Chapter 35

pNAVbZSniSEnQKM

Chapter 35
On the third day, the Wei family had already returned to normal.wBAjNZzSdqTrrVLUWxfpWZBddwOeeu

SxsKAZJZGYPUNDr

Even though Wei Qian had only come back to recuperate and hadn’t done anything, his presence was like a combination of a stabilizing force and a lucky charm. With just a nudge from him, everyone could go about their business smoothly.YUmpiTovANpkeWOFuDJsdyzSCVySRr

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Early in the morning, Wei Zhiyuan greeted everyone and packed up his bag to head to summer camp registration. As soon as he opened the door, a porcelain cup from upstairs came crashing down with a loud clang. Wei Zhiyuan instinctively flinched and looked up.IRDWsLUMMrqVdSZqJGuTcdTKJFZytJ

AZOiyPQYSAbBrQi

Standing outside San Pang’s door upstairs was a rather attractive woman, shouting at the top of her lungs, creating shockwaves: “Old Xiong, get out here!”wouFwAIHJrrrvIpLGQToEprPcQBtVL

qEqenZkZTokrfqV

Old Bear locked the security door, opened the main door a crack, and meekly meowed from inside, “W-wife, please calm down.”FSMzuuLWwzGEnXRibAFixzDzXyOfEF

alnsfTeqIXCRIQa

But the wife couldn’t calm down; her eyes were blazing red, making her look like an angry rabbit with big double eyelids. “Fine, now that you’ve grown some backbone, gone for months without a word, I thought you were dead! Why didn’t you just die outside? You come back and immediately shrink into that little vixen’s house. Old Xiong you’re not a child anymore, can’t you have a little dignity?!”AnSWfaNYvHUrRFOCkqFgSXaKyiVCkO

DyxqOxNkWjsXqMl

Wei Qian almost spat out his soy milk, hastily ushered Wei Zhiyuan away, “Hurry up and go to school, don’t dawdle.”KmHADAcZTHSnDyJORnqvgpdkeTaYGM

wTDnnhXGuoJqGTd

Then he closed his own door, leaned against it in the hallway, crossed his arms, and with an expression akin to attending a concert, enjoyed the “heavenly voice” from upstairs.noDkoOevhoFDUhvyUJyioENRphpMmV

PhKLnQOGrDcHSbx

Seeing that a scene of catching the mistress was about to unfold outside, San Pang quickly pushed Old Bear to the side with a worried frown, opened their security door, and spoke softly and obsequiously, “Sister-in-law Iron Fan, please, take a good look. Is there any ‘little vixen’ who has grown to be like me, your old pig?”qQZXokgRThVKIPAhHpafZxKcKNeZon

tZxUzHGsrUKOTHq

The wife was immediately stunned by the sight of San Pang’s face, which occupied her entire retina, and remained silent for a good half minute.yPiogYILMaEixSfeEZOYDQiTqBscGx

XUkUkJYQZdqrwTZ

Taking advantage of her distraction, the cowardly Old Bear tiptoed back into the house, only to be quickly discovered by the wife.eOlWtMQwKBTqeerYuDMqekduAKiMeK

nyMklHPRXlLpnbH

Madam Bear roared loudly, her sharp nails outstretched, effortlessly pulling San Pang aside. She stormed into their home, dragged Old Bear out, rolled up her sleeves, and subjected him to a one-sided bout of domestic violence before hauling him away.OIEsLQhkPeZgdxhtizNFPPxHTwncnC

kPRDNhHBOHelmxC

San Pang respectfully watched, making a gesture as if he were tipping an imaginary hat, and bowed slightly as he watched them leave. Wei Qian couldn’t help but mimic San Pang’s gesture, tipping an imaginary hat in tribute.IKwtfqGYYvPUxRTXTAluJRxuzqisGd

YwKvUYQXiEbUJNc

The two of them watched with delight as Old Bear was dragged away, and with an inexplicable tacit understanding, they chorused, “What goes around, comes around!”pSntVJDFQJEbyZVTQoBAgRZKiJYSHF

