A Life of Attributes Starting as a Nobleman in the Republic of China Era

After seeing Zheng Xiaosheng and Uncle Li off, Chen Che stood quietly on the blue brick ground in front of the gate for a moment before turning around and returning to his study.

The telephone lay on the desk. Chen Che picked up the receiver and dialed Dong Yi's residence number.

"Yi-ya-tou," Chen Che's voice was completely calm when the call connected, "It's me. There's been a small problem with the disaster relief ship. Don't worry, give me a few more days, and it will definitely set off."

On the other end of the phone, Dong Yi's voice was filled with genuine concern as she inquired about what had happened.

Chen Che simply said it was a common mechanical malfunction and that they were working on it. He didn't want her to worry.

Then, he sent someone to tell Huang Su that he should find ten capable Green Gang brothers that afternoon, bring all their weapons, and be on guard in plain clothes at the Qinhuai Wharf.

Third, Chen Che immediately explained the whole matter to Sun Congzhou and Chen San in detail, and then the three of them set off for Qinhuai Wharf.

A familiar black Ford sedan drove out of the main gate of the Chen residence, with Sun Congzhou and Chen Che sitting side by side.

"Master, do you think this 'water monkey' is really some kind of evil spirit or monster?" Chen Che asked the question that had been lingering in his mind.

Sun Congzhou lowered his head and thought carefully for a while before saying, "When I was in Tianjin, there was a giant python called 'Wulin' that roamed the bamboo forest by the Haihe River. It was twenty or thirty meters long, and its tail could sweep three adult men in half at the waist. Its scales could also stop rifle bullets at close range."

"Back then, the four of us brothers went out to exorcise the demon, and we almost didn't make it back. Fortunately, our master arrived in time and cut off the snake's head with a single sword stroke."

Hearing their conversation, Chen San, who was gripping the steering wheel, chimed in, "When a nation is about to perish, monsters will inevitably appear. These are chaotic times; young master, you must be extremely careful."

Sun Congzhou nodded: "Moreover, Master also said that in the previous dynasty there were alchemists who, after cultivating to a certain level, could transform into spirits and monsters, invulnerable to swords and spears, and possessing immense strength."

Outside the car window, the street scenes rushed past. The car passed through the bustling Central Avenue and turned onto the riverside road. The water of the Qinhuai River shimmered in the afternoon sun, and the air was filled with moisture and a faint fishy smell. Before long, the familiar hustle and bustle of the city came rushing in.

It was afternoon, the busiest time at the Qinhuai Wharf. The wharf was packed with people carrying goods, rushing to catch boats, and hawking their wares; the bustling scene was a lively spectacle of boats coming and going.

A large cargo ship stood out conspicuously, its hull tilted precariously at the dock. Its hull was riddled with alarming holes and deep scratches, held together tightly by four forearm-thick ropes to prevent it from capsizing completely. A dozen shipwrights were busy at work around it, the clanging and banging of repairs creating a jarring contrast with the surrounding noise.

A dozen or so police officers, dressed in dark blue uniforms and carrying Hanyang rifles, were scattered around the dock in groups of three, their eyes scanning the river and the crowd warily. Not far away, Zheng Xiaosheng was squatting next to a fish stall, whispering something to the stall owner, his brows furrowed.

Chen Che scanned the crowd but did not see any of the Green Gang members.

This was to be expected; it wouldn't be appropriate to swagger around under the noses of the police force carrying heavy firearms.

Chen Che looked around more closely and saw a burly man carrying him on his back in the distance. There was a package next to him, and his figure was somewhat similar to Huang Su's.

Chen Che smiled slightly; the package likely contained his Czech ZB-26 light machine gun.

"Third Brother, go and gather some information, but don't make too much noise," Chen Che whispered to Chen San, who was following behind him. Then, he and Sun Congzhou walked towards Zheng Xiaosheng's direction.

As Chen Che passed by the burly man, it was indeed Huang Su. Chen Che nodded slightly to him, and Huang Su grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth.

Reaching the fish stall, Chen Che asked softly, "Director Zheng, have you found anything?"

"These fishermen's families living near the pier have all heard strange noises at night, and their accounts match those of Uncle Li," Zheng Xiaosheng said, frowning.

"What's strange is that there are more than twenty ships of various sizes moored at the dock, so why was it only your cargo ship that had an accident?"

"Young Master Chen, can you imagine if you've recently made any enemies?"

That's strange. Chen Che only turned from enemy to friend with the Green Gang a few days ago. Moreover, transporting grain for disaster relief is a good thing for everyone, including the Nationalist government in the south and the warlords in the north.

unless......

An extremely abrupt, even somewhat absurd, thought suddenly popped into his mind. This idea sent a chill down his spine, and even his fingertips felt cold.

He was unsure whether he should voice his guess.

Just then, he felt a gaze fall on his face. Turning his head, he saw his master, Sun Congzhou, quietly looking at him. In those worldly-wise eyes, it seemed that he had already seen through the fleeting, chilling conjecture that had crossed his mind.

"No, I really can't think of any enemies I could have in Jinling City," Chen Che said, shrugging with a helpless expression.

At this moment, Chen San also came over, and the results of the investigation confirmed Zheng Xiaosheng's statement.

Zheng Xiaosheng stroked his chin, his brows furrowed into a deep frown: "How about this, Young Master Chen, you go back first. The police department will send extra personnel tonight to evacuate the civilians and guard the dock."

Sun Congzhou suddenly spoke up: "If they really are mountain demons or monsters... I'm afraid the Hanyang rifles from the police department might not be able to cause them much harm."

"How about..."

Sun Congzhou looked at Chen Che, and Chen Che nodded vigorously.

"We're also guarding the dock," Sun Congzhou said to Zheng Xiaosheng.

"That's what I mean too," Chen Che said. "Let's get the relief ships out of the water first."

Zheng Xiaosheng's expression relaxed slightly upon hearing this. He cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Sun Congzhou: "With Master Sun here, I feel much more at ease. So, as soon as it gets dark, I'll arrange for the men to clear the area. As for the two of you..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the faces of the master and apprentice: "I'll get two newly arrived Mauser pistols, with fully loaded magazines, that'll be something to rely on."

Sun Congzhou had no need for a pistol; while Chen Che was carrying the Browning pistol that his father had provided him with, which was loaded with armor-piercing rounds and had several times the firepower of the police department's Mauser pistol.

However, neither of them wanted to refuse Zheng Xiaosheng, so they agreed.

That night.

Chen Che, Sun Congzhou, and Chen San sat on the shore of berth number three at Jinling Wharf, with grain transport ships right next to them.

The houses near the dock had been evacuated, leaving only a few dim lights illuminating the dark water. The waves lapping monotonously against the shore, the damp, cold wind carrying the fishy smell of the riverbed, the stillness sending chills down one's spine.

"Che'er, what came to mind when Director Zheng asked you this afternoon if you had any enemies?" Sun Congzhou suddenly asked.

"Master, nothing escapes your discerning eye," Chen Che said with a smile.