The steam-powered locomotive emitted large amounts of white smoke as it dragged its long stretch of steel carriages down the tracks, speeding with the velocity of a rushing horse.
Watching the scenery on both sides rapidly recede while feeling the soft seat beneath him along with the small table in front, Johan gratefully said, "Thank you, Mr. Li Wei... I... I didn’t expect you to upgrade my seat to the second class compartment..."
His meager savings could barely afford him a third-class ticket.
As for the third-class compartment?
It was located right behind the locomotive, constantly filled with the foul odors and dust from the burning coal, packed tight like a can of sardines.
Essentially, every passenger would turn black from soot after spending long enough.
The second-class compartments, however, offered comparatively comfortable seating for four, and included a small wooden table in the middle. A food cart would pass through at noon and in the evening.
As for the even higher standard first-class compartments, they were said to be more luxurious but reserved exclusively for nobility and respectable individuals.
"There’s no need to be polite."
Zhong Shenxiu smiled elegantly, thinking to himself, ’Young man... you’re still too naive...’
Buying a train ticket also required proof of identity!
He naturally didn’t have such a thing, and Johan couldn’t find a plausible reason, which would easily get them denied access or even attract the attention of the patrol officers.
Zhong Shenxiu noticed that the security forces within the train station had already been beefed up.
Probably before long, news of the war would spread far and wide, and the steam trains would do everything possible to meet the demands of transporting various materials and troops, enforcing martial law at the stations, which would make escaping even more unlikely for Johan.
However, it was Johan’s luck to have met Zhong Shenxiu.
They had dodged routine inspections and inquiries easily with just a blank piece of paper.
Johan seemed to be riding a steam train for the first time, excitedly watching the scenery outside of the window, reluctant to take his eyes off it for a long time.
Zhong Shenxiu casually glanced at a fellow passenger.
A young gentleman with slightly curly, light brown hair and a slim figure, wearing double-breasted black velveteen long coat, a round-top hat, and holding a short cane with a silver inlay. He looked quite proper and cultured.
’The current temperature... isn’t exactly low, is it? It’s even rather hot...’
Zhong Shenxiu glanced at his and Johan’s shirts, thinking, ’Or perhaps... this is how the upper class dress, as they don’t need to labor themselves, hence the warmer, thicker clothes?’
The last passenger was a young woman dressed in a finely checked long skirt, a soft hat with a light veil hanging down her half-covered face. Her curious eyes were taking in her surroundings, and the obviously unsophisticated Johan caught her attention, stealing several unintentional glances at him.
Johan suddenly felt a blush creeping upon his ears and withdrew his gaze from the window, sitting straight and stiff.
The long journey on the steam train was rather monotonous, and the eight more hours to Klaystone seemed even longer.
Finally, unable to contain himself any longer, Johan asked softly, "Mr. Li Wei, do you have any suggestions for what we should do once we arrive in Klaystone?"
After boarding the train for his long journey, his courage seemed to gradually wear thin, filled with confusion and unease about the future.
"Going to a big city, the most important thing is to find a place to stay, otherwise, you’ll definitely be caught by the patrol cops at night, and if you don’t have a work permit, then that would be big trouble..."
Zhong Shenxiu smiled, although he had never been there, he could roughly guess the situation.
"Then... it’s time to find a job immediately. It could be a short-term type, but the most important thing is to get a work permit... After all, according to what you said, the kingdom is very strict about managing vagrants, but as long as you have a work permit, you won’t be arrested... I think, if you don’t want to go to a factory, working as a laborer at the docks might be an option, but be careful of gangs. It’s best to join a union or circle organized by people from your hometown... In the capital, outsiders always tend to band together for warmth..."
"You really are knowledgeable..."
Johan sincerely admired him.
’No, I’m just guessing...’ Zhong Shenxiu rolled his eyes mentally, then heard Johan’s question again. "But... I don’t want to be doing labor all my life, I’ve heard that Kaleston is filled with Gold."
The politely dressed young gentleman suddenly laughed, then took off his hat, apologizing, "Sorry... but I must correct you, Kaleston is not filled with gold. It’s a paradise for the rich and noble, but it’s not so friendly to the poor..."
"Well-intended advice is always good, even if it’s somewhat harsh!" Zhong Shenxiu nodded and smiled, "Mr. Li Wei, may I ask who you are?"
"Just call me Kerry."
The young gentleman responded with a smile, very politely, then looked at Johan, "You want to find a good job, what is your educational level? Do you have proof of elementary education?"
"Sorry... I... I’m illiterate!"
Johan felt the eyes of the lady also looking over and immediately bowed his head.
"Although I’m sorry to say, but it must be said, your level of education shuts many respectable job doors to you, as professional roles require long periods of study and accumulated experience, like doctors, lawyers..."
Kerry sighed, "Mr. Li Wei’s advice is very apt. First stabilize your footing in Kaleston, then you can think about other issues... Hmm, you’re not old. You can work during the day and attend literacy courses at the church at night, which are free. You can also listen to the greatness of the ’Gatekeeper,’ and perhaps once you’ve obtained a basic level of education, you may find a decent job through the church’s channels, such as... a nobleman’s servant or a waiter at some restaurants and clubs... That would at least be easier than manual labor. Mr. Li Wei, what do you think?"
"Sensible suggestion!"
Zhong Shenxiu nodded and seeing the baffled look in Johan’s eyes, he added, "A good life is created by your hands. Since you’ve made a decision, you can only push through, no matter how hard it gets..."
When it came to motivational talk, he was quite skilled.
Johan forcefully suppressed the frustration in his heart and managed a weak smile. "Thank you for your advice. I will seriously consider it."
Just then, his stomach made an embarrassing grumble again.
"It’s also lunchtime. Mr. Li Wei, shall we go to the dining car together, or wait for the meal cart to pass by?"
Kerry took out a finely crafted pocket watch, opened it to check the time, and asked with a smile.
Zhong Shenxiu was just about to answer when he suddenly looked up.
High above at 10,000 meters, a piercing sonic boom sounded!