A New Dawn for the Whitlocks Chapter 6

Aiden Whitlock, with dishevelled hair and ragged clothes, was carrying his simple luggage, leaning on a stick, and stumbling along. He was very thin, with hair as thin as straw. He saw an old man herding two sheep coming over, so he stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Old man, I have a question for you." The old man said, "My God, where did you get this? How did you become so rotten?" Aiden Whitlock said, "I came from Shandong, and I'm here to look for my sister."

Aiden Whitlock took out the envelope given to him by Mr. Zhang from his bosom, handed it over and said, "Old man, this is Zhang Suozhen, right? This person lives here, right?" The old man looked at the envelope, nodded and said, "Yes, go to the big willow tree in front, it's the third house from east to west. Who are you to her?" Aiden Whitlock said excitedly, "Relative, relative, my sister, she is here, thank you!" Aiden Whitlock put the envelope in his pocket, leaned on a stick, and staggered towards the big willow tree.

This was a lonely thatched house, which looked a bit run-down due to years of neglect. Aiden Whitlock calmed down his excitement and knocked on the door gently, but no one answered. Aiden Whitlock increased his strength. The door opened, and a woman in her thirties opened the door. Seeing Aiden Whitlock like this, she was startled and hurriedly closed the door and bolted it.

Aiden Whitlock said anxiously, "Don't be afraid, I'm here to find my sister. My sister lives in your house. Your name is Zhang Yinglian, right?" The woman inside asked, "Who are you?" Aiden Whitlock said, "This is what happened. My sister's name is Lily Summers. She married the son of Mr. Zhang, Liang. A few days ago, she came here with her mother-in-law and Liang to see her grandmother. I'm her brother. Come to see her. Open the door. We are relatives." The woman said, "There is no such person. You've found the wrong door." Aiden Whitlock said, "How is this possible?"

Aiden Whitlock passed the envelope through the crack of the door and said, "It says on this envelope that it's your family, right?" The woman was silent for a long time and opened the door. Aiden Whitlock said, "Isn't that right? Where's my sister?" The woman said, "Brother, my name is Yinglian, and the rich man Zhang you mentioned is my brother. But since he got rich, he has never taken care of me and my mother, otherwise my mother wouldn't have died so early. Because of this, I stopped communicating with him a long time ago! Your sister has never come here, you were fooled by him!" Aiden Whitlock was stunned.

The weather has turned warmer. Connor Whitlock and his fellow men are having dinner in front of the wooden house. They are either squatting or sitting, talking while eating. Niu Dejin said: "The horse died tragically, it was almost beaten into a sieve! Fortunately, there was no one riding on it!" Lao Yaner said: "They used the horse to test the wind first! What a master!" Xiao Jinli said: "Who is this man?" Da Jinli said: "Oh, who cares who he is! Anyway, this is a dragnet. Once you get in, don't think about getting out. Just accept your fate..."

Connor Whitlock squatted against the wall, eating silently, thinking about something. Suddenly, the black girl came into the room and asked, "Brother Zhu, what are you thinking about?" Connor Whitlock paused and said, "Why are you here?" The black girl said, "I came to bring some wine to the counter."

Big Golden Grain said to Big Black Girl, "Boss, have you heard about the horse?" Big Black Girl replied, "Of course I haven't heard about it. Besides what you just said, I also heard that the horse fell down, but rolled over and got up again!" Old Yan'er asked curiously, "It got up again, it's not dead?"

The big black girl said: "After getting up, he was hit by more than a hundred bullets. How could he not die? What a pity, that was a good horse, with guts!" Connor Whitlock listened calmly. Lao Yaner asked again: "The first row of guns were from officers and soldiers, where did the second row of guns come from?" The big black girl said: "Where did it come from? Where else did it come from? From bandits!" Everyone was stunned. The big black girl said: "I told you a long time ago that this Jingou is a dragnet, no one should try to get out with their lives, that's fighting for their lives!"

Connor Whitlock said seriously: "You are absolutely right!" Jin Baotou came over and said: "Hey, it's quite lively here. Lao Yan'er, how are you? Did you hurt your bones?" Lao Yan'er said: "It's fine, I made the boss worry about it."

Jin Baotou said: "Don't take it personally. The big cabinet is doing this for our own good. How can we make money if we don't work hard? Be more careful when you work in the future. There is a saying that goes, "Don't punish greed or laziness, just punish blindness. Big Jinli, I have a letter for you." Big Jinli said: "My letter? Give it to me quickly!" Jin Baotou said: "Take it. Is it a letter from your lover? Read it carefully and have a good dream."

Big Jinli looked at the letter, his face gradually darkened. Little Jinli came over and whispered: "Brother, is it a letter from her?" Big Jinli nodded. Little Jinli said: "Are you asking for money again?" Big Jinli sighed and said: "Ah, this is a very troublesome matter. You won't understand even if I tell you. What should I do?"

The weather was getting warmer, and the tavern was bustling. Connor Whitlock pushed the door open, looked around the tavern, and sat down in a small corner. Lao Guozi served the wine and food, and Connor Whitlock drank by himself. The big black girl came over, twisting her waist, and said, "Brother Zhu, are you drinking alone? Can your sister drink two cups with you?"

