A Girl Traveling Through Troubled Times

Chapter 930 Disaster Relief Charity Gala

"What happened next?" Gui'er asked anxiously.

Ah Si shook his head: "We couldn't find anyone from the Marshal's Mansion, so we thought about going back to find the young marshal. But not long after we left the mansion, we heard that the Japanese had entered the city. We realized the situation was bad, so we found a house nearby to hide in. The family had been doing business with the Marshal's Mansion before, so they didn't make things difficult for us. They even provided us with food and lodging and let us pretend to be their servants."

"Not long after, people on the street shouted that the Imperial Army had entered the city. They issued a proclamation to reassure the people, saying that a curfew would be imposed and a new government would be established. Later, they said that the officials of the original government should report to the government building, saying that they would all be assigned tasks. At first, I heard that no one went, but later, I don't know what happened, some people went."

"Later, there was another notice saying that anyone found harboring officials of the old government or former members of the Marshal's Mansion would be punished for undermining the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. The master of that house had no choice but to give us some money and let us go under cover of darkness. We wanted to find the young master's troops, but we didn't know where to start, so we went home. I don't know how the other brothers are doing. Anyway, I went home and found that my family was not there. I searched for relatives and friends but to no avail. I really had nowhere else to go, so I came to Hong Kong to seek refuge with you, Miss."

"As for the young master Song you mentioned, I don't know much about him either. I did see Manager Zhang and Manager Liu when I went to the hospital to see Madam. He was treating wounded soldiers who had returned from the front lines. Since I had taken you to his shop before, they recognized me. Manager Zhang even asked me if I had any news about you. Unfortunately, I didn't know your current situation at the time, so I could only say I didn't know. After I left the hospital, I never saw them again."

When Gui'er heard the news, she felt both happy and worried.

I'm happy to finally know the current situation of Manager Zhang and Manager Liu, but I'm worried because as doctors treating wounded soldiers on the front lines, they might not have escaped immediately when the enemy invaded and instead became prisoners of war, facing unknown dangers.

She didn't sleep a wink that night. The next day, Gui'er sent someone to deliver a message to Tong Yujun, saying that she would come to his residence for a get-together after school.

Tong Yujun was naturally more than happy to agree.

When Gui'er arrived at the Song residence, she found that it was situated on higher ground and surrounded by other grand and wealthy families. The area was even more luxurious than the one where Gui'er lived. Although a typhoon had struck, there was no trace of it, and even the public roads were spotless.

"Doesn't your family own a pawnshop? Did you suffer any losses during this typhoon?" Song Xilun asked with concern.

"Although some of the pawned items got wet from the rain, it's alright, it's within acceptable limits," Gui'er said. "The main reason I came here this time is that one of my family's servants in Jiangcheng got separated from my brother and came to seek refuge. He knows some of the current situation in Jiangcheng, which I thought you would also like to know."

Upon hearing this, Song Xilun quickly said, "Really? That's wonderful! Father sent a telegram saying he might come here to seek refuge, but we haven't heard from him since. I was so worried. Gui'er, tell me quickly, what's going on over there?"

Gui'er then recounted the situation in Jiangcheng that A-Si had described.

Hearing this, Song Xilun said anxiously, "If it's like this, then if Father hadn't left before the fall, things would have been very bad. He was the richest man in Jiangcheng, and the Japanese would definitely force him to take a position, or become a member of some kind of puppet regime, and then he would become a traitor. If he didn't take the position, he would be dead. What should we do?"

Tong Yujun quickly patted his back, comforting him, "Don't be so pessimistic. Perhaps Father has already set off. Let's wait a little longer. Or should we spend a lot of money to find someone to go and check over there?"

Upon hearing this, Gui'er quickly said, "That's a good idea. I'm also worried about my brother's safety. If you're looking for someone, I can contribute some money. I just hope you can also help me find out where my second brother is."

Song Xilun said with a smile, "We can ask him to inquire about it together when the time comes. I didn't expect your old lady to pass away like this. Please accept my condolences."

Gui'er sighed deeply, "Theoretically speaking, she was my legal mother. We lived under the same roof for a few years, and I witnessed her ruthlessness. As the matriarch of a family, she was incredibly powerful and influential. I always thought that even with the turbulent times, she would at least enjoy a life of wealth and comfort in her later years. I never expected her to leave us like this. Alas!"

Tong Yujun chimed in from the side, "Gui'er, this typhoon has caused a lot of damage. The charity gala for disaster relief is almost ready. I'm going to attend it in two days. Do you want to come? Come on, you don't have to donate."

Gui'er originally wanted to contribute to the disaster relief efforts, but considering the vast difference in status between herself and Tong Yujun, and the fact that the charity gala they were attending would surely be filled with wealthy women, she smiled and said, "Unfortunately, my classmate heard that they're also organizing one, and I even donated some clothes. I might be able to attend that one and won't be able to come from here."

A few days later, Gui'er arrived at the charity gala. It was a temporary chamber of commerce hall, with a banner that read "Disaster Relief" hanging on the wall. A makeshift stage was set up in the corner, and there was a charity sale and distribution of donated items in the open space outside the hall. Lin Peishan and several classmates were sorting out some of the items they had donated, preparing to distribute them to the disaster victims who were queuing up to receive them. Among them were clothes donated by Gui'er.

Gui'er quickly went over and joined them in helping to distribute the items. Since they were all donated by students, most of them were clothes and books, and occasionally there was a bag of rice.

The scene was orderly. Under the supervision of the police, the disaster victims received their belongings in an orderly manner, bowed, or said thank you before leaving.

After the items were distributed, Gui'er had just found a corner to stand in when she saw Lin Peishan standing on tiptoe and waving at her. Beside her stood a refined couple, presumably her parents.

"Gui'er, you've finally arrived!" Lin Peishan pulled her to her parents and introduced her generously, "Mom and Dad, this is my classmate Gui'er. Gui'er, these are my parents."

Gui'er quickly greeted them, "Uncle Lin, Aunt Lin, hello."

Mr. and Mrs. Lin nodded with smiles, but their eyes seemed to be glancing elsewhere. Mrs. Lin said softly to Lin Peishan, "Is that the young man you're talking about? He seems quite composed."

Gui'er then noticed that not far away, Chen Zhongyu was standing with Liu Shaolin and Chen Muli, the three of them talking in hushed tones. Chen Zhongyu was wearing a faded long gown, which looked plain among the surrounding people in suits and ties, but his back was straight and his calm demeanor gave him a more dignified air than others.