r18novel Chapter 39 There's nothing a meal can't solve.
Chapter 39 There's nothing a meal can't solve.
Therefore, we must maintain good relations with the Japanese!
I never expected to be so lucky. Just when I was about to fall asleep, someone brought me a pillow (a metaphor for a lucky break). While I was still worrying about how to mitigate the impact of this incident and prevent the Japanese from following and noticing me, it was the Japanese who took the initiative to reconcile. This is wonderful!
He immediately sent someone to reply: Thank you for your kindness, Section Chief Tsukamoto. I appreciate your apologies, but how could I let you spend so much money?
If you don't mind, Section Chief, I can host a simple dinner at my humble abode tomorrow evening to express my gratitude. It would also be a good opportunity for you to enjoy an authentic French meal. I will be hiring the head chef from the "Blue Whale Restaurant" to be the head chef.
He chose to host the banquet at his own home for two reasons: first, for safety, as it was his own territory in the British concession, and he had the protection of the British army, so the Japanese wouldn't dare to cause trouble; second, to appear more sincere, which would fit the persona of a scholar who had no prejudice against Japan.
The reply quickly reached the Special Higher Police. When Tsukamoto Kameichi saw that Han Zhenhua not only readily accepted the invitation but also took the initiative to invite him to his home, his last remaining doubts were completely dispelled.
"It seems this person has no prejudice against the Empire, which is even better. At home, the atmosphere is more relaxed, making it easier to build rapport. Give the order to prepare a generous gift for the banquet tomorrow."
The following evening, Tsukamoto Kame, accompanied by Inukai Gakufuku and a beautiful translator, Asada Mieko, dressed in casual clothes, arrived at 169 Jing'an Road on time in an inconspicuous black sedan.
Han Zhenhua was already prepared. The villa's living room was decorated elegantly yet grandly, with exquisite silver cutlery and crystal-clear wine glasses on the dining table, and the air was filled with the aroma of toasted bread and grilled steak.
Eight British sailor bodyguards, dressed in suits, stood casually in key positions inside and outside the villa, displaying both grandeur and an invisible deterrent.
As dusk fell, Kameichi Tsukamoto, Manabu Inukai, and the elegantly made-up female translator Mieko Asada arrived on time.
As soon as he got out of the car, Tsukamoto gestured to his attendants to present the gifts he had brought.
"Mr. Cole, it's a pleasure to visit you. Here's a small gift, please accept it." Tsukamoto Kameichi, fluent in Chinese, spoke directly with a smile in his authentic Northeastern accent without needing Mieko to translate.
The gift was quite impressive: two bottles of Kikumasamune Daiginjo sake with a warm glaze, clearly a collector's item;
A large box of top-quality frozen bluefin tuna sashimi from Hokkaido, Japan, still with ice crystals, exuding ultimate freshness;
There is also a set of exquisite Jiugu ware porcelain.
Han Zhenhua's face beamed with a warm and polite smile, as if the other party were truly a long-lost friend: "Section Chief Tsukamoto, you're too kind! Your presence at my humble abode is already an honor, and you've gone to such lengths for me. I truly don't know what to do. Please come in, please come in!"
He led the three into an elegantly and warmly decorated restaurant.
The air was filled with the rich aroma of toasted bread, pan-fried foie gras, and baked snails, making one's mouth water. The Filipino maids serving as waitresses skillfully poured aperitifs.
After sitting down and exchanging a few pleasantries, Han Zhenhua raised his glass and said sincerely, "Section Chief Tsukamoto, I have always felt apologetic about the unpleasant incident that happened at the school gate a few days ago."
I fully understand your position in carrying out your official duties. However, the circumstances were special at the time. As a gentleman, if I did not step in to protect my girlfriend when she was in danger, I would be ridiculed and would have no face to associate with other ladies in this concession in the future.” He spoke in a relaxed tone, with a touch of youthful jest and frankness.
Before Mieko could translate, Tsukamoto Kameichi burst into laughter, saying, "Mr. Cole is truly a man of few words! It's only natural for a young man to cherish his girlfriend; it's understandable, understandable! It seems Mr. Cole is also a man of deep feeling."
