Chapter 252 Daily Life in Black Gold City
"Mr. Ji Xun, we will arrive at Black Gold City in about half an hour. We haven’t been back for a long time, so we are still looking forward to it. By the way, you have been here before. "?"
"No."
"Yeah, I can show you around. Black Gold City is the largest city-state in the western part of Wadona County and the largest in the entire federation. It’s a coal-producing area. It’s quite rich, but it’s full of dust and soot. Even though I grew up here, I still don’t like the feeling of being covered in dust every time I go out.”
< br>“.”
On a train whirring across the dark wasteland.
In the luxurious VIP carriage, the orange light of the crystal lamp illuminated the entire carriage.
Ji Xun and Song Yu were eating lunch leisurely.
Going home soon, this chaebol lady also enthusiastically introduced her hometown.
Ji Xun listened with interest and nodded from time to time.
He put a piece of meat into his mouth with his fork and looked at the plain outside the window.
The vision is very far away, and the lights on the horizon can be vaguely seen.
He felt quite deeply that the Federation was really too big.
Seven days ago, they returned to the town of Bolton, which had been blood sacrificed.
Then we took a locomotive and drove for nearly two days before we arrived at a parrot city with a train nearby.
After that, they took the train seven times and changed trains, passing through dozens of large and small cities. It was only now that five days had passed, and they were about to arrive at their destination, Black Gold City.
Although Ji Xun knew that the Federation had a large area of land, he had only stayed in Innocence City before. When he came to the rich mineral layer for the first time, he was also surprised by the vast area.
Because it is a cave world, there are no boundaries.
The lords are expanding and opening up new lands every moment, and their territories are changing at any time.
Even the Federal Archives Service does not have accurate land area data.
It is said that there are still ten days to go from Black Gold City to Dragon City, the federal capital.
Not only is the land vast and rich in resources, the federal population is also so large that there is no accurate figure at all.
The permanent population of Black Gold City alone exceeds one million.
There are countless such city federations.
Ji Xun also understood why a place of exile like Innocence City was crowded with so many people, and new people were constantly being added.
Ji Xun looked out the window and was slightly lost in thought.
At this time, the exclusive maid in the carriage added dessert after the meal.
Song Yu happened to be introducing Black Gold City with great interest, and also introduced: "However, although the city is dusty, there are many delicious places. For example, Luo Li's Pastry Shop, Phil's I have loved Luo’s fried fish and Mori Wood House’s mashed potatoes since I was a child. Ji Xun, you must try it.”
After all, Black Gold City is too far away from Dragon City, in the eyes of many big nobles. Here, they are all synonymous with remote nouveau riche.
After spending the past few days together, Song Yu also felt that Ji Xun was not familiar with many things here, so he explained them in more detail.
Ji Xun listened and smiled slightly: "Okay."
"Let me think about it, what else is there besides food?"
At this time, Song Yu thought of something and blinked, A touch of joking flashed in his smart crystal eyes, and he added: "Oh, Black Gold City and the Federation are very famous for their musicals! The most famous 'Royal Song and Dance Troupe' in the entire Federation originated from Black Gold City."
< br>As she said this, she seemed to think that musicals can be found everywhere, and added a point that was often heard in the conversation among male students in the college: "If it is the 'Charm Special' at midnight, there will be many good-looking young girls. ~"
"Oh? What is the Charm Special?"
Ji Xun glanced at her and showed a strange expression.
I also guessed a bit.
The experience of life and death has always been the most direct way to quickly close relationships.
After this girl came out of the mithril mine, she lost all her courtesy.
After saying that, he looked like a close friend who could talk to him about anything, without the ladylike reserve he had before.
She could tell Ji Xun any business secrets or family secrets.
We have become more and more familiar with each other on the road these days.
Grand and generous, cheerful and elegant, like a rose in full bloom.
"This. It's just that gorgeous stage plays are very popular in the upper class."
As soon as he said this, Song Yu looked at Ji Xun's eyes and felt a little guilty after all, "But, I .I haven’t been there either.”
She stuck out her tongue and added: "I heard it too. My brothers and adults at home like to go there. But if Ji Xunqin is interested, I, we can go and have a look."
"Heh"
Ji Xun listened and smiled.
From the description, it seems like it feels like an adult theater.
This was not surprising in Fengyuechang of Innocence City, and he didn’t feel any curiosity.