Connor Whitlock said with a smile: "You, the boss, are a little too enthusiastic about a poor gold digger like me? I don't have much money." The big black girl said: "Do you think I only recognize money? I recognize people with my eyes. No matter where you come from, I can tell you almost everything after seeing you flash in front of my eyes. But I still don't know you until today. What did you do before?" Connor Whitlock said: "Do you really want to know?" The big black girl said: "Which woman is not curious about a man like you? Tell me." Connor Whitlock whispered: "To tell you the truth, I escaped from Shandong to Yuanbao Town." The big black girl smiled and said: "I said, did you kill someone?" Connor Whitlock said: "Listen to me, I learned boxing since I was a child in my hometown, and I have some strength. I guard the house for a rich man."

The big black girl said: "Look, my eyesight is not bad, right? I said you are not an ordinary person, and it turns out that you are not ordinary." Connor Whitlock said: "Who knew that the rich man's daughter took a fancy to me and insisted on being with me, hehe, I also took a fancy to the girl." The big black girl said: "Needless to say, the girl is pretty." Connor Whitlock said: "That's needless to say, willow-shaped eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, a small waist that can be hugged, and a pair of charming feet. We had a secret relationship for a while, and the rich man finally found out..." The big black girl smiled and said: "You must have slept with the girl, but didn't you get her pregnant?" Connor Whitlock also smiled and said: "Needless to say? Even if you are a man of iron, you can't stand her, you can't stand it!" The big black girl said: "What happened next?" Connor Whitlock said: "Then I took the girl and ran away secretly, and went straight to the outside of the pass."

The big black girl laughed and said, "I thought your brother was quite romantic. Don't mention it, you are so popular with women. If I were still young, I would never let you go, even if I gave you money!" Connor Whitlock said, "Big black girl, I haven't told anyone about these things, you have to keep your mouth shut." The big black girl said, "It's okay, just put your heart at ease, I'm a tight-lipped person even though I laugh all day long! Come, have a drink!" Connor Whitlock put down the wine bowl and said with a smirk, "I've told you all these little things, what about you?" The big black girl pretended to be puzzled and said, "What's wrong with me?" Connor Whitlock smiled and said, "Don't pretend to be confused, tell me about your leg." The big black girl also laughed and said, "Where did I put my leg, don't you know?" Connor Whitlock quickly stopped her and said, "Stop! I didn't say what I said just now. I'm convinced by you!"

In the blink of an eye, we entered the hot summer. It is said that the weather in Guandong is cold, but the sun on this hot day is indeed powerful. The hot sun hangs above our heads, as if it wants to burn the sky. Hundreds of goldsmiths are bare-chested, and the sun pours down on their dark backs, shining with golden light. Connor Whitlock is shaking the gold with a gold dustpan. The goldsmiths are scattered all over the Hetao, sweating profusely and busy. Niu Dejin wiped his sweat and sighed, "I have worked so hard for so many days, why haven't I seen any gold yet?"

Da Jinli said: "Alas, the gold veins were all taken away by He Laosi! If only He Laosi were here!" He glanced at Connor Whitlock intentionally or unintentionally while saying this. Connor Whitlock, who was panning for gold with his back to him, seemed to have eyes behind him. He stopped what he was doing and turned to stare at Da Jinli. Da Jinli felt a little uneasy when being stared at by Connor Whitlock: "Brother Zhu, I..." Connor Whitlock smiled faintly and said: "Stop talking nonsense and get to work!"

Holding a stick, Jin Baotou accompanied Jin Dana to inspect the gold-hunting men by the river. Jin Dana said: "It's really Fcuking weird, has gold grown legs?" Jin Baotou said: "Huh, even if gold has legs, can it run faster than that horse?" Jin Dana said: "Then why haven't we smelled any gold yet? Oh, if He Laosi was still alive, we shouldn't have killed him so early!" Jin Baotou said: "By the way, his partner should show up, right? We have been fishing him out for a long time! Will he be scared and dare not eat this bowl of rice?" Jin Dana said: "No. I think he will show up soon. How can the eater not come out after smelling the smell of gold? Our spies have already heard his footsteps..."

The two walked away, Connor Whitlock's expression remained the same, as if he was concentrating on the work in his hands. He was holding the golden dustpan and shaking it, and suddenly his expression changed. He looked at the sand and gravel for a long time without catching his breath. Lao Yan'er, Niu Dejin, Da Jinli and others looked at him in confusion, and then slowly gathered around. Everyone looked in the direction of Connor Whitlock's sight, and couldn't help but be a little dazed - there were clearly more than a dozen gold particles the size of mung beans in the sand and gravel! Connor Whitlock put his hand into the water, he picked up a handful of sand and gravel, water slowly flowed through his fingers, and several gold grains flashed dazzlingly in the sun. Connor Whitlock picked up a gold grain and bit it with his teeth. His expression became excited, and he nodded to several companions, and several people looked at Connor Whitlock excitedly. Connor Whitlock looked around vigilantly, and then he began to pan in the sand and gravel even more excitedly. Da Jinli, Lao Yan'er, Niu Dejin and others also rushed up like crazy, splashing water in the river. Golden winnowing baskets were shaking, emitting flashes of golden light that shot directly into people's eyes.

