Volume One, Chapter 12: Raising Chickens in Fulai Village—Losing Everything Down to Your Last Pair of Underwear

Back in the city, Zhao Rui was still a bit tipsy and furious. She couldn’t understand why Zhang Han chose to leave instead of continuing the discussion. Tonight, the villagers were gathered, chatting nonsense; who knew how many would sign at 3,800 per square meter tomorrow.

Without a word, Zhang Han took her to the place she rented, helping her cool down. This little ordeal lasted until evening. Zhang Han put on his pants, drenched in sweat. “Sister Rui, it’s time for us to move to a new place.”

Zhao Rui lowered her head shyly, blushing. “Move? Tomorrow then. Let’s get one with a bathtub.”

Supporting Zhang Han to the door, Zhao Rui left the alley and walked straight into a reasonably upscale tobacco and liquor shop.

“Boss, two bottles of Maotai and two packs of soft Zhonghua cigarettes.”

Zhang Han carried the Maotai and cigarettes to Liu Xin’s home. Originally, he planned to deal with Yang Song’s family first, but fate had other plans—he had to plant a stake with the Liu family first.

Why so?

Because the Liu family was short on cash and currently had an opportunity that could earn him 200,000 yuan. Guess whether Liu Zhong would try to persuade Liu Zhi earnestly.

And half a year later, when Liu Zhi learned that Fulai Village was being relocated, with houses and money offered, do you think the two families would become bitter enemies?

Don’t say bitter enemies—they might even stab Liu Zhong in the heart.

Twenty minutes later, Zhang Han entered the residential area and stood under Liu Xin’s building, feeling a mix of emotions.

Why the hell did he ever think it was a good idea to be Liu Xin’s sycophant? Ignoring an entire forest for a single tree.

He knocked on the door.

Li Jie opened it, paused for a moment, then lifted her sharp chin, her tone very cold. “So you’ve come.”

Last night, Liu Xin had told her about Zhang Han. Li Jie already looked down on him, and now even more so.

“Aunt Jie.” Zhang Han maintained a humble posture, smiling awkwardly.

Li Jie glanced at the Maotai and cigarettes in his hand, then said, “Come in and sit, just in time for dinner.”

“Liu Zhong, Xiao Xin, Zhang Han is here.”

Liu Xin, ever so aloof, didn’t come out immediately. Liu Zhong, with a soft Zhonghua cigarette dangling from his mouth and hands behind his back, strolled out leisurely, murmuring, “Little Han’s here, huh.”

“Li Jie, add an extra dish tonight.”

Zhang Han entered politely, placing the Maotai and cigarettes on the coffee table. “Thank you, Uncle Liu.”

“Sit down, no need to be so polite—we’re family.” Liu Zhong gestured for him to sit.

Zhang Han waited for Liu Zhong to settle before taking his seat.

“You two chat first; I’ve got two dishes ready.” Li Jie retreated to the kitchen.

---

“小寒, you’re something else, just showing up like that and bringing gifts.”

“Still Maotai and soft Zhonghua—must be worth eight or nine thousand.” Liu Zhong’s words were insincere.

“Uncle, no other reason. You and Aunt Jie were so good to me before, it’s only right I repay some of that kindness.” Zhang Han’s smile was forced.

In Liu Zhong’s eyes, Zhang Han really looked like a sycophant who had actually come back.

Sure enough, he had such a fine daughter—handsome and charming, just like his younger self.

A real charmer.

They sat on the sofa chatting; Liu Zhong naturally took on his usual commanding tone. “Still mad?”

“No, not anymore.”

“You beat up Xiao Xin, and I didn’t even come after you. And you’re still mad?”

“Daring as hell. I can’t even imagine how much trouble Xiao Xin will suffer married to you!”

Zhang Han bowed his head slightly, resigned. “Uncle, I really lost it back then. I meant to hit Yang Song, but you know he was crazy at the time.”

“You shouldn’t have hit anyone. You have to protect Xiao Xin.” Liu Zhong still felt uneasy. If something untoward had happened between Yang Song and Liu Xin, he’d have lost both wife and soldiers!