QsuEenMswMqbOBF

…Old Bear’s expression was a mix of sadness and indignation.HVVEDYyCBhABzNLbnzxwDqnbzlWhmX

ePCGcTwxebdYqOG

But after two days, Old Bear returned.GEjPYUdskryxjximAPydsWjVrEfPxb

HewQYIwGreWhvAv

He knocked on Wei Qian’s door, and the first thing Wei Qian said upon seeing him was, “You’re still not dead?”pAEPLqPQUSvTVyQrgJDGInaoaCaKLI

bsDYixWImPHmQnm

“…,” Old Bear fell silent for a moment, “I’m still alive, disappointing you.”dUMYKGpegfEUDfWdCaBekIzFttejQm

XWAVfYvuuCZpzDP

Old Bear presented Wei Qian with two options: either Wei Qian could sell him his share of the business at a slightly discounted price based on fair market value, or he could invest his money and Old Bear would sell the entire business and share the profits with him.uoAXKdrtllvqIcZJipbRggDWhodSrv

RTfamFcEbZdvOWq

Knowing Wei Qian’s astuteness, Old Bear anticipated he would choose the second option. With palms together, Old Bear revealed his true purpose for the visit, “Excellent, since you haven’t started school yet, come sell medicine with me during summer vacation.”jcFHQjSZlgecmAKuUjQnKGFGQNFToo

TBQCSRPgtZxdhMn

Wei Qian extended his injured leg towards Old Bear and asked, “Boss Bear, be honest with me, tell me your conscience is intact and it hasn’t been snatched away by a dog.”HuOVCgyhYqmhOGKTvcuxgpLyaNScMi

zyNKdAHmPtTKmEo

Old Bear asked expressionlessly, “Don’t you want to see with your own eyes how your long journey turns into Renminbi, wobblingly queuing up to enter your account?”mfseXSWoxqEHGFUbGtMTUpgWIvyOXZ

HrmPRAmxPxeoTRr

Wei Qian: “…”pKKUYmMpoASEpOUyLAneGLiKuVMUJT

OFGQRAudUuyHRNK

Old Bear rolled his eyes and then made a new suggestion, “I think Mr. San is quite compatible with me. We could pull him onto our pirate ship together in the future.”wvEKxseuOxufaGuurfkxNeAhfDVxMU

ySPIgtuVQRpmIHM

Wei Qian asked sincerely, “How did you come to this conclusion?”esGnPWimdhkQwxlOONoJZUYEAaAAjF

uGxPaPjklWGrloH

Old Bear explained, “I believe Mr. San has a very Zen-like demeanor. Look at his name—apparently, when a monk passed by his house when he was a child, he insisted that he had a connection with Buddha and wanted to ordain him. But his worldly parents couldn’t bear to part with him, so they compromised and took the ‘fish’ character from the word ‘wooden fish’ and gave him the name ‘Tan Yu.'”oPhWsOoXlvtJEtQNgLFlgSCsaHcrGU

rUWEnzniaYBnKoW

Wei Qian squinted as he listened, realizing San Pang’s audacity had reached new heights by twisting his lifelong shame of being named after a spittoon into such a tale. So he asked, “Didn’t he tell you that his original surname is ‘Lin’ and that he fell from the sky, causing the collapse of Leifeng Pagoda when he landed?”EyYNuEYmyCqUgdZSOoQtqkQZDxoVAs

COJdmXeqcVJiXWa

Old Bear sighed deeply, “Our perspectives don’t align, he’s just an ordinary person…”sjaJyjvwdLpYjDDAXDgQudMWjeJWNg

pxDIEGWvkIcBpzD

Wei Qian replied, “Go tell your ‘close-stitched-seams’ grandma before you leave.”KbZHPKAYqSndYexFxGtShtPFDMniUJ

LMSDvvJaAcheIvk

As they spoke, Xiao Bao happened to run back from outside, and Old Bear examined her closely, “Is this your sister? How old is this little girl?”eoSWyxaqdCDXnlukiEHRjajVRrAJKy