It was late at night, but no one in Connor Whitlock's room was asleep. Several people huddled together. Lao Yaner lowered his voice and said, "Old Zhu, please speak up. What should we do?" After a long while, Connor Whitlock spoke up and said, "This is a once-in-a-century event. I have no idea. How about we make a deal?" Lao Yaner said, "No! It takes a few lifetimes for a gold digger to come across so many gold nuggets. We can't let them go in vain!"

Connor Whitlock looked around and asked, "Do you all think so?" Everyone said, "Lao Yan'er is right. We can't let go of the gold we have earned. It is also the result of our hard work!"

Connor Whitlock said: "If that's the case, then from today on, our lives are tied to these gold nuggets! Let's talk about how to divide these gold nuggets first." Da Jinli said: "How to divide? Is there any need to ask? The things were found in Lao Zhu's pit. I'm our leader, so of course I have to take the biggest share, and the rest should be divided according to how much effort we put in." Lao Yan'er said: "That won't do. The pit belongs to everyone, and it's not reasonable to divide it this way. In my opinion, I have no objection to Lao Zhu getting more, but the rest should be divided equally, so that everyone has a share." Da Jinli said: "You're planning too much! How many gold nuggets did you find? You don't work hard, but you stare at me when the gold is divided. No way!"

Shunzi said, "Why do you get the lion's share? How big is the lion's share? What percentage? 30% or 40%? Tell us the exact number in front of everyone, don't play tricks behind our backs." Niu Dejin said, "We should be honest in what we say and do. Old Zhu is very kind. He found out that the gold nugget didn't eat alone. If he didn't speak up, we would know nothing! In my opinion, if we want to divide it, we should divide it with Old Zhu first. A 50-50 split is quite reasonable, and then we can divide the rest equally." Da Jinli said, "What about me?" Niu Dejin said, "You should do the same as everyone else."

Da Jinli suddenly stood up, pulled out his knife, and threw it on the table, saying, "Fcuk you, you want me to share the spoils with you? I am the boss for nothing? Who has the final say here? Here, my words are the law. If anyone disagrees, use my knife to reason with him!"

Shunzi said angrily: "Fcuk, they're using knives! Who's afraid of who at this time? Pull out a big thing to scare the little girl? Usually everyone gives in to you, do you think these people are afraid of you? Who dares to break into Laojingou is afraid of death? If there is money, everyone will share it, no one should think of eating alone!" Niu Dejin said: "Brother Zhu, tell me, how should we divide it?"

Connor Whitlock sighed and said, "It is said that people die for money and birds die for food. It seems to be true. Do we have to hurt the harmony of brothers for this little gold? Let me tell you a way to divide it. If you agree, we will divide the gold today. If you disagree, I will hand it over immediately and no one can get it." Da Jinli said, "How do you plan to divide it?" Connor Whitlock said, "Equally divide it among people. No one can take more, including me." Everyone said, "Okay!" Da Jinli said helplessly, "Let's do it this way." Connor Whitlock said, "The gold can be divided, but I have something to say first." Lao Yan'er said, "You say it, and everyone will listen to you."

Connor Whitlock said: "We have been here for a few days, and everyone knows that we were tricked into coming here. It is impossible for us to get out alive from this golden ditch. There is only one way out, and that is death! Now that we have gold, if we get out, we will die, and if we carry the gold out, we will also die, so why not take the latter path and carry the gold out! After the gold is divided, no one is allowed to transport the gold out alone, and if we want to leave, we leave together!"

Niu Dejin said: "Old Zhu is right, no one is allowed to act alone, everyone must stick together, otherwise the gold cannot be taken out." Connor Whitlock said: "We can't just say this, let's swear an oath." He put his hand on the table and said: "We share happiness and difficulties together. If I, Connor Whitlock, don't keep my oath, I will not die well!" Everyone put their hands on Connor Whitlock's hands and said: "We share happiness and difficulties together. If we don't keep our oath, we will not die well!"

The moon was bright and the stars were sparse, and everything was silent. The summer nights in Guandong were cool and pleasant. Everyone was sleeping sweetly, and the smiles on their lips revealed their dreams of turning stones into gold. Connor Whitlock sat alone on a big rock, smoking and thinking about his own things. Xiao Jinli quietly left the wooden house and put a piece of clothing on Connor Whitlock. Connor Whitlock smiled and said, "Are you still awake? Are you happy that you got the gold nugget?" Xiao Jinli said, "Uncle, I have something to tell you." Connor Whitlock said, "What is it? Tell me." Xiao Jinli said, "Uncle, we have been father and son for a long time. I think you are a good person. I am a fatherless child. I want to recognize you as my godfather. Do you think it's okay?" Connor Whitlock said, "Xiao Jinli, you are a good child, sensible, and righteous. I have always treated you as my own son. It doesn't matter whether you recognize me as your godfather or not." Xiao Jinli knelt down with a plop and said, "Then you have recognized me. From now on, you are my godfather. Godfather, your son kowtows to you!"

