In the northwest of Germany, about a two-hour drive from Berlin, there is a place called Bremen, which is the capital of Germany's Bremen state, the second largest port city, the fifth largest industrial city, and the center of the northwest.
Before the outbreak of the European War, it was one of the most developed cities in Europe. Its unique geographical location and strong industrial base caused the population of Bremen to skyrocket from 100,000 in 1875 to 250,000 in 1911.
At that time, the nightlife in Bremen was quite lively, with the snack streets and red-light districts in the city operating 24 hours, making it a city that never sleeps.
With the defeat of the German Empire in the European War, Germany had to pay huge war reparations, which severely damaged its economy. As a result, Bremen also suffered greatly. The previous severe inflation led to a wave of unemployment, causing this former industrial center to lose more than a third of its population, and Bremen's nights became lifeless.
Fortunately, the President of the German Federal Bank, Hjalmar Schacht, saved Germany's economy by using the landowner's mark as currency, which also helped Bremen to some extent regain its vitality.
Even so, it's difficult for Bremen to restore its former nightlife before the European competition.
"Phew!"
Anna von Sievers took a deep breath and blew out the candles in front of her, which were on top of a huge fruit cake, with twenty burning candles.
"Today is my twentieth birthday, and my wish is that I never have to spend another birthday alone." This is the wish that Anna just made. As an orphaned girl far from her hometown, Anna's only source of support is her grandfather, General Siket. Although General Siket dotes on his only granddaughter, his busy work schedule only allows him to spend as much time with Anna as possible.
But plans can't keep up with changes, especially for soldiers. Originally, Seeckt had promised Anna to personally take her to the night market in Bremen on her birthday. However, on that morning, a messenger from Berlin knocked on Anna's door, bringing Seeckt's gift and a letter. Although she had already guessed the answer, Anna politely thanked the soldier, then gently closed the door and eagerly opened the envelope.
The content of the letter is not complicated. Seeckt first expressed congratulations to Anna for turning a year older, and then apologized for having to break his promise to her due to a temporary meeting with the National Defense Forces. He claimed to have already prepared a birthday gift for Anna and promised to take her to the night market in Bremen next year.
As for the result, Anna did not show any particularly emotional fluctuations, as she had received four or five similar letters in the past few years.
Is she angry? Of course she is, but Anna also understands Seeckt's difficulties. After all, as a man who shoulders the defense of the country, it's hard for him to have his own time.
She just expressionlessly used a match to burn the letter, then threw the ashes into the trash can. All day long, Anna sang freely in her bedroom. This was a habit she developed after her father's death in 1916. Only in song could Anna temporarily forget the world's misery and hardship. Alone in her room, she sang passionately, calmly, urgently, and soothingly.
For her, as long as the music doesn't stop, any kind of song will do. Time flies like a white horse, and in the evening, the tired Anna lies straight on the bed, forming a big "X" shape, completely different from her gentle appearance. Anna lies on her side, leaning on the pillow, looking out the window. She sees the setting sun and dark clouds gradually spreading across the city, as if a stage play is drawing its curtains.
Is this city going to fall into a deep sleep again, just like the past few years? Looking at the lights gradually dimming in the distant urban area, the city gradually shrouded in darkness, Anna couldn't help but wonder.
At that time, Bremen was like dead, only silence and darkness, it was really a disgusting moment, only able to hear the sound of my own heartbeat.
Anna restlessly turned over, wanting to cover her head with a pillow.
Wait? Why can't I hear the sound of my own heartbeat? Anna suddenly realized, she immediately got up from the bed, covering her chest with her hand. Thankfully, her heartbeat was still there. But why couldn't she hear the sound of her heartbeat? Anna carefully listened to the sounds in the room. In the distance, it seemed like there was singing coming from somewhere.
Although she could only faintly hear the singing, it was indeed the sound of someone singing. This was something out of the ordinary compared to the past few years. Anna couldn't remember the last time she had been to the night market in Bremen. She quickly straightened her clothes, lifted her skirt, and rushed out.
"Weilerauchein arischer Arbeiter is (just because he is also an Aryan worker)."
"Alsowillerauch essen (so he also wants to eat)."
"He doesn't want to hear any polite words."
"He can't stomach nonsense."
"Turn left, two, three."
"Turn left, two, three."
"Come here, comrades."
"Come and join the united front of the workers."
"Because you are also a worker."
In the Mechanical Park in the city of Bremen, the once abandoned terrace has been temporarily set up, and the previously deserted park is now crowded with people. On the stage, a band is passionately performing, with the words "Revolutionary National Fighters Alliance" boldly written on the backdrop behind them.
Although the lead singer is not very professional, you can tell from his singing that there are no traces of professional training. However, his passionate voice and exaggerated movements are enough for the workers in the audience. Not all of these people were intentionally arranged to be here. Over the past few years, many people have been forced to work hard for a living and have forgotten their hobbies and dreams.
However, on what seemed like an ordinary day, the sound of music from Mechanical Park attracted these weary workers, who gathered here spontaneously, humming along with the music and the beat.
"Although I don't understand music, this song, Einheitsfrontlied, sounds very impressive at first listen. I have to say, your composition skills are really high, Miss Bettina."
Watching Strasser play the guitar on stage, Otto sincerely praised him.
"Actually, these songs were all created by Mr. Gregor; I just helped him with the arrangement."
Bettina blushed a bit at Otto's compliment. In fact, she was right; she merely transcribed the music based on Strasser's melody, while the lyrics and melody were all composed by Strasser himself.
"Without your careful guidance, my brother definitely wouldn't have been able to learn so many scores in just a few weeks." Otto attributed Strasser's rapid progress to Bettina's teaching. Logically, this explanation made the most sense, so Bettina accepted it as her own achievement, feeling that she had at least contributed to Strasser's success. Thinking of this, Bettina felt a warmth spread throughout her body.
On stage, Strasser was passionately playing his ancestral José Ramirez guitar. Fortunately, before his rebirth, he had studied in Russia during his youth and had joined a band called "Civil Defense," where he learned rock music from the main vocalist, Letov. This experience gave him considerable exposure to the guitar, allowing him to learn quickly from Bettina. "Logically speaking, they should be arriving soon, right?"
Strasser's gaze wandered through the crowd as he searched for that petite figure, but it seemed she was nowhere to be found. He had deliberately chosen a location not far from her residence, so it was hard to believe she wouldn't hear it. Strasser began to doubt whether she had fallen asleep. At that moment, a sudden drumbeat from the accompanying band signaled a change in the music played by the pianist, indicating that the final song of the day was about to begin.
No matter what, Strasser decided to finish the concert first. The people who came here today were not all brought from Berlin by Strasser.
In other words, Strasser did not expect that his half-hearted concert could attract so many workers. Since there were people supporting him, Strasser felt he had to put his heart into completing the concert.
Taking a deep breath, Strasser embraced his guitar and rocked out to the accompaniment. Among the songs he brought from the future, this one was his favorite.
"The battle will continue."
"The heart is pounding in the chest."
"Libknecht is so young."
"The young November people move forward."
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