“Uncle, I understand. Won’t happen again.”

“Won’t happen again?” Liu Zhong glared.

“I mean, no matter what happens in the future, I’ll protect Xiao Xin.” Zhang Han explained.

“Good, at least you’ve got some conscience.”

After a few more words, Liu Zhong finally got to the point, indirectly asking if Zhang Han had really won over ten million. Zhang Han showed him the balance, and Liu Zhong’s eyelids twitched uncontrollably, his voice cracking.

His eyes gleamed with greed, spinning as he thought of how to get his hands on the money.

Damn, over ten million. If he got it, he’d be rich.

Villa, luxury cars, mistresses galore...

Dreams that made him laugh in his sleep.

Just then, Li Jie called Liu Xin for dinner. Liu Xin finally came out and saw Zhang Han, his first words: “Where’s the gift for me and Mom?”

Zhang Han scratched his head. “Came in a hurry, forgot.”

Liu Xin was about to lose it, but Zhang Han quickly tried to make amends. “I’ll transfer the money to you. After dinner, take Aunt Jie shopping.”

“Now that’s more like it.” Liu Xin smiled.

---

The four sat down to eat. Unexpectedly, Liu Xin took the initiative to serve Zhang Han some food. Seeing Zhang Han’s surprised delight, Liu Zhong and Li Jie exchanged glances, their eyes full of amusement.

Just a mere Zhang Han, expertly handled!

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the two women left for shopping, and only Zhang Han and Liu Zhong remained in the living room. Seeing the wine nearly finished, Zhang Han got down to business.

He raised his glass and clinked it with Liu Zhong, lowering his voice. “Uncle, I have 200,000 here. Interested?”

Though drunk, Liu Zhong still put on airs. “Like I’m short of 200,000?”

“I know you’re not. This is easy money for you. You’ve always looked out for me, so of course I want you to profit.”

“You’re alright, a decent kid who knows gratitude.” Liu Zhong put down his glass and belched. Lately, he’d been worried, no longer casually strolling through life. Money was tight—mistresses and loans pressing hard. He couldn’t just ask Liu Xin to borrow a million from Zhang Han; that’d scare off any sycophant. “Tell me, how do we make 200,000? No illegal stuff.”

“Uncle, here’s the deal...” Zhang Han briefly explained.

“You mean Fulai Village?” Liu Zhong was surprised.

“That’s right. Isn’t it your family’s place?” Zhang Han asked.

“Tsk, I’d say we’re destined, Little Han.”

“Fulai Village is my hometown; I know everyone there.” Liu Zhong puffed on his cigarette, proud. “Not to brag, but if you want to buy land there to build a chicken farm, it’s a word from me. Even at 3,500 per square meter, not just 3,800, I’ll get it for you!”

“Ask around in Fulai Village. Who wouldn’t show me respect? I’d slap anyone who doesn’t!”

Zhang Han paused, a plan forming.

For the first time, he truly understood what it meant to ‘seek death.’

“Uncle, how about this? I planned to buy at 3,800 per square meter, about 4,000 square meters total. Why don’t you negotiate now? Whether you get 3,000 or 3,500 per square meter, I’ll pay you 3,800. The difference is yours.”

This wasn’t a small sum. Zhang Han planned to buy roughly 4,700 square meters, already owning over 600, leaving about 4,000 more. If Liu Zhong didn’t push for much, even a 300 difference would be a solid 1.2 million yuan!

Liu Zhong was stunned for a moment, suddenly sensing something off. “You said how many square meters you want to buy?!”

“44,000 square meters? What’s wrong?” Zhang Han feigned ignorance.

“You’re crazy! 4,000 square meters? Even at 3,500 per square meter, that’s...” Liu Zhong pulled out his phone to calculate, shocked beyond belief, sobering up fast. “That’s a whopping fourteen million!”

“No way, Uncle, I absolutely oppose this!” Liu Zhong said firmly.

“Raising chickens in Fulai Village? You’ll lose your last pair of pants!”