1905: Beer Hall Speaker

Page 4

Zhao Yan's expression changed drastically: "Shut up!"

Zhao Yan came here today to "raise funds"! He didn't want to continue giving revolutionary speeches; this wasn't the concession, and the people here weren't those easily fooled youngsters.

But a bad teammate is a bad teammate. After being interrupted, Liu Shangsheng looked at Zhao Yan with aggrieved eyes: "President, you must speak up for me! I didn't go fooling around!"

Fatty Liu Yongfu, Fatty's father, and the other three people at the table all looked at Zhao Yan, only then noticing this strange man. He was wearing a sharp suit and heavy leather shoes, with fair skin and regular features, and looked very imposing.

However, the melon-shaped hat on his head, paired with this outfit, made him look somewhat out of place, neither Chinese nor Western.

"And who is this?" Liu Yongfu cupped his hands and looked at Zhao Yan.

Zhao Yan immediately cupped his hands and said, "My name is Zhao Yan, and I am your friend and colleague!"

Liu Yongfu looked on warily: "Revival Party? Revolution? CEO? What's going on? Please, Young Master Zhao, give me an explanation!"

Since it concerned his own son, Liu Yongfu was very concerned and wary. He knew his own son well; this guy was the kind of person who would count the money for the seller even if he was sold out. He had caused Liu Yongfu a lot of worry since the day he was born.

If this weren't his legitimate son, Liu Yongfu truly wouldn't want to continue managing the family business.

Before Zhao Yan could speak, Liu Shangsheng, eager to prove himself, immediately interjected: "Mr. Zhao is the president of the Revival Party, a pioneer of the Chinese revolution, and a guide who is determined to lead us to shatter the old world and create a new one! He is the guiding star on the road of the Chinese revolution!"

"We're doomed!" Zhao Yan stood there dumbfounded, feeling as if he had been struck by lightning. This kind of incompetent teammate was a once-in-a-century occurrence!

Liu Shangsheng stood still and, without any hesitation, loudly proclaimed Zhao Yan's long list of titles in front of everyone.

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire venue fell silent. All the people at the dozen or so tables below the stage, numbering over fifty, stopped what they were doing and turned to look at the man who had been lifted high by Liu Shangsheng.

The female singers on stage stopped singing and stared intently at Zhao Yan with their big, bright eyes.

The people on the surrounding terraces also noticed this place and all looked at Zhao Yan.

Zhao Yan stood quietly in place, his face calm and composed, his demeanor unchanged, and his posture still upright, which impressed everyone.

In truth, Zhao Yan was utterly devastated. He never expected Liu Shangsheng to betray him with such pride on his face!

On the way there, he repeatedly emphasized that the trip was only for "fundraising" and did not involve party affairs or revolution. Only after the young men repeatedly assured him did he feel slightly relieved.

Unexpectedly, after arriving, Liu Shangsheng was casually teased by his father, and then he just self-destructed. Zhao Yan felt like dying.

He had prepared a whole host of tricks to deceive these salt bosses, and various financial fraud cases were repeatedly reviewed in his mind, but he never expected that Liu Shangsheng would nip it in the bud with just one sentence!

"We can't retreat. If we retreat, we'll die without a burial place. We can only follow the established persona. The persona must not collapse!" Zhao Yan thought to himself. In just two seconds, he came up with an emergency plan.

As a professional fraudster, being able to handle unexpected situations is an essential skill.

"Xiao Liu, how many times have I told you? Everything about the Party needs to be kept secret. Don't say what you shouldn't say. We need to keep a low profile and not make a fuss."

For the people and the country, all that's needed is action, not propaganda. We are the sparks before dawn, silent yet resolute, understand?

Zhao Yan walked up to Liu Shangsheng, shielded him behind him, and casually surveyed the entire scene.

Upon seeing this, Liu Yongfu's gaze softened. He was pleased that the other party habitually protected his son behind him.

Liu Shangsheng was deeply moved. What could be more touching than your boss standing in front of you at a crucial moment?

Zhao Yan had no intention of protecting Liu Shangsheng; instead, he wanted to stop him from spouting nonsense.

After looking around the room, Zhao Yan felt much more at ease, because there was no hostility in anyone's eyes, only curiosity.

