Chapter Forty-One: Making Preparations

As the eve of the Lunar New Year approached, the turmoil over the sand ginger had been settled for quite some time, and only now did Lu Kun dare to show his face again.

Though Lu Kun had "hidden himself away in a little house," he still caught wind of many rumors. During the recent "sand ginger incident," over a dozen people were arrested in Gui A County alone, five of whom were sentenced to death and executed by firing squad.

Expanding the scope to the entire An Gui province, the authorities had apprehended more than a thousand people, with over a hundred executions carried out immediately. The government's iron fist terrified the ringleaders who manipulated sand ginger prices.

Those with quick wits fled early; the greedy ones either met bullets or prison bars. The government wanted to make an example, disregarding the specifics of the crimes, and even included some notorious street thugs to pad the numbers.

The atmosphere in An Gui province cleared; criminal gangs no longer ran rampant, and the people cheered with approval.

Lu Kun brought Liu Liping to the county seat, intending to buy a house and settle in Gui A County. He had already picked the location; this time he wanted Liu to see their future home herself.

It was a two-story house, barely furnished, but its location was superb. Right across the street stood Gui A County First High School—a name recognized throughout An Gui province.

Gui A County may be poor, but it is famed for its education. Every year or two, its students are admitted to Tsinghua or Peking University. Its academic strength far surpasses that of Fengyang City's Senior High School and is nearly on par with the provincial capital, NN City.

This is the pride of the people of Gui An!

The house Lu Kun chose was only a few dozen meters from the school gates, with Gui A County Park as its backdrop—a truly prime location.

Because the county placed great importance on the high school, ordinary troublemakers wouldn’t dare cause disturbances here.

The previous owners were an elderly couple without a son; they planned to sell the house and buy another near their pregnant daughter to better care for her.

Lu Kun didn’t haggle much with the elderly couple. Their asking price was fair.

Twenty thousand yuan.

At first glance, that seemed steep; building an identical house now would cost only five thousand yuan.

The key point was that the couple had both the property deed and the land certificate.

In other words, Lu Kun could later demolish the house and build anew on the land, as he wished, without interference.

Lu Kun pondered: opening a small supermarket on the first floor would be a good idea.

With thousands of students in Gui A County and frequent visitors to the park, business here would surely be profitable.

Even if he himself stumbled one day, Liu and their two daughters would still have a decent life.

This wasn’t pessimism on Lu Kun’s part.

Life demands that one prepare several escape routes.

A small supermarket downstairs would ensure a steady stream of income.

The second floor was spacious, with three bedrooms, a living room, and a bathroom—more than enough for his family, and far superior to their country house.

Liu Liping was very satisfied with the house.

The renowned provincial school was right across the street; with such an atmosphere, their two daughters would be more inclined to study.

If their grades improved, they could someday attend Gui A County First High School.

Even now, things were good. The house was not far from Gui A County West Elementary School—a ten-minute walk, with direct bus service.

The house wasn’t ready for occupancy yet; a bit of renovation was needed. The couple agreed to handle all paperwork after the fifth day of the new year and then move the entire family into town.

They purchased many items in the county and didn’t return to the village until midday.

They hadn't yet told their two children about the move to the city, fearing the girls might blurt it out, making it widely known and stirring up unnecessary commotion.

Lu Kun made a special visit to Stone’s house.

He brought a heap of New Year’s goods and handed him ten thousand yuan.

This sum wasn’t payment for helping find buyers for the sand ginger—that had been settled long ago.

This was Lu Kun’s personal gift to Stone.

Ever since Stone lent him a thousand yuan again that day, Lu Kun had been pondering this matter.

In his previous life, after he became successful, why did his creditors never come to collect debts? Why did no one gossip behind his back?

He suspected Stone had helped him pay off all those debts.

Back then, he didn’t even dare face Stone once.

In his previous life, when Stone’s uncle fell from power, Stone suffered collateral consequences. Even so, he still helped his brother clear all debts, ensuring Lu Kun carried no stains.

“Brother, I owe you,” Lu Kun’s eyes reddened; he kept these words inside, unable to speak them aloud.

Stone looked puzzled.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen? Don’t scare me—whatever it is, we’ll face it together!”

Seeing Lu Kun’s state, Stone anxiously shook his shoulder.

“It’s nothing,” Lu Kun hurriedly composed himself.

“Really?” Stone was doubtful.

“Really,” Lu Kun tilted his head back, willing the tears to retreat.

Stone stared at him, as if confirming he was truly fine, then finally asked, “Then why are you crying like this? Like some woman—got taken advantage of or something?”

Bang!

Lu Kun landed a punch on him, holding nothing back.

Stone had a good heart, but a foul mouth.

...

“Come to the city with me. Staying in the countryside, you won’t make much of yourself,” said Lu Kun, as the two sat on the mossy threshold.

“But... I don’t know anything. I’m not like you—always first in every exam as a kid. What could I do there?” Stone’s teeth chattered; his voice was thick with emotion.

This wasn’t the first time Lu Kun had suggested they venture into the city together.

Previously, Stone always stayed silent, leaving Lu Kun unsure of his thoughts.

Lu Kun looked him squarely in the eye, then shouted, “Aren’t you damn good at fighting?! Just protect me so no one bullies me, that’s all!”

Crack!

A flash of lightning struck his heart.

Stone’s eyes lit up.

Of course.

He wasn’t as smart as Lu Kun, but he could fight for him—so he wouldn’t be a burden after all.

It was just like when they were kids.

Stone would knock down all the opponents, and Lu Kun would sweep up the victory.

“Heh heh...” Stone grinned foolishly for a while, then remembered Lu Kun was still beside him.

Stone immediately put on a stern face: “Who the hell do you think you are, huh?”

Lu Kun: “...”

“Ah...” Lu Kun bent over, struggling to say, “Can’t you just talk straight? Why always cop a feel—childish!”

“Hahahahaha...” Stone’s hearty laughter echoed through the courtyard.