Six, Shi Tou Jin Shan

  Human reproduction and growth bring progress, also impacting the mountain village deep in the mountains.

  Up to Xu Dingkun's generation, the small mountain village, which had rarely communicated with the outside world in the past, gradually increased its ability to obtain information from the outside world. This broadened Xu Dingkun's horizons. His thoughts also flew out of the mountains and into the outside world.

  He took advantage of various opportunities to go beyond the great mountains, enriching his knowledge. He didn't want to end up like the older generation, spending their whole lives in solitary confinement. He wanted to go out.

  Years ago, he went to another town outside the mountain to sell mountain goods (he didn't want to run into Liang Jin, so he had to change places, although this would make him walk a longer distance on the mountain road, but he was willing). Unintentionally, he discovered that every household in the local area had someone going up the mountain to quarry stones for sale. The stones could also be sold for money, which moved his heart. In his eyes, the mountain was no longer just a mountain, but a gold mountain.

  The stone on the northwest corner of Shi Shan, hard and seemingly more valuable than those in town. This simple thought prompted him to make the biggest decision of his life.

  Sometimes, human wisdom is just a moment of inspiration.

  Xu Dingkun did not know that he had really chosen a mountain of gold. This was only verified years later.

  After finishing the tasks entrusted by Xu Dingkun, Liang Jin fell into a state of having nothing to do again. Xu Dingkun moved his whole family out of the mountain and settled at the foot of the contracted barren mountain, which for Liang Jin was just another place to kill time.

  The world has not changed.

  Months later, Liang Jin came home again with a strong smell of alcohol after eating out.

  A guest arrived at home. Liang Jin looked familiar, but couldn't remember who it was. However, the visitor's outfit made Liang Jin aware that the other party was not simple.

  Brother Liang, I'm Hu Zi. The newcomer seems very familiar with Liang Jin. Hu Zi, who is Hu Zi? He really can't remember.

  I cut in line at your place, young pioneer.

  Whiskers, educated youth. I've got an impression now. No wonder he looks familiar. Isn't this the same educated youth who whispered to me that there were minerals on the mountain? This sneaky guy doesn't look like it now, but seems to be doing quite well for himself, just like a boss.

  Hu Zi has become a businessman, a big boss. But in Liang Jin's eyes, he still can't shake off his original awkward appearance. Although, on the sofa in the house, there was a large pile of gifts that he had brought back.

  Oh, it's you. Liang Jin's reflection is lukewarm.

  Hu Zi is a businessman who has seen the world and didn't take Liang Jin's coldness to heart. He came with a purpose.

  After some small talk, Hu Zi got straight to the point. He wanted to get his hands on the contract for Xu Dingkun's barren mountain. Hu Zi's words made Liang Jin feel alert. What does it mean? A businessman, a boss, how could he be interested in a rocky mountain?! Liang Jin laughed and didn't take the bait. Hu Zi was very straightforward, offering 10,000 yuan as a labor fee for Liang Jin to help him get the contract from his brother-in-law's hands. 10,000 yuan, this is not a small amount. Liang Jin couldn't help but swallow hard several times.

  It's not that there aren't any treasures on the mountain. Liang Jin couldn't help but look at Xu Dingkun with a different gaze. His brother-in-law was indeed an extraordinary person. He couldn't help but affirm: The wisdom of a superior man, perhaps forever beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.

  Liáng Jìn suddenly found things a bit tricky, and for the time being, he couldn't think of what to do.

  He saw that there was a way out, and he decided to stop while he was ahead. Some things, if you rush them, won't work out, and he understood this principle. After saying a couple more sentences, he stood up and bid farewell. Liang Jin made an exception and escorted him out the door.

  From the town to Xu Dingkun's home, Liang Jin walked for more than half an hour.

  Xu Dingkun was not there, his sister said he took Xu Fu up the mountain. She was surprised by his late-night visit, but she didn't think much of it. Men's affairs were something she never asked about, that was her womanly way. She called out to the yellow dog Ah Huang, whispered a few words in its ear, then patted its head, Ah Huang understood and wagged its tail before disappearing into the night.

  Twenty minutes later, Xu Dingkun and his son returned, drenched in sweat.

  What's going on? Liang Jin couldn't help but ask.

  Nothing much. Xudeng Kun replied perfunctorily.

  His attitude made Liang Jin somewhat unhappy.

  After wiping his body, Xu Dingkun finally sat down.

  Liang Jin didn't know how to start, beating around the bush. His attitude and expression raised Xu Dingkun's doubts.

  Big brother, if you have something on your mind, just say it. He's not used to this roundabout way of talking.

  It's like this, someone wants... wants your contract rights, let me ask, see if it's okay. Liang Jin thought for a long time before stuttering out the words.

  No way. Xu Dingkun's answer was very simple. Directly made Liang Jin somewhat unable to get off the stage. Liang Jin's face couldn't hold on anymore.

  He got up and wanted to leave.

  Big brother, listen to me finish speaking. Xu Dingkun pulled Liang Jin down and asked him to sit down.

  Actually, you didn't come, I was just preparing to go find you to discuss something. Xu Dingfu used his words to stabilize Liang Jin.

  Then he told Liang Jin something that left him stunned.

  In the past two months, Xu Dingfu has not been idle. He asked Xu Fu to buy several books about stone and compared them, which made him more determined about his original decision. The stones on this barren mountain are not ordinary stones, but marble! He entrusted someone to take samples to the provincial city for appraisal. It was even more certain that it was high-quality marble.

  The profit here is not so simple, at least tens of millions.

  Xu Dingfu originally wanted to discuss with Liang Jin and open the mine for himself. Now that Liang Jin has brought it up, he no longer hides it.

  I just don't know how Liang Jin knew the value of this desolate mountain.

