The Turmoil of the Bund Chapter 8: Strategic Calculations, A Do-or-Die Battle

Before purchasing supplies, Chen Lin first bought some paper and pens.

He sat alone at the table, writing and sketching.

Miao Miao, like a little shadow, clung to Chen Lin and, leaning on the edge of the table with curiosity, asked, "Brother, why have I never seen you write before?"

"That's because our family never had paper or pens," Chen Lin gave an answer that seemed perfectly reasonable to Miao Miao.

"So when did you study?"

"When you were little, don’t you remember? A foreigner moved into our house."

Chen Lin had to invent a lie for himself—not only to deceive others but even to fool his own sister.

What he was writing on the paper was probably unreadable to anyone in this era.

Tomorrow he was to undertake a significant task, and before that, he had to prepare thoroughly.

Glancing at his slightly thin arm, Chen Lin sighed. If only he were stronger, he wouldn’t need all these things.

In the future world, he could have bought everything easily online. But now, he had to rack his brains to find substitutes.

There were no beakers, so he had to use porcelain bottles—and he had to choose those with inert glaze. The ceramic pots needed to withstand high temperatures; those with cracks were useless.

Protective gear for experiments... forget it. He would just be more careful and keep the room ventilated.

At first, he went shopping with Liu Lichuan using a list, but later, he left everything to Liu Lichuan.

Because it was dark, some shops were closed, but Liu Lichuan always found someone to open the doors.

This man was becoming more and more inscrutable.

Yet Chen Lin felt a trustworthy aura emanating from Liu Lichuan. Being with him was very comforting.

Such people often easily become the core of a group.

And yet, Liu Lichuan was just a runner for errands, which was odd—like a street vendor selling pancakes who seemed aimless.

His sister, Liu Lihua, was similar. The young girl was about the same age as Chen Lin but looked very mature.

It was worth noting that Chen Lin’s maturity came from over thirty years of experience in his previous life. So where did this girl’s maturity come from?

After handing things over to Liu Lichuan, Chen Lin carried his sister, who had fallen asleep at the table, to bed.

He then sat down again with a blank notebook, writing and sketching.

The equations composed of numbers and English letters were only comprehensible to him.

He wrote these down because he feared forgetting them later.

It was said that after transmigration, one gradually forgets memories of the past life—from initially clear as if yesterday, to thinking it was but a dream, and then fading completely, fully immersing in the present life.

Like drinking a bowl of Meng Po’s soup with a slow-acting effect.

So he prepared to record everything in his mind and continuously refine it.

Just then, a light cough came from the door.

Chen Lin got up and opened it, seeing Liu Lihua in a white long dress, holding a tray, standing at the doorway.

“I saw you hadn’t turned off the light, so I brought you some tea,” Liu Lihua said softly, then slipped past Chen Lin into the room.

Her action was somewhat abrupt, but Chen Lin did not comment.

Her gaze was immediately drawn to the notebook on the table.

It was filled with indecipherable scribbles; Liu Lihua couldn’t understand a single thing.

She had deliberately come over, curious about what Chen Lin was up to.

During the day, this young man wore ragged clothes, but at the tailor’s shop, he washed up and bought new clothes, transforming into a wealthy young master.

Then he stayed at their house overnight—too many oddities.

Some saw coincidence as fate; others suspected trickery.

Chen Lin closed the notebook casually as he approached, not nervous because he knew Liu Lihua couldn’t comprehend its contents.

“What’s written here? It looks really strange,” Liu Lihua asked quietly, full of curiosity.

“Ah, nothing much, just some notes.” Chen Lin put the notebook aside and gestured for Liu Lihua to set down the tray.

“How much for the tea and snacks? I’ll pay you.”

“No need, it’s free.” Liu Lihua waved her hand. “Brother said you gave quite a bit for errands. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Your brother is very capable and knows many people; he deserves it. By the way, how long have you been in Shanghai?”

“Three or four years, I think. Since the opening of the city. Brother said life would be easier here.”

“Oh, what about your parents?”

“They’re both dead.” Liu Lihua lowered her head, a trace of sadness in her eyes.

Chen Lin smiled wryly and comforted her, “We really do have some fate together. Your family has two siblings left, and so does mine. Don’t be sad; it’s not our fault but the fault of these times.”

For some reason, he felt a strong impulse to console this girl. He seemed to see Chen Miao several years from now in her.

“Ahem…” Another cough came from outside, this time heavier.

