Chapter 83: Gaining Experience at Others’ Expense

The siblings arrived home, and Fang Yuan returned the money to Wang Cui-xiang.

Wang Cui-xiang stared at the two of them. “Where did this come from?”

If they didn’t answer well, she could flip out any minute—she already had the feather duster in hand.

Fang Yuan pushed Wu Hu forward. “We earned it.”

Wang Cui-xiang didn’t believe it. “You two teamed up to rob someone?”

Wu Hu replied, “We earned it. Your son-in-law is capable, money comes in fast. Just don’t tell anyone.”

Wang Cui-xiang said, “Are you two serious? It hasn’t even been a month and you’ve got this much?”

Wu Hu quickly explained, “Of course it’s not all ours. It’s not like we owed you that much. They just felt uneasy about the debt, especially my brother-in-law. I chipped in some of my money too. We wanted to pay you back first, so you wouldn’t feel awkward in front of my eldest brother and the others.”

Wang Cui-xiang said, “Still, that’s not a small amount.” She took the money—she didn’t feel comfortable letting the kids hold onto it.

Wu Hu watched his mom’s reaction and raised his eyebrows at Fang Yuan, as if to say, “See? Good thing I hid some.”

He sweet-talked her, “That’s why your son-in-law and son are so capable.”

Fang Yuan said, “Mom, just take it. We definitely didn’t steal it, and even if we wanted to, we couldn’t.” She shot a look at Wu Hu.

Wang Cui-xiang wasn’t fooled—one glance and she knew there was something fishy.

She looked Wu Hu up and down. “Getting pretty capable, aren’t you?”

Wu Hu immediately replied, “Mom, what are you saying? I’m at the age to find a wife—I have to spruce up a bit, even if I have to borrow money.”

Wang Cui-xiang said, “It’s right to keep some money for yourself, but if you waste it, I’ll have your dad deal with you.”

Fang Yuan snickered. She knew they couldn’t hide anything from her mom.

But Wang Cui-xiang continued, “You two made some money—just keep it to yourselves, don’t go showing off. Especially not at home.”

Fang Yuan protested, “Why not?”

Wu Hu thought, You don’t need to say it—I know. Don’t flaunt your wealth.

Wang Cui-xiang said, “Looks to me like your eldest brother and the others aren’t making much.”

Fang Yuan said, “That can’t be. How could they not be making money?”

Wang Cui-xiang glanced at Fang Yuan, thinking, “Money must be easy to make if my daughter is talking this big.”

Wu Hu said, “It all takes experience. When my eldest brother does the next job, he’ll know how to make money. Don’t worry about them, Mom. We made a lot last time—enough for the family’s food and expenses. My eldest brother and nephew won’t lose out.”

Wang Cui-xiang kicked Wu Hu. “You’re terrible—letting your own brother suffer just so you can learn.”

Wu Hu replied, “Don’t say that. With fourth brother leading the way, I’m not even the worst.”

Then he took out a small bundle—a pair of silver earrings worth maybe ten yuan—and handed them to Wang Cui-xiang, making her very happy.

Fang Yuan saw this and immediately snapped, “When did you buy those? How come I didn’t know?”

Wu Hu said, “What’s the point in you knowing? You and your husband can’t save any money—he’s still in school and broke.”

Wang Cui-xiang didn’t press them about how much they’d earned. She just pulled Fang Yuan aside and scolded her, “Stop making trouble. I don’t need you to buy me things. Your husband’s still in school, and you’ve already racked up debt. You’d better start saving and stop messing around.”

She gave Fang Yuan a good talking-to, while Wu Hu managed the situation perfectly.

When Fang Da-leng came home, he only saw the bankbook, not the cash.

He said to Fang Yuan, “Why borrow from your brother? It’s not like I don’t have money. Don’t make things hard on yourself over this.”

Fang Yuan replied, “Dad, don’t worry, I’m fine. I still—”

Wu Hu kicked her under the table, stopping her from blurting out that she’d saved all the money she made with the mixer.

Wang Cui-xiang watched Wu Hu’s antics and thought, “This kid must have saved a lot. Looks like my son-in-law is making good money.”

At dinner, Wang Cui-xiang made sure all her sons came home so the house would be lively, though her son-in-law couldn’t make it.

With her daughter and sons home, the son-in-law had to stay in town to keep an eye on things.

Wu Hu noticed the brothers were in a mood—third and fourth weren’t getting along, fourth barely spoke to the eldest, and second ignored everyone.

When they were struggling, the brothers worked together. But now that there was money to be made, their relationships were strained.