Zhao Yan secretly felt fortunate that the Tongmenghui had just been established and had not yet caused any assassinations or rebellions. Everyone was completely unfamiliar with revolution, political parties, and these concepts, so no one had brought up the idea of ​​rebellion.

"There's still room for maneuver. Watch me turn the tide!"

Chapter 7: Constant Clashes

"That's right, I am Zhao Yan! The leader and president of the Revival Party, and a revolutionary determined to change China!"

Standing under everyone's gaze, Zhao Yan wore a professional, faint smile and acknowledged his identity to the entire audience.

They couldn't deny it, because if they did, their public image would collapse. They might be able to fool the chubby Liu Shangsheng later, but they absolutely couldn't fool these seasoned veterans at this moment, especially the fiercely protective chubby Liu Yongfu.

Zhao Yan had already caught a glimpse of the restless thugs out of the corner of his eye. He was worried that if he were exposed, Liu Yongfu and these old hands would see through his disguise.

Imagine how these salt merchants would treat a swindler who deceived their naive younger generation? Beat him up and send him to the authorities? Don't even dream about it!

Once you're discovered, as soon as you step out of this door, a sack is immediately put over your head, stones are tied on top, and then you sink into the Huangpu River, all without a sound!

Don't ever think that businessmen these days are all good people. They're ruthless and unscrupulous!

"Greetings, Mr. Zhao! I am Yu Jingqian, the owner of Huaiyang Tea House and also the president of Huaiyang Salt Association. Greetings!" At this moment, a man wearing a black silk robe, a small ruby ​​hat, and a ring inlaid with a pigeon-egg-sized imperial green jadeite on his hand walked out.

Yu Jingqian exuded an even more impressive air, displaying unparalleled luxury in a low-key manner. Just his black brocade robe alone, with its hidden purple-gold cranes woven into the fabric, was a testament to the craftsmanship of royalty.

The hat on his head was also extraordinary, with extremely exquisite workmanship and a ruby ​​embedded on top. This was a real "Six Harmonies Unified Hat", while the one on Zhao Yan's head could only be considered a melon-shaped hat.

Yu Jingqian approached Zhao Yan, scrutinizing him closely. He noticed that Zhao Yan's clothes were of an indistinguishable material, yet they somehow exuded a sense of high-class elegance.

Both of them first noticed each other's clothing and attire, which is a tacit rule in high-level interactions: judge a book by its cover.

In high society, people can generally tell your basic social standing just by looking at your clothes. Otherwise, why have people throughout history been so fond of luxury goods? Because they are your passport to success!

True luxury goods are not something you can buy just by going to a shopping mall; they require specific channels to obtain.

Some people might say that some big shots are approachable and dressed like ordinary people when they see them, but little do they know that they dress deliberately to impress you, because ordinary people are not worthy of their professional attire. They only dress up in specific occasions and when they meet people of the same social class.

Of course, executive jackets are not included in this category; they are special fashion items and can only be obtained in certain areas.

Yu Jingqian couldn't figure out anything from Zhao Yan's clothes, so he could only continue to observe Zhao Yan's appearance and physique.

He wasn't hunchbacked, had long limbs, and was tall and straight; he was clearly not a farmer. His hands were fair, with each finger distinct and straight, so he was definitely not a manual laborer.

With a rosy complexion, regular features, and white teeth when smiling, she clearly comes from a wealthy family and eats processed foods. Her eyes are unwavering, and her demeanor is full of confidence, indicating that she is educated and cultured.

Zhao Yan was also sizing up Yu Jingqian. The man looked to be over fifty, with graying temples and deep wrinkles around his eyes.

His eyes were very authoritative, clearly those of a person in a high position, holding power and wealth. His facial features were soft, but his lips were pursed. His posture was slightly relaxed, but it was like a cheetah gathering its strength before pouncing on its prey.

His breathing was long and powerful, and his hands were slightly rough with large knuckles, indicating that he was a trained martial artist. His temples were bulging with veins standing out, suggesting that he had either suffered hardships in his early years, practiced martial arts, or had military experience.

"This is impressive!" Yu Jingqian thought to himself.

"This old man is difficult to deal with!" Zhao Yan thought to himself.

After staring at each other for a full ten seconds, the two burst into hearty laughter at the same time.