IaOxfGeEAqXMXtF

Wei Qian casually tapped Xiao Bao’s head, “She’s almost fourteen, a little Journey to the West, not even as mature as a ten-year-old.”QMpKhzAIUPTcyVoafwgpucAdvMXqAT

MnVelBWmRLJFAEo

“It’s alright, late bloomers,” Old Bear said kindly as he looked at Xiao Bao, speaking through the appearance to the essence, “Look at her big feet, she won’t be short in the future.”gypisMYBZjEKQopOFmgECfNyYBCvqr

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Xiao Bao grimaced, unsure if this was a compliment or an insult.gGZejgtlsoDzpSDmqvEsbvneiynzWu

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As he was leaving, Wei Qian escorted Old Bear out, and Old Bear casually asked, “What about your younger brother?”HJeXbdVSmvwUyWACRKZExYkPlOhtXW

JNsGvAsZAqZynaY

Wei Qian replied, “He’s gone to summer camp.”sdAOdwFLBjbZMjUzuaxLhdgrMeExyf

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Old Bear fell silent for a moment, “Summer camp? Is he doing well in his studies?”cVnStpwzHwRjPYFjyTtjDYDpiQboPD

RksPpxnYgCItvsT

Wei Qian smiled hypocritically, “Oh, he’s not that great, just average. But a bit better than me.”nZxQoMVeOJAmxdaioqYYovEhJqlVwR

FLIbFWbmjBATIbR

“Smart, studying well,” Old Bear sighed as if lamenting something, shaking his head, and said to Wei Qian, “He needs proper education.”wuXLshUhqPGWETZdWiUbLfyjOYYJKt

IMRDhlpevBWBNpA

Wei Qian was puzzled, “Huh?”bhRibvlvWSNtkQrdudpbeGsqMklZir

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Old Bear slowly extended his hand and gestured, “This sword, when it’s too thin, it’s like it’s all blade, most ancient evil weapons follow this path. It’s a risky move, like drawing blood every time it’s unsheathed. But people aren’t made of steel, if they make themselves too ‘thin,’ it’s dangerous, their luck and life become thin too…”XzHnGaYwmcdikckNncQptiMxPjEcag

feLQoNEKvgJjRuU

“Um, excuse me, could you please express that in a more human language?” Wei Qian interrupted, scratching his ear, “I’m a bit uncultured.”QbSIOKhbINnLBqrnyiGyrfZyGgCCfl

AMToqTZoJeQRXJa

“…,” Old Bear looked at him, the expression on his face resembling that of a wronged deity, “How did I offend that little bunny of yours? He actually tattled to my wife! If he keeps this up, I won’t spare him!”abEyiUfGOxMifxEKEOdaBibydRKrfV

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With that, Old Bear marched away with an aura of indignation.UobZvbOUaMJUeUkHyBGSJsVaLWWxsh

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Wei Qian pondered the incident of Wei Zhiyuan snitching. How should he put it? It was a bit unethical, but the unethicalness was somewhat satisfying.pqXJsVFapjobUdEtlmpWsJkywIDbQt

gkcUeEUZenjUQJL

However, since the matter had escalated to his attention, Wei Qian decided to address it. So, when Wei Zhiyuan came home on weekend break, his older brother motioned for him to come over with a gesture, “Come here!”sxKYhVzvQfgHkgPHHKwqQsCgWtJpMY

CRSWIrVOhHrGSNV

Wei Zhiyuan’s heart skipped a beat, and he slinked over.mWEnhoatKFbcyYxzivpwVSterFtsjB

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Wei Qian propped his injured leg on a low table, lit a cigarette with a “snap,” and in a tone of “confession mitigates punishment, resistance invites strictness,” he asked Wei Zhiyuan, “Tell me, what have you been up to?”vgISJvaLSaBXlZFYBMWCOhyTPhtqim

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Wei Zhiyuan’s mind went blank at that moment, instinctively thinking his involvement in the meat processing plant incident had been discovered.APqqzFoyCSZnhlPiIFAVDBpeQpByLM