Wu Hu thought it was the right call not to get involved back then.

They called themselves the Five Tigers of the Fang family, but each “tiger” had his own territory. No way they could all get along—after all, two tigers can’t share one mountain.

Wu Hu was proud of his own wisdom. Working with his brother-in-law went well, but that was because his brother-in-law had a good temper and wasn’t stubborn. Of course, it also helped that Fang Yuan only trusted her fifth brother. Wu Hu felt pretty smug at dinner.

Fang Da-leng felt bad for his eldest son. It was supposed to be a money-making venture, but he looked even less happy than when he used to haul bricks for others. What was the point?

Fang Da-leng said, “Eldest, Wu Hu and your brother-in-law aren’t outsiders. If there’s something you don’t understand or you’re having a hard time, talk to Wu Hu.”

Eldest brother’s face darkened even more. Did he have no pride? “Dad, I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

Fang Da-leng wanted to say, “Fine, my foot!” It’s a small village—did he think he didn’t know what was going on? But Wang Cui-xiang kicked him under the table.

Fang Da-leng didn’t know why she kicked him, but he knew to shut up—his wife was upset.

Wang Cui-xiang thought, “You think the eldest doesn’t care about his pride? If you say that, how can he open up?”

Wu Hu didn’t know what his mom was thinking, but he understood his eldest brother. “I learned everything from my big brother. Don’t worry, Dad. If I ever run into trouble, I’ll definitely go to him.”

He was giving his eldest brother face.

Fang Yuan chimed in, “I’ve got work now, but when I’m free, big brother, you’ll have to use my mixer.”

She meant it.

Eldest brother replied, “Of course. We’re siblings—don’t be polite with your big brother.”

He glanced at fourth brother.

Fourth brother just snorted and said nothing, but he ate much faster.

Fang Yuan was the only one who ate without a care; the rest were all uneasy.

After the sons left, Fang Da-leng was unhappy. He said to Wang Cui-xiang, “What’s with you, woman? Why’d you stop me? He’s our son—I can’t just watch him struggle.”

Wang Cui-xiang replied, “What else can you do? If he’s struggling, he’ll come to you. He’s willing to spend money to learn a lesson—who can stop him?”

Fang Da-leng said, “But that’s money!”

Wang Cui-xiang said, “If he doesn’t care, why should you?”

Fang Da-leng was annoyed. “Be honest—are you mad at the eldest for helping his wife’s brothers and leaving out your son-in-law? Is that why you’re letting him struggle?”

Wang Cui-xiang kicked him several times, then bit him twice for good measure. “If you feel so bad, go talk to him. See if he’ll listen to you!”

Honestly, the eldest was out of line for helping his wife’s brothers and cutting out his brother-in-law. Anyone would be upset.

If Wang Cui-xiang hadn’t stopped him, Fang Da-leng would have dragged the eldest out for a beating. See? Now he’s struggling.

Wang Cui-xiang said, “You can’t learn without taking some losses. It’s good for him to suffer a bit now.”

Fang Da-leng said, “You’re a ruthless woman.”

He ran off, genuinely afraid his wife would hit him again.

He went to find Wu Hu. “How much do you know about your brother’s situation?”

Wu Hu said, “Dad, it’s not that I don’t want to help, but big brother cares about his pride. Even if he needed help, he wouldn’t come to me or Lu Chuan.”

Fang Da-leng said, “So you’re just going to watch him lose money? Every penny our family has was hard-earned.”

Wu Hu said, “He won’t lose money. Maybe elsewhere, but not here. No one would dare let big brother lose money—at worst, he’ll just work for nothing.”

Fang Da-leng said, “Then what’s the point of him working so hard for nothing?”

Wu Hu thought, “Isn’t that what he wants? Who can stop him?”

Big brother liked to show off, so he took on jobs at higher prices but didn’t make any profit—maybe that’s what he wanted.

Otherwise, fourth brother wouldn’t be fighting with him.

And bringing his wife’s brothers onto the site, bossing people around, and making so little money—he was basically supporting his brothers-in-law. Some people like raising their wife’s brothers, but he didn’t.

If he didn’t care so much about appearances, even if he just set prices like his brother-in-law and subcontracted by the square meter, things wouldn’t be like this. But he couldn’t say that to his dad.

Fang Da-leng said, “Are you mad at your brother for bringing in his brothers-in-law, so you refused to work with him?”

Wu Hu said, “Dad, weren’t you the one who told me to work with my brother-in-law?”

He felt wronged. Fang Da-leng looked confused—he couldn’t say that out loud. “Don’t talk nonsense. I never said that.”

