An extraordinary life journey through old Beijing courtyard houses

Jiang Baobin proudly said, "Although she is as gentle as water, she has always been bullied by outsiders for a hundred years."

"Yet it possesses a great resilience that is continuous and ever-renewing."

"While other ethnic groups were still living in primitive conditions, she had already created a brilliant civilization that continues to this day."

"One day, she will stand at the top of the world again! I am full of confidence in that!"

Previously, the several catastrophes that Jiang Baobin had recounted had completely shocked Tom.

The Black Death, which terrified the world, had an impact known to all; it caused a 30% mortality rate during its six-year rampage.

According to Jiang Baobin, the disaster suffered here was much more severe, reaching 60%, 80%, or even a terrifying 90%!

He found it hard to imagine that a nation could endure so many disasters.

Yet they have managed to survive tenaciously, multiply and thrive, and carry forward their civilization.

The man exclaimed excitedly, "Jiang, you're absolutely right! I'm going to write all of this down and tell the whole world!"

After spending a lot of time with Tom, Jiang Baobin also learned to shrug: "As you wish."

"But if I may be so bold, Tom, not many people care about these things."

"Your logic is—whoever has the bigger fist stands on the side of truth."

"We are too weak now. Our words are like farts to us, and nobody cares."

Tom was taken aback, then burst into laughter: "Jiang, this is the first time I've heard you swear, but I like you the way you are now."

"To hell with those arrogant, stupid guys, I hate them too."

"Do you know? These lunatics have caused far too many wars, and what I hate most is..."

Then Tom launched into a long rant, expressing his extreme hatred!

This was also the first time Jiang Baobin had seen Tom's true self—rough, straightforward, and full of a sense of justice.

Perhaps because he had worked as a war correspondent for so long, he was a staunch anti-war activist!

Only after Tom had vented his anger did Jiang Baobin bring up his own views on war, which were of course one of contempt.

In his past life, his mind was filled with how to study.

After growing up, they are preoccupied with earning money to support their grandmothers and have no time for anything else.

He was completely indifferent to international affairs (which is why he treated a 1000-yuan denomination of legal tender as a treasure; it was truly ridiculously stupid).

During this time since I was transported here, I have been trying to understand what kind of world I am in.

Only by constantly reading newspapers did he come to understand the ruthlessness and darkness of this world.

Tom shook his head and said helplessly, "Jiang, you have to understand, that's just how the world is."

"The longer you're exposed to it, the stronger your feelings of helplessness and anger will become."

"And all we can do is pray that there are fewer madmen and more rational people, and that war can be avoided as much as possible."

Jiang Baobin shrugged and said, "Dear Tom, you're going to be disappointed."

"Wars will not decrease, they will just be smaller in scale."

Then, Jiang Baobin steered the conversation toward a certain major power and further elaborated on his views.

"No, no, no."

Tom changed his attitude and started saying nice things:

"We love peace, and we have only joined wars out of necessity."

Tom then went on to explain to Jiang Baobin how righteous they were, blah blah blah.

The purpose was to tell Jiang Baobin that the future would be different, and that world peace was just around the corner.

Jiang Baobin smiled slyly: "But I stick to my point of view."

"Tom, are you willing to make a bet on that?"

Tom, however, disagreed and laughed, "Of course I dare, because you're wrong, Chiang."

"But how do you want to gamble? What are you betting on?"

"Let's set a ten-year limit. By then, if you admit that your viewpoint today is wrong, you lose; otherwise, I lose. How about that?"

"Wow, is it really that simple?"

"Yes, it's that simple."

"So what do you want to bet on? As far as I know, you're not exactly wealthy, hahaha!"

"Tom, let's bet one dollar."

Tom's eyes widened: "Oh my God!"

"You're limiting yourself to ten years, such a long timeframe, but you're only betting one dollar?"

Jiang Baobin chuckled: "We Chinese have an old saying: A gentleman acquires wealth through proper means; he shouldn't become a gambling addict."

Tom laughed too: "Jiang, you're a funny guy. Okay, I'll bet—"

"Ten years from now, if I lose, it won't just be $1; I'll also give you a special gift!"

"I wish you good luck, dear Chiang," Tom said, raising his hand.

"Oh, Tom, you are such a generous gentleman, betting with me and even hoping I will win."

Jiang Baobin jokingly clapped his hands with his, saying, "It's a deal."

The two then engaged in a lively discussion about peace and war.

Jiang Baobin's purpose in doing this was very clear: to get closer to Tom.

Then, he took the opportunity to offer his own suggestions—

We can use Yu Lizhang to develop our interviewees; who knows, we might even uncover a big story.

Tom immediately agreed and authorized Jiang Baobin to handle the matter.

"If you want a horse to run fast, you have to feed it more grass."

Tom was clearly well aware of this, so he generously gave Jiang Baobin $20 as activity funds.

That evening, taking advantage of his time off work, Jiang Baobin hosted a dinner for Yu Lizhang.

As the wine flowed and conversation deepened, the two had become sworn brothers...

After the game ended, Jiang Baobin rushed to Xitao Hutong, thankfully arriving just in time.

Liu Decai was tidying up the small table, probably preparing to rest.

Now that the two have already done business together, they are considered acquaintances, and Jiang Baobin knows quite a bit about him.

The brother-in-law that the man selling matchlocks was talking about was this very man.

What Jiang Baobin couldn't understand was how someone with his appearance could have given birth to a beauty like Liu Yifei.

Liu Decai clearly had a good impression of Jiang Baobin, and jokingly said after meeting him:

"Hey buddy, didn't we just meet this morning? What? You've already lit the fuse in broad daylight?"

Jiang Baobin chuckled: "I really do want to buy a few more."

Liu Decai looked at him and said, "Okay, come inside and get it."

"Alright."

Without saying much, Jiang Baobin took out the bright green banknotes and handed them to him as soon as he entered the door.

"Hey man, you've really struck it rich!"

"Hey! I'd like to tell you the truth, only 2 pieces are for myself."

"The remaining 22 were all replaced at the boss's request, not my money."

"Oh, then I have to thank you for introducing me to business."

"You're too kind; you're helping me out."

"Alright, you're a true gentleman! We'll see how things go from here on out."

Unexpectedly, after Liu Decai put on his clothes, he took him directly to a place where he could exchange money.