Chapter 124: Even Pettiness Has Its Limits

Fang Yuan had no idea she was being flirted with. She studied Lu Chuan seriously for a while. “You really do look better now. Your eyes are brighter, there’s a smile on your face, and your whole spirit is different. It’s like you’re a different person.”

Lu Chuan, on the other hand, knew exactly why. He’d gotten married to Fang Yuan as soon as they met. Back then, Old Lu had spent all the family’s savings just to get him married. He couldn’t even afford to go to school, always wore a gloomy face, and was so downcast it was hard to look at him.

Marrying Fang Yuan had really been a last resort. He didn’t even dare think about what he was like back then.

But now? He had a wife, and one he was quite fond of. He didn’t have much money, but at least he didn’t have to worry about tuition anymore. They even had a house. His whole outlook had improved—how could he be the same as before?

Lu Chuan leaned in. “Take a good look. See if there’s anything else different.”

Fang Yuan leaned closer. “Your hair’s grown longer?”

But as Lu Chuan leaned in, she gave him a quick kiss.

Lu Chuan grinned so wide he couldn’t stop. He looked absolutely delighted.

Fang Yuan teased, “I never see you study seriously, but you sure have picked up a lot of these little tricks.”

Lu Chuan protested, “Hey, don’t blame the school for that.”

Fang Yuan replied, “Well, it’s not like your school is totally innocent. Where did you learn all this?”

Sure enough, giving the school a bad name.

That night, as they were getting ready for bed, Lu Chuan realized he’d done something particularly stupid: the bed he’d prepared for Fifth Brother, Fang Yuan had already made up.

Just the two of them in one room, no outsiders—why did they need two beds?

Lu Chuan wanted to smack himself. Why did he have to be so thorough? He’d dug himself a hole.

He decided to escalate the issue. “Fang Yuan, have you fallen out of love with me?”

Fang Yuan refused to accept such an accusation. Hands on her hips, she retorted, “Are you accusing me of being improper? What did you see that gives you the right to say that?”

Lu Chuan immediately softened, sounding so meek it was almost pitiful. “I just meant, do you not want to have kids anymore?”

Fang Yuan shot back, “Can’t you speak properly? Did your language teacher quit or something?”

Lu Chuan mulled over her words, thinking them over and over, but something still felt off. Fang Yuan’s attitude and choice of words were different from usual.

And this change couldn’t have come from Fifth Brother or anyone else around her.

Lu Chuan had always paid close attention to Fang Yuan. He noticed even the smallest changes. Casually, he asked, “So, about having kids—do you still want to?”

Fang Yuan replied, “Why so many questions? Even if I got pregnant now, I couldn’t catch up with that shameless one. There’s no rush.”

So, she didn’t want to. Lu Chuan’s eyes darkened with emotion, but he held back.

He obediently lay down on the small bed, grinding his teeth as he chatted with Fang Yuan. “How’s Big Brother doing?”

Fang Yuan said, “With his brother-in-law, things can’t be going that well. Even without Fifth Brother, my Fourth Brother’s already taken half his business in the village.”

She added with a sigh, “My Fourth Brother really is talented.”

Lu Chuan nodded. Talented, sure—especially at screwing over his own brothers. But he felt Fang Yuan and Fifth Brother were underestimating Big Brother. In Lu Chuan’s opinion, Old Tiger Fang was someone who could really keep his cool.

But hearing Fang Yuan talk, Lu Chuan didn’t quite believe it. If it were up to her, she’d probably say, “My Fourth Brother is better than anyone.”

Lu Chuan said, “Dad must be worried, seeing us brothers like this.”

Fang Yuan replied, “Not at all. Don’t be fooled by the ‘tiger’ in my brothers’ names. My dad’s always hoped they’d all become dragons. No matter how much they fight, it’s all about making money. As long as they stick together against outsiders, Dad won’t say anything.”

Lu Chuan said, “In the end, Fifth Brother is the smart one. He jumped right out of the whole mess.”

Fang Yuan said proudly, “Of course, he’s my Fifth Brother.”

Lu Chuan said, “How’s everything at our construction site? I wonder if Fifth Brother will be able to find the right people when he goes back. We still need to add some good hands. Nothing’s easy.”

Fang Yuan replied, “That’s no problem. There are plenty of people who want to work with us. Fifth Brother knows what he’s doing. He’ll definitely bring along the people who started with us. I’m more worried about Dad—he’s too honest.”

Lu Chuan nodded. That sounded about right.

Fang Yuan continued, “But it should be fine. Our site manager is a good guy. He’ll help keep an eye on things.”

Lu Chuan snorted quietly. He knew Fang Yuan’s change in attitude couldn’t have come out of nowhere. Someone had gotten to her behind his back.

Good thing he’d acted early and brought his wife to the provincial capital. Otherwise, who knows what might have happened? Lu Chuan didn’t even want to think about it.

Lu Chuan could keep his cool, but if someone could go to such lengths to get close to his wife, they must be pretty capable at blocking off his escape routes, too.

Lu Chuan said darkly, “He’s young, ambitious, and not bad looking, right?”

