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."