But the "Royal Cabaret" also has this kind of performance?
This is the second time he has heard this name.
The last time was, a hundred years later, when Hong Tower opened.
If it was really that kind of performance by a song and dance troupe, he would really be a little interested.
“.”
Song Yu looked at his suspicion of "You haven't been there yet, why are you taking me there?" and chuckled.
There was always a feeling of dissatisfaction in his heart.
Her eyebrows twitched slightly, complaining in her mind why she felt guilty just now?
Obviously it is normal in the upper class society.
Like a rebellious girl looking forward to unknown things, she puffed out her cheeks and pondered for a moment, then said seriously: "Well! I must go and see it if I have the chance!"
It seemed that after experiencing life and death adventures, she felt that she had some indescribable "courage".
Why can’t I go and see it?
“.”
Ji Xun looked at her serious look and smiled without saying a word.
But that's not what he was thinking about.
But how long can I stay?
Intuition told him.
He couldn't stay in this wonderful time travel for long.
And as the body gradually recovers from its "weak state", this feeling becomes stronger and stronger.
While he was lost in thought, Song Yu seemed to notice that he was a little melancholy and asked, "What's wrong?"
Ji Xun shook his head.
Song Yu's eyes flashed with brilliance and he said, "I think you tend to be distracted a lot of the time."
Ji Xun explained: "Yeah. I'm a little distracted thinking about things."
At this moment, the sound of a whistle came from outside the carriage.
The train pulled into a bustling station.
Black Gold City has arrived.
The carriage door opened, and Song Yu was like a qualified tour guide: "Welcome Mr. Ji Xun to my hometown, Black Gold City!"
As she said that, she naturally took her arm. Ji Xun's arms were ready to lead him down together.
But as soon as he opened the door and saw a group of people picking up the car outside, the Song family lady immediately shrank her neck and let go of Ji Xun's arm as if she was electrocuted.
She tried her best to hide the shyness on her cheeks, and greeted the group of people in front of her: "Aunt Rosie, Uncle John, Cousin Alice, Uncle Eight, why are you here?"
< br>
Ji Xun listened to the series of names of his seven aunts and eight aunts, his expression remained unchanged, but he smiled in his heart.
This group of people probably heard something.
Originally it was the servant’s job to pick up the car.
But now many relatives are coming to the Song family.
Although they are not big shots, it can be seen that they are very enthusiastic about Song Yu, and they greeted him for a while.
"Oh, uncle heard that you went to Bolton Town? There's a war there. It's too dangerous. Just arrange for servants to do this kind of dangerous work."
"I heard from your mother. Did you get assassinated by bandits? Oh my God, it's so scary. Xiaoyu, don't go to those remote villages next time. The security is too chaotic."
"I heard you guys. Is there something wrong within the Rose Chamber of Commerce? Tell Aunt Qi that I will make the decision for you!”
“Xiaoyu, your cousin Harlan just graduated from the Federal Military Academy a few days ago. Back after graduation. He heard that you were coming back. He said that he hadn’t seen your cousin for a long time and asked you to go to the theater tomorrow."
"."
Even though these guys are all well-dressed as upper-class gentlemen and ladies, in front of the Song family, they are all second-rate rich people.
And only those who can be embarrassed in the face of interests will get more benefits.
After all, they all know that Song Yu is a kind girl.
As long as you say something nice, you will be easily persuaded.
Just like her aunt Meera, isn't she just so shameless that she just goes around and takes advantage?
It's not too late to realize now.
Oh, I heard that the fat woman is dead. There is simply no better news than this.
Such a big incident occurred in Bolton Town, not only within the Song family, but even the Dragon City Federal Council was disturbed.
Although the news about vampires has been blocked by the people in Bureau X.
But something else got out.
Because of the need to investigate pollution, X Bureau and various forces conducted a detailed investigation on the personnel involved in Bolton City.
This will inevitably lead to the investigation of personnel, transactions, accounts, etc.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t check.
After this investigation, the investigators were surprised. Is the Rose Chamber of Commerce so rich?
In the past few days, the existence of the "Rose Chamber of Commerce" has quietly emerged in the eyes of the upper class through various channels.
The older generation of businessmen couldn't understand why those at the bottom, whom they regarded as "poor people", could squeeze out so much money.
But the fact is that this "Song Yu" is now the most famous young rich man in Black Gold City.
The Song family also received the news immediately.
