An extraordinary life journey through old Beijing courtyard houses

Dongjiaomin Lane.

Having missed the time to go to Xiaoshi, Jiang Baobin came directly here.

Ironically, this morning he tried the old Beijing-style "douzhi" (fermented mung bean juice) and "jiaoquan" (fried dough rings).

He almost threw up; the taste was so authentic that it was hard for him, a native of non-Beijing, to accept.

But since we're already "on the pirate ship," we have to finish it, even if we're crying.

These days, respect for food goes beyond simply saying "waste is shameful."

Instead, "waste is a sin!"

With his mouth full of the indescribable smell of fermented mung bean juice, Jiang Baobin arrived outside the "Smith Mansion".

Rather than hoping to stumble upon a dead mouse by chance at the "American Consulate," Jiang Baobin felt it was more reliable to keep a close eye on Tom.

This guy is a reporter, he definitely won't stay at home and be a well-behaved guest, so wouldn't that be my opportunity?

Unfortunately, as he waited and waited, Tom had already memorized the draft of what he would say when they met.

Yesterday, after running away from home, Jiang Baobin specially bought a Chinese-English dictionary.

Afterwards, I made a lot of drafts under the streetlights.

It wasn't until nearly nine o'clock that a Ford-Lincoln Zephyr drove out of the yard.

The driver was an Indian man wearing a headscarf.

In the back seat sat a white man in his forties, whom Jiang Baobin clearly recognized as not Tom.

It seems I misjudged the situation; Tom will most likely be resting at home today.

But since we're already here, of course we'll just have to wait.

Persistence pays off; at 9:30, Tom and Rose finally came out together.

Seeing Jiang Baobin waiting for him outside the door, Tom smiled and waved to him.

"Hi, Jiang, it's nice to see you again."

Jiang Baobin quickly quickened his pace and walked over.

In his haste, Jiang Baobin first nodded to Rose and said, "Hello, Mrs. Smith."

The "foreign woman" nodded with a slightly reserved air: "Hello."

Jiang Baobin then greeted Tom, saying, "I'm also happy to see you again, Tom."

Then he began to shower her with compliments: "As an American gentleman newly arrived in Beiping, and a journalist with an important mission."

"I think you need a top-notch tour guide who is familiar with the local customs and culture and is good at handling unexpected events."

"That's why I've been waiting here for a long time, wanting to promote myself as a Beiping expert to you."

Jiang Baobin put it very bluntly: the best way to deal with foreigners is to be direct.

A way of expressing yourself that is too subtle will leave them completely baffled.

Of course, "appropriate" self-presentation is also unavoidable.

Jiang Baobin, who "arrived" a few days earlier than Tom, has somehow managed to claim that he is an expert on Beiping.

Tom laughed heartily: "You're very smart, and you speak very well."

"So I can consider hiring you, Jiang."

Jiang Baobin was overjoyed; his meal ticket was within reach: "Great! I'm honored to be able to help you, Tom."

"Let's talk about salary, Jiang. I'd like to know what you're asking for. Otherwise, there's no need to waste each other's time."

"My offer is certainly reasonable, but in order not to take up your and Mrs. Smith's time."

"I suggest I call a rickshaw now, and then we can talk as we walk."

"That's a great idea. We really need to go out and buy things."

"Okay, please wait a moment." Jiang Baobin nodded to Rose again after agreeing.

Then he hurriedly ran towards the entrance of the alley.

"Are you really going to hire him?" Rose asked. "His English is really terrible."

Tom shrugged. "Why not? At least I can understand it."

Rose offered her opinion: "I think he's too young."

"You know, in this country, people with seniority receive extra respect."

Tom smiled and shook his head: "But I don't like overly slick people."

"They always have their own ideas, and I like energetic subordinates like Jiang."

"Trust my judgment, Rose."

"I have been to dozens of countries and met thousands of people, and Chiang is the guy who brings me good luck."

"Okay, whatever makes you happy. Good luck."

"Of course, I'm the lucky one."

Rose smirked. "You're quite the confident one."

Tom gave a teasing smile: "Like Mr. Smith?"

Rose rolled her eyes dramatically. "Don't follow Mr. Smith's example. He's so confident he's practically fanatical."

Tom shrugged. "Rose, maybe you should take the kids and come back to America with me."

Rose shook her head: "He won't agree."

"Yes, he is a very stubborn gentleman. I tried to persuade him yesterday, but unfortunately..."

"To be honest, this place is really terrible, and I'm very worried about the children's physical and mental health."

Rose hesitated for a moment, then finally said, "Okay, I'll try to get back to New York before Christmas."

Tom snapped his fingers: "A very wise choice!"

Rose gave a very charming smile: "Thank you for helping me persuade Mike. You two used to have a good relationship."

Tom gave a noncommittal smile...

On the tricycle.

Jiang Baobin stated the price he had already decided on: "Tom, since you're a reporter..."

"You probably know what the minimum wage is in the United States, so how about I base my salary on that?"

Tom was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter: "Jiang, you are the youngest and most cunning guy I've ever met."

"This is China, and you expect me to pay you according to American standards?"

Jiang Baobin made a shy expression: "As a gentleman from the world's most developed country..."

"I believe you would generously help a penniless young person like me, wouldn't you?"

"And I just met a girl I like."

She was as beautiful and delicate as a flower, and she passed by me as gracefully as a fairy.

"So, I need some financial assistance."

"Tom, can you help me, this deeply in love man, win over the goddess of my dreams?"

Jiang Baobin decided to try appealing to emotions, just in case he encountered a romantic idealist.

Tom suddenly fell silent, his thoughts seemingly drifting far away...

Jiang Baobin could only wait patiently.

After a long pause, Tom didn't answer but instead asked, "Jiang, do you know why I chose you yesterday, and not anyone else?"

Jiang Baobin shook his head blankly.

Tom said, "Because only you said, 'Do you need my help?' while everyone else was asking, 'Can I help you?'"

At this point, Tom smiled and patted Jiang Baobin's thin shoulder.

Jiang Baobin suddenly realized: his question conveyed an attitude of respecting the other party's right to choose.

"Can I help you" implies "I am capable of serving you," so the tone is more direct and professional.

Jiang Baobin immediately pledged his loyalty, saying, "I understand, Tom."

"I will fully respect your wishes and do my best to serve you..."