jdhmnovel Chapter 153 Fighting for Chinatown
Chapter 153 Fighting for Chinatown
The next evening, the moon was as bright as a silver thread, and under the night sky of Tokyo, Howa Garden was brightly lit.
This is not only the largest restaurant run by Chinese in Tokyo, but also a warm harbor in the hearts of countless wanderers.
The boss, Mr. Tian, a kind-faced old man in his sixties, dressed in a double-breasted Tang suit, stood at the door and greeted every neighbor from Chinatown with a gentle look.
Tonight, the hall of Fengheyuan is decorated solemnly, different from the hustle and bustle of the past. A meeting concerning the fate of Chinatown is about to be held here.
As the night deepened, residents of Chinatown began to pour in, some wearing traditional costumes, some in suits and ties, but each of their faces was filled with solemnity and expectation.
After everyone was seated, the whole hall was noisy but filled with a tense atmosphere.
At this moment, Wang Ping, president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, slowly stood up and walked step by step towards the podium in front.
When he stood still, the whole place naturally became quiet, leaving only the occasional whisper of the night wind coming from outside the window.
"Ahem!" Wang Ping cleared his throat gently, his voice low, "My fellow villagers, tonight, I stand here with mixed feelings in my heart.
Although I, Wang Ping, am not talented, I have tried my best to win some benefits for the elders and folks of our Chinatown at the negotiation table of Toyo Electric Power.
However, things are unpredictable, the other side is so powerful that even the Tokyo government chose to remain silent.
I have failed to live up to everyone’s expectations.”
After saying this, Wang Ping bent down deeply and bowed 90 degrees, which was not only a rebuke to himself, but also an apology to everyone present.
At that moment, there was an indescribable heaviness in the air.
But then, a warm voice broke the silence: “President Wang, you have done your best, we don’t blame you.
Toyo Electric Power is a huge force, how could we not know that?
You don't need to blame yourself, everyone in our Chinatown can feel your kindness."
"Yes, President!
We are already having a hard time on the Japanese territory.
But precisely because of this, we must unite as one and overcome the difficulties together." Everyone echoed, and although there was reluctance on their faces, they were more understanding of Wang Ping.
After a brief silence, Wang Ping spoke again, his tone more resolute: "Everyone, although this negotiation is difficult, it is not completely fruitless.
Chairman Katsumasa Hayami of Toyo Electric Power Company left a glimmer of hope for Chinatown at the last minute."
As soon as these words were spoken, the hall suddenly became lively and the spark of hope was rekindled in people's eyes.
"A glimmer of hope? Please let me know, President!"
"President Wang, please tell us quickly, what are the specific conditions?"... Everyone asked eagerly, as if they had grasped the only light in the darkness.
Chairman Wang Ping raised his hand slightly, made a downward motion in the air, and then announced calmly: "Hayami Katsumasa proposed that Toyo Electric Power and Chinatown each send a representative to decide the future of Chinatown in a traditional Japanese way, the Kengansai.
If our representatives win, the other party will unconditionally cancel the development plan; otherwise, we will have to accept compensation and leave the land.
This is the final consensus of this meeting.”
After he finished speaking, the venue fell into a brief silence, and everyone seemed to be chewing on the profound meaning of his words.
Soon, the atmosphere suddenly heated up.
"Fight, of course we have to fight! How can we Chinese be afraid of the Japanese pirates?"
"That's right, let's settle both old and new grudges and let them have a taste of my power!"
"You're right. The Japanese are not superhuman. Why should we be afraid of them?"
The hall was filled with noise and discussion. Everyone seemed to have found an outlet for venting, and their emotions were high.
However, at this moment, President Wang Ping's words were like a basin of cold water in winter, instantly cooling down the boiling meeting place.
"Then, among the elders and fellow villagers present, is there anyone who can step forward and help us win this battle of fate?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the scene returned to silence again.
Everyone's eyes wandered between each other, looking for the figure that could carry hope.
The entire hall was shrouded in an inexplicably heavy atmosphere. This was indeed a difficult decision that tested people's hearts and strength.
Although there are many Chinese people in the Chinatown area, there are very few brave people there.
The lofty words spoken by everyone just now seemed particularly pale in the silence at this moment.
People looked at each other, feeling powerless and confused.
Each one is like an eggplant hit by frost, all wilted!
Suddenly, a deep male voice penetrated the crowd, like the first ray of sunshine in the morning light, "Let me try!"
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Hu Yongtao, who was usually unknown and ran a clinic, standing up.
He is over 40 years old and not very tall, but at this moment he shows an indescribable tenacity and determination, like a solitary peak, standing proudly among the crowd.
"When I was young, I learned Southern Kung Fu for a few years in my hometown in Zhejiang. Although I can't be called a master, I believe it is enough to deal with those arrogant and domineering Japanese." Hu Yongtao's words caused a slight fluctuation in the originally silent atmosphere.
What’s interesting is that when someone takes the initiative, voices from people around him also rise.
Shen Zheng, the burly man selling meat buns in the middle of Chinatown, poured cold water on him: "Old Hu, stop trying to show off. Everyone on our street knows how capable you are." There was a hint of teasing and sarcasm in his tone.
Upon hearing this, Hu Yongtao just smiled calmly and retorted: "Shen Zheng, you are big and have a tougher mouth. Since you are so capable, why don't you go into battle yourself?"
As soon as these words came out, Shen Zheng was speechless. He knew very well that he did not have such courage. His face turned red and white, and he was extremely embarrassed.
This scene made the women around couldn't help laughing out loud.
Shen Zheng was speechless at this moment and wished he could find a hole in the ground to crawl into.
At this moment, Luo Hao, the young man who had been observing silently, stood up and said gently: "Uncle Hu, Uncle Shen, let's leave this matter to us young people.
I believe that no one in Chinatown is more suitable for this task than me.”
As soon as Luo Hao finished speaking, Li Yuexiu immediately rolled her eyes at him, with complex emotions flashing in her eyes.
But in the end she just shook her head helplessly, feeling inexplicably worried about Luo Hao's impulsiveness.
Luo Hao deeply felt the worry and reluctance in his mother's heart. Who in the world's parents has the heart to watch their children embark on a road so full of unknowns and risks?
"Mom, relax.
As a professional boxer and the newly crowned champion of the East Japan Lightweight Championship this year, I have a wealth of experience and confidence in my approach to the competition.”
Luo Hao's words instantly dispelled the helpless atmosphere of "picking a general from a group of short men" that had previously filled the hall.
Immediately, the atmosphere in the hall became lively again, with the sounds of conversations between relatives and neighbors coming one after another, making it very lively.
"Look at this kid Luo Hao. He has been sensible since he was young, knows how to act in moderation, has an unyielding spirit in his bones, and knows how to consider the overall situation!" Aunt He from next door spoke first, her words full of praise.
However, Luo Hao couldn't help but recall the time when his father passed away and his mother asked her for help, but Aunt He rejected her coldly. That memory still haunts him.
"That's right. Luo Hao is now a well-known figure in our Chinatown. It's most appropriate for him to represent our Chinatown in the competition!
I think this matter has been decided!" Not far away, the white widow who sold sesame cakes also joined the discussion. She rarely interacted with Luo Hao's family on weekdays, but at this moment she seemed particularly enthusiastic, and her words were full of recognition and support for Luo Hao.
Immediately afterwards, voices of approval came one after another, and everyone expressed their support for Luo Hao to represent Chinatown in the battle against the representatives of Toyo Electric Power. The hall was suddenly filled with noise and excitement.