The older generation in the family, who originally looked down upon Song Yu, suddenly realized.
They discovered that the small-time Chamber of Commerce that they had looked down upon before came to their senses, and when they came to their senses, that small Chamber of Commerce already owned an enviable huge amount.
After greeting him for a long time, Song Yu finally separated from the group of relatives who enthusiastically picked up the car.
I saw Ji Xun who was already waiting in the car.
She quickly got into the car.
As soon as the car door is closed, the world becomes quiet.
If it were before, she would really have thought that the adults in the family cared about her.
Even if you know that they have an agenda, you will feel that it doesn't matter if they are family members anyway.
But after experiencing the murders committed by her third uncle and the plotting and instigation by her aunt, she no longer has such simple thoughts towards these so-called attentive family members.
Song Yu looked at Ji Xun helplessly: "Sorry, I kept you waiting."
Ji Xun didn't care at all: "It's okay."
The two smiled similarly.
Ji Xun thought of the posture just now and said: "But you may be busy when you come back this time."
Song Yu pursed his lips lightly and nodded gently: "Ah, yes. Suddenly. She feels that this kind of communication is annoying, but as a family, she cannot avoid it."
She felt that she had grown up too much.
The principles that I couldn’t understand before can now be understood all at once.
She did not shy away from Ji Xun, and said in a helpless tone: "Those uncles and aunts used to make sarcastic remarks when I was kicked out of the house because I didn't agree to the marriage, as if they thought I didn't care about the family. It's just infringing on their interests. They wish they could marry me. But I don't understand why they want me to marry to protect their interests. Of course, they create their own wealth, and they're even more afraid of me borrowing money from them. I know it’s very difficult for a chamber of commerce to get started. I did ask a lot of people for help during that time, but few were really willing to help me.”
"."
Ji Xun listened silently.
It’s like walking along the way, just be a listener.
Song Yu added: "In the past, we needed the family's funds and channels, but we were also afraid of being suppressed by those big chambers of commerce with their financial advantages, so we needed the family to be the source of support. Now that we have the mithril mine, we don't have to worry about funds. Many things can be solved with money. In the future, my 'Rose Chamber of Commerce' will no longer have to ask my uncles for help."
When she said this, her eyes were shining with hope for a better future. expect.
Ji Xun and I have talked a lot about business planning in the past few days.
She seems to have thousands of ideas in her mind waiting for her to try.
I can even imagine that if I go step by step like this, I will definitely have a huge business empire in the future.
But it all seems to have started from those letters.
What a wonderful fate. Suddenly thinking of something, Song Yu turned his head and looked at Ji Xun, and said solemnly: "Thank you. Mr. Ji Xun, you really helped me a lot."
“.”
Ji Xun raised the corners of his mouth slightly, not caring at all.
The serious atmosphere in the carriage only lasted for a second. Song Yu burst out laughing, breaking the unnecessary atmosphere.
Her eyebrows were curved, her clear eyes looked at Ji Xun, and she asked half jokingly and half seriously: "You have saved my life and helped me so much, how can I thank you?" You?”
Ji Xun didn't need any thanks. Meeting each other was already the best arrangement of fate. He said casually: "Then, invite me to watch the opera and dance show."
Song Yu pursed his lips and smiled, and agreed. : "Okay!"
The steam locomotive galloped all the way through the Black Gold City.
There is a thick smell of coal smoke in the air, which is the smell of the steam industry.
On the outskirts of the city are various mechanical towns used for mining. They are like hard-working marmots, mining ores from all directions and transporting back black gold.
The inner city is lined with high-rise buildings.
This is a rich mining city. The streets are crowded with people and the various shops are dazzling.
Even a hundred years ago, this city was much more prosperous than Innocence City.
Steam locomotives gather in a stream on the street, and there are traffic jams from time to time.
Although the appearance of the motorcycles on the street is a bit retro, the technical aspects are not much different from those a hundred years ago.
Even the styles are similar.
Ji Xun used to go shopping for machinery and equipment in Innocence City, and from time to time he would see many century-old antiques that had been eliminated from the rich ore layer.
Now, those old antiques are right in front of you.
Ji Xun looked at the street scene outside the window and suddenly felt like he had stepped into history.
He clearly felt that he was being repelled by some kind of force.
"Is it the law of time?"
Ji Xun muttered to himself.
Only when you understand a little bit, will you feel that the law of time is mysterious and indescribable.
