“You have adopted so many children; you are a good person, and I believe what you say!”
Seeing Zhang Fang change his attitude, Father Hubert felt greatly relieved. However, he was still unwilling to let Zhang Fang leave.
“I have to go home. I can’t stay here forever,” Zhang Fang said helplessly, looking at Father Hubert.
For several days, Father Hubert had been describing life in Western countries to Zhang Fang, hoping to pique his interest to take him to the West.
Unfortunately, Zhang Fang appeared indifferent and was unwilling to leave his homeland for the West.
Father Hubert didn’t know what to do with Zhang Fang. Eventually, it was Zhang Fang who invited Father Hubert to visit Jiangnan for leisure and preaching. Father Hubert believed that as long as he stayed close to Zhang Fang, he could surely change his mind! So after giving instructions to the people at the church, he followed Zhang Fang and Manager Wei on their journey to Jiangnan.
Manager Wei had no kind expressions toward Father Hubert. Secretly, he sought out a Daoist priest to obtain several protective talismans, intending for Zhang Fang to carry them at all times. He planned to drive Father Hubert away once they arrived in Jiangnan, ensuring he would not harass Zhang Fang again!
Manager Wei kept a cold face daily, filled with vigilance, leaving Father Hubert feeling quite helpless.
As soon as they disembarked, Manager Wei was eager to shake off Father Hubert.
However, Zhang Fang enthusiastically took Father Hubert around, introducing him to the local scenery and food.
Old Master Zhang had returned to Jiangnan two days earlier and was waiting for Zhang Fang at the inn as planned.
“Let’s stay at this inn!” Zhang Fang finally found a place and smiled as he led Father Hubert inside.
Old Master Zhang had been waiting in the lobby of the inn these past two days, waiting for Zhang Fang to show up.
“Fifth!” Upon seeing Zhang Fang bring a foreigner, Old Master Zhang felt somewhat anxious.
“Master!” Manager Wei was delighted to see Old Master Zhang, feeling he suddenly had support and confidence. He rushed to Old Master Zhang’s side and whispered, “Master, that foreigner is a priest from the church. Just as Fifth Young Master gets close to him, he changes; it’s as if he’s possessed!”
Old Master Zhang feigned surprise, then furrowed his brows. Pointing at Father Hubert, he asked Zhang Fang, “Fifth, who is this person?”
“Father, this is Father Hubert! He’s a missionary from the West! A kind-hearted man! He has been preaching in our country for over twenty years and has adopted many orphans. He has always been doing good deeds!”
After introducing Father Hubert to Old Master Zhang, Zhang Fang turned to introduce Old Master Zhang to him: “This is my father.”
Old Master Zhang maintained a serious expression, scrutinizing Father Hubert.
Father Hubert could tell that the other party did not like him, but wanting to stay close to Zhang Fang, he graciously greeted Old Master Zhang, “Mr. Zhang, hello! You have a wonderful child!”
Who doesn’t like hearing others praise their child? Old Master Zhang was no exception; Father Hubert’s hostility seemed to have lessened as he replied calmly, “This child didn’t understand things before and has done many foolish things. Fortunately, he has learned to be responsible and has begun helping me manage the business. Fifth, how did your inquiries about going abroad turn out?”
Father Hubert’s face lit up with delight, and before Zhang Fang could respond, he asked Old Master Zhang, “Mr. Zhang, do you want him to go abroad? If you agree, I can take him to the West.”
“Father, you misunderstand! My father wants to sell cloth. I’m the young master of the Zhang family, and I certainly won’t be leaving my hometown to go to a strange place across the sea. For this kind of matter, it’s enough if someone else goes!” Zhang Fang quickly explained to Father Hubert.
Father Hubert showed a disappointed expression.
Manager Wei realized something and calmly reflected on the whole situation. Their trip to Haicheng was indeed to understand how to go abroad. However, going abroad was not an easy matter. On the sea, they might face dangers unknown; even if they could safely arrive in a Western country, they would still have to adapt to an unfamiliar place, people, and language. It would not be easy to do business in that environment at all! Unless they had connections in the local area, where someone would be willing to look after them, they could only hope for a smooth development.
Old Master Zhang always hurried back to the Zhang family as soon as he returned from outside, but this time he stopped outside just as Zhang Fang came back! What a coincidence! Manager Wei couldn’t help but think that this was all part of Zhang Fang and Old Master Zhang’s plan!
Without hesitation, Father Hubert told them, “If you want to engage in export trade, this is definitely not an easy task. Out at sea, you may face bullying. Once in a strange country, you will encounter difficulties due to the language barrier as well.”
Father Hubert had experienced such things. Had he not been a missionary, he might have been sold into slavery. When he arrived in the great Eastern country, Father Hubert faced many challenges and bullying due to the language barrier during his first few years.
Old Master Zhang fell silent, gazing deeply at Father Hubert. After a moment, he spoke, “You must be tired from your journey back. Please, sit down and have some tea to rest.”
Father Hubert felt the goodwill from Old Master Zhang and sensed he was being accepted, which lightened his mood.
“I really like the tea from your country. I am also very interested in your tea culture,” Father Hubert genuinely valued Eastern cuisine and tea culture!
Old Master Zhang smiled faintly and started chatting with Father Hubert, “Our country has many fine things, all passed down from our ancestors. If the goods were not good, how could they be inherited for thousands of years?”
Father Hubert nodded in agreement.
Old Master Zhang casually drank a couple of sips of tea before tentatively asking Father Hubert, “May I ask which country you are from?”
“I come from the land of the sun never sets. Although the food there can’t compare to your country’s, the scenery is beautiful, and the music is delightful. I hope Zhang Fang can visit my country!” Father Hubert sincerely invited Zhang Fang to his country, as it was also in the West!
Zhang Fang shook his head and whispered, “I won’t go to such a distant place!”
Old Master Zhang smiled lightly and replied to Father Hubert, “This is my youngest son; we cherish our younger children here. I couldn’t bear to let him leave home to go to a strange country.”
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