Wu Hu said, “You told us to study hard, and when we got a brother-in-law, you told us to listen to him, to listen to smart people. So, Dad, who’s smarter—big brother or brother-in-law?”

Fang Da-leng said, “Lu Chuan, of course.”

Wu Hu said, “I listened to you and followed my brother-in-law. That’s not wrong, right? If it is, I’ll change.”

Fang Da-leng nodded. “No, you’re right. I raised you well.” See? No problem.

Wu Hu felt gratified to have his dad’s approval. Working with his brother-in-law really was the right move.

His dad was right—you have to listen to smart people. You learn different things when you’re around smart people.

After returning the money and eating dinner, the siblings headed back to work. Fang Yuan said, “Big brother’s losing money to gain experience. We can’t do that. Lu Chuan said, ‘Watch how others lose money, so we don’t have to lose money ourselves to learn.’”

Wu Hu said, “That’s why brother-in-law is smart. Let’s keep an eye on big brother—let him gain experience for us.”

Fang Yuan asked, “So, what have you learned?”

Wu Hu replied, “I’ve learned that, in the future, when I get married, I’ll pick a wife without brothers.”

Fang Yuan said, “That actually makes sense. Brothers-in-law really are a pain.”

[End of Chapter 83]"

"**Chapter 84: Didn’t Have the Upper Hand**

The five tigers couldn’t hold back and burst out laughing. Fang Yuan finally caught on. “Don’t try to fool me—I’m not Dad. Did you try to pull one over on Dad?”

Wu Hu replied, “Nonsense, I was just listening to what Dad said.”

Fang Yuan shot back, “Cut it out. Learn something decent for once, instead of always trying to trick people. You don’t look like a good person at all.”

Wu Hu protested, “Come on, who are you talking about? Who am I tricking? Who am I learning from?”

If he remembered right, he’d been imitating his brother-in-law a lot lately. His brother-in-law always looked impressive and was respected when he spoke. What was wrong with learning from him?

Fang Yuan said darkly, “You just don’t look like a good person. It’s blazing hot, and it’s one thing to wear a tank top, but why are you wearing a dress shirt? It’s not comfortable for working.”

Wu Hu really hadn’t thought much about it and shot back, “My brother-in-law dresses like this too. Why don’t you say something to him?”

Fang Yuan replied, “I am talking about him! What a ridiculous habit. If you won’t say something to him, fine, but why are you copying him? What are you trying to do?”

Wu Hu pulled Fang Yuan aside. “Come on, don’t say that. My brother-in-law went to college—he’s not used to us wearing tank tops and big shorts. Besides, it doesn’t stop him from doing his paperwork.”

Fang Yuan muttered, “Bad habit.” Then she fell silent, clearly annoyed.

Wu Hu tried to reason with her. “Are you upset because shirts cost more money? Your brother-in-law makes good money, and besides, they’re all old shirts anyway.”

Fang Yuan said, “He just looks like a pretty boy. The day after the wedding, we bought him clothes at the supply store, but I’ve never seen him wear them.”

Wu Hu remembered—the tank top from the supply store. True, he’d never seen his brother-in-law wear it.

Wu Hu said, “Just tell him straight out to wear what you bought him. Don’t be so wishy-washy.”

Then he laughed. “So you can be wishy-washy too, huh? That’s rare.”

Fang Yuan retorted, “Me? Wishy-washy? I just see you’ve got a bit of money now and you’re not learning anything good, just copying that pretty boy.”

Wu Hu said, “Alright, next time I’ll take you to the department store in the county and help you pick out an outfit that makes you look just as suspicious as my brother-in-law’s shirts. Happy now?”

Fang Yuan said, “I’m a good person, I don’t care for that. What kind of brother dresses his sister up like that?” She clearly had her own principles.

Wu Hu couldn’t argue. No matter what she wore, she couldn’t pull off that “bad woman” vibe—she was just too straightforward.

Luckily, her brother-in-law didn’t seem to mind and was always trying to get closer to her.

Wu Hu thought, you could learn anything from your brother-in-law, except for picking a wife. Sometimes, college boys really are clueless.

As for what was going on with Big Brother Fang, Wu Hu couldn’t get involved, nor did he dare. Their own brother’s hard-earned money was being used to support their uncle.

If the second, third, and fourth brothers were willing to let themselves be taken advantage of, they had it coming.

Lu Chuan whispered to Fang Yuan, “Just watch, sooner or later the fourth brother will turn on him. He’s never been taken advantage of like this before.”

Fang Yuan said, “Why don’t we go beat that guy up and stick up for Fourth Brother?”