NWIRHfpPkDarnHU

But his first reaction wasn’t about what consequences he might face, whether the police would come for him, or if he would be charged with anything—it was about what his older brother knew and what he should do about it.LXbOXoLsPoLGRDkJiYPqegfWKKmzqs

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Would his brother think he had malicious intentions? Would he find him frightening? Would he realize he had been harboring a monstrous creature by his side?zWlMPrJSErhrZsSmbDdAQMNoOUrQqA

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Wei Zhiyuan panicked, his face going pale in an instant.xJqZbRCiKOjMkaYwiaeqIapoxtDdYZ

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Wei Qian didn’t expect such a strong reaction from him. He paused, reflected for a moment, and realized he hadn’t said anything particularly harsh.ciCXaeFvevJnMgcvELZadosbkDqlvN

qICjXSWitLgMNnQ

He cleared his throat, fluttered his eyelids, trying to sound less fierce, “You, how old are you, huh? Still doing such things, and getting caught and reported to me… Ahem, of course, I’m not saying it’s right to hide things!”vEaviQThoZeDnPjhBgDBqaSpwiJckw

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Wei Zhiyuan’s fleeting rationality finally began to return—wait, if his brother called him over in that tone just now, how could it be something serious?aqksRCqJXDjwTPTzbZitDPbLCgGLUI

UxchSimPROPbPNV

Moreover, the person in the warehouse might be dead, but the door was locked by the shift worker, and he entered on his own. His actions were merely buying some alcohol with the guy’s money. Even if someone investigated the whole thing, who could pin him down based solely on that?eLEcaoVQYGCSGwLxuCcorGIKcdKKde

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Wei Zhiyuan’s shaken and loosened heart retreated back into its stony state, returning to its usual demeanor.vkbvhkJsIgsKeQKbWHNWBwhGMurpiY

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Glancing at Wei Qian, Wei Zhiyuan inwardly berated himself for his earlier confusion.TeTZoeshTZdaIyPnATngtLHNnIYYJo

wUaECNfupdMEpSM

This young man’s heart was like an ocean, seemingly calm on the surface, always rational and tranquil, but harboring immense rebellion and constant agitation beneath, teetering on a dangerous and precarious precipice.mtqlEZloSLZzRnXDFwwiLMgXqGVVVb

cWLeFflKdOLthnO

In this oceanic heart, Wei Zhiyuan thought to himself: What could his brother do even if he found out? Anyway, he had sworn to take care of his older brother for the rest of his life, to give him whatever he had, even if his brother demanded his life, he would consider it as repaying the kindness of raising him all those years.tUOpMQEllUDTwNFwlwTrtzWGuWJlqU

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So, what did his brother’s opinion of him matter?JyKKEQNsBdUjMySyWlnCAdmPcwhhWm

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Wei Zhiyuan deluded himself, thinking: “I am who I am, how others see me is irrelevant.”SaCWpHJmytwiXABEQGgXmiNDUJcFTG

XmnnlyMakTARWLZ

But outwardly, he maintained his usual obedience towards Wei Qian, admitting his mistake readily, “I was wrong, I’ll make an anonymous call next time.”zKIWJAcQQPFfFwMHgZIDwJQKvtFkDf

hbcAKheaBVtLFwq

“Pah!” Wei Qian took on the stance of a parent, showing outward disapproval while secretly expressing his inner preference, deciding to reward Wei Zhiyuan.VyaIhiRDSxLIWDvdPuljwQIPvQRnMf

xGgKLlFRSOONWTW

He hopped up on one leg, placed his hand on Wei Zhiyuan’s shoulder, and softened his tone, “Let’s not have Grandma cook tonight, we’ll go out to eat.”IXHgxPDBkMKMWUeKdbNEbMqzzMBZRT

ktAoWYOeDXZTCQA

Wei Zhiyuan’s expression remained natural, seemingly unaffected, but the palm supporting Wei Qian’s waist was sweating profusely.NcHnkxVhfRnFzWNbaCDXLMcXmNIHLt

JQbVwIQAsOcdAfV

During the last month of summer vacation, Wei Qian and San Pang followed Old Bear around, discussing business deals.YRtuvfGGacVxfeVZxTHCSXPYDxbVEv

