Chapter 48: Who’s Really Got the Upper Hand?

Wang Cuixiang was a little embarrassed and angry. She wasn’t sure if she was mad that her daughter had hit the nail on the head, or that her son wasn’t giving her any face. “Fine, you’re all so capable. Go ahead and laugh like fools, all of you.”

Over on the other side, Fang Daleng grinned from ear to ear, and Wang Cuixiang looked at him with obvious disdain. Then she thought of her son-in-law’s restrained smile—now that was good-looking. Same smile, different person, totally different effect.

Lu Chuan returned to the construction site and started looking for Fang Yuan. “Fifth Brother, Mom wants you to go home for dinner.”

Wu Hu frowned. “What for? Just bring me some food, that’s enough.” It’s all leftovers anyway, what’s the point of running back and forth?

Lu Chuan looked a little embarrassed. “There isn’t any. Mom’s worried Fang Yuan won’t have enough to eat.”

Wu Hu hopped on his bike and left. After a whole day’s work, he was starving.

Lu Chuan called Fang Yuan over to the work shed, took out two lunchboxes, and handed them to her. “Eat up.”

Fang Yuan glanced at them, puzzled. “Didn’t you say you didn’t bring Fifth Brother’s food? Why are there two lunchboxes?”

Lu Chuan lowered his eyes, a bit uncomfortable. “Mom was worried you wouldn’t have enough. Hurry and eat.”

Both lunchboxes were filled with fine grains—something the Lu family rarely had at home. Lu Chuan figured that when Fang Yuan ate at their place, she probably didn’t find the food to her liking. Worried the food would get cold and taste bad, he urged her to eat quickly.

Fang Yuan’s tone was as blunt as ever. “What’s the rush?”

She picked up the lunchbox, but her mind was elsewhere. “I made money for several people today, and yet I’m the only one eating. This big guy doesn’t get anything. Why do I feel like I’m shortchanging it?”

Lu Chuan couldn’t help but grin. If Wang Cuixiang saw him, she’d definitely say, “So my son-in-law looks good even when he grins.”

Fang Yuan shot him a look. “What are you laughing at? I’m being serious.”

See, no matter how Lu Chuan smiled, or how good he looked doing it, Fang Yuan didn’t give it a second thought.

It was still Fang Laoda who understood her best—his little sister really wasn’t that kind of person.

Lu Chuan said, “Eat up. Once you’re done, I’ll teach you how to take care of it. If you want this thing to work well, you have to maintain it carefully.”

Fang Yuan, always impatient, put down her chopsticks. “Really? Then what am I eating for? Let’s take care of it first.” She was ready to drag Lu Chuan off right then.

But Lu Chuan insisted, handing her the chopsticks. “Eat first. It won’t starve.”

No matter how impatient Fang Yuan was, or how much her family indulged her, with Lu Chuan, it was simple: if you don’t eat, I’m not telling you.

Fang Yuan found herself at a loss with Lu Chuan for the first time.

She realized for the first time that her temper didn’t work on him.

Lu Chuan had her right where he wanted. He opened the lunchbox and handed it over.

Fang Yuan scowled and ate in silence, clearly unhappy.

Lu Chuan remained calm and unhurried. “Eat slowly, there’s no rush. You eat, I’ll explain everything to you in detail.”

Fang Yuan glanced up, annoyed. “You think I can learn just by listening?”

Lu Chuan replied, “Listen first, then try it yourself. If you mess it up, we can’t afford to pay for it.”

Fang Yuan agreed, “That’s true. I thought you were just slow and laid-back.”

Lu Chuan twitched his lips. This girl really had a temper. “There’s been no meat in the meals at home these days. Are you okay with that?”

Fang Yuan said, “Didn’t we have those meat rolls? Besides, how many meals have I even eaten at your place?”

Then she added, “My dad sells meat for a living. You think I’d ever go hungry? I’m not even that into meat, especially fatty meat.”