Wu Hu said, “It was Fourth Brother who made the biggest fuss about Big Brother splitting up with your husband. Serves him right. Let’s stay out of it.”

Fang Yuan agreed, “Yeah, serves him right. But if outsiders try to bully us, you’d better not chicken out. Dad would be heartbroken.”

Wu Hu replied, “Like you need to tell me.”

When Wu Hu took Fang Yuan to the county, there was no need for him to take her shopping—Lu Chuan had already bought her clothes.

The kind of clothes Fang Yuan would call “pretentious” just by looking at them.

Lu Chuan handed them to her with a proud little smile.

Fang Yuan opened the package, and Wu Hu immediately sensed trouble. Before he could say anything, Fang Yuan turned to Lu Chuan. “What’s this supposed to mean? Do you have a thing for these pretentious clothes? You dress like you never do a day’s work, and now you want me to wear this stuff too?”

Then she exploded, “What, you think the two of us can just stand around looking pretty and money will fall from the sky? Lu Chuan, you’ve got a bit of money and now you’re getting cocky, is that it?”

Wu Hu realized his brother-in-law was getting caught in the crossfire—this anger was a little out of line.

Wu Hu covered his eyes. “It’s just a token of his affection.”

Fang Yuan snapped, “Yeah right. Where’d you get the money?” That last shout—that was the real issue.

Lu Chuan had just given her a gift, only to be scolded like this. No matter how good his temper, anyone would be upset.

Feelings can’t be maintained by one person’s imagination alone—it’s tough. He pressed his lips together and said nothing.

Old Man Lu came over, face flushed. “The money’s from me, from Dad. I gave it to him.”

Lu Chuan had already turned and walked away, clearly angry.

Wu Hu said, “What’s with your temper? He spends money on you and you’re still not satisfied?”

Fang Yuan replied, “He could’ve just explained. Besides, do you really think I’d look good in that?”

Then she added, “Dad, you too. Why give him money to waste instead of giving it to Mom?”

Old Man Lu actually thought his daughter-in-law was right—he’d said the same thing when his son asked for money.

But now that his daughter-in-law was doing his job and scolding his son, it didn’t feel quite right.

Old Man Lu said, “Fang Yuan, if you don’t like the clothes, just exchange them. How is it a waste? It’s only right to buy you something nice.”

Fang Yuan glared at the clothes, clearly unhappy.

Wu Hu said, “What are you looking at? Even your uncle says so. What’s your attitude? Did you even let Lu Chuan explain?”

For once, Fang Yuan realized she was in the wrong, but she wasn’t entirely at fault either, so she didn’t argue back. She just went to find Lu Chuan.

Lu Chuan was actually too busy to be angry—he had to keep an eye on the project schedule, quality, and safety. There was no room for slacking off.

Just like he always said, they didn’t have much experience, so they had to be extra careful, and remember the lessons learned from Big Brother’s mistakes—they couldn’t repeat them.

When Fang Yuan came over, neither of them had time to hash things out.

It wasn’t until dinner that night that Fang Yuan put several pieces of meat in Lu Chuan’s lunchbox. Lu Chuan ate in silence.

You could say she was giving him face, but his face wasn’t as rosy as usual—clearly, he was still upset.

Wu Hu and Old Man Lu kept their distance, hoping the two would work things out.

Old Man Lu was worried too. Watching his son try to get close to his wife was better than seeing him sulking in silence.

Fang Yuan said, “You’re a grown man, why are you being so petty? Just talk it out.”

Lu Chuan finally looked at her. “Is it that you don’t like the way I dress?”

Fang Yuan coughed. “Well, it’s not the most comfortable for working. Do you not like the clothes I bought you?”

Lu Chuan immediately took off his shirt. Fang Yuan shielded her eyes and grabbed her lunchbox. “What are you doing?”

Lu Chuan gritted his teeth. “Look—I’m wearing the tank top you bought me underneath. It’s new.”

Fang Yuan lowered her hand and saw Lu Chuan in the tank top. For the first time, she felt a little sheepish. Maybe she’d misunderstood.

Lu Chuan said, “Look at these arms, this skin—do you really think it looks good if I show it off? You’re always staring at those big, burly guys, but with my skinny arms and legs, don’t I need to cover up? I just didn’t want you to laugh at me.”

By the end, Lu Chuan’s voice was tinged with bitterness.

The way Fang Yuan looked at others really hurt him.

Uh, Fang Yuan wasn’t having it, and she never expected Lu Chuan to say that—that this was the reason.

85."

"Chapter 85: Even Tigresses Come in Country Varieties