Chapter 108: Heartache

Chapter 108: Heartache

Three o’clock in the afternoon.

In Shanning, the once quiet streets suddenly swelled with throngs of students, as if by unspoken agreement.

Dressed in school uniforms, carrying banners and placards, they marched in orderly lines, their presence imposing and resolute as they flooded the streets.

For a moment, the very air of Shanning seemed to grow heavy, charged with tension.

This movement was unprecedented in scale and momentum; never before had so many people participated in such a grand demonstration.

As a result, many shops were forced to shutter their doors, and even pedestrians ceased to roam the streets.

At Sunshine Grocery,

Gao Fei stared grimly at the vast procession outside the window.

Over the past month, as tensions between China and Japan had escalated, anti-Japanese sentiment in Shanning had reached a fever pitch.

Countless ordinary Japanese citizens and businesses had suffered repercussions; some shops had even been vandalized by angry Chinese crowds.

Now, there were scarcely any Japanese openly active in Shanning—if any remained, they dared not show themselves for fear of provoking further wrath.

Even Chinese merchants who had previously done business with Japanese clients felt the impact.

The authorities, pressured by media scrutiny and the increasingly frequent, massive demonstrations by workers and students, had no choice but to adjust their policies.

In effect, Shanning had become almost inhospitable to Japanese presence, leaving little room for their activities or survival.

No wonder Gao Fei’s expression was so grim.

Yet, while Gao Fei brooded, others found solace in the current state of affairs.

At the Wen Residence,

Miss Wen Xiaowan, upon hearing the servants’ report of the grand procession unfolding outside, grew curious and hurried to the street herself.

She even joined the ranks, marching several blocks alongside the students.

Returning to the Wen Residence, she went to her father Wen Zongwei’s study.

Inside, the Wen family’s steward, Qi Zhengyi, was briefing Wen Zongwei on the business situation.

“Master, these students and workers hold these demonstrations every few days,” Qi Zhengyi lamented. “It forces us to close the Wen family’s shops repeatedly, and our trade volume has dropped significantly. These people are just restless mischief-makers—what good does it do?”

Wen Xiaowan happened to overhear and spoke up, “Uncle Qi, that’s not quite right. You can’t call it mischief—it’s a manifestation of patriotism. As for the business downturn, it’s just a slight drop in profits.”

“Miss, you’re here,” Qi Zhengyi said with a cheerful smile, undisturbed.

“Xiaowan, how can you talk back to Uncle Qi like that? Apologize at once,” Wen Zongwei said sternly.

It was no surprise that Wen Zongwei was upset—Qi Zhengyi had been his trusted ally through the years, fiercely loyal to both the Wen family and Wen Zongwei himself.

“Uncle Qi, sorry,” Wen Xiaowan teased, sticking out her tongue playfully and hooking her arm through his, batting her eyelashes.

“Alright, Xiaowan, don’t mind your father. It’s no big deal, so no need to apologize,” Qi Zhengyi chuckled, shooting a glance at Wen Zongwei.

“Dad, you heard that—Uncle Qi isn’t mad,” Wen Xiaowan grinned.

“You...” Wen Zongwei shook his head helplessly. “By the way, how do you have time to visit me?”

“Dad, the scene outside is tremendous. Many students are involved. When I was on the street, I even snuck behind the procession and marched several laps,” Wen Xiaowan said excitedly.

“Nonsense,” Wen Zongwei’s previously warm expression suddenly darkened, his tone heavy and grave.

Never before had Wen Xiaowan seen him like this; she stood there, startled and unsure what to say.

“Miss, don’t blame Master for being so strict,” Qi Zhengyi suddenly chuckled softly, explaining, “You don’t realize the dangers of these demonstrations. Every march over the past month has resulted in students being injured—some have even lost their lives. None of this has been reported, so few people know.”

“I...” Wen Xiaowan found herself at a loss for words.

“Moreover, do you really think these demonstrations are organized solely by students? They’re just pawns stirred up by the Red Party behind the scenes. Most students are being manipulated, especially this latest, massive march...” Qi Zhengyi hesitated, shaking his head and glancing at Wen Zongwei.

“What do you mean?” Wen Xiaowan asked, not noticing the change in his gaze.

“I mean the authorities will likely take action. According to what Master has learned, this demonstration’s impact is too great. The police, secret service, and military command have all been ordered: if the students refuse to disperse, force will be used. When chaos ensues, no one will consider your identity.”

Receiving a confirming look from Wen Zongwei, Qi Zhengyi continued cautiously. Seeing Wen Zongwei’s expression return to normal, he added, “Master’s anger is for your own good. If conflict breaks out and you’re harmed, what then?”

“Are they really going to take such measures? The Red Party and authorities agreed to unite against Japan—how can they resort to such violent tactics?” Wen Xiaowan, though a noble lady, had long been prepared by her father and was experienced beyond her years. Yet Qi Zhengyi’s words troubled her deeply.

“Miss, these political affairs are beyond our reach. Though the Red Party accepted reorganization under the authorities, they remain an unstable element. Those people...”

“Enough, Old Qi, don’t go on,” Wen Zongwei interrupted, looking at Wen Xiaowan. “Xiaowan, I know why you returned from Japan. I know you love your country and want to serve it. I won’t stop you, but you must be careful.”

“Dad, I understand. I’ll leave now,” Wen Xiaowan said, then exited the study. Compared to her earlier excitement, a weight now pressed heavily on her heart.

Outside, the chants still echoed through the air, suffocating in their intensity.

Wen Xiaowan’s spirit was crushed under the oppression, Qi Zhengyi’s words painting visions of bloodshed and carnage.

All she could do was pray the students would heed the warnings.

Alas.

Even Wen Xiaowan knew the chances of that were slim indeed.

“Xiaowan, what’s wrong? Why the sigh?” Gu Hai suddenly appeared beside her.

“Nothing, just thinking about those demonstrations outside,” Wen Xiaowan said, her mood somber.

“What’s there to think about? Those troublemaking students are just naive, easily swayed by the Red Party. If it were me, I’d arrest the ringleaders immediately—either throw them in prison or execute them outright to set an example. Only then would these so-called progressive students behave themselves in school,” Gu Hai sneered coldly.

Wen Xiaowan said nothing more, only casting a long, penetrating look at Gu Hai before turning and walking out of the residence.