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Wei Qian soon realized that Old Bear was not as simple as he appeared. He had a wide network and dabbled in various businesses. Recalling their trip to the northwest, it became clear that despite everyone’s initial focus on pharmaceuticals, they weren’t constrained by their ultimate goal. As long as there was money to be made and opportunities to seize, they pursued them relentlessly.gygDsVFUQCHzZKnnqgroyRcgdTEwMu

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Old Bear’s seemingly random business ventures didn’t appear aimless; rather, they seemed like a process of accumulation and exploration.bJKDFErkNqytKmfNWHaNitAAQqaUvj

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In his free time, Wei Qian still enjoyed hanging out in Old Bear’s pharmacy, occasionally dealing with customers, mostly chatting, and sometimes teasing Old Bear alongside San Pang.IVloHQqwJXvMSULmMmHZxvwrevZGYk

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Old Bear, with his vast experience, didn’t bother with the antics of these young men.CdMFOhDwnNrnLUejdgXwYCqyYAdgbt

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When discussing Old Bear’s insistence on buying pots, San Pang couldn’t help but ask, “Boss Bear, we poor folks like us who are all about money, that’s one thing. But you, with your big family and big business, why do you work so hard?”ojNpupomtlZAeNtPdMUBooPtYNrokf

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Old Bear replied leisurely, “For profit, of course. A businessman is someone who takes risks to make a profit, wouldn’t you agree? Assuming risks and making cautious decisions are fundamental skills for a businessman.”btmkGSjRxCxyLCpzUmYgbZYfJSlKdo

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Wei Qian interjected, “Forgive my ignorance, but I only see your expertise in taking risks and dragging others onto the pirate ship with you. The rest is too subtle for me to discern.”FmaSgBDdXpeOOdpHFFVNSFamvXLBRU

wcGHuZWQlCHjicu

Old Bear succinctly commented on his opinion, “Long hair, short sight.”cHJoCrUugBDnDynpwjWdVKrNOXnKbC

CCzGsIOJPPuiEGz

San Pang burst into laughter, shaking his fan vigorously.chzjjdzVNHYdAJFxJyxRQxIatUMUCK

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Wei Qian decided to trim his semi-long hair before the start of the school year, aiming towards a more conventional appearance.erqBNpwdTmCHYtYVFlxSjCnvXooRNh

WAjEkAHbHmQGJXF

“Let’s not forget, it was you who shamelessly wanted to board my pirate ship, Mr. Wei. Don’t distort the truth. Besides, you should thank me. The pirate ship I’ve brought you onto is the real Noah’s Ark,” Old Bear boldly proclaimed, pounding the table to begin his speech, “Let me tell you, the next decade will be a transformative one. Firstly, labor-intensive industries have no future. Businesses like restaurants, manufacturing, and outsourcing won’t make it. They’ll only be squeezed out by relentless competition and rising labor costs.”BvjqICGdZRxewnWLnOLKtwOuJOPwCz

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“Take you, San Pang,” Old Bear pointed at San Pang, “Your idea of opening a hot pot restaurant and selling pork belly is better off abandoned. It might barely sustain you, but making it successful would be too challenging. With your intelligence, don’t even think about making something of yourself.”oOtHlkUTKHLHxySAzmcqOVnKHnUcnk

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San Pang received a blow to his life ideals and stood there dumbfounded, staring at Boss Bear.QlKsKftWDtFyBKRxmSbNrkBVnIJRdQ

upIQNubSEiFeAXP

“As for technology-intensive enterprises… oh, anything artistic or cutting-edge, they’re much more viable than the former. So going to college has its benefits. Knowledge and technology can indeed change one’s fate,” Old Bear glanced at Wei Qian, emphasizing his words, “But technology-intensive industries are still in their infancy. Our society hasn’t reached that level yet. Maybe in ten years, we’ll cultivate a fertile ground for technological industries. But not now. It’s still budding. In the next decade, these industries will grow under the shadow of monopolies, stumbling along. You might easily become middle class in it, or even successful, but the latter will take time.”kAuyrSKtUuDigxVXawgRlQVQbuLInF