Connor Whitlock hurriedly helped him up and said, "I haven't agreed to it yet, kid! Okay, I'll accept you as my godson. Hey, does your brother know?" Xiao Jinli said, "He has no right to interfere in my own affairs." Connor Whitlock said, "Today's incident caught me off guard, and godfather doesn't have any gifts for you, what can I do?"

Little Jinli said: "Godfather, I don't want your things, but I want to give you a gift." Connor Whitlock said: "Give me a gift? What do you have? Forget it." Little Jinli said: "Godfather, I want to give you the gold nuggets I shared today." Connor Whitlock was shocked and said: "Give it to me? Why?" Little Jinli said: "Godfather, I know that gold is a good thing, but in our old Jingou, gold is the root of death. I don't want to die for it. My mother at home is still waiting for me to go back. I'm afraid..."

Connor Whitlock stroked Xiao Jinli's head and said, "Don't be afraid, kid. You have your godfather with you. I can help you two go home safely, buy a few acres of land and support your mother!" Xiao Jinli said, "Godfather, I really don't need to be afraid?" Connor Whitlock said, "As long as you listen to me, you don't need to be afraid. Just hide the gold. Okay, go back to sleep."

The next morning, the big and small Jinli started quarreling. The big Jinli yelled, "Don't mind my business! You are so young, you don't know Sh!t! I am willing to die!" The small Jinli cried, "You are my brother anyway, who cares if I don't? I won't let you go down that path!"

Da Jinli said, "It's useless for you to say anything else. I have certain rules." Connor Whitlock stood up and said, "What are you two arguing about? Aren't you afraid of being laughed at?" Da Jinli said, "It's okay. Just do your job. You idiot, you want to be my home." Connor Whitlock said, "Brothers should discuss things properly. Don't be impatient." The two brothers went out. Connor Whitlock looked at Da Jinli's back, a trace of worry appeared on his face, and he took a few quick steps to follow him out.

Da Jinli was sitting on a wooden block, measuring his calf with a sharp dagger. He looked up and saw Connor Whitlock in front of him.

Da Jinli said in a panic: "Hey, what do you think of my knife?" Connor Whitlock approached Da Jinli, took the knife, tried the blade and said: "The knife is a good knife, but it depends on what you use it for. If you use it to do stupid things, it will cause trouble." Da Jinli said: "Don't worry, I won't do stupid things."

Connor Whitlock smiled: "No matter how smart a person is, he can make mistakes sometimes. I advise you to calm down and not act rashly." Da Jinli: "Old Zhu, what did you say? I didn't understand." Connor Whitlock: "Boss, according to seniority, you should call me uncle. I treat you as my child. You can't hide what you want to do from my eyes. Do you want to transport gold?" Da Jinli said nothing.

Connor Whitlock said earnestly: "Kid, listen to me, everyone is thinking about this. Even though no one is moving now, they are like ducks in the pond, paddling hard underwater. Why not move? It's not the right time yet." Da Jinli said disdainfully: "You compare me with them? You underestimate me, don't you? I have been in Jingou for more than one or two years, and I have been in and out five or six times. I know the people and the place well. I won't take on this porcelain job without the right skills. You don't have to worry about me."

Connor Whitlock said seriously: "Don't forget, we swore together that we would share happiness and difficulties. I think you are in great trouble. I can't watch you jump into the fire pit. Listen to your uncle. When the time comes, we will act together. You can't beat them alone." Da Jinli said: "Okay, don't say anything. The main road leads to the sky, and the small road may be closer. I will go to hell even if it is in front of me. There is no way back." Connor Whitlock said: "How can you say such things when you are young? Tell your uncle if you have any difficulties. Maybe I can help you." Da Jinli laughed: "Uncle Zhu, I admire your strength, but you are far from courageous. Don't regret it when I transport the gold out." As he said, he stretched and went back to the house. Suddenly, he turned around and grinned, "You, I and my brother know about this matter. If you tell it to me, don't think about walking out of Jingou upright!"

Connor Whitlock looked at his back and said, "Don't forget, Lao Jingou is a cannibal!" Da Jinli said, "I have a way, you don't need to worry."

In the wilderness at night, Da Jinli looked at the dagger in his hand with tears in his eyes, crying and saying: "Xing'er, I'm rich now, wait for me, I'll go back to marry you, please don't change your mind, I risk my life to do this for you!" Then he rolled up his trouser legs, bit a piece of wood in his mouth, raised the dagger, inserted it fiercely into his calf, and then forcefully cut a hole. Da Jinli couldn't help but screaming in pain, and the scream echoed in the wilderness.

The goldsmiths were resting in the wooden house, some were smoking, some were playing cards, some were washing, and the house was in a mess. Big Jinli came over with a staggering step. Little Jinli asked in fear: "Brother, what's wrong with you?"

