Chapter 15: Expanding Connections

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Zhou Liang was chatting with Lin Yang when he noticed a subtle change in Lin Yang’s expression, instantly setting off alarm bells in his mind. His gaze sharpened as he stared intently at Lin Yang and asked cautiously, “Do you know me?”

Lin Yang quickly forced a smile and responded warmly, “Brother Liang, I’m from Lotus Village. Last year, I went to the grain station with my father to sell grain. You were there directing the work, so I saw you then.”

“I felt you looked familiar before but couldn’t place you right away. It was only when you mentioned your name just now that I had a lightbulb moment—oh, you’re the deputy director of our county grain station!”

Lin Yang paused briefly, his eyes full of gratitude as he continued, “My father’s name is Lin Dahai. His legs aren’t good, and he walks with a limp. The last time he went to sell grain alone, you helped him carry the grain. We’ve never forgotten that kindness!”

On the surface, Lin Yang appeared genuinely moved, but inside, his mind churned like turbulent waves.

In his previous life, even in this remote village, he had heard of Zhou Liang’s reputation.

Zhou Liang had a promising future but tragically died in the line of duty, a loss that caused much regret.

Moreover, Lin Yang’s father would always talk about how the grain station’s deputy director not only offered cigarettes but also helped carry grain—a truly good man.

Hearing this, Zhou Liang suddenly understood and his wary expression softened. He smiled and said, “Ah, now I remember! That’s what it was! But there have been changes at work this year—I’m no longer the deputy director at the grain station.”

He didn’t mention his current position.

Lin Yang understood and didn’t press further. He immediately handed over a large softshell turtle he was carrying and said earnestly, “Brother Liang, don’t say anything else. Take this turtle to help your wife recuperate. You helped our family so much; you have to accept this token of gratitude.”

Zhou Liang hurriedly declined, waving his hand. “No, I can’t accept gifts without merit. If you insist on giving me something, it has to be at market price; otherwise, I can’t accept it.”

Lin Yang was determined to build a good relationship with Zhou Liang and showed utmost enthusiasm and sincerity.

After some negotiation, the large softshell turtle was finally sold for fifteen yuan per jin.

As for the flying dragon fish, Zhou Liang paid sixty yuan.

Lin Yang knew well that these items could fetch higher prices elsewhere.

But he had his own reasons.

In his view, the value of connections far outweighed money.

Reluctantly accepting the payment, Zhou Liang sighed, “Xiao Yang, if you have any good things in the future, just call me directly. My father-in-law doesn’t have many hobbies, but he loves good food.”

“I’m so busy at work that I can barely set foot at home. My in-laws take care of everything, and I want to show my gratitude to them, but I don’t have anything special to offer.”

Lin Yang’s eyes lit up. “Brother Liang, wait a moment!”

He quickly crouched down, took off his basket, and carefully pulled out some wild mushrooms he had picked earlier.

His father had used some to make rabbit meat dumplings, and there were still just over two jin of the less perfect ones left.

With enthusiasm, Lin Yang explained, “Brother Liang, you know, the flying dragon’s meat is incredibly fresh and delicious. If you stew it with these wild mushrooms, the taste will be absolutely exquisite—a true delicacy!”

“I had no choice but to accept money for the large softshell turtle and flying dragon, but these wild mushrooms, you simply must accept.”

“To be honest, I’m getting a bargain too. If these had been sold to a state-run restaurant, they wouldn’t have fetched such high prices!”

Seeing Lin Yang’s eager expression, Zhou Liang couldn’t refuse his hospitality and smiled as he accepted the mushrooms. “Alright, I’ll take them. If you ever need anything, just don’t hesitate to come to the First Brigade and find me!”

Holding the 141 yuan Zhou Liang had given him, Lin Yang left the hospital satisfied.

Even selling to that elderly lady could have earned him thirty yuan more.

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But the favor from Zhou Liang wasn’t something thirty yuan could buy.

Besides, this was only the beginning.

Lin Yang had been anticipating something to happen.

He was certain that before long, his relationship with Zhou Liang would grow even closer.

In his previous life, he had taken many detours and knew well that in this harsh society, he wasn’t afraid of direct confrontation but dreaded being betrayed behind his back or bullied by those who wielded power.

Without a reliable backing and connections, no matter how much money you made, in the end, it was just serving others.

At only thirty-two years old, Zhou Liang held a crucial position in the county town, ranking at least within the top five.