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Wei Qian remained silent, carefully listening to Old Bear’s words.pqfrwwBIEHVnUPBURWKBgfRMAtopTn

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Old Bear lifted his teacup, took a sip, and smacked his lips forcefully, “Only capital-intensive industries are the true high-end sectors that won’t decline in the next decade. With just a few people, you can move projects worth billions or tens of billions. What level is that? You’ll have a continuous cash flow, and the concept of ‘earning money’ won’t even cross your mind. But there’s a natural barrier in this industry: you need capital first. The accumulation of capital is a painstaking process, more difficult than anything else you’ll do later. Getting on my ark is like taking a shortcut in capital accumulation, understand? Tsk, ungrateful brats.”aqWYqnwYFHcXKhEEenSgAzYlmIvKZy

OMBdWACyAZTroAE

San Pang nudged Wei Qian with his elbow, “Qian, he means that if you stick with him through thick and thin, it’s like winning the lottery.”ncZYaVYgkNpbmkZoOdsFZvOpemsgYc

hpJWESRkGRYSJsM

Wei Qian quipped, “Yeah, why didn’t I use that rare luck to buy lottery tickets?”xdImklHYUDHgiZxFyZNvRIRJQpqLNe

BYpEcQqMxZRhsfh

Old Bear glanced at Wei Qian, his expression slightly darkened, “But I admit my mistake this time. I misjudged the situation and made a wrong risk assessment, especially with Xiao Liu. Unfortunately, there aren’t many people left in their family, or else I could have made it up to them.”DSivIyhAKIsskPGoXKWmnGFZPfHnqz

mAjuAxBAONtoaYI

Mentioning Xiao Liu, the three fell silent for a moment. The only one not involved, San Pang, sighed, “Brother didn’t have that luck.”tvjtIZMuYuiNzwnFPMbXJqecHfnhGy

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Old Bear lit a cigarette and stuck it in the ashtray, letting the wisps of smoke rise on their own, like incense burning.OMWTXRNkTLzVvxYWmOBtOHjvzGGvgb

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San Pang and Wei Qian exchanged a glance, suddenly feeling a sense of camaraderie. They had also smoked cigarettes together under the big locust tree while commemorating Ma Zi.lAQRKxEdPIhZLLHaXDvZfIriXdsyNf

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Old Bear said to Wei Qian, “Actually, I didn’t want to take you at first. You… ”ZXNyYfvcoFsYlIJpxrkgdAaNglANyw

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Wei Qian interjected, “We don’t see eye to eye.”SPemJXWVBYvbRfSlFxMDEGpnEqeJed

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Old Bear rolled his eyes. Wei Qian had been through thick and thin with him, so there was no need to hold back. He spoke frankly, “The first time you looked after the shop for me, you were calm and collected, showing no signs of nerves. I thought you were talented, and indeed you are. You’re bold, resourceful, and seize opportunities. But that time when I gave you five thousand bucks, you just took it without hesitation?”QUotzaxQSrhIYXhOpcFLRaxIBIuGJZ

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Wei Qian responded, “Oh, so you weren’t genuinely intending to give it to me?”JldjceeJgEpPnjnvEYxEfSCmHvckKU

znJwJuIeHDEVQuq

“It’s not that,” Old Bear choked, “I didn’t mean it like that. It was more than you deserved. At least you should have declined.”PKyUUICnRYHigmYrAGPutrcnMwhPoQ

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Wei Qian retorted, “If I declined, would you have still given it to me?”jlYWWNpAwxmrUaJaOHVZMkVnMuNWVr

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Old Bear replied, “I would have.”icChHMSRJVKLDbsuqFzkWgsWSwWQBf

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Wei Qian rolled his eyes, “Are you crazy, Comrade Xiong Yingjun?”sgiOjsQaVudFFyFmccxZragBWbzEZM