Lu Chuan felt a pang in his heart. Only a butcher’s daughter could say something like that. Who in these times doesn’t like meat? And to be picky about fatty meat, too.

He looked into Fang Yuan’s lunchbox—sure enough, there was no fatty meat, just lean meat, and more vegetables than meat.

Clearly, his mother-in-law wouldn’t shortchange her daughter, so this must be Fang Yuan’s preference.

Lu Chuan thought to himself, I really have to work hard and make money to support my wife.

Meanwhile, Fang Yuan noticed Lu Chuan wasn’t talking. “Well, aren’t you going to tell me?” She was still thinking about how to take care of the money-making mixer.

Lu Chuan said, “Ahem, there’s a can of machine oil over there. The gears on this big guy need to be oiled.”

He continued, “Tonight, you and Fifth Brother should clean it thoroughly. Make sure there’s no sand or dust on it, or it’ll get stuck and cause trouble.”

Fang Yuan replied, “You think I need you to tell me that?”

She went back to eating, but her brothers had already figured all this out ages ago.

Lu Chuan noticed Fang Yuan wasn’t eating much. “Is it too hot? No appetite?”

Fang Yuan frowned. “I’ve eaten more than half the lunchbox already. Isn’t that enough? Mom doesn’t even know how much I eat, bringing two lunchboxes.”

Ah, so his wife didn’t eat much after all. It really was too much food. Lu Chuan waited until Fang Yuan was full before saying, “Mom saw I didn’t eat much, so she packed extra for me to share with you.”

Fang Yuan shoved the lunchbox at Lu Chuan. “Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

She wasn’t the least bit embarrassed, told Lu Chuan to hurry up and eat, then grabbed a shovel and went back to work.

She was much more meticulous and serious than Lu Chuan when it came to getting things done.

Lu Chuan ate her leftovers, feeling a bit shy. Who knows what was going through his head.

After all, she was educated—he couldn’t understand how her mind worked. She could think of anything and make herself blush and her heart race.

Whenever he glanced at Fang Yuan, his gaze was full of longing.

But Fang Yuan was straightforward and open, not giving it a second thought. She didn’t even look back or give him any response.

There was still a big lunchbox of food left. Lu Chuan was a bit worried. In this heat, if it sat overnight, it would spoil. He should’ve just had Fifth Brother stay and eat here.

He’d thought Fang Yuan was so tough and fierce, she’d have a huge appetite.

Fang Lao’er brought along Lao San, Lao Si, and Lao Wu. They were on guard in case Old Sun tried anything sneaky at night.

Lu Chuan was happy. With more people around, Fang Yuan could finally rest easy. “Second Brother, Third Brother, Fourth Brother, Fifth Brother, thanks for your hard work.”

Fang Lao’er said, “No need to be polite, we’re family.” Compared to the day before, the brothers-in-law’s attitude toward Lu Chuan had changed.

Fang Lao San said, “If you could talk Fang Yuan into going home, that’d be even better. With us brothers here, what’s there to worry about?”

Lu Chuan had already tried to talk Fang Yuan into it earlier. There really wasn’t anything on the site worth worrying about.

But she wouldn’t listen, insisting on being diligent and responsible.

Fang Yuan even told Lu Chuan, “This is the first time I’m doing something this big. I have to be careful. You should pay more attention, too.”

Lu Chuan felt ashamed—he wasn’t as capable as Fang Yuan. His mind kept wandering.

Lu Chuan was a bit embarrassed. “Third Brother, I don’t think Fang Yuan listens to me.”

Wu Hu glared at Lu Chuan. “What good are you, then?”

Fang Lao’er kicked Wu Hu. “You’d be happy if your brother-in-law could keep your sister in line, huh?” The brothers exchanged a look.

Lu Chuan pretended not to notice, and took out the lunchbox. “Fang Yuan didn’t finish her food. If we leave it overnight, it’ll spoil. Let’s each have a few bites so it doesn’t go to waste.”

