Chapter 45

The third day of the sea voyage.

Lin Keying had become increasingly accustomed to life at sea.

She would wake early for breakfast, head to the spa on the third deck for a massage, sip wine while watching classic films in the cinema — life was surprisingly pleasant.

Her godfather and godmother had no interest in the foreign films shown on board; they were still in the teahouse on the second floor, drinking tea and socializing with other wealthy businessmen who were also heading to the mining auction in South Africa.

After the movie, as Lin Keying stepped out of the cinema and was about to turn down the long hallway, she happened to encounter the three Englishmen she had met the day before, standing at the entrance of the indoor golf course chatting with two Frenchmen.

All of them were impeccably dressed, acting like gentlemen, engaging in polite conversation while cautiously probing each other about the upcoming mining auction in South Africa.

The Englishman said, “Which mining area are you targeting? Give us a hint so we can avoid it.”

The Frenchman replied, “We don’t have a specific target. Why don’t you share yours, so we can stay clear?”

Despite the cordial surface of their conversation, no useful information was exchanged, as both sides remained wary beneath their smiles.

In the end, the conversation concluded with a veiled insult to Hong Kong.

The Frenchman remarked, “So you think all of South Africa’s mines are yours to choose from? I heard there are several capable businessmen from Hong Kong on this ship too. But they won’t dare compete with us — otherwise, when they return, the British Hong Kong government will make sure they suffer for it.”

The last phrase, a Cantonese proverb meaning “They’ll be in serious trouble”, was spoken in awkwardly accented Cantonese.

The Englishmen smiled smugly but replied modestly, “Oh, nothing of the sort. It’s fair competition for all.”

After a few polite laughs and as the two sides prepared to part ways, Lin Keying appeared from around the corner and called out a name she had overheard yesterday:
“Hey, Charles — you’re on board too? You’re also heading to the mining auction, aren’t you?”

The two Frenchmen left first, glancing curiously at the Hong Kong woman who had suddenly appeared. Lin Keying then struck up a conversation with the three Englishmen.

Though the gentlemanly Englishmen did not recognize the beautiful woman before them, they didn’t shoo her away either. When Lin Keying mentioned having seen them at the Lands Department before, they politely feigned recognition despite having no memory of her.

“Oh, beautiful lady, I remember now,” one of them said.

Lin Keying smiled as they chatted a bit about land auctions, further convincing the Englishmen that she was indeed a capable businesswoman who had been present at those events.

“I heard you three are also attending the mining auction in South Africa. I wish you success in advance.” The final four words, “wish you success,” were spoken in Cantonese.

After a brief chat, Charles invited Lin Keying to meet him at the bar that evening for a drink. With a graceful twirl of her long skirt and a tilted smile, she declined: “Sorry, I have plans tonight. Goodbye.”

As she walked away, Charles stared after her with a hint of infatuation. “There are such beautiful ladies from Hong Kong… Hey, William, did you hear Miss Lin’s English just now? Very fluent — and her smile is even more captivating.”

“You should try asking her out. It seems she’s interested in you too.”

The men chuckled smugly and headed toward the cinema.

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At lunchtime, Lin Keying ran into the two Frenchmen she had met earlier.

Leo and Louis greeted her enthusiastically, “Beautiful lady, would you allow us to dine with you?”

“Please, feel free,” Lin Keying replied graciously.

The two Frenchmen were even more enthusiastic than the Englishmen. They chatted animatedly with Lin Keying about everything from the ship’s interior design to the art hanging on the walls, even spontaneously inviting her to an art exhibition in Paris.

Thinking of Paris, Lin Keying remembered she had a newlywed husband back there. She smiled faintly.
“If I get the chance, I’d love to visit Paris.”

Her husband was likely still in Paris attending various conferences. Given his workaholic nature, his daily schedule was undoubtedly packed.

After some pleasant conversation, the Frenchmen finally got to the point, asking about her morning chat with the Englishmen:
“Miss Lin, it seemed you were talking with Charles and the others about the South African mining auction this morning?”

A hint of caution appeared on Lin Keying’s face, and she quickly distanced herself from the topic.
“Oh, we were just chatting for fun. You two and Charles’ group are the ones with the real power to bid.”

“Hey, Miss Lin, don’t be too modest,” Leo remarked. He had clearly seen how easily she got along with those Englishmen in the morning and figured she had some clout.

Louis then produced a map of the mining areas up for auction in South Africa.
“Miss Lin, did Charles mention which mines he’s interested in?”

The auction was a blind bid — no one knew whether the unmined areas would yield valuable minerals. Any insider information would provide a huge advantage and reduce the risk of wasting money.

Lin Keying shook her head repeatedly.
“How would I know their targets? But as for Kimbers, Dongwei, Ritania, and Derenel — I wouldn’t dare touch those.”

“Oh?” Leo and Louis perked up instantly, exchanging glances and understanding.

The Hong Kong merchants had been intimidated by the British; those mines were the Englishmen’s targets, so the Hong Kong side wouldn’t dare compete for them.

Louis discreetly tapped each of the four mining areas the beautiful lady had mentioned, mentally noting them down as the two Frenchmen left feeling satisfied.

Lin Keying, now alone, found her seafood risotto even more appetizing.

The four mines she had mentioned? In her memory, they were the most worthless — filled only with junk ore.

Meanwhile, the three Englishmen, having secretly observed her conversation with the Frenchmen, whispered amongst themselves, neatly dressed and clearly scheming something.

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Downstairs, life was lively and colorful. Chen Songxian had spent the entire day studying and was nearly cross-eyed from fatigue.

What a miserable life! Truly miserable!

As he poked at his untouched dinner, the delicious food seemed to have lost all appeal in the face of his yearning for freedom.

Determined, he put down his knife and fork and clutched his stomach dramatically.
“Ow, ow, my stomach hurts!”

The sailor on duty rushed in, concerned.

Chen Songxian pointed at the half-eaten seafood risotto and groaned painfully,
“I’m allergic to shrimp! I just ate some — my stomach hurts, my whole body itches. Quick, go get the doctor!”

The sailor had strict orders from Secretary Yang, assistant to the shipowner, to keep Chen confined these days. But now the situation seemed serious…

“Hurry up!” Chen barked with the entitled air of a wealthy heir.
“If something happens to me, can you bear the consequences when my family comes after you?”

The sailor didn’t dare delay another second and dashed off, promising to fetch the doctor.

As soon as he was out of sight, Chen Songxian instantly sprang back to life, bolted upright, and finally escaped his cage.

Ah, freedom! He dashed toward the main hall to mingle with the crowd.

Bar, here I come!

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