It was Liu Lichuan returning.

“Young master, everything has been purchased. As for coal, the shop will deliver it directly to your home tomorrow. The goods on the cart will be sent over with the coal boat first thing in the morning.”

“Thank you.” Chen Lin cupped his hands in gratitude.

Liu Lichuan’s arrival made the two of them a bit flustered, like young lovers sneaking a meeting.

Chen Lin and Liu Lihua were both around thirteen or fourteen years old, staying in the same room. Although Miao Miao was sleeping nearby, there was still a hint of awkwardness.

“Lihua, go back to your room and sleep. Young master, you should rest early too.” Liu Lichuan glanced at the two, commanding without room for argument.

Chen Lin instantly recognized the elder brother aura in him. Yet he did not rest but checked the purchased supplies with Liu Lichuan before lying down beside Miao Miao.

Perhaps from exhaustion, he fell asleep instantly, dreaming not once throughout the night.

He was awakened early by sounds of training from the courtyard.

Miao Miao was still asleep. Chen Lin dressed and went outside.

The Liu siblings were both clad in short garments, striking a wooden post repeatedly.

“Is this your Hakka boxing style?”

“Not really boxing, just exercise to stay fit,” Liu Lichuan said modestly, looking at Chen Lin. “Young master Chen, rising so early—are you preparing to leave?”

“Yes. Once my little sister wakes up, we’ll check out and go back.”

“If you don’t mind, why not ride back with the delivery boat?”

“That would be good. Thanks.”

“Young master Chen, have breakfast with us. I cooked porridge this morning,” Liu Lihua stopped and politely invited him.

Although mysterious, the Liu siblings were sincere and straightforward.

Breakfast was simple—vegetable porridge and salty dried radish—but delicious.

After eating, Chen Lin, with his sister and Liu Lichuan, set off.

Miao Miao sat on Liu Lichuan’s cart. The man’s biceps were strong, and pushing the heavy load seemed effortless.

Liu Lichuan had initially expected Chen Lin’s family to live in a grand mansion. He was surprised to find only a triangular thatched house by the river.

It didn’t suit the boy’s current demeanor.

After unloading, Chen Lin politely bade Liu Lichuan farewell.

“Brother Liu, to be frank, I found work with the foreigners. You and Lihua are trustworthy friends. If you ever need help, come find me at the foreign firm. I might also have some tasks for you later.”

Besides being strange, Liu Lichuan had no negative impression of Chen Lin.

Though still a teenager, Chen Lin carried the aura of a middle-aged scholar—cultured and composed.

“If you need anything, just say the word. I love making friends, but besides strength, I have no real talents,” Liu Lichuan said.

They agreed to keep in touch. Chen Lin also asked Liu Lichuan to find workers to help repair his house.

He now held the land deed granted by the foreign concession, so the house was temporarily safe.

Though the foreigners were detestable, they were still more reasonable than the Qing officials.

The entire morning, Chen Lin locked himself in his room, placing Miao Miao in another room and sternly warning her not to approach.

Miao Miao only heard the clattering noises and foul smells emanating from her brother’s room.

But he left food for her. As long as her belly was full, Miao Miao was content.

When Chen Lin emerged, it was already mid-afternoon.

He carried a bamboo basket filled with several tightly sealed small porcelain bottles.

“Miao Miao, I’m going out now. Listen carefully and don’t forget a single word,” Chen Lin said solemnly, pulling her close.

The little girl furrowed her delicate brows and nodded firmly.

“Yes, brother, I promise to obey.”

“Here’s some money for you.” Chen Lin handed Miao Miao a few remaining silver coins. “If I don’t come back by tomorrow morning, take this money and go to the river to find Sister Lihua by boat.”

Her eyes immediately reddened. “Brother, you won’t abandon me, will you?”

Chen Lin smiled as he stroked her soft yellow hair. “How could I? I’m going to find Mother. I can’t bring you along.”

Hearing that he was going to find their mother, Miao Miao obediently nodded and assured him she knew what to do.

After finishing his instructions, Chen Lin wrapped the prepared items around his waist with cloth, covered them with his clothes, and put on a fisherman’s straw hat left by his father before leaving home, heading west toward the county seat.

He knew his rough arrangements couldn’t guarantee Miao Miao’s safety.

But he had no other choice. This time, he was unleashing all the chemical knowledge he had kept hidden—a desperate, do-or-die battle.