Chapter 201 - I Will Kill You!!!
After hearing Lee Xiulian's story, Zheng Hong was thrilled to learn that Zhang Xiaolong was truly bringing good fortune to everyone. She couldn't wait to share the news with Wang Fugui as soon as she got home.
Zhang Xiaolong had previously offered them both positions at the market, but Wang Fugui, concerned with keeping up appearances, stubbornly refused to accept, much to Zheng Hong's frustration. The market job paid better than most, after all.
But it turned out that Wang Fugui's reluctance was a blessing in disguise. Those employed at the market had little time to manage their own vegetable plots due to their fixed work schedules, leaving the cultivation to family members. Zheng Hong, being an employee, meant that Wang Fugui was perfectly positioned to take on the lucrative task of vegetable farming.
?However, to Zheng Hong's surprise, Wang Fugui was not pleased when he heard the news. He was actually quite upset.
“Zhang Xiaolong is giving away seeds for free and then buying the vegetables back at a high price? Why should he?” Wang Fugui's skepticism was evident. “Just because Lee Xiulian says so, you believe it? She's been charmed by Zhang Xiaolong; of course, she'd speak in his favor.”
“Why are you always so cynical? Don't project your negativity onto others. You're always fixated on trivial issues,” Zheng Hong retorted, clearly displeased. “Sister Xiulian explained that we can sign a contract. Each person decides how many acres to plant, and there's no pressure. They're not worried about us planting too much; they'll supply as many seeds as we can plant. When it's time to sell, the vegetables will go for at least two yuan per jin. It's clearly a great opportunity. Why can't you see that?”
Wang Fugui turned away, ignoring her words as if he hadn't heard a thing.
“Sister Xiulian has done the math for us. At two yuan per jin, a thousand jin brings in two thousand yuan, and five thousand jin equals ten thousand yuan. Even after deducting the cost of fertilizer, we'd still clear at least eight thousand yuan,” Zheng Hong continued, undeterred by his attitude. “Think about it. Growing grains, you'd be lucky to make two thousand yuan per acre. But with vegetables, it's like earning several times that. In a few years, we could afford to build our own little villa.”
“Little mansion, little mansion, that's all you ever think about!” Wang Fugui finally erupted, “So what if I'm poor? The money I earn is honest, and I can live with myself. Does being poor mean I should die? Can't I live without a fancy house?”
Zheng Hong's previously good mood was completely ruined, “What's gotten into you? I'm talking about a good opportunity here. Not everyone has the chance to take it, you know. And I never said that being poor is a death sentence. But does Zhang Xiaolong living in a small mansion mean he's betraying his conscience with the money he makes?”
Seeing Wang Fugui's unchanging, sullen expression and his silence, Zheng Hong rolled her eyes and gave his arm a shake, “You stubborn mule, what will it take for you to agree?”
“What's there to say when you've decided everything? Does my opinion even matter?” Wang Fugui grumbled, feeling frustrated.
“I'm trying to discuss this with you. In the end, it's you who has to do the work. Whether we make money or not is up to you. Can you handle it?” Zheng Hong looked at him with hopeful eyes.
She couldn't be blamed; what woman doesn't want a man who can sweep in and solve all problems with a grand gesture? She had simply overlooked his feelings at the moment.
Wang Fugui softened his tone, “Hong, can we consider going back to working regular jobs? We can find something stable. I'm willing to work my hardest so that we can have a better life.”
“We've worked before. With our lack of education and connections, what kind of decent job can we find? And tell me, what job pays a hundred thousand yuan a year? Together, we don't even make half that,” Zheng Hong retorted with an eye roll. “I've finally found a glimmer of hope, and now you're backing out. Do you think you can't do it? You're being useless. Why can't you be more like Xiaolong...”
That was the last straw. The mention of “Zhang Xiaolong” set Wang Fugui off like a spark to gunpowder, and he exploded, “Zhang Xiaolong, Zhang Xiaolong, Zhang Xiaolong, can't you talk about anything else? Since you started working at that rundown market, you can't seem to go a day without mentioning his name ten times. Does it keep you up at night or something?”
“What's the matter with Zhang Xiaolong? He's just more talented than you, just more skilled. If we're not up to par, shouldn't we be learning something from him?” Zheng Hong realized the man was truly upset and wanted to ease the tension, yet she refused to back down.
Wang Fugui's anger intensified. “Fine, Zhang Xiaolong is great, Zhang Xiaolong is capable. Damn it, you're with me and still thinking about that guy? If he's so great, go to him. I bet he can provide you with more than just seeds for planting; he might even give you a child.”
Tears welled up in Zheng Hong's eyes. “Is that any way to speak?”
“Damn, so now I'm not even human? Then go find someone who is! You want to live in a fancy little house, don't you? Go to Zhang Xiaolong,” Wang Fugui's rage was uncontrollable, “Strip down and see if Zhang Xiaolong even wants you. Maybe if he's in the mood, he'll give you a thrill. I sure can't!”
“Fine, Wang Fugui, you said it. I'll go to Zhang Xiaolong today and bare it all for him!” Zheng Hong, enraged, turned on her heel and stormed out.
“You wouldn't dare!” Wang Fugui snatched a knife from the table. “I'll kill you, you whore!”