Chapter 3 Poverty

I'm uncertain how long it took for Li Long to awaken from the discomfort of his hunger. Upon reflection, it is evident that if there were not such significant riches in this location, the Chinese government would not have dispatched troops in his previous life.

Once Li Long regained a clear state of mind, he contemplated the wealth present in this area. A singular thought emerged: he desired to possess this wealth indefinitely. To achieve this, it was imperative that he kept the existence of this wealth a secret from others.

After a series of mental deliberations, Li Long ultimately retrieved three gold bars, each weighing one and a half pounds, from the box containing the gold. He concealed them alongside an indestructible dagger and reluctantly closed the box before standing up.

After observing the large rocks in front of him come together, he spent an additional hour erasing any evidence of his earlier activities. He then proceeded to the location where the vehicles of the 28 individuals were parked at the base of the mountain. He placed the hoe into a snakeskin bag for safekeeping, returned to his vehicle, and began his journey home.

Upon his return, it was already six o'clock in the evening. Due to the summer season, the daylight had not yet faded significantly.

After parking the car, Li Long could no longer suppress the hunger in his stomach and made his way to the kitchen, where the aroma of rice was wafting through the air.

Upon entering the kitchen, he found his sister seated there, heating water for a bath.

The meal that had been prepared on the dining table remained untouched. It was evident that his sister had been waiting for Li Long to return so they could dine together.

Perhaps sensing his approach, his sister turned around and, noticing Li Long covered in dirt, expressed her displeasure: "Brother, where have you been today? Why have you returned so late, and why are you covered in mud? You should wash your hands before eating!"

"Ah, I see!" 

Seeing his sister's displeased expression, Li Long offered a sheepish smile and proceeded to wash his hands.

Two hours later, after dinner and bathing, Li Long and his sister were watching television together in his room. He sat on the bedside while his sister, dressed in a skirt, sat on the sofa chair, engrossed in a television series. She did not inquire about Li Long's whereabouts or activities that day, likely still upset that she had to prepare dinner alone.

Reflecting on the day's events and finding the television series rather dull, Li Long could no longer endure the awkward silence regarding his sister's lack of curiosity about his day. He finally spoke up: "Sister, do you know where I went today?"

"I have no interest in knowing, and besides, I am not your keeper!" 

His sister continued to watch the television series without turning to face him.

Li Long noted her apparent disinterest in his activities. After a moment of contemplation, he decided to change the subject: "Sister, would you like to visit the city market tomorrow?"

Upon hearing this, his sister, who had been ignoring him, finally turned around with curiosity: "Brother, do you have money?"

"Haha, this is what I, Li Long, acquired today despite the mud. Would you like to go tomorrow? I will cover your expenses and buy you the clothes you truly desire, but..."

"Ah, really? Brother, what did you do today to earn that money? Are you genuinely taking me to the market tomorrow? But what do you mean by 'but'?"

Upon realizing that her brother was indeed wealthy, she became excited at the prospect of shopping for clothes. Her enthusiasm was palpable as she envisioned the vibrant market.

Li Long, noticing his sister's excitement, felt a sense of satisfaction. However, as she knelt on the sofa chair, her short skirt inadvertently rose, revealing her legs and a glimpse of her undergarments. This unexpected sight caused Li Long's heart to race, and he found himself momentarily distracted by inappropriate thoughts.

"Brother... what are you thinking? How do you plan to take me to the market to buy clothes tomorrow?"

Li Xin playfully grasped her brother's hand, unaware that her modesty had been compromised.

"Sister, do you still remember..."

Before his sister could detect his discomfort, Li Long discreetly pressed down on his own physical reaction, momentarily halting his words.

"Remember what?" 

Noticing her brother's silence, Li Xin felt a mix of curiosity and anticipation. She playfully tugged at his arm, eager for his response.

Li Long, caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, hesitated to articulate his thoughts. His face flushed slightly as he struggled to maintain composure.

However, his past experiences reminded him that his sister was nearing the end of her elementary education and was no longer the innocent child she once was. She had matured, and their relationship had evolved, reflecting a newfound understanding that transcended the blind admiration she had once held for him.