Compared to Tiebushan's house, Tiewa's house is relatively much better.
The outer walls are made of red bricks, plastered with cent, and the gate is also an iron door.
This is all thanks to Tie Yidao, the village's only butcher. A skilled person always lives better than soone who only relies on hard work.
When Xiao Feng arrived at the door, he happened to hear a group of won whispering.
"I think Tie Yidao has slaughtered too many animals and is now facing retribution."
"That's right, that's right. When his eldest son turned foolish, I advised him to stop this profession, but he wouldn't listen."
"It's truly a pity about his eldest son, but as for his second son, what kind of person is he? Hanging out with a bunch of lousy friends all day, breaking into houses and stealing, his death is heaven's gain!"
"Ha! Do you see any of those lousy friends coming around?"
Xiao Feng wasn't particularly surprised, for there was never a shortage of gossipers, whether in the city or the village.
Walking into Tiewa's house, he found it wasn't as lively as most red and white events.
This was sowhat customary; usually, if an elderly person in their eighties or nineties passed away, there would be drums and gongs, and a lively funeral.
If a young person died, and the elder mbers were still living, the affairs would be handled quietly, and so would even choose to bury them at night.
At this ti, the bustling young won in the yard had noticed Xiao Feng walking in.
Many young girls couldn't help but glance at him twice, then be teased by the older won beside them, causing them to blush and lower their heads.
Before Xiao Feng arrived, it was hard to say, but after he ca, he was indisputably the most handso guy in Iron Village!
Entering the inner room, a coffin was placed lengthwise towards the door, blankets spread on both sides, and Tiewa sat on them, wearing a white mourning cap.
He was already darker than most people, and against the white cap, his complexion appeared even darker, giving off an inexplicable comical feel.
Xiao Feng observed the surroundings and noticed several people holding back laughter.
These people wanting to laugh doesn't necessarily an they're trying to laugh at him... it could very well be because of Tiewa sitting on the ground.
"Where's your father?" Xiao Feng asked.
Tiewa pointed to the inner room and continued to daydream.
Xiao Feng walked into the inner room where many people surrounded a woman lying on the bed, presumably Tiewa's mother, trying to console her.
anwhile, Tie Yidao squatted on the floor, chain-smoking, with cigarette butts scattered around his feet; the room felt like a clogged chimney, full of smoke.
"There's sothing I want to discuss with you," Xiao Feng walked over and said.
Tie Yidao looked up and seeing it was Xiao Feng, he said hoarsely with a blank expression, "There's nothing to say between us."
Xiao Feng furrowed his brows slightly, understanding the hostility directed at him.
Yet, he didn't feel guilty or apologetic.
"What I want to discuss is about Tiewa's future prospects." Xiao Feng spoke calmly.
Upon hearing this, Tie Yidao looked up again, extinguished the cigarette, glanced at his wife on the bed, and murmured, "Let's talk outside."
Once outside, Xiao Feng went straight to the point, "I want to take Tiewa out to explore the world. With , he'll have better prospects.
I guarantee he can earn a million in a year, whether it's under a written agreent or a contract."
"A million?!" Tie Yidao's eyes widened, showing signs of being swayed.
It's worth noting that, among current residents of Iron Village, probably only Tien Nong Bao can co up with that much money. The others, having about seventy to eighty thousand, are considered doing well; having even ten to twenty thousand is rare.
After all, farming a few acres just suffices for basic needs; trying to save money is definitely out of the question.
"No way!" After hesitating for a while, Tie Yidao refused outright, "I've already lost one son, I can't lose another. He must stay with ."
Xiao Feng shook his head with a smile, "I'm asking him to follow , not disappear forever. Living a life confined to the village, working from dawn to dusk, and toiling under the sun and sky, is this what you wish to see?
Besides, how many more years can Tiebushan's generation live?
Eventually, the village will still have to relocate. When there's no land to farm, can you rely on slaughtering to support your family?"
Tie Yidao fell silent and pulled out a cigarette from a crumpled pack and lit it.
Right then, the sound of quarrel ca from outside, seemingly between two won.
"Why did I ever give birth to a daughter like you, can't you listen a bit?"
"No way, I just want to wear mourning with Brother Tiewa!"
"Nonsense! Co back ho with , don't let people laugh at you!"
"You go back if you want, I won't go!"
Soon after, Chen Li appeared at the doorway.
A middle-aged woman behind her was pulling hard, trying to drag her ho but without success.
Quite a few around laughed loudly, pointing and gossiping about the two.
"Brother Tiewa! Brother Tiewa!" Chen Li shouted at the door.
Tiewa quickly ran out, greeting Chen Li's mother first.
Chen Li's mother looked at Tiewa's white cap atop his large dark face and was infuriated, her head spinning with anger, grabbing her daughter's hand and fuming, "What exactly do you see in this guy?"
"I don't care, I just adore him!" Chen Li clutched Tiewa's arms firmly, showing resolute attitude.
"Alright, even if you fancy him, you haven't married yet. What's with this behavior, co ho first!"
Upon saying this, both parties began pulling at each other again.
The chaos worsened as people stepped forward to intervene.
Xiao Feng squeezed into the crowd, pulling Chen Li out and whispered, "Follow outside."
Chen Li paused but followed him.
Until then, chaos continued. Chen Li's mother was searching everywhere but couldn't see where her daughter was, while surrounding chatter turned noisy, causing headaches.
Away from the chaos, Xiao Feng chuckled, "I heard from Tiewa that you plan on moving to the city?"
"Yeah, it's how we think now, the next generation can't stay like this." Chen Li nodded.
Xiao Feng pondered, "There's an opportunity in front of you, follow and you'll have better prospects."
"Follow you?" Chen Li hesitated, "What work do you want us to do? How much per month?"
"Just help sell clothes, five thousand a month; as for Tiewa, I have other plans."
"Room and board included?"
"Included."
"Where's the work?"
"Not far, in Jiangcheng."
After thinking for a mont, Chen Li responded, "Let first discuss with my family. By the way, how much for Brother Tiewa?"
"Eight thousand," Xiao Feng replied casually, fearing that saying too much might scare her off and cause unnecessary trouble.
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