Tianjin, starting with unorthodox methods to achieve immortality

When Chen Mo pushed open the dormitory door, there were only four people left in the room.

Four of the ten beds were empty, with tattered newspapers and scraps of cloth lying on the bare bed boards.

Shen Bao was stuffing things into the bundle, while Fang Cheng squatted on the ground, putting the enamel mug and soap box into the net bag.

He Songling and the burly, dark-skinned man were talking together, both carrying bundles, as if they were about to leave.

Shen Bao looked up and saw him, her hands still busy with her work, and asked, "Where were you assigned?"

"City Bureau, East District".

Upon hearing this, Shen Bao looked up, his eyes wide with shock. "East District? Holy crap!"

He Songling and the other person stopped talking and looked over at the same time.

He threw the net on the ground, walked a few steps over to Chen Mo, and punched him on the shoulder. "Not bad, kid. The East District! That's the best place in the whole city. Foreign firms and dance halls are everywhere. I heard even the police uniforms are more stylish than elsewhere!"

Shen Bao smiled and stuffed the blue cloth jacket in his hand into his bundle. "Congratulations!"

The burly, dark-skinned man leaned closer, looking on with envy. "Brother Mo, when you become successful in the future, don't forget about us old brothers."

"That's right," He Songling chimed in. "When we make something of ourselves in the East District, we'll come looking for you, and you'll have to treat us to a meal at a restaurant."

Shen Bao nudged him again, winking and saying, "With Young Master Li arranging things for you, how could things go wrong?"

Chen Mo nodded but didn't reply.

His nod made the eyes of the others light up.

"I knew it," He Songling said in a low voice, "You can't get into the East District without connections, can you? Young Master Li's family has connections everywhere. Getting you a job in the East District would be a piece of cake for them."

The others nodded repeatedly, "That's right, that's right. Young Master Li is usually close to you, and this time he's really come in handy."

Chen Mo didn't say anything, but his lips curved slightly as he quickly stuffed everything into his bag.

"I wish you all the best for the future and a bright future."

He slung his bag over his shoulder, bowed to the people in the room, and said politely, "When we get to the East District, I'll treat you to a meal."

Shen Bao nodded. "Be careful on the road."

See you later.

He Songling smiled warmly, "Go ahead, go ahead, see you at Donglaishun later!"

Chen Mo smiled at the group and went out.

The door closed, and the room was silent for a moment.

He Songling's smile slowly faded, and he threw the bundle in his hand onto the bed, somewhat annoyed. "What's with the attitude?"

Fang Cheng was squatting on the ground, continuing to tidy up the net. Hearing this, he looked up curiously and asked, "What did you say?"

"I'm telling you," He Songling drawled, plopping down on his bed. "What's with all the swagger? So what if he got assigned to the East District? Look at his attitude, he's been here for ages and he's been ignoring us like we're nothing."

Shen Bao was putting the last piece of clothing into his bundle when he heard this. He didn't even look up. "They're dividing up the East District; that's their skill."

"Skills?" He Songling scoffed. "What skills? The skills to make a living? Or the skills to flatter?"

Fang Cheng stood up, shoved the enamel mug in his hand into the net bag with a loud bang.

"What do you mean by that?"

He Songling leaned against the bed railing.