Chapter 34: The Road in the Countryside Was Slippery

"Aunt Jane, you must be joking! Look at me, I've got so many cards up my sleeve. I didn't drop anything," Ethan said with a cheerful grin, not bothered by the sarcasm.

Aunt Jane scoffed, "Then, Big Boss Yang, what brings you back this time? Bought yourself a house in the city like the others, huh? Taking your residency out of the village?" She sniffed. "Although I'm old, I've seen plenty of the world. I heard you've been living the high life — houses, cars… Oh, last time, the Guavo family bought a car worth over a hundred thousand yuan and parked it in town. Big Boss Yang, did you park yours there too?"

Ethan chuckled as he walked forward. "Nope, my car is still at Fourth Son's shop."

"Bah! A poor man without parents! The more you live, the more useless you become. I'll go back and tell my Son not to bother with this pauper. He's just a bottomless pit," Aunt Jane muttered under her breath. Though quiet, Ethan heard every word clearly.

He sighed softly, shaking his head. Not long ago, he'd helped Aunt Jane, and now she treated him like this. So much for gratitude. Still, he figured he'd use the chance to visit every household in Mistwood Village and see how things really were.

Starting from the east side, Ethan carried his big bag and sack, knocking on each door. Out of the eighty or so families, not one turned him away. Conversations flowed, some warmer than others.

But what made his heart ache was that two-thirds of the mocking came from those who shared his surname, Yang. The Su families, while some looked down on him, weren't as venomous.

No wonder people said the roads in the countryside were slippery, but the hearts of people were even more complicated. The village wasn't as united or simple as it had been when he was younger.

Still, warmth wasn't entirely gone. Donald and Martha, Natalie's parents, welcomed him with open arms. When they noticed his clothes were wet, Donald even offered him a dry change of clothes.

Donald and Martha had only one daughter — Natalie Su. She and Ethan grew up together, from primary school through university. They were childhood sweethearts. Finally, in their university years, they confessed their feelings and became lovers.

But fate was cruel. The day after they became official, Natalie was almost hit by a reckless rich kid speeding through campus. Another boy shoved her out of the way, taking the hit himself. The accident left the boy crippled.

Blinded by guilt and pressured by the boy's mother, who emotionally blackmailed her with stories of sacrifice, Natalie broke up with Ethan. She dropped out and married the boy to repay the debt of saving her life.

But the marriage was a nightmare. Her husband spiraled into gambling, losing everything and racking up a massive debt. When he couldn't pay it back, he ended his life, leaving Natalie to bear the burden. She sold their house, drained her parents' savings, and paid off every cent. Then, with her four-year-old daughter, she returned to Mistwood Village.

With Donald's recommendation and her education, Natalie became the village director. No one else wanted the job — Mistwood was too poor, and there was no profit to be made.

Ethan had heard whispers of Natalie's return and her new role. Learning that she was now a widow stirred a storm of emotions within him. He wanted to rush over and see her. But reason held him back. She had a daughter now. There was no need to stir up gossip. They were in the same village. They'd meet eventually.

After finishing his visits, Ethan finally returned home. His house had been closed for so long that the lock had rusted shut. With a strong twist, he snapped it open and pushed the door wide. Letting the stale air escape, he turned to his loyal dog, Blackie. "Come in. We're home."

Inside, the house was just as he'd left it — quiet and lonely. He changed into dry clothes and lit incense before his parents' memorial tablets. Kneeling down, he bowed three times. "Dad, Mom… Don't worry. Your son will master the godly technique. I'll bring you back from the Underworld."

Afterward, he tore off half a roasted chicken and set it down for Blackie. Then, pulling out a bottle of wine, he sat back with the rest of the chicken.

He'd barely taken a few bites when three figures appeared at his door. Fred Yang, the old village secretary; Walter Yang, the village accountant; and Natalie Su, his first love and the new village director.

"Aiya, the three giants of our village, coming to visit me all at once? I'm honored!" Ethan grinned, standing to greet them. "Come, have a drink with me."

Fred chuckled, settling onto a stool. "Alright, but don't waste your money like this, Ethan. Look at what you're feeding the dog — better than what we eat!"

Walter nodded. "He's right. You were always kind-hearted, even as a boy. I remember you used to buy sausages for stray dogs and cats, even when you barely had enough to eat yourself."

Natalie smiled softly, her eyes lingering on Ethan's face. "He's always been like that."

The two old men exchanged glances and smirked. Perhaps there was still hope for these two.

Ethan laughed and reached into his bag, secretly pulling food from his ring space. "No worries! I've got enough to go around." He pulled out a roasted duck, two servings of vegetables, a few boxes of rice, and a bottle of Coke. "Let's eat!"

The four of them sat together, sharing a meal in the flickering lamplight. Though the road back home had been slippery, and the hearts of some villagers colder than he remembered, Ethan felt a warmth growing inside him. Maybe, just maybe, coming back to Mistwood was the right choice after all.