Chapter 24: Slippery

"By the way, you can act as a supervisor for me too."

"There’s a lot involved in building these greenhouses. Leaving such a massive project out in the fields without someone keeping an eye on it—I wouldn’t be at ease."

"It really has to be left in the hands of our own kin."

Chen Erzhu patted Chen Ling on the shoulder, pulled out a Hardman cigarette, handed it to him, and lit it.

He then lit one for himself, exhaled a puff of smoke, and continued:

"If you ask me, why not just set up a tent in the field? You can sleep there at night; it’ll save you from having to deal with your wife’s nagging at home."

"It’ll only take a month or so at most. Your brother Erzhu wouldn't let you suffer, would I?"

At this point, Chen Erzhu thumped his chest and declared:

"I won't say anything else, but once the greenhouses are finished, I'll bring you into the sand quarry. The two of us will make big money together..."

"That’s a sure thing!"

Seeing him pass cigarettes and thump his chest, Chen Ling found it utterly hilarious.

It felt just like the corporate bosses he’d met in his past life, always so adept at painting a grand picture.

They’d draw a big pie just to get people to work for free.

As if he were born yesterday.

With this in mind, Chen Ling shook his head, stubbed out the remaining half of his Hardman cigarette, and let out a long sigh.

"Bad timing, Erzhu, really bad timing."

"You might not believe it, but I haven't had a spare moment lately. Between tending to the fields and taking care of things at home—you know me, how could I manage all this?"

"I have to do it, though. My wife cries and complains all day; it’s driven me to my wit's end. I haven't even had time to hit the pool hall or the arcade these past few days."

"Even if I wanted to help you, I just can't."

Upon hearing this, Chen Erzhu stopped smiling instantly and flicked his cigarette butt to the ground. "Hey, Fugui."

"Are you playing that game with your brother Erzhu now?"

"Is it because I didn’t get you into the sand quarry after we swapped the farmland the other day?"

"Don't bother denying it. I knew it!"

"I know that little mind of yours..."

This remark caught Chen Ling off guard, leaving him momentarily bewildered.

But soon, a fragment of memory surfaced from deep within his mind.

It turned out that the old Chen Ling had been incredibly envious of Chen Erzhu’s lifestyle.

Supported by a wealthy woman, managing affairs at the county sand quarry, and never having to do any manual labor—wasn't that just like making money while lying down?

And to be able to frequent high-end restaurants and dance halls every day—that life was simply incredibly stylish.

The old Chen Ling was, at his core, a lazy good-for-nothing who coveted Erzhu’s lifestyle immensely.

In his eyes, that was the pinnacle of life!

At the same time, he felt quite resentful.

We're both loafers, so why can you live like this, Erzhu, and I can't?

You’re not even better than me!

Driven by such thoughts, Chen Ling began to model his behavior after Chen Erzhu.

But the result? He didn't have Erzhu’s silver tongue, nor his talent for manipulation.

Instead, he was played for a fool several times and suffered quite a few losses.

As a result, having recognized the reality, Chen Ling grew to admire Chen Erzhu, actively approaching and buttering him up.

The fool figured that even if he couldn't beat Erzhu in other areas, by building a good relationship, perhaps he could meet the influential people Erzhu knew.

Maybe he could share in a bit of Erzhu’s glory.

At the very least, getting into the sand quarry was better than rotting away in the village farming, right?

And how did that turn out?

He was still being led around by the nose by Chen Erzhu, and he never even got into the sand quarry.

He himself didn't have a clue, acting foolishly and believing whatever Chen Erzhu said.

Take the recent farmland swap, for instance—that was just a ruse Chen Erzhu used, dangling the promise of a job at the sand quarry to trick him.

"Ha, I called it, didn't I?"

Seeing Chen Ling silent, Chen Erzhu chuckled and pointed a finger at him.

"You kid, you have no idea how hard it is to get into the sand quarry these days."

"I’ve been running around everywhere, sent gifts, wined and dined people, but as you can see, there’s still no word."

"But this time, I can guarantee it for you."

"Why?"

"Old Liang, who manages the sand barge, is getting on in years and is planning to leave in a couple of months. Once he’s gone, you can just step into his position..."

At this, Chen Erzhu gave him a knowing smile and offered him another cigarette.

"Don't be in such a hurry, everything takes time. You can trust your brother Erzhu to get things done."

However, Chen Ling didn't take the cigarette. He just waved his hand and said, "No more, no more. I’ve been feeling quite agitated lately, and smoking too much just makes me nauseous."

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

"Still don't trust your brother Erzhu?"

Chen Erzhu frowned, visibly displeased.

*I’d be an idiot to trust you.*

*Trying to trick me with two sentences, getting me to work for free and guard the place at night.*

*Damn it, does he think everyone else is a dog?*

Chen Ling sneered inwardly but quickly said aloud, "That’s not it at all. Don't always think the worst of me."

"We’re both descendants of the Chen family; we’re family, no need to talk like strangers. After all these years, when have I ever not believed you?"

"Do you really see me as someone so calculating and petty?"

This remark left Chen Erzhu momentarily speechless.

It blocked the words he had intended to say right in his throat.

He blinked, paused for several seconds, and then gave a light cough. "Look at you, Fugui, what are you saying? I didn't mean it like that."

"It’s just that the matter you asked me to handle didn't turn out well, and I’ve been feeling guilty about it!"

"I thought you were upset with me because of that. It’s my fault for being impatient and misunderstanding you."

"But speaking of which, what have you been busy with lately?"

Chen Ling sighed again, looking dejected. "Family matters, it’s quite a headache. When I’m not so busy, I’ll find you and we can have a good chat."

"In the end, your sand quarry is the place to be—good money and few worries, much better than us ordinary folks."

"Keep an eye out for me, will you? If that Old Liang really does quit, make sure you get me in."

"If it really happens this time, I’ll be sure to reward you handsomely!"

As Chen Erzhu listened, he didn't know what to say. He felt an incredibly strange sensation.

He had a feeling that the Chen Ling of today was not quite the same as the one he knew; there was something sarcastic in his tone.

But he didn't hesitate in his response. He patted Chen Ling on the shoulder and said, "What are you talking about, Fugui? No need for rewards."

"Just rest assured, as soon as Old Liang leaves, I’ll definitely get you into the sand quarry."

Chen Ling’s expression softened instantly. He said with great seriousness, "You've helped me so much over the past two years, Erzhu, a thank you is definitely in order."

"But I have things to attend to now, so I won't keep you any longer."

Chen Erzhu felt that something was increasingly off, but still said, "Alright, go on. I’m taking Sister Hong to a dance party. We’ll meet up again when we’re back in the village."

After Chen Ling drove the donkey cart away, Sun Yanhong, who had been leaning against the motorcycle with her arms crossed without a word, walked over to Chen Erzhu and couldn't help but laugh.

"What are you standing there for? You were played by him..."

"This kid, haven't seen him in a few days, and he’s learned to be slippery."

Hearing this, Chen Erzhu froze. He finally began to process the situation, and his expression turned sour.