Not long after.
The steam car stopped outside a luxurious manor.
The Song family is the first family in Black Gold City. Although they do not have a high noble title, they are the actual powerful lords.
This vast manor is the headquarters of the Song family.
As soon as the car stopped, Ji Xun saw a large number of greeting people gathered at the entrance of the manor.
Ten times more than the previous train station.
You can tell by looking at their clothes that they are either rich or expensive.
At this moment, he chose to welcome Song Yu, a junior of the Song family. The scene was already outrageous.
The housekeeper opened the car door.
Ji Xun didn't like this kind of excitement and had no intention of showing his face in front of others.
However, Song Yu took his arm generously: "Let's go, I will take you to meet the elders in the family."
Ji Xun had no choice but to follow him out of the car.
As soon as the two people walked out, they were immediately scrutinized by countless eyes.
They all smiled when they saw Song Yu looking like he had seen a walking gold mine.
When she saw Ji Xun next to her, her expression was not good.
It’s as if someone else has already taken advantage of the melon that I haven’t picked yet.
The women pointed and whispered.
"Who is the young man next to Xiaoyu? Why is he so unfamiliar?"
"I heard from someone who came back that he was a secret guard arranged by the old man, called 'Chaoyang'. He was in Bolton Town before. He helped a little and got the limelight.”
“Oh, it turned out to be a guard. I thought he was a young master. I really can’t tell the difference between him and me. Identity."
"I heard from the old man that this girl is lucky. She has found some mithril mine and asked the family to arrange people to mine it. It seems that there is a huge reserve."
"This little girl is really lucky. She just tinkered with a chamber of commerce and she actually became it, and she also found a mithril mine. Oh, if fate was so kind to me, I would have been rich a long time ago."
"Be careful. Outsiders are staring at this girl everywhere now. There are many people with crooked ideas. I heard that several top noble families are interested in getting in touch."
"."
< br>Ji Xun’s hearing and perception are very sensitive.
These gossipy women seemed not to be afraid of being heard by him, and they spoke without any cover.
Not only the middle-aged people, but also the naked jealousy, malice and disdain in the eyes of those young people.
If vicious glances are like sharp arrows, Ji Xun felt that he had been riddled with holes along the way.
Song Yu sensed something very cleverly and whispered: "I'm sorry."
As she said that, she took Ji Xun's arm, as if she wanted to use this method. This method shows her protection of her friends without the need for others to point fingers.
Ji Xun didn't care about this at first, but when he saw this action, he smiled slightly.
Ji Xun never liked this kind of ineffective communication.
Song Yu also knew.
After briefly meeting a few elders, Ji Xun was treated as a guest and placed in the guest room to rest.
He ignored the various greetings.
There happened to be a bookcase in the room, so I casually looked through these classics from a hundred years ago.
I found it boring after watching it for a while.
Whether it is mechanical technology or extraordinary classics, the content is not much different from what it would be a hundred years later.
On the contrary, some humanities-related classics can bring some new ideas to Ji Xun.
He is reading a book here.
In another room, Song Yu took a shower, put on a beautiful little dress, and was putting on makeup in front of the dressing table.
At this moment, a graceful lady walked in.
Looking at the woman in the mirror, Song Yu greeted with a smile: "Mother, why are you here?"
The lady looked at her daughter and said: "Xiao Yu, you are too You're too reckless. Don't go to such a remote place next time. I heard that you had an accident, but it didn't scare my mother to death."
I've met before, but there are some things that I can't say clearly, so it's just right now in private. .
Song Yu knew his mother's character. She would chatter for a long time as soon as she opened her mouth. She interrupted with a smile: "Okay, okay, I got it. Didn't I come back safely?"
Looking at her daughter dressed so beautifully in the mirror, the noble lady was happy in her heart, but she also frowned.
She asked tentatively: "Xiao Yu, I heard that you brought a friend back?"
When talking about Ji Xun, Song Yu was in a good mood, and a smile suddenly appeared on his face: "Yes. I originally wanted to take him to see his father and mother later."
The lady looked at her expression getting worse and asked cautiously: "I asked your grandfather, he said that 'Chaoyang' is not from the family. The guard here. So who is he? And how do you know him?"
"He is my good friend anyway."
Song Yu thought about it, but he didn't. I don't know how to introduce myself, a friend I met through letters, and can only say: "Ji Xun saved my life. And Uncle Sam and the others are alive because of him."
