A Lucky Break

"Arlo, I didn't realize things were so tough for you," Bai Jie said softly.

Arlo chuckled. "Honestly, I'm in a better spot than you were back then, Bai Jie. At least I still have my parents. You had to rely on yourself, especially as a woman. That's something that would make many men ashamed of themselves."Bai Jie smiled faintly. "It wasn't that bad. I was just lucky.""Luck is part of ability, too!" Arlo sighed. "Even with luck, you need ability to succeed. To achieve anything meaningful, both luck and ability are essential."He then laughed lightly. "Bai Jie, I may be young, but I've been through my share of experiences. I know that your success wasn't just handed to you. Many people envy others' achievements without understanding the effort behind them. I don't envy you because I have my own big dreams to chase. But I admire you for working so hard and making it happen."Bai Jie was taken aback by how insightful Arlo was for his age. Then again, she thought, isn't this exactly what makes him unique?"All right, little brother! Let me toast you with tea," Bai Jie said with a smile, raising her cup. "Here's to your dreams coming true and soaring high in the future."Arlo clinked his cup against hers. "Thanks for the kind words, Bai Jie. If I ever make it big, I won't forget today's encouragement.""You'd better not!" Bai Jie playfully tapped his head. "If you do, I'll come and smash your windows."Arlo burst into laughter. "Deal! But I won't give you that chance.""That's more like it. Cheers!"Despite their 15-year age gap, the two talked like old friends, sharing similar values and views on life. It felt as if they were kindred spirits meeting too late in life."Little brother," Bai Jie said, her tone now much more affectionate as she poured him more tea. "Even though we're years apart, I feel like we really get along. It's been ages since I've had someone to talk to like this. Promise me you'll visit often, or I'll be upset."Arlo smiled. "Of course! If Bai Jie thinks highly of me, how could I not oblige? I'll visit regularly.""Good. It's settled then." Bai Jie raised her cup again. "Another toast to you, little brother.""Thank you, Bai Jie."After finishing their tea, it was nearly 8 PM. Bai Jie asked one last question. "Arlo, since you killed the giant python, I assume you still have the snakeskin, right? Could you show it to me? If it's good quality, I'll buy it at a high price.""Oh, I have it, but I didn't bring it with me," Arlo replied, noticing the disappointment in her eyes. He added with a smile, "Are you free this afternoon? I can bring it over then.""Sure!" Bai Jie said with a grin. "Bring it over, and if it's well-preserved, I'll offer you a great price.""Deal," Arlo said, smiling back. While he could have shown her the snakeskin right then, he decided to wait until the money was in his account. Though their conversation had been pleasant, business was business. Beforehand, he also wanted to research the market value of python skin online to ensure he wouldn't be shortchanged.At 17 years old, Arlo had already been hustling in the real world for two years. He had a savvy, cautious approach to life—knowing when to take risks and when to hold back. Small losses were acceptable if they paved the way for greater gains. This was the survival philosophy he lived by.A little past 8 AM, Arlo sat in Bai Jie's Porsche, marveling at the luxury of the car. It solidified his determination: One day, I'll drive a car like this.When they arrived at the bank, Arlo presented his ID and opened a new account. Upon seeing his ID, Bai Jie was surprised to learn he wasn't even 16 yet. This revelation brought back memories of her own struggles—starting out on her own before she was 16, enduring countless hardships to build her current empire."Is this fate?" Bai Jie thought, feeling a deeper connection to Arlo.Once the account was set up, Bai Jie transferred 380,000 into it. Seeing the amount in his account, Arlo was elated. This was real money—money he would've had to work as a laborer for three or four years to earn. Yet, within just a few days of obtaining the mysterious ring, he had made 380,000. And this was only the beginning.After saying goodbye to Bai Jie, Arlo hung a basket on his bike and left the snake meat restaurant. On his way home, he stopped in a secluded spot to take out four butchered sheep from his inventory.It was Sunday, and when Arlo arrived home, his parents, Niu Xin and Ma Min, were both there. Seeing Arlo carrying a basket of mutton, Niu Xin hurried to help him. "Why are you back so late? Have you eaten?""I've eaten," Arlo replied, wiping his sweat. "Dad, Mom, if you're free today, I'll need your help at the meat stall. Business was great yesterday, so I brought back four sheep to sell.""Sure."When they set up the stall, a crowd of housewives swarmed in, leaving Niu Xin and Ma Min stunned by the frenzy."So busy?""Arlo, still 35 today, right? Don't raise the price, or I won't let you off!" a stout middle-aged woman joked."Of course, it's 35. No tricks!" Arlo laughed. "But I'm not giving away extras like hoofs and brains today. I'm saving those for myself. You can buy them, though, and I'll give you a discount."By noon, all four sheep were sold out, even the bones, brains, and hooves. When they calculated the day's earnings, they had made over 6000. After subtracting the cost of 4500, the profit was more than 1500 in just one morning.Hearing the numbers, Ma Min was moved to tears. "Arlo, our family is finally on its way to a better life.""Mom, Dad, don't worry. The good days are just starting," Arlo reassured them."Arlo, are you all set on this?" Niu Xin furrowed his brow."I talked to Yu Yan about it last night, and she agreed. Initially, I planned to rent a three-bedroom apartment so both of our families could live together. If you don't want to go, then it'll just be me, Aunt Wu, and Yu Yan moving," Arlo explained.Niu Xin and Ma Min exchanged a glance. Ma Min hesitated before saying, "Alright, but you need to promise us that you'll take good care of yourself out there.""Of course, Mom. You know I've always been capable of handling things." Arlo smiled reassuringly.The conversation shifted to logistics—where to rent the place, how to divide responsibilities, and how often Arlo would visit his parents. Despite their reservations, his parents could see his determination and maturity, which eased their concerns slightly.