Chapter 15: Go Ahead and Jump

Ma Jun wandered alone on the deck, but he couldn’t go up to the higher decks, for those belonged to the first-class passengers.

Many passengers from second and third class strolled the deck in groups, enjoying the scenery and chatting merrily.

Some marveled at the grandeur of the Titanic, discussing the inspiration behind its builders and designers. Their pride was evident, as if they themselves had constructed the ship.

Children played soccer and chased each other, their world ever joyful.

A few crew members appeared, leading a pack of dogs. They were helping the wealthy passengers walk their pets, letting the dogs relieve themselves here. Most passengers turned a blind eye, while a few young men mocked, muttering that even dogs lived better lives than some people.

Such a lively tableau, a vivid portrait of life on board.

Ma Jun held a cigarette between his lips, letting the sea breeze ruffle his hair as he leaned against the railing, head tilted back, gazing into the distance. On the first-class deck, a striking lady had appeared.

She wore the elegant dresses of the wealthy, her pale bosom exposed, her figure plump and voluptuous. She gazed at the distant sea, her expression tinged with melancholy.

So that’s Rose, Ma Jun thought, a smile playing at his lips. No wonder she’s earned that nickname.

In truth, Rose’s sorrows might be more affectation than genuine misery. Her fiancé, Cal, was a handsome, wealthy man who adored her—perhaps a bit domineering, with a fierce possessiveness.

But all told, he was a fine match for marriage! In later times, countless beauties would have flocked to replace Rose.

Yet Rose was nothing like the other socialites; she felt stifled, miserable. One had to wonder how her mother, with such a personality, had raised such a rebellious child.

Across the ocean in America, decades ago, there had been a president named Kennedy. His wife, Jacqueline, and her sister, much like Rose, were daughters of families fallen on hard times.

The difference was, those two sisters held fast to one belief: always marry wealth and power! For that ideal, they endured much—much of it sordid and unseemly.

So Ma Jun could never quite understand why Rose was as she was.

Of course, there’s no denying that the tale of an underdog winning over a rich, beautiful woman is perennially popular.

But from Cal’s perspective, it was enough to drive a man mad!

Cal came after her, said something, but Rose ignored him and turned away. Cal, frustrated and helpless, followed.

Dinner time arrived.

For Westerners, dinner is a momentous affair. Yet, it was almost comical how the first-class passengers were summoned to dinner: a trumpet blast, as if calling the cavalry to charge.

Ma Jun found Jack below deck, where many of their group had gathered, feasting like a party. Ma Jun enjoyed the food and drink, all the while warning Jack, telling him that some old enemies were aboard, and he should keep a low profile.

Jack didn’t believe him and was reluctant, but since Ma Jun handed over premium cigarettes, he agreed to be cautious. Little did Jack know those cigarettes would’ve cost only ten yuan a pack in the future.

To be on the safe side, Ma Jun and Jack’s rowdy friend, Briggio, got Jack drunk.

Back on deck, it was now nearly deserted, just a handful of crew members patrolling. There were thousands of crew aboard, nearly a hundred just for the boilers. The disappearance of a lone Chinese man didn’t trouble them much.

Only at night did the chill truly set in. The sea was calm, but the wind bit sharply.

Ma Jun made his way to the stern, found a chair, and lit a cigarette.

“Uncle, are you trying to win Rose’s heart? Like a toad lusting after a swan!” The little girl, who had promised to ignore Ma Jun, spoke up again.

“No,” Ma Jun replied, shaking his head, “I’m just here to watch the spectacle! Besides, I want to taste your meat!”

“Hmph, you scoundrel! Don’t talk to me!” Words had their power—the little girl was immediately angry.

Ma Jun chuckled and shook his head, when suddenly, the sharp sound of hurried footsteps echoed nearby.

He saw Rose, dressed in flamboyant clothes, tears brimming in her eyes, running desperately like someone with a terminal illness, bereft of all will to live. She rushed to the rail, hesitated, then carefully climbed over, clutching the railing, staring down at the pitch-black water, her chest heaving violently.

Now was the perfect moment to intervene—to stop Rose and win her heart. That would’ve completed Ma Jun’s task. But he had no intention of making this woman fall for him.

So Ma Jun simply sat where he was, slowly smoking, watching Rose’s silhouette from behind.

Rose clung to the rail for a long time. Her urge to leap was nothing more than a fleeting impulse, one that required great courage. The moment anyone tried to stop her, her resolve would crumble.

Farther away, the off-duty crew huddled together, chatting, oblivious to what was happening nearby.

A loud splash broke the silence.

Rose’s figure vanished!

“Damn, someone’s gone overboard!” Ma Jun leapt to his feet, shouting in English as he rushed to the rail.

A group of crew members came running.

“What happened?”

“What’s going on?”

“Someone’s jumped!” Ma Jun cried anxiously. “I heard a splash—look, she’s struggling in the water!”

“Go report to the captain!”

Another group hurried over—it was Cal and his bodyguard. Cal demanded, “What are you saying? Someone jumped? Who is it?”

“This gentleman saw it happen!” the crew replied, turning to Ma Jun.

Ma Jun frowned. “It looked like a lady. I was lying here, gazing at the stars, when I caught a glimpse of a woman running past. I didn’t think much of it—thought she was just admiring the view. Then I heard a splash, followed by a woman’s scream.”

“Look, just now we could still see her struggling!” Ma Jun pointed at the water. “It’s freezing—she won’t last long!”

Cal was stunned. He gripped the rail, his face twisting in horror, and shouted, “What are you waiting for? Stop the ship—save her! She’s my fiancée!”

The bodyguard, Lovejoy, stepped forward and held Cal back. “Sir, there’s no hope. The Titanic is moving fast, the water’s icy cold. By the time we lower a lifeboat and reach the spot, she’ll be gone.”

The crew was in shock as well. Someone had died—and as the patrol, they would surely be held responsible.

“Why didn’t you save her?” After a long silence, Cal turned and roared at Ma Jun, his face contorted with rage.