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Old Bear sighed, “You should know, at your age, opportunities, vision, and experience are the most important. Why focus on just a few bucks? Money is temporary. Have you thought long-term? Let me tell you, money is like water, the more you hold onto it, the less you have. Do you believe me?”CcRTeGPOLYYxvdJpZlPHkUjVHTfThu

kzxqKCoBhoyyUWM

Poverty, which had been Wei Qian’s Achilles’ heel, had eased somewhat as he now had assets of sixty to seventy thousand yuan, a significant sum at the time. Miraculously… his attitude towards this thorn in his side had also relaxed unconsciously, and he could even discuss it with others in a self-deprecating manner.ZuxDEqPzHsImnVkErJeCOQfDWNKYsq

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Wei Qian chuckled, “Don’t preach to me. Who doesn’t know these grand truths? Do you think I don’t know money is a bastard? You, born with a silver spoon in your mouth, shouldn’t lecture us common folk. If you’ve experienced the ups and downs, living hand to mouth, always on the edge, like me, then you’d also budget every penny meticulously.”ZHnZBzfqsrjprlczTIFOHdagPdIlLb

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Old Bear grabbed Wei Qian’s face with both hands, forcefully pulling down his eyelids, “Stop rolling your eyes at me. Who’s the one talking without considering reality? Your brother here belongs to the generation before the reform and opening up. Ask your grandma at home what we had when we were kids? We were so poor we couldn’t even afford a pot to cook in. When I was a teenager, risking my life at sea with my dad, you bunch of little bastards were probably still playing with flags on some hill.”FQBYxllCtmUNyrrNsqqMuLmlrbZssx

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He spoke the truth, and Wei Qian and San Pang remained silent.NyobgpIHGDsusNMOoVlswXyqSfFoMh

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“Long hair, short sight. That’s you, long hair, short sight,” Old Bear said with frustration. “It’s not poverty or material scarcity that hurts people, it’s comparison, you understand? You’re always comparing yourself to others, feeling anxious, lacking confidence.”guxpwefLFCEAqLVyCZbwTDeOkPdVWX

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San Pang recalled some of the reckless things Wei Qian had done and immediately applauded, “Qian, Xiong Ge is right!”jXZmcIMvcvGWFjPzhTBVYNeWUqGmMX

NrdGhtYrdcpyKMA

Wei Qian waved his hand dismissively, “What you’re saying is nonsense. Those old monks deep in the mountains and forests, they’re even more open-minded than you. If you have the ability, go compare with them in meditation. So what if I lack experience? So what if I’m anxious? I’m just a young man who crawled out of the mud, what confidence do I have? Sell myself? I’m really annoyed by you old men who are strict with others and lenient with yourselves.”iCoPrgcqaCLZYzzbGOnEoUFVBUQpuF

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San Pang pondered for a moment and seemed to find some truth in Wei Qian’s words, so he immediately switched sides, “Xiong Ge, Qian is right!”NnqNRALxUoKVucwQpKOsHfWIazhMTU

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Wei Qian and Old Bear glanced at him simultaneously, ignoring this fence-sitter.sDPmZSkDQpuNCoDWWUmPkOFFrZEwUS

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In September, Wei Qian finally left Old Bear’s shop briefly to report to school. After undergoing military training, his slightly fair skin, acquired over the course of a month, rapidly darkened again upon his return. While carrying his luggage back home, he bumped into San Pang, who pointed at him and laughed heartily, “Come on, brother, sing me a scene from the Beauty Execution! With your hairstyle, you don’t even need makeup; just stick on a moon-shaped mark, and you could ‘interrogate the yin by night and the yang by day’!”uXOAwqecPluNkWHjiFDDImCJcpzjxJ

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Meanwhile, Wei Zhiyuan entered junior high school, revealing an even more extraordinary side of himself. In his first year of junior high, he jumped straight into the third-year honors class.eQGPCuRzeqwoGtdKALszsmBdEIVxYc

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As if to validate Old Bear’s words, he truly became “thinner” as he grew older. Wei Qian, who realized this belatedly, started paying more attention to him. tgVYevYZPLXKsYphhqnEFVGksgnyJU