Period drama: Old Cao's carefree life

Chapter 5 I cherish my life very much

After a day of searching, the police officers dragged their tired bodies home.

The result was naturally that nothing was found. Apart from a small number of people who were crazy about money and promotion, most of the rest were just taking it easy.

Some deserted, others took the opportunity to extort money and bribes; who really cared about the resistance fighters?

It was already dark when Cao Weida and Duomen found a food stall and grabbed a quick bite before returning to the courtyard.

"Hey buddy, you've made quite a bit today, haven't you?" Duomen said sarcastically, glancing at Cao Weida's pocket as they entered the house.

Cao Weida patted his pocket, making a crisp clinking sound, and chuckled, "Nothing can be hidden from you. I did make a small fortune."

It's an unwritten rule to skim some money while conducting a search.

They're already being criticized, so it would be a huge loss if they didn't try to gain some benefits for themselves.

Many patrol officers are on a one-person paycheck supporting their entire family, and with such a meager salary, they naturally have to look for extra income.

The little money he had plundered was insignificant to him, but he couldn't act independently.

Everyone else is taking profits, but you're not. If you're not in the problem, then who is?

Even if you don't see it, even if there are many doors, should you still try to fish them out when it's time to do so?

But in his heart, he was already cursing. Compared to this small gain, he was more upset about losing the time he could have spent slacking off!
Today, he only earned three points for slacking off!
His system was hilarious; his working hours were calculated according to the legal working hours of later generations, with only eight hours a day and twenty-two days a month.

I only got three fishing points today, which means I lost five fishing points today!
It really hurt him to lose money.

"No, I have to think of a way. This is really interfering with my slacking off," he thought to himself.

"Guy, take it easy. There are some people we can't afford to mess with."

Cao Weida nodded, "Don't worry, Master Duo, I'm not stupid, and neither are those who run businesses. They'll just spend a little money to buy some peace and quiet. We didn't ask for more."

The saying goes, "It's easier to mess with the King of Hell than with his underlings."

Those who can run big businesses are all very well-informed.

This time, they were arresting anti-Japanese elements, and they didn't want to get into any trouble.

Cao Wei Da still had a conscience. He never asked ordinary people for money; he only asked those who ran casinos, opium dens, and brothels for money.

He wasn't greedy; he didn't mind receiving ten or eight dollars, or even a hundred or eighty dollars.

Of course, no one is stupid enough to give a hundred or two hundred dollars; most people are just given three or five dollars to get rid of them.

Although there aren't many of them, once the number increases, it can become a decent income.

Military scrip?

It's so uncomfortable to use as a wiping mat!

(Military scrip, also known as military hand scrip, was a special currency used in enemy-occupied areas from 37 to 45. It was mainly used for the allocation of food and military supplies, and its main purpose was to plunder the wealth and resources of the occupied areas.)
(Because of the unlimited issuance, the rate of devaluation was terrifying; from the beginning to the end of its issuance, it depreciated by 200 million times.)
He didn't seem to mind at all; his attitude was incredibly friendly and amiable. After taking the money, he glanced around inside and left without a word, showing a great deal of manners.

He was satisfied with the money, and others were also satisfied with him for being so well-behaved. So there was no question of settling accounts afterward.

"Master Duo, I'm going to the black market. Is there anything you'd like to buy? If I see anything, I'll bring it back for you."

As darkness fell, it became the time when demons and monsters would appear.

The black market is where all sorts of shady characters like to go.

After the Japanese army occupied Beiping, it implemented strict control over the grain supply in order to ensure the food supply for the Japanese army and Japanese residents.

They established relevant institutions, such as the Rice Control Committee, to strictly control the import, transportation, sale, and distribution of grain.

The citizens of Beiping could only receive rationed food with the coupons issued by the Japanese army. The ration consisted of scraps such as bran, wheat bran, and bean dregs, and was even mixed with stones and ash.

In addition, the Japanese army banned private grain trading, sealed off grain and rice shops, strengthened the blockade against the outside world, cut off grain supply and transportation lines, and forcibly plundered the grain stored by the people.

Those who haven't lived through this era can never imagine how difficult life was for the people in the enemy-occupied areas during that period.

Let alone Cao Wei Da, a time traveler from the modern era, even the ordinary people of Beiping, who were used to hardship, deeply resented these grains.

But there was no other way; if I didn't want to starve to death, I had to eat!

However, when rules are made, they often provide benefits to a certain group of people.

There's a saying that all ways to make money are categorized under criminal law, and the same applies here.

Duomen was shocked. "You've got some nerve! You dare to go and trade for grain at a time like this? Are you out of your mind?!"

The black market is a black market precisely because the regime forbids it.

If the Japanese devils caught it, even a cat with nine lives would be shot ten times over!

"Let you go, Master. I'm being careful; I'm too afraid of losing my life." Cao Weida shrugged. "The main problem is that we're out of food at home. I really can't stomach bran and mixed flour; that's not fit for human consumption!"

"What, so you're saying I'm not human?" Duomen laughed and scolded, but didn't refute anything.

After all, those things are really not fit for human consumption. Those damned Japanese devils are inhuman; they're treating the Chinese people like livestock!

After hesitating for a moment, Duomen nodded.
"Alright, then help me see if there's any cornmeal, and buy half a bag." Domen took out the money while reminding him, "But you have to be careful. We didn't find anything today, but there might be Japanese military police patrolling tonight. Don't get caught."

"Don't worry, you know me too. If there's any danger, I'll be the first to run away."

Domen laughed, "I believe that."

The night was dark and the wind was high.

Wearing a coarse cloth jacket and with his face covered by a black cloth, Cao Weida sneaked into the nearby black market.

