A New Dawn for the Whitlocks Chapter 35

Next to the railway in the Shanhe Coal Mine, a train loaded with coal was ready to go. The front of the train was tied with red balls and ribbons, and the sides of the train were full of workers from the Shanhe Coal Mine with colorful flags flying. Caleb Whitlock and Shaojing were holding a long red silk ribbon, and Connor Whitlock was standing between them. Shaojing shouted to the workers around him: "The first coal train of the Shanhe Coal Mine is about to set off. Now, please invite our general manager Connor Whitlock to cut the ribbon!" The miners applauded enthusiastically. Connor Whitlock said, "Young and old men, how is the weather today?" Everyone shouted in response, "Good, good weather!" Connor Whitlock said, "The sky is blue, the sun is red, and God has congratulated us! The first truckload of coal from Shanhe Mine is a glory for everyone and a glory for the Chinese people!" Shao Jing whispered, "Uncle, you have to talk more about the significance of Shanhe Mine for the development of Northeast China and for the industrial power of the country!" Connor Whitlock smiled, shook his head and said, "That's all I have to say!" Then he cut the red silk and gave a loud order, "Drive!"

Suddenly, firecrackers blasted and train whistles blew, causing a great deal of jubilation in the Shanhe Mine. The train started slowly.

However, the celebration of the people of Shanhe did not last long, as the coal train rumbled back to where it came from. The Japanese Army General Staff ordered Colonel Ozaki to lead his troops to send the Kwantung Army to cut off the railway line of the Shanhe Coal Mine in the name of military exercises. The coal train was forced back by the Japanese guns and cannons.

Connor Whitlock hurriedly called Caleb Whitlock, Shaojing and several major shareholders to discuss countermeasures. Shaojing said: "I don't think we need to worry too much about this. I know Japanese, I can go and argue with the Kwantung Army. This is the railway of China's Shanhe Coal Mine, why do you occupy it without permission?" Connor Whitlock said: "Shaojing, your reasoning will not convince the Kwantung Army, they just don't listen to reason!" Shaojing said: "Even if they don't listen, I have a way." As he said that, he took out a small pistol from his waist and slammed it on the table. "If it really doesn't work, I will perish with them!" A shareholder glared at him and said, "Put away your little gun! It's useless to look for such a big thing. Maybe the Kwantung Army's exercise will only last for three or five days. Let's wait and see!" Connor Whitlock said, "The Kwantung Army has arrived. It's a big deal! In this matter, we are all small ants that can't wear big shoes! I asked San'er to ask his second brother. We have to find out what's going on." After a while, Caleb Whitlock came back and said, "My second brother found out that it was the troops of Colonel Ozaki of the Kwantung Army that occupied the railway. My second brother has reported it to the young marshal, and the young marshal and his men have also held a meeting to discuss countermeasures." Everyone felt heavy in their hearts when they heard this. Connor Whitlock said, "Two days ago, Director Yao was suspended for giving us the approval document. Now they have occupied the railway again. The little Japanese are very wild."

Shao Jing rode his motorcycle along the railway. He was dressed in Western style, could speak Japanese, and rode a motorcycle that showed off its power. He unexpectedly found his way to Ozaki's office smoothly.