Chapter 35: A Timely Help

"Boy, your food is really something," Fred said, raising his cup with a grin. "Looks like you're rolling in the big bucks now. I heard you've got a friend who can help us build roads and bridges. At first, I thought you were just bragging like the others… but seeing you feast on chicken and duck like it's New Year's, I'm starting to believe you. Come on, let's drink!"

The three clinked their glasses. Fred downed half his wine and squinted as he chewed on a piece of duck. "Mmm. Not bad. City-made food really does taste better than what we get out here in the countryside."

After finishing his glass, Fred leaned in. "Ethan, Walter and I watched you grow up. There's no need for pretense here. Just tell us straight — do you really have a way to fix the bridge and the road?"

Ethan smiled, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "I do… but I have two conditions. First, I want the two abandoned houses in the west."

"What?" Walter nearly choked on his drink. "Are you out of your mind? People work their whole lives to buy houses in the city, and you want to come back to this poor village and put down roots?"

Natalie, who had been quietly listening, suddenly blushed, a flicker of understanding crossing her face.

Ethan shrugged. "Well? Do we have a deal or not?"

Natalie was the first to speak. "If you can really build roads and bridges, I have no objections. It's a good thing for the whole village."

"I agree too," Walter added. "If you can pull this off, those abandoned houses are nothing. But it's not as simple as just handing them over. The land belongs to the state. We'll need to get approval from the town and county offices."

Fred nodded thoughtfully. "Don't worry. I doubt there'll be much resistance. We've been pestering the county for years about fixing the road, but they never have the funds. If you can offer a solution, they'll probably be overjoyed."

Ethan leaned back, satisfied. "Great. Now for my second condition — I want to contract the land at the old society square and build a large warehouse there. The contract should last at least ten years, and I'll pay increasing rent annually."

Fred dropped his chopsticks. "A warehouse? In that wasteland? What are you planning to store there — flies and rats?"

Ethan chuckled. "Come on, my boss sent me back to develop agriculture here. Once we start producing, the company will buy everything at a high price. The warehouse will be used as a transition station."

Walter looked doubtful. "You're saying someone's willing to invest millions into this village? Just fixing the road will cost at least five million. And that friend of yours is willing to throw money at this place?"

Ethan could see the disbelief on their faces. He sighed, got up, and disappeared into the house for a moment. When he returned, he carried a large sack. With a thud, he dropped it onto the table. The sack spilled open, revealing bundles of crisp 100-yuan notes.

Fred, Walter, and Natalie shot to their feet in shock.

"You… you really brought back a whole sack of cash?" Fred stammered, eyes bulging.

Ethan grinned. "This is just pocket money from the boss. Believe me now?"

Fred gulped. "Alright, alright! I believe you! Quick, put it away! Even if we're all from the same village, money makes people do crazy things."

Ethan carried the sack back into his house, slipping the money into his magic ring's storage space. When he returned, Natalie hesitated before asking quietly, "Ethan… is this boss of yours a rich woman?"

"Rich woman?" Ethan blinked. "What do you take me for? It's Henry Wang."

Natalie's jaw dropped. "What? That glutton from university?"

Fred laughed heartily. "Looks like your ancestors must be smiling down on you, Ethan. If everything's true, I'll head to the county first thing tomorrow."

He let out a long sigh. "You know… I never imagined Mistwood would have a day like this. Hah, I'm getting old."

Fred paused, then gave Ethan a meaningful look. "There's something else. You're a university graduate, and now you've got a big investor behind you. Plus… you and Natalie grew up together." He glanced at Natalie, whose cheeks turned pink again. "Why not take over as village secretary? It'd be perfect."

Ethan nearly choked on his drink. "Me? Village secretary?"

Fred clapped him on the back. "Think about it. You've already done more for this village in one visit than anyone else has in years."

As the night wore on, the four of them shared drinks, laughter, and dreams of what Mistwood might become. For the first time in years, Ethan felt something stir inside him — hope. Maybe the road ahead wasn't so slippery after all.