Zhao Yan spoke first: "Senior, you are too kind. My name is Zhao Yan. I have come uninvited today, please forgive me!"

Yu Jingqian said, "Not at all, a guest is a guest! My Huaiyang Teahouse hasn't had a guest like Mr. Zhao for many years. May I ask where Mr. Zhao comes from?"

"Where I come from is not important, what's important is what changes I can bring to you!" Zhao Yan immediately seized the initiative. At this time, you must not follow the other party's lead.

Yu Jingqian was clearly trying to probe Zhao Yan's background. Zhao Yan's story might fool young lads, but trying to fool these seasoned veterans was tantamount to suicide. They could easily find countless flaws in his physical appearance.

At this point, you must not let the other person take the initiative in the conversation. You must arouse their curiosity so as to control the topic and regain the initiative.

Scammers dislike it when you ask the questions you want to ask; they only like it when you ask the questions they want you to ask!

Yu Jingqian was taken aback when he bumped into something, then laughed heartily: "Mr. Zhao has a unique way of speaking, but it's just so hard to understand!"

"Damn it, this old guy isn't taking the bait, he's really tough!" Zhao Yan thought to himself. This old guy isn't playing by the rules, he's not letting him ask questions!

Zhao Yan steadied himself and continued speaking. At this moment, he absolutely could not stutter or show any fear, or he would die without a burial place.

"President Yu is definitely a smart man with a sharp mind, and a big shot in the world. My background is nothing to mention. As the saying goes, the world is in turmoil and the wind and thunder are raging!"

At this time of great upheaval, heroes emerge from all corners of the world, as numerous as carp crossing a river. I have come here hoping to see an opportunity for change and to witness the emergence of the heroes I envision!

As for where I came from and where I am going, that's not important!

As long as I can still speak, I have a chance to turn the tide! Zhao Yan secretly encouraged himself.

As expected, after he said those words, everyone present gasped in shock. His words were too arrogant and domineering!

Yu Jinggan's eyes narrowed. This exchange still hadn't revealed his true strength, and he was even starting to waver.

When Yu Jingqian appeared, he exchanged only a few words with Zhao Yan, and everyone present listened carefully to every word. Everyone was curious whether this Zhao Yan was a true hero or a fake.

If someone is a hero, they will definitely be treated as an honored guest; if someone is a fraud, they will naturally sink to the bottom of the water!

Yu Jingqian remained silent for a moment, glancing at Liu Yongfu as if to say, "This is your stupid son who brought this over, why aren't you going to help?"

Liu Yongfu immediately understood, and then, with a big smile on his chubby face, he walked over to Zhao Yan's side, rubbing his hands together, and quietly pulled his son away.

Then, looking at Zhao Yan, he said, "Mr. Zhao, you are indeed eloquent and have quite the presence! But I wonder if you would mind showing us a few skills first? It's not that we don't trust you, it's just that we all want to broaden our horizons!"

"Where did you learn that from? Why don't you just give me a revolver to catch the bullets right there?" Zhao Yan thought to himself, "The environment for scamming people these days is terrible!"

Zhao Yan still wore that professional smile: "Then what would you all like to see? I am just an ordinary mortal. If you want to see some kind of magic trick like ascending to heaven in broad daylight or turning stones into gold, then forget about it."

Liu Yongfu continued with a smile that concealed his dagger: "Of course not. Those tricks of those country charlatans to fool the common people are hardly worthy of serious consideration. We just want to see how Mr. Zhao proves himself!"

"Haha..." Zhao Yan chuckled twice, then quietly took off his melon-shaped hat, revealing a head of neat short hair.

"Whoa!" The entire audience erupted in uproar!

Everyone immediately understood, including Yu Jingqian. Everyone's expression changed, and they suddenly realized! So that's how it is!

Yu Jingqian was deeply shaken. No wonder he had felt something was off before. Now that Zhao Yan had taken off his hat and removed his fake braid, everything made sense.

Although the absence of a braid seemed abnormal to these people, everyone who looked at Zhao Yan felt that he only seemed normal without a braid!

"This...this..." The originally smiling but treacherous old fat man Liu Yongfu was suddenly speechless, his smile vanished, and his eyes were filled with terror.

Every seasoned veteran present had weathered many storms, but no matter how much you've seen, you're still just a businessman navigating the world of business.