"."
This veiled statement made the lady's expression become more uneasy.
But she also knows her daughter's character and is unwilling to tell her, even if she asks.
The lady just said: "It's not that my mother is too talkative. But Xiaoyu, you have to be careful about people with unknown origins. After all, our Song family is also a reputable family, and we are afraid that some people with evil intentions will deliberately approach."< br>
Listening to people saying that Ji Xun was not good, Song Yu interrupted his mother, "Mother, you are overthinking. Mr. Ji Xun is a very good character and is also your daughter's savior."< br>
Song Yu felt that she was no longer the innocent little girl she was before.
She felt that her mother was right, she really needed to be on guard against those guys with evil intentions.
But it doesn’t have to be an outsider.
Just like my aunt and third uncle who I always thought cared about me.
Lady: "You"
Seeing what his mother wanted to say, Song Yu spoke calmly but seriously: "Mother, Mr. Ji Xun has saved me many times. Without him, you would never see me."
"."
The lady sighed slightly as she listened.
She also heard that her daughter didn't want to talk about this topic, so she didn't say anything more.
She turned around and thought of something, and said: "By the way, there is one more thing. Duke Ross has had a lot of business dealings with us recently. It just so happens that the third young master of Duke Ross's family is still yours. As for the alumni of the Federal College, you must know that there are several members of Parliament in the Duke of Ross family, and they are genuine high-ranking nobles. I happened to meet that young master He Ao last time, and he is a very handsome and talented federal general."< br>
As soon as Song Yu heard this beginning, he knew what he was going to hear next.
She didn't finish listening and interrupted: "Mother, nine out of ten young masters in the upper class are graduates of the Federal College. It's no coincidence. Also, I told you, I don't want to Marriage. If anyone in the family wants to be a noble lady, just let them go. Why are you looking for me?"
If she is willing to compromise, she will not be expelled from the family.
Compromise is even less possible now.
“.”
The lady also had a headache seeing this attitude.
The task of persuasion from the Dan Clan Elders Association lies with her.
Besides, she really felt that the young master of the Duke's family was the most ideal marriage partner, with both talent and appearance.
This is also a big noble that the Song family needs to climb up to.
However, before the lady could say anything else, Song Yu didn't want to listen to the nagging for a moment.
She hurriedly put on makeup and slipped out of the room: "Dear mother, I'm going to find Mr. Ji Xun first. See you later~"
Ji Xun was reading in the room.
Suddenly I heard someone knocking on the door.
“Tuk, Tuk, Tuk!”
“Come in.”
Then he heard a head come in with a smile on his face: "Ji Xun, are you resting?"
Hearing the light footsteps, Ji Xun had already guessed that it was Song Yu.
The girl looked at Ji Xun reading, and without waiting for a reply, she rushed in without hesitation, muttering: "Ah, I've had enough. I've been nagged all the time since I came back. .If I had known it, I wouldn’t have come back.”
Ji Xun had already expected it, and looked up at her, “Are you being forced to get married?”
Sure enough, this is the case in that world.
When you get older, you will inevitably experience it after returning home.
And Song Yu’s current situation is even more complicated.
Song Yu pursed his lips: "Yeah. It's very annoying."
As she said that, she looked at Ji Xun resentfully, "You're still smiling."
Ji Xun didn't mention this topic, glanced at it, and then praised: "The skirt is very beautiful."
A lady's skirt in the traditional palace style, the tight cut outlines a wonderful figure.
The makeup is light and elegant, obviously she has dressed up.
The feeling of having her own filter makes her whole figure shine.
Song Yu's sudden depressed mood disappeared when she heard the compliments. She held her skirt and bowed, and said with a sweet smile: "Thank you~"
Now her happiness seems to be all she needs to say. .
She added: "Ji Xun, do you think it's boring to stay here? Come on, let's go to the manor for a walk."
Ji Xun didn't feel bored, but nodded: "Yeah."
Song Yu walked over and helped him clear away the books on the table. Just like he had done many times before, he took his arm naturally and generously, and said in an uncertain tone: "By the way. Can you please You have to help me with something."
Ji Xun glanced at her, "Huh?"
Song Yu looked at him weakly and said, "I can do it tonight. Can’t you accompany me to a dinner party?”
What did Ji Xun guess: "Pushing for marriage?"
Song Yu pursed his lips: "Yes."
(End of this chapter)