Moreover, though Zhou Liang’s father did not live in the town, a single word from him could make the county’s top officials uneasy and constantly on edge.

Thinking about this and seeing the 141 trade points newly added in his system, Lin Yang’s smile grew wider.

The system’s first transaction for polygonum multiflorum earned 10 points; two days ago, selling softshell turtles and snow frogs brought 157 points, totaling 305 trade points. His experience bar was about two-thirds away from leveling up.

But time was the one thing he was not short of.

Having sold all his goods, Lin Yang’s mind turned to the lynx in the mountains.

The lynx was known as the “Second King” of the mountain and was quite valuable.

Especially its fur—catching one could instantly upgrade the system.

Lin Yang thought that if the lynx’s fur were damaged, its value would drop significantly, so setting traps would be more effective.

Once he returned, he would find a suitable place to set things up properly.

With this in mind, Lin Yang went to the supply and marketing cooperative.

He took out 180 yuan and a bicycle ticket, finally pushing out a brand-new Phoenix brand 28-inch bicycle.

As he stood there pondering how to ride two bicycles home, a familiar voice suddenly reached his ear.

“Brother Lin!”

Lin Yang instinctively turned around. In an instant, memories from his previous life surged like a tidal wave.

His heart filled with anger and resentment; his fists clenched unconsciously but he quickly suppressed these emotions deep down.

Standing before him was none other than Sun Xiaorong!

Sun Xiaorong had been waiting there for over half an hour, coming specifically to find Lin Yang.

She had planned to settle their relationship in the coming days.

Earlier, she had deliberately ignored Lin Yang to force him to produce 500 yuan for the bride price, plus the customary three turns and one ring.

She thought everything was perfectly planned until her brother interfered, ruining her scheme.

Knowing Lin Yang’s stubborn temper well, she had acted decisively at the slightest sign of trouble and came over to win back his heart.

In fact, Sun Xiaorong understood that although Liu Datong liked her, he cared more about his own future.

But Lin Yang’s feelings for her were unwavering.

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If Liu Datong didn’t marry her, Lin Yang could at least become her fallback.

Besides, the child she was carrying would serve as leverage over Liu Datong.

“Brother Lin, I just got back to the village today and heard people say my brother beat you! Are you okay? Are you hurt? Let me see!”

Sun Xiaorong’s eyes reddened, tears streaming down like broken pearls.

Lin Yang couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

Sun Xiaorong’s acting was truly impressive; her skill at playing the innocent and sweet girl was extraordinary.

Compared to her, those girls from the future were nowhere near as good.

In his past life, having achieved success and fame, he had seen all kinds of women.

At the bottom of society, beauties were indeed rare treasures.

But once he reached a certain status, beauties were as common as fish in the river—everywhere.

He even had to be constantly cautious to protect himself, lest someone take advantage of him.

At this moment, Lin Yang had long seen through Sun Xiaorong and had no desire to show her any kindness.

Frowning slightly, he stepped back and subtly avoided her outstretched hand, speaking coldly, “Sun Xiaorong, your brother has made it clear that we’re not allowed to meet. I don’t want him coming to our house again and hitting me on the head with a shovel.”

“The last time he hit me, I really thought I was done for. It felt like I was passing through the gates of hell.”

“But, I have to thank your brother for that shovel. It woke me up completely and made me see things clearly!”

Everything he said was true; that shovel blow had indeed brought him back to life.

Now he deliberately said this to stir trouble, giving Sun Xiaorong the impression that he still cared for her but was forced to hide it due to circumstances.

Upon hearing this, Sun Xiaorong cried even harder, her voice trembling as she sobbed, “I’m sorry, Brother Lin. I really didn’t know my brother would do something like that. I truly like you! If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have...”

She couldn’t bring herself to finish her sentence, instead sobbing more sorrowfully, her shoulders shaking as if deeply wronged.

Hearing this, Lin Yang recalled the scene from that day.

Sun Xiaorong had clung to him like a delicate bird, completely at his mercy.

If Sun Daqiang hadn’t suddenly jumped out, it would have been a disaster he couldn’t explain.

Suddenly, an idea sparked in Lin Yang’s mind.

He just needed someone to accompany him riding the bicycles home.

Sun Xiaorong was one month pregnant; what consequences would there be if she rode bicycles over ten li?

Lin Yang chuckled coldly to himself but knew he had to add fuel to the fire.

His thoughts raced, and soon a complete plan took shape.