The big gold grain covered it up and said, "It's okay. My leg was poked by a branch. It's okay." The little gold grain asked with concern, "Are you really okay? Let me see." The big gold grain was a little impatient, "I said it's okay, so what are you looking at?"

Connor Whitlock threw a paper bag to Da Jinli: "Here, this is a healing medicine, apply it, it's very effective." Da Jinli said: "Thank you." He glanced at Connor Whitlock and said: "This medicine will work for a sore mouth, right?" Connor Whitlock sneered: "It will work, don't worry." Da Jinli said: "That's good." Little Jinli looked at the two of them in a daze, not understanding what they were talking about.

The goldsmiths were all asleep. Da Jinli rolled up his trouser legs and hid the gold in the knife wound. Da Jinli stood in front of Xiao Jinli, looking at his brother's sleeping face. He shed tears, shook Xiao Jinli, and whispered: "Wake up..." Xiao Jinli rubbed his sleepy eyes and asked: "Brother, is it dawn?" Da Jinli whispered: "Brother, I'm leaving. After I'm gone, follow your godfather. He's a good man." Xiao Jinli cried: "Brother, are you determined? You will die. Don't leave!" Da Jinli said: "Don't say discouraging words, I'm fine. I'm leaving." After that, he tiptoed out of the house. Da Jinli walked to the door and looked back at Connor Whitlock, who was snoring and sleeping soundly.

The strange bird cried out. Da Jinli was running fast through the bushes, and suddenly stopped - Connor Whitlock was standing in front of him! Da Jinli asked in panic: "You? What are you going to do?" and pulled out a dagger. Connor Whitlock smiled: "Put down the knife! I'm here to save you." Da Jinli said: "Save me? What a joke! Get out of the way! Otherwise I will be rude!"

Connor Whitlock said earnestly: "Child, there are traps everywhere ahead, and it's a dead end. Come back with me, let's take it slow, and don't act rashly! To tell you the truth, I also want to transport gold, and I've thought about your method, but I think it's not appropriate. Someone has done this before, but they failed more than they succeeded. You are going to get killed!"

Da Jinli said bitterly: "I will die if I have to, it is none of your business!" Connor Whitlock sighed: "I have said everything I should say and done everything I should do. I can't do anything if you are stubborn. I can tell you that no matter what happens to you, I will take good care of your brother. Okay, you can go now." Da Jinli clasped his fists and said: "Thank you!" He left without looking back. Connor Whitlock looked at Da Jinli's back and sighed.

The husbands were working hard. Little Jinli's eyes were red and swollen. He came close to Connor Whitlock and asked in a low voice: "Godfather, is my brother okay?" Connor Whitlock was worried: "Please God bless me."

Suddenly, Xiao Jinli pointed to the distance and shouted: "Godfather, look, the bandits are coming again!" In the distance, a team of horses galloped over, raising a cloud of dust. Connor Whitlock's face twitched suddenly, and he blurted out: "It's ruined!" The bandits rushed over, and a horse dragged a man who was no longer recognizable to Hetao. The Jinfu looked at the bandits in horror, not daring to speak. The bandit leader reined in his horse, raised his whip and roared: "Look, everyone, this time it's your people, right?"

Everyone swarmed over to watch the person being dragged here. Little Jinli shouted in fear: "Brother!" He hugged the body of Big Jinli and cried heartbreakingly, then suddenly jumped up and pounced on the bandits, "You B@st@ards, B@st@ards!" Connor Whitlock hugged Little Jinli tightly and shouted: "You are crazy! Guys, send him back to the nest!" The gold miners carried Little Jinli back to the wooden house regardless of how he struggled. The bandit leader grinned: "Listen to me, this place is hundreds of miles in radius, you can't get away from my eyes even if you have wings, come if you want gold but not your life, come and die, the mass graves here are enough for you to bury, if you don't believe me, try it!" He whistled and galloped away with the horse team.

Connor Whitlock was drunk in the pub late at night. Big Black Girl and Old Fruit stood behind the counter and watched Connor Whitlock silently. After a while, Big Black Girl came over, took Connor Whitlock's glass and took a big sip. Connor Whitlock said, "You want to drink? Old Fruit, heat another pot, the boss lady and I will have a good drink." Old Fruit smiled and brought the wine over.

The big black girl said: "Brother Zhu, you saw it all. A lively person just kicked and kicked like that. It's really disheartening. It's all because of the gold." Connor Whitlock said: "Alas, people die for money, birds die for food, the old saying is absolutely true. Look at it, it's still important to stay alive." The big black girl sighed: "Alas, that's what you say, but when the time comes, it's out of your control. I'm going to fart here first. There will be people who will take this path in the future, I hope it's not you, Brother Zhu! I heard that when He Laosi was working here, such things often happened."

Connor Whitlock also sighed and said: "We don't know what happened in the past, but I know that if a person lives to my age, he will die if he does something stupid." Just then, Xiao Jinli came. Connor Whitlock asked: "Child, why are you here so late?" Xiao Jinli said: "Godfather, I am worried about you drinking here. I am afraid that you will get drunk and I can't find you back, so I came to pick you up." The big black girl said: "Brother Zhu, you are so lucky to have such a caring godson."