He had been to this black market many times. Coming from the future, after his first experience of eating chaff and nearly smashing the bowl in anger, he had been coming here from time to time for the past six months.

The black market was located at the entrance of an alley, where shadowy figures stood guard, watching for any movement in the vicinity.

These are all black market bouncers; since it's a matter that could cost you your life, someone naturally has to keep a close watch on you.

When people come here to buy or sell things, they naturally need security, and these security guards provide that service.

"Who goes there! What are you doing here!"

"Gentlemen, I'm looking to buy some kidney tonics. Do you have any today?" The attendant immediately recognized the customer as a regular, but still reminded him, "I know, I don't know if we have any. Just check for yourself. Hurry up and go in. You know the rules, right?"

"I understand, I understand, so don't worry."

These are all slang terms used to identify whether someone is a genuine customer; they're almost like bandit slang.

In Cao Wei Da's opinion, these kinds of nonsense are of little use. Apart from sounding plausible, their actual effectiveness is unknown.

After all, if they were actually caught, would these so-called coded messages still be effective in distinguishing them?
I doubt it.

Or perhaps it was specifically said to those conducting the search?

He couldn't be bothered to care; it wasn't his business anyway. All he needed to do was buy the grain.

After entering the alley, you'll find yourself at the entrance of a maze of interconnected alleys, winding and turning in all directions—clearly a perfect place to escape.

By this time, quite a few people were already standing or squatting in the dark in various corners. Even when negotiating prices, they didn't speak, but instead put their hands into their sleeves and gestured, making it almost like a spy rendezvous.

This is standard practice: buyers don't ask where sellers come from, and sellers don't ask where buyers come from.

Cao Wei Da wandered around, but never made a move.

It's not that I don't want to make a move, it's just that I haven't seen what I want.

After wandering around for half a day without making a sound, it naturally attracted the attention of those who were interested.

Just as Cao Wei Da was about to leave in disappointment, someone tugged at his sleeve.

"Hey buddy, didn't you see what you wanted?"

Cao Weida raised an eyebrow, the movement well concealed in the darkness.

The person who came was wearing a hood, had a small face, and his face was covered by a scarf, so his full appearance could not be seen.

However, he noticed that the person's ears seemed to be smaller than average.

He deliberately lowered his voice: "I want to buy some stomach-soothing medicine, or even something with a sparkling star pattern, or at the very least, something with a bit of energy, but I haven't seen any."

"you are?"

"The underworld gave me face and gave me the nickname 'Little Ears.' I set up this place."

Little ears?

Cao Wei Da suddenly realized: "So it's Master Lian, may you be well."

Little Ears Lian Cuihua, a scoundrel in "New World".

Despite his feminine name, he is a rare, principled, and loyal man in the vicinity of Tianqiao.

Because of this, people in the South City area all gave him some face, and many people followed him to make a living, eventually becoming minor bosses themselves.

"You're too kind, sir. All of these things you want are contraband."

Cao Wei Da curled his lip. "If it weren't a contraband, I wouldn't want it. Why would I come here to rummage for it?"

Seemingly sensing Cao Weida's dissatisfaction, Xiao Erduo explained, "Normally there isn't much here, but there is some. However, something happened today, so these past few days no one has dared to sell those contraband items."

Cao Wei Da nodded in understanding. He had actually thought of this as well. They were already going against the grain, and with this incident, everyone would be afraid to risk their lives.

So, still no?

Those who live in the underworld value face above all else, and Little Ears seemed to take this as a provocation.
"If it's available on the market, and if you can afford it, don't even mention kidney tonics or sparkling water; I can get you white sugar, lard, or even strong liquor!"

"Men, if you have the guts, come along. If you don't, then go back the way you came." With that, he ignored Cao Weida and walked away.

Cao Wei Da was overjoyed. He had thought he would return empty-handed tonight, but he never expected to have such an unexpected gain!

He immediately lifted his leg and followed.

As for saying he's scared or something, that's not true.

Little Ears has a good reputation and cares a lot about it, so he wouldn't do anything to damage it.

They're all out there looking for money, not trying to kill anyone.

Even if we assume that Cao Wei Da values ​​his life, he is not a coward.

Do you really think that Master Cao is made of clay?

As soon as he moved, several men followed him from all sides. Cao Weida noticed this but didn't care, because he knew these were all Little Ears' henchmen.

A few minutes later, the group arrived at a secluded courtyard, and Little Ears went in first.

Cao Wei Da glanced around and silently followed him inside.

The man behind him followed closely, and the last one to enter gently closed the door.

The house wasn't big, but it was warm, obviously because firewood was burning.

Little Ears sat down on a stool first, one foot on the edge of the stool, gesturing with his eyes for Cao Weida to sit down.

"Want some tea? Just some Pu'er, don't be offended." He said he was being disdainful, but his face showed a hint of pride.

In this light-year, people can't even get enough to eat. Most people don't even have enough oil in their stomachs. Who would be willing to spend money on such luxuries? Who would be willing to let tea scrape away the little oil in their stomachs?
"Since Master Lian is so generous, I'll take advantage of his generosity." Cao Weida smiled, took off his mask, picked up his teacup, and gulped it down.

Now that we're here, there's no need to hide anything anymore, lest we be looked down upon.

Looking at Cao Weida's appearance, Xiao Erduo hesitated and said, "Brother, you look familiar. Have we met before?"

Cao Weida smiled slightly, "Master Lian has a good memory. I am Cao Weida, a patrol officer from the Fifth District Police Station."

"I see, that explains why he looked so familiar." Little Ears suddenly realized. He didn't often interact with Blackie, but since they both lived in this area, they must have run into each other before.

Then, his expression darkened.

"Brothers, when are you going to finish your search? There are patrol officers searching the whole street, making it impossible for us brothers to make a living."

(End of this chapter)