Wu Hu rolled his eyes in exasperation. What a troublesome brother-in-law—left so much food, made him run home for nothing. Was he worried he’d eat too little, or too much?

Luckily, they were all strong men. A little extra work was nothing, and finishing off a lunchbox of food was no problem.

A few bites each and it was gone.

49."

"Chapter 49: Trust and Pursuit

After some chatting, it was time to rest. The makeshift shelter was crude, and they still had to clear a spot for Fang Yuan to sleep. The brothers all silently agreed to let their brother-in-law sleep next to Fang Yuan.

This made Lu Chuan feel awkward, his heart even beating a little faster. Honestly, he and his wife weren’t as close as her brothers imagined.

Lu Chuan glanced at Fang Yuan several times, awkwardly telling her to get some rest.

Fang Yuan’s expression didn’t change at all. “Second Brother, why don’t you let Fifth Brother and Fourth Brother go take a look around? I don’t feel at ease. That foreman just doesn’t look like a good guy.”

Fifth Tiger was annoyed. “You really don’t care about me, huh? We’ve all been working all day. Let’s not make a fuss.”

Fang Yuan kicked Fifth Tiger, urging him to get up. “You go patrol first. I’ll sleep for a bit, and then I’ll take over for you.”

To put Fang Yuan at ease, Lu Chuan immediately got up. “You all rest, I’ll go patrol. I didn’t do any work today, I’m not tired.” All his shyness vanished.

Fang Yuan said, “No way. Your brain is tired, you need to rest even more. Besides, with your skinny frame, what use would you be?”

She pointed at Lu Chuan, telling him to rest his brain well—he’s the one making the big money.

Lu Chuan wasn’t happy at all. What was wrong with his build? Why did Fang Yuan always look down on him? Was he really that bad?

The brothers all looked at Fang Yuan with conflicted expressions, especially Fifth Tiger. “You’re siding with outsiders now.”

Fang Yuan replied, “A married daughter is like water poured out. I’m siding with our own here. Besides, if he gets muddled from exhaustion, could you take his place?”

Fifth Tiger pointed at himself. “What if I get tired?”

Fang Yuan said, “Anyone could take your place with your strength.” In other words, Fifth Tiger was easily replaceable.

Fifth Tiger, fuming, rolled out of bed and left. He couldn’t stay here any longer.

Lu Chuan didn’t dare laugh out loud and was even ordered by Fang Yuan, “Go to sleep and rest your brain.”

Even Fourth Tiger didn’t want to talk to Fang Yuan anymore. So this is why their brother-in-law was so precious.

Fang Yuan, on the other hand, fell asleep in seconds—she still had to patrol in the second half of the night. She really didn’t have a care in the world.

Fang Lao’er (Second Brother) had wanted to chat with Lu Chuan about tomorrow’s work, but seeing this, he didn’t dare bring it up. So the brother-in-law’s brain needs to be “nurtured,” huh.

Lu Chuan was tired too. He fell asleep as soon as he lay down. All his embarrassment and awkwardness didn’t even get a chance to surface.

Fang Yuan woke up right on time in the middle of the night and called Third Brother to go patrol with her, taking over for Fourth and Fifth Tiger.

Third Brother didn’t want to get up. “Only Fifth would listen to you like this. Don’t make a fuss, just sleep.”

But Fang Yuan had her ways and managed to drag Third Brother up to walk the rounds with her.

Fifth Tiger saw Fang Yuan and complained, “What are you doing out here? I can handle it. Don’t worry, I won’t fall asleep.”

Fang Yuan replied, “Third Brother’s with me. You still have to work during the day, and no one else knows how to use the mixer. Go get some sleep.”

So Fourth Tiger dragged Fifth Tiger away. “You argue with her all day, but when she says something, you never go against it. I can’t even find a corner to nap in without you stopping me.”

Fifth Tiger grumbled, “That brat actually makes sense. We can’t let her lose face in front of her husband.”