Connor Whitlock nodded repeatedly: "What a blessing! Don't underestimate the child because he is young. He is sensible! I really have to thank his parents. Son, let's go back. Godfather is a little drunk. Support me." Xiao Jinli agreed and helped Connor Whitlock out of the tavern.

On the way back, the night was cool, which made the daytime heat dissipate a lot. The father and son talked as they walked. Xiao Jinli said, "Godfather, do you know why my brother doesn't want to marry?" Connor Whitlock shook his head, "I don't know." Xiao Jinli said, "My brother has a lover outside, her name is Xing'er." Connor Whitlock asked, "Oh? Who is she?" Xiao Jinli said, "I heard that she is a prostitute, quite wild, and said that she wants to follow my brother to become a good woman. The madam has said that my brother should exchange her for gold." Connor Whitlock asked, "Did your mother agree to this marriage?" Xiao Jinli said, "My mother would never agree to it. She told him to marry her. He is a gold digger, he doesn't listen to his mother. He just wants to take the gold nugget out and marry Xing'er. I advised him not to listen. "Connor Whitlock said: "Don't worry, I told him that now is not the right time." Little Jinli: "You don't know, Xing'er sent someone a message a few days ago, saying that an old customer wanted to marry her, and I got anxious and had to leave the mountain, which caused a fatal disaster." Connor Whitlock sighed: "Child, remember, if a woman worries about you for your whole life, it's like falling into a big jar of soy sauce, it's hard to climb out!"

Xia Yuanzhang was inspecting the items on the shelves. Caleb Whitlock came upstairs and asked, "Boss, did you call me?" Xia Yuanzhang smiled and said, "Caleb Whitlock, I am free today, so I will tell you about business." Caleb Whitlock said happily, "I will listen to your advice."

Xia Yuanzhang said: "To do business in our warehouse, we must listen more, watch more, learn more, and constantly accumulate knowledge and skills. The so-called lifelong learning is to live and learn. The most feared thing is not to learn. You will never feel that you have learned too much. What you have learned may not be used for a while, that's okay, it doesn't matter, skills are good, and it will be too late to learn when you need it. Some apprentices can't stand the three-year hardship of learning skills, and they quit before they learn half of it, thinking that doing business is just so-so. They are wrong, very wrong. Let's say we collect furs, it seems very simple, look at the color of the leather, try the feel, it seems nothing, but there is a lot of knowledge here. Leather is divided into spring, summer, autumn and winter. Of course, winter leather is the best, but winter leather can be subdivided. How to divide it? How to check it? I don't have that kind of eyesight now. In this regard, you should learn more from Mr. Chang, the accountant, and ask more questions. He is an old expert." Caleb Whitlock said: "Yes, shopkeeper."

Xia Yuanzhang said again: "Caleb Whitlock, today I will tell you something else. If you want to learn how to do business, you must first learn how to calculate accounts. There are many calculation methods. Today I will teach you a formula I learned from Huangxian. It is very useful." Caleb Whitlock's face lit up and said: "Then please teach me quickly. I will definitely learn it well."

Xia Yuanzhang said: "This formula is difficult to memorize. Remember it. I will teach you how to use it later. Listen carefully: one six two five, two one two five, three one eight seven five, four two five, three one two five, six three seven five, seven four three seven five, eight five, nine five six two five, sixteen two five, eleven six eight seven five, twelve seven five, thirteen eight one two five, fourteen eight seven five, fifteen nine three seven five, sixteen one." Caleb Whitlock said: "Boss, I can't remember it. Please speak slowly and I will write it down."

Xia Yuanzhang said sternly: "No! This formula has always been passed down orally. If you can't memorize it, you don't have the talent to do this job. I'll say it again. One six two five, two one two five, three one eight seven five, four two five, three one two five, six three seven five, seven four three seven five, eight five..." Caleb Whitlock tried hard to recite: "One six two five, two one two five, three one eight seven five, four two five..."

On the second day, Yushu was practicing calligraphy in the inner room of the living room. Outside the living room, Xia Yuanzhang talked to Caleb Whitlock about business again: "Today I will tell you about the saying 'praise and criticism are business'. Do you know what praise and criticism are?" Caleb Whitlock said: "Boss, praise is praise and criticism is criticism, don't you think so?" Yushu, who was practicing calligraphy, looked at Caleb Whitlock with a little surprise.

Xia Yuanzhang smiled and said, "That's right. This sentence means that when a customer comes into your store and nitpicks and criticizes your goods, you must not get angry. You should be more friendly to the customer at this time. Why? The one who finds fault with the goods is the one who buys. Why do you say that? Tell me, what does it mean when he finds fault with your goods?" Caleb Whitlock said, "It means he is interested in the goods."