No matter how experienced you are, you're just a junior in front of Zhao Yan, who doesn't even want a braid.

Even the Heaven and Earth Society dared not cut their queues! Those who rose in rebellion all kept their queues, except for the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom! Mentioning the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom made everyone present weak in the knees. Back then, they were forced to seek refuge in Shanghai. Otherwise, how did the Huaiyang teahouse in Shanghai come about? That's how it came about!

Cutting off queues was a serious political issue. Yu Jingqian, the president of the Huaiyang Salt Association and the owner of a Huaiyang teahouse, was quite powerful, wasn't he? Spending money like water was nothing to him; he was the kind of person who could turn stones into gold. Any stone, as long as he asked, could be sold for the price of gold!

Even someone as capable as Yu Jingqian could only be considered inferior to Zhao Yan, who didn't have a queue (braid), because businessmen are insignificant in the face of politics!

No one in the entire room dared to doubt that Zhao Yan was a fraud!

This wasn't 1910, it was 1905! Sun Yat-sen probably still had a queue back then!

Chapter 8 Teahouse Speech

"Who are you? What do you want here?!"

At this moment, Yu Jingqian was extremely serious, his face was distorted, his hands were trembling, and his teeth were almost grinding to powder!

Zhao Yan maintained a calm and collected demeanor, but his heart was bleeding. His plan to swindle money had failed, and he was going to have to give that beer hall speech again, otherwise he would definitely be dead here today.

Zhao Yan glared fiercely at the chubby Liu Shangsheng, who shrank back in fright.

Turning back, Zhao Yan continued, "I've already said it, I am Zhao Yan, the leader and president of the Revolutionary Party, and I am a revolutionary!"

Yu Jingqian gritted his teeth and said, "I don't care what party you're from or what revolution you're involved in. I don't understand those things. Now you leave here, and we'll pretend nothing ever happened, okay?"

"That old bastard is really wicked!" Zhao Yan thought to himself. He was sure that if he left now, as soon as he stepped out of that door and was no longer in public, he would be put in a sack and thrown into the Huangpu River.

Yu Jingqian had a good plan. There were too many people around, and he didn't dare to kill Zhao Yan because he really didn't know where Zhao Yan's confidence came from.

If Zhao Yan has such a large organization behind him, and they kill him in front of so many people at the Huaiyang Teahouse, none of them will be able to escape.

But as long as Zhao Yan leaves without saying a word, we can just find a small alley to block him, throw him into the river and let him sink. As long as he doesn't die in the teahouse, everything will be easy to handle.

As for reporting to the authorities, try reporting it yourself! When it comes to acts of rebellion like cutting off queues, these merchants, once they enter the government office, even if you are the plaintiff in the case, you will be half dead.

These people may act all high and mighty like seasoned veterans, but in front of officials, they're nothing but fat sheep waiting to be slaughtered! Especially when it comes to things like rebellion, reporting to the authorities will lead to an even more miserable death, perhaps even worse than Zhao Yan's.

Because Zhao Yan is all alone, without a home or job, while they all have large and wealthy families!

"Let me leave? Just like that?" Zhao Yan suddenly grinned widely, laughing wildly, "Haha, I thought you were all heroes."

Looking around, Zhao Yan even burst into laughter: "Hahaha, but I never expected to see only a bunch of rats, a bunch of cowards who will never know how to hide in their rat holes and count their silver!"

The opening line was a group mockery, a tactic of provocation and turning the tables. You want me to leave? I won't! I'll do what they do in Romance of the Three Kingdoms: first mock, then draw out the hatred, and finally shock the whole audience.

The strategists in Romance of the Three Kingdoms used this approach extensively, but don't think it's useless. It's precisely because it's so useful that it's been used repeatedly.

Only in this way can the audience's emotions and attention be truly aroused, and anger is the easiest emotion to be aroused among all human emotions.

As long as you have emotions, you will reveal flaws, and only when you reveal flaws will Zhao Yan, this fraudster, have the opportunity to continue his operation.

If he doesn't convince these people to admire him and respect him today, Zhao Yan will never see the sun rise tomorrow!

"You brat! Do you really think we wouldn't dare kill you?"

"Kid, I've eaten more salt than you've eaten rice!"

"It's just a matter of life and death!"

"Insanity!"