Explore Chapter 14 of "马伯乐" with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
Life in the concession of Shanghai grew increasingly difficult for Ma Bole. News of the war became more tense with each passing day. The sound of artillery drew ever closer.
He hid indoors every day, too afraid to venture out. Rent had skyrocketed, and prices soared. What little money he had left was dwindling fast.
He thought of writing to Mrs. Ma, but he would pick up the pen only to put it down again. He knew Mrs. Ma would not come, nor would she send him any money.
Overwhelmed by despair, he began to drink heavily. But the alcohol offered no solution. Instead, it plunged him deeper into despondency.
One day, word spread that the Japan army was poised to attack the concession. He decided to embark on another wartime flight. He sold off all his valuables and bought a boat ticket to Hankou.
On the pier, he saw countless refugees huddled together, all waiting to leave the perilous city behind.
At last, the ship set sail. Ma Bole gazed at the fading outline of Shanghai, his heart awash with mixed emotions. He had no idea where this wartime flight would lead him. But he knew that as long as the war raged on, he would have to keep fleeing.