Xia Yuanzhang slapped his thigh and said, "Yes! If he is interested, it means he wants to buy. If he wants to buy, he will definitely bargain with you for the price. If he wants to bargain with you, he will definitely say that your goods are not good. If he looks at your goods and remains silent, then there is no hope. How do you deal with someone who only praises and criticizes you?" Caleb Whitlock pondered and was speechless for a moment.

Seeing this, Yu Shu said with some dissatisfaction: "I thought you were quite smart just now, but now you have become a pig-brained person? If you really meet someone who likes to praise or criticize, you can just tell him how good our goods are, isn't that enough!" Chuan Jie thought about it and said: "If you say that... wouldn't that mean you are arguing with the customer?"

Xia Yuanzhang was extremely satisfied and said, "Well said! Caleb Whitlock, if you really meet such a client, you have to point out the defects of the goods to the customer and explain that the price is reasonable. You have to hold him back, eliminate his doubts, and try your best to resolve differences and reach a consensus with him so that he will buy the goods happily. This depends on your ability, and this ability cannot be developed in a day or two. Yushu, your understanding of the problem just now is far worse than Caleb Whitlock's." Caleb Whitlock looked at Yushu with a little pride, and Yushu gave Caleb Whitlock a strange look of pretending to be dissatisfied.

Ethan Whitlock walked in hurriedly and said, "Boss, here comes a man to deliver mountain products." Xia Yuanzhang asked, "A stranger or an old customer?" Ethan Whitlock replied, "A stranger." Xia Yuanzhang said, "Caleb Whitlock, you go and negotiate this deal." Caleb Whitlock was a little timid: "Boss... I'm afraid I'll mess up the deal." Xia Yuanzhang said, "Don't be afraid, I'll be there for you, just talk boldly."

Caleb Whitlock went out of the door with his head held high. When he met the customer, he stood on a stool behind the counter, carefully inspected several furs, and shook his head. Mr. Chang beside him secretly observed Caleb Whitlock. The delivery man asked, "What's wrong?" Caleb Whitlock said, "Your price is going to be higher." The delivery man said, "Higher? Do you know furs? This is winter fur."

Caleb Whitlock smiled and said, "It's true that the winter leather is real, but it's old winter leather. The oiliness of the hair is poor and it's not soft enough. What a pity." Xia Yuanzhang sat at a table far away from the counter, listening to Caleb Whitlock bargaining, and happily whispered to Ethan Whitlock and Yushu, "Listen, Caleb Whitlock bargained so well! What he said makes so much sense!"

The man delivering the mountain goods exclaimed: "Where did this little god come from? I am convinced! What price do you think I should give him?" Caleb Whitlock smiled and said: "Praise and criticism are part of business, and I don't want to take advantage of you. I will price you based on the quality. Is the 20% discount you mentioned okay? This is the highest price I can offer." The man delivering the mountain goods said: "It's not easy for me to handle these goods even if it takes a long time." Caleb Whitlock said: "Sir, the business belongs to the boss, and I am just a clerk. I am taking your goods to help both parties. I can neither let you suffer a loss, nor let the boss lose money. , otherwise what are we working so hard for? Where do we get the money to run such a big store? What do you think?" The man delivering the goods nodded: "Okay, you are honest, brother. Deal, you can take the goods." Caleb Whitlock shouted: "Two fox furs and three raccoon furs. The deal is done. The accountant will pay." Mr. Chang, the accountant, paid with a smile and said: "Sir, take it. Please take care of me if you have goods. Thank you." The man delivering the goods praised: "It is rare to have such a young man at the counter. The young are really formidable."

Xia Yuanzhang clapped his hands and cheered: "Good, Caleb Whitlock, you did a good job on this deal. When did you learn how to inspect leather?" Caleb Whitlock said: "Thanks to Mr. Chang's guidance, I also learned it on the spot." Xia Yuanzhang said: "Not bad, but there is still a little deficiency. You need to keep up with the conversation after the deal is done. Mr. Chang's few words are very appropriate. Don't think that the deal is done, you must find a way to attract customers, let them feel that your enthusiasm is consistent, and they want to come again. Don't be proud, you still need experience." Caleb Whitlock nodded and said: "I understand."

Ethan Whitlock was a little unconvinced, but looked at Caleb Whitlock with some fondness, muttering to himself: "This kid!"

It was a warm day. Wen's mother, Ethan Whitlock, and Caleb Whitlock were eating in the yard. Ethan Whitlock was holding a bowl of porridge and drinking it noisily. The more he drank, the louder the noise became. Caleb Whitlock put down his bowl and looked at Ethan Whitlock. Ethan Whitlock glanced at him and drank even louder. Caleb Whitlock put down his bowl and muttered, "This meal is inedible!" Ethan Whitlock asked, "What's wrong? San'er, why don't you eat?" Then he deliberately used chopsticks to stir the food in the bowl.

Caleb Whitlock said, "Second brother, can you please not make any noise while eating? Listen to the slurping sound in your mouth, doesn't it sound like an old sow eating? Besides, you should eat in front of your own door, don't mess around with other people's territory. The way Shopkeeper Xia eats is civilized and elegant..." Ethan Whitlock put down his chopsticks and raised his eyebrows, "What's wrong? I've always eaten like this! Did you just see it today? I think you've got a problem! What's going on? Are you asking for a lesson?"