Fourth Tiger snorted. “Who doesn’t know you two are twins?”

Fifth Tiger even kicked Lu Chuan awake. “Go keep Fang Yuan company.”

Lu Chuan thought, I was already awake even if you didn’t kick me. But now he understood—this Fifth Brother was on par with the eldest brother, not someone to mess with, and needed to be treated well.

Lu Chuan also realized that the older brothers all doted on Fang Yuan—she was their only sister, stubborn, and they had no choice but to go along with her.

But Fifth Brother was different—he spoiled Fang Yuan. The closeness and distance between them were obvious; the level was just not the same.

Fang Yuan wasn’t happy to see Lu Chuan. “Didn’t they say people who use their brains need to rest? What are you doing here?”

Third Brother was a bit annoyed too. So, according to you, your brothers don’t use their brains and don’t need rest?

Lu Chuan said, “I’ve slept enough, can’t sleep anymore, just came out to clear my head.”

Fang Yuan said, “Fine, but don’t push yourself.”

What else could Lu Chuan say? Only with Fang Yuan’s approval could he keep watch with his wife.

Luckily, Old Sun really was wary of the Fang family’s five tigers and didn’t send anyone over to cause trouble.

Otherwise, things would have gotten even more complicated.

At dawn, Lu Chuan finally took Fang Yuan to a corner to nap for a bit. His wife was truly reliable—whatever you entrusted to her, you could rest assured.

This was something Lu Chuan realized anew about Fang Yuan—someone who stuck to her principles was like this.

He actually wasn’t at ease either, worried someone might come at night to cause trouble. But he couldn’t ask his brothers-in-law for help, so he’d planned to get up a few more times himself during the night to keep an eye out.

But Fang Yuan had arranged everything. People like her were “narrow-minded,” Lu Chuan found it hard to believe.

The next day, even more people came to work. Fang Lao Da (Eldest Brother) started to worry there were too many people.

But Lu Chuan said, “Don’t worry about having too many people. As long as the work gets done well, it’s fine. The sooner we finish, the fewer days we have to pay rent.”

He was thinking of Fang Yuan—the project wouldn’t be done, and she wouldn’t be able to go home. Who could stand that?

Fang Lao Da wanted to say, once the work was done, what would they do?

The brothers’ original plan was to hire fewer people, work more days themselves, and pocket more wages.

But after hearing his brother-in-law, he immediately started organizing the work. Finishing early was better.

If there was no work, so be it—at least they wouldn’t have to pay rent. The mixer didn’t drink water or eat, but it sure burned money.

The newcomers even told Fang Lao Da that it wasn’t that Old Sun didn’t want to send people over to cause trouble, but that once they heard this was Fang Lao Da’s site, no one dared come.

What a joke—who would challenge five brothers in the middle of the night? That’s asking for trouble.

The Fang brothers understood. At noon, when Fang Lao Da didn’t eat at the site, Lu Chuan guessed he’d gone to talk to Old Sun, and things should be peaceful tonight.

But no matter how Fang Lao Da settled things with Old Sun, Fang Yuan was undeterred—rain or shine, she patrolled as usual.

Fang Yuan’s trust was reserved only for herself and Fifth Tiger.

Other than Fifth Brother, she didn’t trust anyone. Fifth Tiger was run ragged, with dark circles under his eyes.

Finally, Fang Da Leng couldn’t stand it and came to take over for his youngest son, and only then did Fang Yuan feel at ease.

In Fang Yuan’s words, if she didn’t keep watch, then Fifth Tiger had to. She just didn’t trust anyone else, afraid they’d slack off.

At that, Fifth Tiger’s face turned so dark he almost said, “Thanks for your trust.”

That’s the bond between siblings. When it came to trust, even Lu Chuan couldn’t compare. Fifth Tiger’s misery was exactly what Lu Chuan aspired to.