  Xu Dingfu hadn't finished speaking, when Liang Jin's tongue unconsciously stuck out. Geez, his beard is too black! He thinks he can take away the Golden Mountain with just 10,000 yuan. Thinking about it, he had only planned to offer Xu Dingkun 5,000 yuan (he wanted to swindle 5,000), and he silently cursed himself for being stupid. Luckily, he hadn't spoken his mind, or else he would have been looked down upon by his brother-in-law!

  He is at a loss for words at this moment.

  Unfortunately, we don't have the funds, or I would have started work already. Xu Dingkun's tone couldn't hide his regret. The 1,000 yuan for contracting the barren mountain had emptied out all of his savings over the years.

  Big brother, who is looking for you? Xu Dingkun asked.

  A boss. Liang Jin speaks the truth. At this time, he doesn't need to hide anything.

  "How did he know about things on this mountain?" Xu Dingkun couldn't help but ask.

  Liáng Jìnrú actually told Húzi about his identity and what happened over a decade ago.

  What a capable person! Xu Dingkun couldn't help but praise Hu Zi.

  "What should we do?" Liang Jin's tone was somewhat agitated.

  The brother-in-law can tell himself this matter, it means he doesn't regard himself as an outsider, they have a common secret, and they become a community of interests.

  I want to wait a bit longer. Xudeng Kun said slowly and calmly, as if he had already made up his mind!

  Waiting for a good price! High, it's really high. Liang Jin wholeheartedly agreed with Xu Dingkun's idea.

  But big brother, there's still one thing I need your help with.

  "What's going on?" Xu Dingkun said. "No need to be polite." The sudden calmness in Xu Dingkun's tone made Liang Jin feel a hint of estrangement.

  You have to think of a way to ensure our contract rights!

  This is easy, who else dares to mess with me. Liang Jin's tone of being carefree made Xu Dingkun somewhat uneasy.

  Big brother, you must be careful! Xu Dingkun repeatedly reminded...

  After leaving Xu Dingkun's house, Liang Jin felt that Xu Dingkun was too worried. If it wasn't for Xu Dingkun repeatedly nagging like a woman, he really wouldn't have taken this seriously.

  After spending several days at home, Liang Jin finally went out to gather information.

  The result shocked him greatly.

  The leaders of the town are secretly instigating the preparation to take back Xu Dingkun's contract rights, and this matter has been kept secret from Liang Jin.

  Damn it, dare to move me. Liang Jin found the leaders of the town to reason, but it's strange, several people's tone is surprisingly consistent. They all said that withdrawing the contract right has policy basis.

  Looking at their icy expressions, Liang Jincai finally understood that the old saying was indeed true: friends who only gather for food and drink are unreliable.

  He suppressed his anger and ran to the county, looking for the secretary and the county magistrate. The two didn't say much, but instead fed him a big set of grand theories about introducing capital and promoting local economic development. Liang Jin felt that something was not quite right.

  He vaguely felt that it was Huzi who was playing tricks. No wonder he hadn't seen Huzi's shadow since the last visit a few days ago. It turned out that this kid wasn't idle. He had originally wanted to return the 10,000 yuan to Huzi, but it seemed there was no chance now.

  That 10,000 yuan was more of a warning than a bribe, to let Liang Jin see his own strength and retreat. He spent 10,000 to entertain his superior, who knows how much he used. This kid is ruthless, really ruthless.

  What to do, Liang Jin was somewhat frantic.

  He returned home with his head hung low in dejection and fell fast asleep. His wife, Yúnzi, found it strange, as usually he wouldn't know how to spend his time in that remote corner.

  After finishing dinner, she called Liang Jin to eat, but Liang Jin ignored her. This made her somewhat unhappy. He didn't take people seriously at all. She felt a bit suffocated. When collecting bowls and chopsticks, she vented her dissatisfaction with heavy hands and feet.

  Can't you be quieter? Can't you see I'm sleeping? Liang Jin couldn't help but jump up.

  At ordinary times, Liang Jin didn't do this. Psychologically, he felt a bit guilty towards Yunzi. He thought to himself that he wasn't capable enough, and it was beneath the dignity of the daughter of the prefectural party committee secretary to suffer with him. He had no face. Therefore, he respected Yunzi very much. However, today, he really couldn't hold back his temper.

  Yunzi cried. Liang Jin was at a loss for words. Seeing that he didn't move, standing there like a wooden stake, Yunzi became even more displeased. She yelled that she wanted to return to her parents' home. "You're just waiting for my dad to hurry up and die, so you can't help him with anything, and then you won't take me seriously," she said. "Don't forget, there's still a younger brother and sister, they hold official positions, not inferior to my father."

  Yes, I forgot about this. The two leaders of the county don't take themselves seriously, they're just waiting for their father-in-law to retire and lose power. But there's still the child's uncle and aunt. A wake-up call for the dreamer. Liang Jin calmed down, held his wife's hand and apologized. He also added some embellishments to the story, obviously exaggerating the county leaders' bad attitude.

  Let's see what you can do. Yunzi stopped crying and making a fuss. She was kind-hearted, but she particularly hated people who forgot favors and were ungrateful. The county magistrate was actually her father's student, but now he had done something that made people leave in disappointment, which made her quite angry.

  No wonder. Yúnzi muttered to herself as she picked up her things, a hint of satisfaction in her tone.

  Liáng Jìn knows there is a door.

  Seeing Yunzi getting ready to go out, Liang Jin asked her what she was doing.

  Nonsense. As he was about to leave, Yunzi gave him a glance. Liang Jin was overjoyed. He hastily followed him out, and in the town, he helped Yunzi find a good carriage, sending Yunzi on his way before happily returning home.

  If it weren't for taking care of two kids, he really wanted to go with them.