Fang Yuan replied, “He’s young, ambitious, smart. As for looks, I haven’t really paid attention. But men are judged by their abilities, not their looks.”

Lu Chuan was a bit taken aback. “So, how capable is he?”

Fang Yuan said, “He’s already our site manager—how could he not be capable?”

Then she added, “He’s reasonable, funny, and down-to-earth. If we ever run into trouble, he helps out without a second thought. Really loyal.”

Lu Chuan was fuming. Fang Yuan had never praised him this much.

He almost wished she’d just said the guy was good-looking. This was like a fire in his own backyard.

Fang Yuan kept talking, but Lu Chuan fell silent.

Fang Yuan truly had no idea she’d been tricked into revealing so much. “Are you asleep?”

Lu Chuan lay there with a dark face, so angry he could barely breathe. How could he possibly sleep?

Meanwhile, Fang Yuan was already snoring, while Lu Chuan tossed and turned, thinking about that guy at the county site. What kind of person could make Fang Yuan praise him so much?

The next morning, Lu Chuan’s face was still gloomy.

Fang Yuan said, “Why don’t you rest here? I’ll go check on the site.”

Lu Chuan replied sarcastically, “No need. I’m not ambitious, not smart, and if I’m lazy too, people will really look down on me.”

Fang Yuan didn’t remember a word from last night. “Who says that? You’re smart enough already. Of course, if you work even harder and buy me a big crane, that’d be even better.”

Lu Chuan’s frustration simmered inside. He still couldn’t afford a big crane.

Fang Yuan quickly forgot about it, but every word stuck in Lu Chuan’s heart. Unfortunately, he couldn’t say anything, since Fang Yuan clearly didn’t mean anything by it.

Coincidentally, Lu Chuan’s classmate Zhang Wei was also at the site. Both were the hands-on type and got along well.

Lu Chuan introduced Fang Yuan, “This is my classmate Zhang Wei. His family’s in construction. He’s the one who helped us get this job.”

Then he added, “This is my wife, Fang Yuan. I was planning to introduce you two when school started, but since we ran into each other here, what a coincidence.”

Fang Yuan was wearing jeans, flat shoes, and a light fleece top. Even in the provincial capital, she stood out.

Zhang Wei thought to himself, I heard Lu Chuan’s wife was from the countryside, but she sure doesn’t look it. “So you’re Lu Chuan’s wife! I’ve heard so much about you. We’ll be counting on you for future projects.”

Thank you all for your support."

"Chapter 125: The Beginning of a Career

Zhang Wei was a fair-skinned, chubby guy with a friendly face and a pleasant way of speaking. Fang Yuan had a good impression of him. “We’re hardworking and reliable, you can count on us. And thank you for trusting us and introducing us to this job.”

Zhang Wei replied, “You’re too modest, sister-in-law. Lu Chuan’s told me before—he said you and Fifth Brother are both solid workers, real professionals, and you’ve got a good crew around you.”

Fang Yuan smiled, “That’s true, but with you praising us like this, it’s a bit much! We want to get a foothold here in the provincial capital, so we’ll definitely do a good job. You can rest assured, we won’t put you in a difficult spot.”

Her polite words sounded sincere and down-to-earth, though unfortunately, she hadn’t learned this from her own family, but had picked it up from those grandsons in the county town.

Lu Chuan still looked a bit upset, which even Zhang Wei noticed. “What’s wrong? If you’ve run into trouble, just say the word.”

Lu Chuan shook his head. “It’s nothing. Why don’t you tell us more about this job? We haven’t worked in the provincial capital before, so the more you tell us, the more prepared we’ll be.”

Zhang Wei said, “Honestly, I’m just benefiting from knowing you. As for the pay, you can talk to me directly. However you want to do it, I’ll make the call. No need to be nervous.”

Fang Yuan felt that these bosses were all pretty easygoing and sincerely complimented him, “You look the part of a boss—fair and chubby.”

Zhang Wei glanced at his own figure. “Sister-in-law, no one’s ever complimented me like that before.” He was so straightforward, it was hard to tell if he was joking or not. After all, being called a “fat guy” wasn’t exactly a compliment.

Fang Yuan laughed, “If you were back in our village, people would be praising you all day long. The aunties and grannies would be lining up to introduce you to their daughters.”

Zhang Wei was stunned. “Sister-in-law, are you pulling my leg? With my figure, I’m hardly anyone’s first choice.”

Fang Yuan replied, “Why would I lie? You’re fair and chubby—it shows your family is well-off. A girl marrying you wouldn’t have to suffer. Guys built like you are exactly the type the aunties love.”

Zhang Wei still looked doubtful and turned to Lu Chuan. “Really?”

Lu Chuan, not wanting them to get sidetracked, said, “Let’s get back to business.”

Zhang Wei grinned, “You’ve already got a wife, and not a single girl’s ever shown interest in me. I’m even more anxious about getting married.”

Fang Yuan said, “Don’t worry about that. If you can’t find a wife, I’ll have my mom look for one for you in our village—guaranteed success.”