Moreover, our handling of the matter at the time was somewhat simplistic and crude, causing unnecessary harm to Mr. Cole. For this, Tsukamoto, on behalf of the Special Higher Police of the Imperial Japanese Empire, solemnly apologizes to Mr. Cole! After saying this, he stood up and bowed deeply!
Han Zhenhua quickly stood up and said, "Section Chief Tsukamoto, you're too kind. We became friends after a fight. Come, let's have a drink. As the old saying goes, 'A hero's smile can dissolve all enmity,' and besides, we have no grudge at all! Haha..."
The two sides clinked glasses and laughed heartily, as if they were old friends who hadn't seen each other for years. After a few rounds of drinks, Tsukamoto suddenly said, "Wine without song loses its charm. Mieko, why don't you sing us a song to enhance the atmosphere?"
Mieko immediately smiled and stood up, swaying her graceful figure as she performed a standard Japanese dance, and sang the national treasure-level song "Kimigayo"...
After the song and dance ended, everyone applauded, cheered, and downed another drink!
At this moment, Han Zhenhua smiled and said, "Watching Miss Mihoko's beautiful singing and dancing, I can't help but think of many of your esteemed friends from the past!"
To be honest, I've always admired your country's music and "savory" women.
Although I don't speak Japanese, that doesn't stop me from having a Japanese girlfriend.
Whether it was the pure and lovely, gentle and quiet Ms. Yamaguchi Momoe, or the passionate Ms. Sakai Noriko, or even... well, for example, a lady named Aoi Sora, I had pleasant interactions with them all. He casually made up names from his past life memories, a slightly boastful smile that any man would understand.
This made Tsukamoto and Inukai smile knowingly, feeling that this young British scholar was indeed a charming, unconventional, and unpretentious person, quite different from the stereotypical, rigid and serious Western scholars they had in mind.
The atmosphere grew increasingly relaxed. Emboldened by the alcohol, Han Zhenhua began to describe his "memory" of Japan: "I once heard a friend say..."
How sacred the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji looks under the morning sun;
How beautiful and moving is the cherry blossom rain in Arashiyama, Kyoto;
And then there are the gentle deer of Nara, roaming among the ancient temples...
Ah, how enchanting!
If it weren't for this damn war, I'd love to experience it for myself right now.
His familiarity with Japanese customs and things greatly surprised and pleased Tsukamoto and Inukai Mieko.
Tsukamoto exclaimed, "I never imagined that Mr. Cole would know so much about our country's scenery! His descriptions are more apt and vivid than those of many Japanese! You are truly a friend of our Great Japanese Empire!"
"Of course we're friends!" Han Zhenhua waved his hand, exuding magnanimity. "Art, lust, and science have no borders; beautiful things deserve everyone's appreciation."
For the sake of friendship, although I don't speak Japanese, I once memorized a song from your country to please a certain Japanese beauty. Today, I'll make a fool of myself and sing it for you all to enjoy!
Under the curious gazes of Tsukamoto and the others, Han Zhenhua stood up, cleared his throat, and began to sing the popular theme song of his previous life, "I Want to Shout I Love You," with perfect pronunciation and passion!
The familiar melody, the exhilarating rhythm, and although there were some obvious pronunciation errors, the lyrics were mostly in extremely authentic Japanese pronunciation, instantly leaving Tsukamoto, Inukai, and Mieko stunned!
After the song ended, the three couldn't help but applaud enthusiastically.
A glint flashed in Inukai Manabu's eyes, and he suddenly asked in rapid Japanese, "Mr. Cole, the lyrics to your song are truly wonderful. May I ask which master's work you drew inspiration from?"
Han Zhenhua looked bewildered and turned to Mieko: "Miss Mieko, what did Mr. Inukai say? I can only sing it, I don't understand the meaning at all."
After Mihoko translated, Han Zhenhua laughed and said, "See? I told you I just memorized it by rote, purely for picking up girls!"
However…” He lowered his voice mysteriously, “Although I don’t speak Japanese, I’ve secretly learned a few particularly powerful and sophisticated Japanese phrases.”
He stood up again, his expression suddenly becoming extremely solemn, even carrying a hint of holiness.