Chapter 76 The Disbanded Troupe
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He spent a few days in a hotel in New York.
During this time, Li Changsheng had Carl arrange for the permits, visas, and insurance needed for the voyage, while he himself was busy purchasing supplies for the island—tents, speedboats, fire starters, and so forth.
When he had free time, he would go to Annie’s theater and watch a few plays.
But every visit was brief; he’d become familiar enough with the staff to exchange nods, yet with Annie herself, their acquaintance remained limited to a gesture on stage.
What he didn’t know was that the theater staff paid close attention to him, going so far as to discover exactly which hotel he was staying in.
...
This morning,
At the New York docks,
Carl, as promised, helped Li Changsheng find a boat and indeed enlisted his old partner, Engelhorn.
Li Changsheng, Carl, and Engelhorn stood beside a ship that looked terribly run-down.
Li Changsheng extended his hand, pointing to the vessel, joking, “Carl, is this the boat you found? It looks so shabby.”
Carl gave an awkward smile; he’d chosen this ship mainly for the commission he’d get as a middleman, but outwardly he replied in earnest, “My dear Li, don’t underestimate this ship!”
He gestured at the hull. “She may not look impressive, but at sea, she flies like a bird. Extremely reliable. Besides that, allow me to formally introduce you to Captain Engelhorn. He is the finest captain in these waters—bar none!”
One had to admit, Carl’s gift of gab was remarkable; he could talk life into a corpse.
Captain Engelhorn, standing nearby, was mortified.
He knew exactly the state of his ship.
At best, it was a middling cargo vessel—not old, just worn. He lacked funds to refurbish many fixtures.
“So, Engelhorn, do you have confidence you can take me to my destination?” Li Changsheng asked.
A hint of pride flickered in Engelhorn’s eyes. “She may not look like much, but I guarantee she’ll deliver us safely.”
Li Changsheng nodded. In the movies, Captain Engelhorn and his crew always showed true grit—especially Engelhorn himself, who made decisive choices in the face of danger.
Riding someone else’s ship, he wasn’t entirely sure they could get there.
“All right, prepare a spacious and comfortable cabin for me, with a good view. Upgrade all food, drink, and supplies to the best available. We depart tomorrow,” Li Changsheng said.
Such lavish living was something he’d never dared to imagine in his previous life.
“No problem!” Engelhorn replied without hesitation.
After all, this was a true patron in front of him—someone who actually paid, unlike Carl, who only made empty promises.
“I’ll give you the deposit now. See you tomorrow.” Li Changsheng tossed Engelhorn two thousand dollars and strode away.
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“Shit, is he a Middle Eastern tycoon? Or some hidden noble from an ancient family?”
Though it wasn’t the first time Li Changsheng tossed money around, Carl was always envious, muttering, “Fuck, brainless rich guy!”
Engelhorn snorted, “Carl, you damned bastard, don’t speak ill of my ‘god’ behind my back!”
“God? Who’s god?” Carl looked up, confused.
Engelhorn replied matter-of-factly, “God is Li, obviously!”
Carl sneered, “Two thousand dollars and you’re bought? Look at yourself—where’s your captain’s integrity?”
“Can integrity fill your stomach? If we don’t get business soon, my crew and I will be starving!”
“This job was thanks to my introduction. You owe me a drink!”
“My good liquor is reserved for Li. As for you?” Engelhorn glanced at him with contempt. “Get lost—not even my cheap booze for you. Your checks never cash!”
...
Meanwhile,
“Lyrical Song and Dance Troupe”
“Theater closed, awaiting further notice.”
The entrance was crowded with Annie’s colleagues.
Annie, flustered, rushed to the door, tugging desperately at the chain. “Hey, open up! We’re employees here!”
A staffer posting the closure notice gave Annie a casual glance—he’d seen this all before. All over New York, troupes and theaters were folding. With a mocking tone, he said, “Not anymore, ma’am. Your troupe’s gone. No big deal—just find another.”
The crowd erupted.
“Sure, it’s no big deal for you, but we haven’t been paid in two weeks. How are we supposed to survive?”
“Shit, they fled. What are we supposed to do?”
But complaints were futile; their belongings had already been tossed out.
Annie hurried to Manny, pleading, “Manny, they can’t have gotten away, right?”
“They already have,” someone answered.
They’d lost not just their wages, but their livelihoods.
Manny choked up, “The curtain has fallen. It’s over. My career is finished. I’m leaving, Annie—I’m going back to Chicago. I’m sorry.”
Even Manny, who’d worked diligently in the troupe for so long, was left penniless.
“No! Manny, there must be a way, right?” Annie cried.
Manny shook his head. “I’m sorry, Annie. All your life, people have let you down. Now you have to look out for yourself.”
Annie’s heart sank; familiar faces were about to leave, and she could do nothing.
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Why do things always turn out this way?
Who can help me?
There must be a way.
Wait.
Him.
Suddenly, Annie thought of something and shouted to the group, “You must wait for me—I’m going to find him. He’ll help us!”
She meant Li Changsheng, of course.
...
When Li Changsheng returned to his hotel,
He saw a stout security guard blocking a woman at the door, refusing to let her in.
The woman was anxious, tiptoeing, peering inside as if searching for someone.
Li Changsheng looked closely.
Who else could it be but Annie?
Seeing her persist at the entrance, the guard grew impatient, raising his hand to shove her away.
But as soon as he lifted his arm, he found it immobilized, unable to move no matter how hard he tried.
Looking up, he saw Li Changsheng gripping his arm.
That hand was like forged steel, squeezing his arm painfully.
“S-sir...” The guard’s eyes flickered with shock. He hadn’t expected the mild-mannered Asian guest to possess such formidable strength.
Li Changsheng gently released him. “This isn’t your concern—go back to your duties.”
He had spent a fortune here, renting the finest penthouse suite; all the hotel staff recognized him.
Annie stood aside, astonished at the scene before her.
She had never imagined their meeting would come at such a moment.
Li Changsheng’s gaze fell on Annie, appraising her discreetly.
Soft, wavy blonde hair, deep blue eyes, a shapely figure, fair complexion—the classic elegance and refinement of a European beauty.
He turned to her, speaking softly, “It’s all right now, Miss Annie. Hello.”
Annie was at a loss for words, gratitude and self-doubt flickering in her eyes. After a long hesitation, as if recalling something urgent, she blurted out, “Mr. Changsheng, please save us!”