What Lu Chuan didn’t expect was that when the work was halfway done, the supervisor paid them half the money.

First, it was out of respect for Fang Lao Da. Second, Lu Chuan had really done a great job—the speed and quality were top-notch.

Thank you for your support.

(End of Chapter 49)"

"Chapter 50: Eyes Wide at the Sight of Money

What really impressed the site supervisor was that ever since Lu Chuan took over the construction site, not a single brick had gone missing. He’d never seen a foreman like this before.

Back when Old Sun was in charge, some sand would disappear one day, and a few bricks would go missing the next. But Lu Chuan and his wife worked diligently and conscientiously, and the supervisor could see it with his own eyes.

Lu Chuan handled things beautifully and made a name for himself, so the payment came quickly and generously—just when he needed it most. To be fair, it also helped that his peers made him look even better by comparison.

Lu Chuan hadn’t expected such a pleasant surprise. “Brother, it doesn’t say anything about this in the contract. You… Well, I really am short on cash.”

See, he said all the polite things, but he still took the money without hesitation—because he really needed it.

The supervisor just laughed. “Kid, you do good work. Your brother-in-law isn’t someone to mess with either. This money was supposed to come to you a few days ago. Let’s just call it a gesture of friendship. The rest will have to wait until the job is done.”

Lu Chuan replied, “Of course. You’re just looking out for us workers. I won’t stand on ceremony—letting everyone see their pay will definitely make them work even harder.”

The supervisor looked at the unreserved young man and said, “Kid, you really are a smart one—no wonder you went to school. You’re doing great.”

Lu Chuan ran a hand through his hair, looking genuinely sincere. “I’m just short on money, so I’m a bit anxious to get things done. You’re generous enough not to hold it against me.”

After a few rounds of polite conversation, Lu Chuan took the money and dashed off, his eyes and brows lit up with joy.

This was the moment you could tell who was truly on your side. Don’t be fooled by the fact that Lu Chuan was earning money thanks to his brother-in-law—he still brought the money straight to Fang Yuan first.

Fang Yuan’s eyes went wide. There was definitely more than five hundred yuan here. “Where did this come from? There’s so much!”

Lu Chuan grinned, his gaze at the money just as amazed as Fang Yuan’s. “A lot, right? I’ve never seen this much money before.”

Fang Yuan guessed, “There must be over a thousand.”

Lu Chuan handed the money to his wife with a smile. “Yeah.” Honestly, at that moment, Lu Chuan felt proud. It wasn’t about his physique or anything—what mattered for a man was his ability.

But the young man was a little shy, and couldn’t quite find the words to express it to Fang Yuan.

Fang Yuan smiled a bit sheepishly. “Now I don’t have to worry about my five hundred yuan not coming back.”

Lu Chuan laughed. “You handed it over so easily, I thought you didn’t care about that five hundred.”

Fang Yuan replied, “Who said I didn’t care? I just figured you’re clever—after thinking all night, you’d definitely come up with a way to make money.”

Lu Chuan could only say, “Thank you for trusting me.” He glanced at Fang Yuan, but couldn’t say, “If you’d let me rest less, maybe I’d be even smarter.”

Then Fang Yuan pulled out a cloth pouch, ready to stash the money away.

Lu Chuan quickly stopped her hand. “What are you doing?”

Fang Yuan looked at him like he was silly. “Hiding it, of course! We’ll take it home—what else?”

Lu Chuan couldn’t help but twitch his lips. This was the most honest reaction—seeing money and wanting to squirrel it away at home.

Lu Chuan pressed his hand on the money. “We can’t do that yet.” His pride as a man instantly crumbled—what was there to be proud of, when the money wasn’t even theirs yet?

Fang Yuan raised an eyebrow and put her hands on her hips—the classic pose. “What do you mean? You’re not letting me keep your money? What’s wrong with your family?”

Lu Chuan didn’t know when this had become a “problem,” and quickly explained, “We have to pay the workers first. Whatever’s left is ours. This isn’t all ours yet.”

