Shanghai, the Concession.
Although Shanghai had already come under deep Western influence, it was still filled with festive spirit on the first day of the Lunar New Year.
There were fireworks displays on the Bund and lion dance troupes parading through the streets. Every household had pasted up Spring Festival couplets, and a cheerful atmosphere filled every corner.
The defeat of the Japan Fleet two months earlier, in particular, had greatly boosted public confidence.
At the Old Godfather Chamber of Commerce's guildhall, many of its key members were gathered around a stove, drinking tea and discussing the past.
Ji Hong spoke with some emotion. "Life really has gotten better. Ever since we latched on to Mr. Lin, the dues we have to hand over have dropped considerably, and there's less harassment, too. We even have spare money to take home. It really has been a prosperous New Year..."
Zhao Qing stood at the window, watching the street outside, which looked very prosperous for this era. She sounded equally wistful. "Yes, it's like a dream. And Mr. Lin asks very little of us. He just borrows our channels, and we hardly have to give anything in return. Now I'm just wondering when they'll find our Settlement."
At this, a trace of worry crossed Zhao Qing's pretty face.
Shopkeeper Cheng, the nominal head of the Old Godfather Chamber of Commerce, shook his head at her words. "They're too far from us. We might actually be closer to Yonghui Industrial Park, but unfortunately, the Industrial Park isn't very capable of exploring beyond its borders."
Ji Hong was also wondering when they would be able to establish contact over in the Abyss.
"But I heard the Industrial Park was one or two thousand kilometers away. The school spent a long time searching across that