Could she really guarantee that? But once the topic shifted, it never came back. Anyway, Lu Chuan had lost control of the conversation.

The real question was, with Zhang Wei’s big family and business, would he really go to the countryside to find a wife?

But Zhang Wei believed her. He said Fang Yuan was genuine. No one had ever given him such a definite answer about marriage before.

When it came to the job, Lu Chuan realized Zhang Wei had been a bit sneaky.

Actually, Zhang Wei had taken on the job privately and was looking to make a little money by acting as a middleman.

That’s the trouble with unreliable classmates—they take a cut in the middle.

Zhang Wei said, “But don’t be upset. With your lack of reputation here, people wouldn’t sign a contract with you directly anyway.”

He continued, “Just treat this as a way to get your foot in the door, see the world a bit, and at least give yourself a chance, right?”

Fang Yuan, with her own pride, said, “We don’t lack work in the county town. We even have our own concrete mixer.”

Zhang Wei replied, “You’re honest, sister-in-law, so let’s talk straight. That might be decent in the county, but it’s not enough in the provincial capital. I’m not trying to fool you—just take this job for now. If there’s a chance, I’ll introduce you to some bigger clients here.”

Fang Yuan joked, “Just big clients, huh? My mom’s still going to find you a wife, you know.”

Zhang Wei, touched even by this imaginary match, said sincerely, “Don’t expect to meet the real boss. All these jobs go through bidding—you wouldn’t understand even if I explained. You’ll get it in time.”

He added, “Sister-in-law, I’m not lying to you—think of it as me working for my future wife.”

Lu Chuan snorted, “I’m your classmate, so what, I should help you find a wife too?”

Zhang Wei scratched his head, a bit embarrassed. “To be honest, I thought you were like me—just introducing fellow villagers for a cut. I didn’t expect you to bring your wife and actually have your own crew.”

He said, “Brother, let’s not talk about the past. From now on, you’ve got the people, I’ve got the jobs—we’re the perfect team.”

Lu Chuan replied, “No need. You just keep taking your cut—you’re only cut out for that much.”

If it weren’t for wanting to keep his wife in the provincial capital, and if it weren’t for winter coming and no work in the county, he’d have packed up and left already.

He really didn’t want to deal with this guy.

But Zhang Wei showed some real sincerity and even treated Lu Chuan and Fang Yuan to a meal, saying, “The provincial capital is my turf—can’t let you go without a proper welcome.”

Fang Yuan nodded, “Exactly. If you came to our village, I’d have to treat you to a meal too. Otherwise, people would gossip.”

At the meal, Lu Chuan barely had a chance to get a word in.

Zhang Wei had rarely met such a straightforward, generous woman, and the more they talked, the more they hit it off. He even joked, “Lu Chuan, you’re not as open as your wife. Look at us—no matter what, it doesn’t affect our friendship.”

Lu Chuan shot back, “You’re not so desperate that you need someone to find you a wife. No need to act like a matchmaker.”

Zhang Wei just laughed, not offended at all. “Brother, I’ll take that as a compliment. You need to loosen up and learn from your wife. I’m just keeping my options open.”

Then he turned back to Fang Yuan, “Sister-in-law, are all the girls in your village as open-minded as you?”

Fang Yuan replied, “Actually, I’m not that popular in my village. But don’t worry—my mom won’t set you up with anyone who isn’t well-liked.”

Zhang Wei said, “Sister-in-law, our mom…”

Lu Chuan quickly cut him off, “My mom. My mom. In the countryside, we don’t just call anyone ‘mom and dad.’”

Zhang Wei said, “We don’t just call anyone ‘mom and dad’ in the provincial capital either. I just meant…”

Lu Chuan glared and insisted, “My mom. My mom. My mother-in-law.”

Zhang Wei had never met anyone so particular. “Alright, your mom. I just meant your wife’s parents are really open and generous.”

Lu Chuan thought to himself, Of course. Someone like you would get along with my mother-in-law—she’s just as open as you are.

Fang Yuan said, “My dad loves making friends. You’re a good guy—he’d like you for sure. And you’d like him too. Oh, by the way, my dad’s a butcher. Did I mention that?”

Zhang Wei genuinely liked Fang Yuan’s personality. “Well, now we’re acquainted. No wonder you turned out so healthy and lively with a butcher for a dad.”

Lu Chuan regretted ever introducing Fang Yuan to Zhang Wei. He realized he’d made a big mistake.

Or maybe, he regretted bringing Fang Yuan to the provincial capital at all. But they had to come—the county still had that Sun guy to deal with. It was like being caught between a rock and a hard place.

Zhang Wei looked at Lu Chuan with mock disapproval. “Lu Chuan, I’m telling you, your wife is so open-minded. She and I are the same kind of people.”

Fang Yuan chimed in, “Lu Chuan isn’t stingy with me—he just has to come along.”

Lu Chuan turned away, not wanting to deal with the two of them. He hadn’t even had a drink, but it felt like he was stuck with two drunks."

"Chapter 126: The Annoying Brother-in-Law