Zhou You wasn't swept away by overconfidence, thinking he was always right. He knew he was just lucky, having seized the advantage first.
What would he do when that advantage ran out?
The world was changing too fast. Who could have predicted war would break out just like that? How should an ordinary person navigate such times?
Leaving a foundation in the countryside was also leaving behind a spark of hope.
Many people, when things go smoothly, believe their future will be just as rosy.
But Zhou You didn't buy it. He was someone who prepared for danger in times of peace. In his past life, he hadn't made big money, but he hadn't made big mistakes either. He just wanted a safe and steady life.
In a way, Zhou You cared more about this farm than anyone else. It was both a breeding ground and a playground, but more importantly, it was the most basic insurance and one of his last fallbacks.
The next day, when he went to pay New Year's visits, it was much livelier than previous years. More people came to his uncle's house to pay respects. The old man's memorial altar was there. Some were close friends, some were farm employees, and some wanted to deepen their connections.
"The poor have no visitors even in the bustling city; the rich have distant relatives even in the深山."
Seeing the current scene, Zhou You felt a sense of satisfaction. It wasn't vanity, but seeing his family live with dignity, no longer scraping by or running around just to survive.
His parents also smiled more, exuding genuine confidence and ease.
Zhou You had thought about having them move into the provincial capital villa once it was built, but his parents had no interest in that. Why suffer in the city when they had it good at home—work to do, money to spend, relatives and friends around, and people who respected them?
On the second day of the New Year, he went to his maternal grandparents' house. The atmosphere was equally warm. His uncle no longer wore a bitter face; he was glowing. His grandparents praised their good fortune to everyone they met. And indeed, they were blessed—healthy in body, with filial children. What more could they ask for?
"You, after I sold the stocks, I saw them rising every day and felt uneasy, like not making money was a loss. Now that they've crashed, I feel a bit relieved. I guess I'm not cut out for stock trading. My mindset isn't right. From now on, I'll listen to you," his uncle admitted, finally seeing himself clearly and giving up, relying on his nephew.
Sun Peng had also changed his car—sturdy and durable. He now had several construction teams under him, some specializing in rural projects and others in city home renovations. But the rural boom was almost over. The wealthy nearby had mostly built their houses. Going farther afield wouldn't be worth it, and the work didn't require much skill anyway. He had just seized the early opportunity.
"Peng, are you busy after the New Year?" Zhou You asked.
"Not really. Why?" Sun Peng was curious.
"I got my new house and plan to renovate it after the New Year. If you're free, come keep an eye on it for me." Zhou You was thinking about his villa renovation. Without someone he trusted overseeing it, he couldn't rest easy. And they had to know what they were doing. Money wasn't the issue; he just didn't want to be taken for a fool even after spending a fortune.
Sun Peng looked exasperated. "You, are you looking down on me? I'll just handle the renovation for you. Why bother with all that worry?"
Zhou You shot him a glance. "I'm not confident in your skills. The villa I bought, including the yard, is over 1,000 square meters. I plan to live there long-term."
"...Then I'll personally oversee it. I'll bring a few people along to learn," Sun Peng said, backing off. He had never renovated a villa before and lacked experience.
His uncle chimed in, curious. "You, how much did it cost? That big."
"Seven or eight million. The renovation will probably cost a lot more," Zhou You said honestly.
Before long, all the relatives knew and came asking questions. Zhou You just said, "It's nothing special. It's like this house, just more expensive in the provincial capital. Living there feels the same."
That was the truth, but no one believed him. Everyone said he was being modest. In reality, there really wasn't much difference—just better scenery.
Buying a villa in the city, looking down on the high-rises, gave a sense of vanity and made you feel better. But over time, it was just that.
When his aunts heard the news, they rushed to ask Li Fengying, but she was just as clueless.
What?
Bought a house?
Bought a villa?
Oh.
Can't control it.
"I just found out. He earned the money himself; we can't interfere." Li Fengying was both happy and faintly sad.
A grown son is beyond his mother's reach.
Her child had made something of himself, no longer clinging to her or needing her.
She couldn't help much anymore.
There was a sense of loss, an emptiness in her heart.
Guo Jing bounced over. "Brother, are you giving out red envelopes this year? Everyone's waiting."
Zhou You grinned. "Forgot. Didn't bring any money this year."
Guo Jing's smile vanished, and the little kids trailing behind her looked crestfallen.
They had waited all year for this windfall from Zhou You, and now the New Year's fun was gone.
Haha, seeing the kids' faces change like the weather in June, Zhou You couldn't help but laugh.
"But if you perform a talent for me, I might consider it."
Guo Jing's face lit up with joy. "I'll go first!"
Zhou You grabbed her and pulled her aside. "I haven't shorted you on money. Is your allowance enough?"
"Enough, thanks, brother. But it's the New Year, so let me perform. I just learned a magic trick." Guo Jing couldn't contain her urge to show off.
"Fine, make it quick." Older kids weren't as fun; teasing the little ones was better.
"Everyone watch closely!"
Guo Jing raised her left index finger and then her right index finger.
"Pay attention! The key moment is coming!"
With that, she crossed her two index fingers, retracted her right one, and stuck out her left middle finger.
"See? My right index finger turned into two!" She burst out laughing.
Except for the three-year-old kid, who stared wide-eyed in curiosity, everyone else was baffled by Guo Jing.
Zhou You covered his face. What was this? Had college unleashed her true nature? Turned her into a goofball?
Even little kids wouldn't fall for that trick.
Come on, come on.
Teasing the little ones was more fun.
One sang, another did somersaults. The three-year-old went all out—dropped his pants and started swinging his "elephant."
Zhou You laughed so hard he sounded like a goose.
He pulled out the red envelopes. The kids grabbed the money and were about to scatter.
But Zhou You was in high spirits today, feeling like a kid again.
"Come on, I'll take you to the village shop to stock up. Go give the money to the adults first."
With a whoosh, they all ran off.
With another whoosh, they were back.
The village shop didn't have much, but it was Zhou You's childhood happy place. With a little pocket money, he'd come buy snacks—"Tang Seng meat," plum candies, spicy strips, spicy sheets—all small treats.
Zhou You led Guo Jing and the kids on a march to the shop, which was packed with people.
Who doesn't celebrate the New Year?
The kids charged in and swept through the shelves. Things they'd normally hesitate to buy, they grabbed.
Wahaha drinks—grab them.
Bubble gum—take a jar.
A few boys also grabbed some firecrackers.
Zhou You liked that. When he checked out, it was less than 500 yuan.
Money still had value back then. Childhood happiness was so easy to satisfy.
Then he took the kids out to play wild—blowing up ice with firecrackers, burying them in snowdrifts, sticking them in bottles—doing whatever was most annoying.
The goal was pure joy.