I delicately applied the pencil on the depressed outline, and as the lead dust covered it, a distinct key-shaped form emerged. Amidst my astonishment, a sense of peculiarity gripped me. What key was this? It seemed to hold significant importance to my father, and I wondered where it eventually ended up.
The key exhibited an antiquated style, with simple teeth. I pulled out my phone and captured a high-resolution photo. The imprint on the right side of the notebook was clear, but unfortunately, the left side had text, making it indistinct even after reproducing it.
I transferred the photo to my computer, zoomed in, and faintly discerned the words "Riguang Station." I wracked my memory, but no relevant recollections surfaced. Judging by the literal analysis, it seemed to be a station name unfamiliar to me.
I opened my computer, searched for "Riguang Station" in the browser, and sifted through dozens of pages—all describing a station in Japan. Puzzled, I questioned the connection to Japan. If this key truly belonged to a Japanese station, how could it bear an inscription? Moreover, the style of Japanese keys differed significantly from the one in the picture.
Persisting in my search, just as I was about to give up, I stumbled upon a message from a deactivated user on a small forum. "Riguang Station used to be Star Gorge Station." It suddenly dawned on me. No wonder it was hard to find; it was the station in Star Gorge.
Star Gorge is located in Hami, the easternmost part of Xinjiang, known as the first strategic town and the gateway to the east of Xinjiang. It's not large in size, and when I last went to Xinjiang, I planned to drive there, so I did some research. Unexpectedly, Star Gorge turned out to be a military stronghold, and during the Tang Dynasty, Fan Lihua led troops westward through this area. In the resistance against the Japanese invasion, it also played a crucial role in the westward expedition.
I printed the photo with a printer, staring at it, unable to sleep. Since my father clipped the key in the notebook, it was indicative of its importance. After hesitating for a while, I decided to knock on Old He's door.
Old He was still awake, surprised at my late-night visit. I recounted my discovery to him. He agreed to find someone to replicate the key the next day. As I was about to take my leave, I noticed he had something to say.
Sitting down, he hesitated before saying, "I should have told you as soon as you returned, but..." Old He sighed, "It's about Hansheng, that kid."
Remaining composed, I said, "Old He, go ahead. It's okay. You shouldn't bear all the burdens. I used to think Second Master was too ruthless, but looking back, his chosen path was rarely taken. I fear hardship and exhaustion, and I can't say I want to become a person like him, but I also don't want to be sheltered all my life. I know you worry that I'll feel guilty for letting Hansheng go alone. If Second Master were there at the time, the situation might have been different. However, rest assured, I won't collapse. Investigating my father's case isn't about escaping; it's about making Hansheng feel I'm not betraying him when I meet him, whether above or below the ground."
Old He listened to my words and, after a brief hesitation, reached out, patting my shoulder firmly. With a bitter smile, he said, "I don't know if this kind of growth is good or bad for you. Second Master always wanted you to be carefree. However, seeing him probably would irritate me."
Taking out a cigarette from his pocket, he continued, "Zhao Jindou is hosting a gathering at the 9th courtyard north of the east entrance of the West Old Curtain Lane in Beijing. Longshan Pavilion is also on the list."
"Zhao Jindou? The chess academy?" I frowned.
"Yes, an old fellow. He's been at odds with us for a long time. Did some shady things when he was young, got dealt with by Second Master. The guy from Baoguo Temple you encountered at the teahouse works under him. This invitation is probably an ambush."
"How so?"
Old He extinguished his cigarette, poured us each a cup of tea, and slowly explained, "I won't mention the past grudges. In this line of work, even though we're all involved in shady dealings, there are rules to follow, especially in Beijing. Our Longshan Pavilion has consistently outperformed Zhao's family. Even when Panjiayuan and Cao's shops join, they are minor players. However, things have changed recently. Second Master's focus has shifted, causing us to lose ground. Good locations have been given away, and now Zhao Jindou is expanding. He spread the word that Longshan Pavilion's prices are matched at every shop under him, offering lower prices by three to eight points. While you were away, many long-term partners have come to me to discuss solutions. After all, they need to support their families, and if they can't uphold the principles, they'll withdraw from the business, joining Zhao."
I sat quietly, absorbing Old He's words. Since entering Longshan Pavilion, I hadn't been fully committed to the shop. If it involved managing a store, I could barely get by, but steering this colossal ship of Longshan Pavilion was extremely challenging.
I scratched my head, asking him, "So, does this mean Zhao Jindou's invitation is a trap?"
Old He shook his head and hummed, "Lend him some courage. Though we won't resort to violence, we can't avoid flexing our muscles. He recently seized control of several shopkeepers, selling goods at lower prices. His aim is to force us to give up some shops. In the realm of martial arts, when you borrow a weapon, you have to return it. In the Beijing area, we follow certain rules, and our business has its etiquette. Despite the shady dealings, there is a code we adhere to. These old fellows are observing to see if you're worth supporting. Zhao Jindou holds a feast like this; it's likely a grand spectacle."
I understood why Old He hesitated. Without Hansheng, the skilled personnel below might not be as obedient. If I went alone, they feared I might falter, weakening our position.
"Don't worry. To borrow a saying, to exchange kindness for kindness and grudges for grudges. If I don't regain Longshan Pavilion, we won't have any options left, right?" I declared.
This was Longshan Pavilion's chance to turn the tables. To erase the previous setbacks and move forward, attending this feast was imperative. Thinking back to the guy at the teahouse, going alone without any leverage would be risky. I started searching for suitable candidates in my mind, finally revealing a smile and saying, "If all else fails, I'll bring Big Head along."
Old He attempted to inquire, "Is he competent? Should I bring a couple more men with you?"
I laughed, "Rest assured, he seems like a troublemaker, but when push comes
to shove, he's reliable. You stay at home and hold the fort. I'll bring him along. His possessions are still with us, so I doubt he'd hesitate to go all out."
That night, I chatted with Old He until the wee hours. The tea had lost its flavor. I returned to my room, tossing and turning. My father and Second Master's affairs were already taxing my mind, and now, dealing with the shop added another layer of complexity. It felt like my life was hanging by a thread.
I turned to my phone, sending a text message to Big Head, asking him to visit the shop soon. After sending it, I glanced at the sky—it was almost dawn. Discarding the phone, I buried my head in the blanket, urging myself to sleep quickly.