Fang Yuan looked around. “Pay who?” She sounded fierce, ready to fight anyone who tried to take the money.

Lu Chuan almost felt like the money was being given away for nothing. Looking at the people outside, his tone was nowhere near as tough as Fang Yuan’s, even a bit sheepish. “They’re the ones who did the work.”

Did she really need to ask who the money was for? Did she think they could just keep it all? He was genuinely worried Fang Yuan wouldn’t let go of the money once she had it.

Fang Yuan followed Lu Chuan’s gaze, her expression darkening. She couldn’t even force a smile, and after a long pause, she muttered, “Well, we do have to pay them.”

At least she knew the money had to be given out. Lu Chuan felt much more at ease—reasoning with her worked.

But even as she said this, Fang Yuan’s hand stayed firmly on the money, clearly reluctant to let go.

Lu Chuan thought to himself that he’d have to give Fang Yuan more money in the future—he loved seeing her smile while hugging the cash.

He comforted her, “When we settle accounts next time, most of it will be ours.”

Fang Yuan stared at the money, as if she wanted to stuff it into her eyes. “Will there really be this much again?”

Lu Chuan said, “I’ll have to do the math, but even if it’s not quite as much, it should be about the same.”

Fang Yuan finally looked up at Lu Chuan. “Are you serious?”

Lu Chuan replied, “I think so.”

Fang Yuan grew anxious. “What do you mean, ‘think so’? Is it or isn’t it? Give me a straight answer.”

Lu Chuan took out his pen and notebook and started calculating. Finally, he said, “If nothing unexpected happens and we finish on schedule, there should be at least this much.”

Fang Yuan broke into a smile. “Really? Don’t worry, there won’t be any surprises—I won’t allow it.”

Anyone who got in the way of her making money would have to answer to her.

Then Fang Yuan grabbed Lu Chuan’s hand, and the two of them looked forward to the future together, giggling like fools.

Lu Chuan was amazed—he never expected money could come so easily. He needed a moment to calm his excitement.

He even wanted to double-check his calculations, just in case he’d made a mistake. It all felt unreal.

Fang Yuan sighed, “My dad raised me all these years, and when I got married, my family only asked for two hundred yuan. This project is worth more than I am.”

She wasn’t wrong. Back when they married off the eldest son, scraping together the money was so hard it nearly broke their parents’ backs. But now, money just came like this.

Lu Chuan quickly shook off that thought. Fang Yuan really dared to say anything. He hurried to add, “You can’t think of it that way. Your father doted on you—he never thought of exchanging his daughter for money.”

But Fang Yuan wasn’t even thinking about that. She hugged Lu Chuan tightly. “I really struck gold—money, all this money!”

A man who could earn money—she’d treasure him like gold. It was shallow, but Lu Chuan loved it.

Lu Chuan felt like the world was spinning, the ground swaying beneath his feet. His wife’s enthusiasm made him shy.

Ever since they got their marriage certificate, this was the first time Fang Yuan had been so affectionate.

And he didn’t mind at all—in fact, he enjoyed it. No wonder men were so eager to get married.

Fang Yuan’s face was glowing, and Lu Chuan was utterly captivated.

Just as he was about to say something to her, Fang Yuan let go and ran outside, calling out, “Everyone, take a break! The supervisor saw how well we’ve been working and paid us—let’s hand out some wages so everyone can celebrate!”

Well, Lu Chuan understood now—Fang Yuan hadn’t been thinking about anything else. She was just so excited by all that money that she would have hugged whoever was next to her. He wasn’t special at all.

But in the future, at moments like this, he’d make sure no one else was around Fang Yuan. It took him a while to compose himself.

Still, that one hug gave Lu Chuan the truest feeling of what it meant to have a wife.

Thank you all for your support. Please bookmark, recommend, and subscribe."

"Chapter 51: Two Tigers Cannot Share One Mountain