Wen's mother hit Ethan Whitlock with chopsticks: "Shut up! Is San'er wrong? Don't make any noise when eating in the future. When you pick up food with chopsticks, keep it in front of you. Look at the way you eat. Does it look like you are ready to fight? Look at San'er eating. He is so well-behaved and polite!" Ethan Whitlock said: "I can't learn from him. He often doesn't have enough to eat at Manager Xia's house. He secretly asks me for steamed bread. Mom, San'er is becoming more and more fake and more and more Fcuked up!" Wen's mother shouted: "Shut up!"

As they were talking, Yushu ran in breathlessly, "Aunt, there's a letter from Uncle Zhu!" Wen's mother asked in surprise, "A letter? How did the letter come?" Yushu said, "Uncle asked someone to bring Chunhesheng to him." Wen's mother asked her to stay, saying, "Let's eat together." Yushu smiled, "No, my father is waiting for me to eat."

Wen's mother: "San'er, please read your father's letter! My heart is about to jump out!" Caleb Whitlock opened the letter, read it, and cried. Wen's mother urged: "Please read it!" Caleb Whitlock read: "My dear mother, I miss you so much. It has been more than half a year since we last met this spring. Everything at home is in my heart. How are you? How are your two sons doing in Chunhesheng School? You must tell them more, be good apprentices, and learn to be good people. You must feed the two horses for me. In the future, when we have more land, we will rely on them for spring planting and autumn harvest. You must keep my hunting and fishing equipment in good condition in winter..." Wen's mother cried when she heard this.

Caleb Whitlock continued reading: "Is there any news about Aiden Whitlock? If there is any news, please find a way to send a message to tell me. Of the two children at home, the one I am most worried about is Ethan Whitlock. This child is very wild, a bit like me when I was a child, not afraid of trouble and always ready to cause trouble. If he is disciplined well, he can be a real man, but if he is not, it is hard to say. You must keep a close eye on him and don't let him do whatever he wants." He stopped reading here.

Wen's mother asked, "No more?" Caleb Whitlock said, "That's all I wrote. The rest is the signature." Ethan Whitlock was a little indignant, "Dad, what's wrong with me? How am I worse than San'er?" Wen's mother slapped him, "Is your dad wrong? Can you stop causing trouble for me?"

Ethan Whitlock was so angry that he walked around the yard. He picked up an axe and chopped the bamboo shoots hard, mumbling something to himself.

Caleb Whitlock leaned close to his mother and whispered, "Mom, he's cursing again!" Wen's mother got angry when she heard this. She stood up and grabbed Ethan Whitlock's ear, cursing, "You beast! Who are you cursing at? Tell me, who are you cursing at?"

Ethan Whitlock was so angry that tears came out of his eyes. He glared at Caleb Whitlock fiercely. Caleb Whitlock said: "Second brother, don't be stubborn. Tell me who you are scolding, and mother won't pull your ears anymore." Ethan Whitlock said: "I scolded you! Your mother!" Caleb Whitlock asked: "Who is my mother?" Wen's mother said: "Isn't it me?" Wen's mother pulled Ethan Whitlock's ears hard again, and Ethan Whitlock ran away in anger. Wen's mother chased him out of the yard: "Ethan Whitlock, what are you crazy about again? Come back to me!"

Xia Yuanzhang talked to Caleb Whitlock while fanning himself: "Caleb Whitlock, today I will tell you about the way of doing business. Of course, the purpose of doing business is to make money, and businessmen will not do anything without profit. But don't be in a hurry to make money after starting a business, it's good enough if the capital in your hand can flow. The lifeblood of doing business is one word: honesty. I have said this many times, so I won't go on and on. When purchasing goods, you must look at the goods with eyes like two knives. When selling goods, you must treat customers with more warmth than the spring warmth. When you sell goods and treat customers like your parents, then you will make a fortune. When you do business in the future, just remember this one thing." Caleb Whitlock nodded repeatedly.

Xia Yuanzhang said: "In the future, you will have to learn to work at the counter. When you work at the counter, you should talk more frequently and keep your eyes alert. Besides knowing astronomy, geography and other things, you should also know how to deal with old customers. For example, if an old man comes, you should say: 'Sir, I haven't seen you for a few days. You look energetic. I saw you from a distance. You took eight steps from the aisle to the store, while most people take more than ten steps. I miss you. You are in good health. We can make a fortune with our small store! Why do you say that? You are an old customer. You don't need to be a big customer. Not only did you take away the goods from the small store, but you also brought in many new customers. You are the God of Wealth of the small store! You can order whatever you like on the shelf. You are an old customer. Don't be polite. Just leave the order here and walk away. I will pack it for you and send it to you. Don't bother me. I am a hard-working person... Have some tea, sir... What if you meet a new customer? You have to judge him. Where did he come from? What does he do? Is he rich or not? Ten points of business are three points in the mouth, three points in the eyes, three points in the heart, and one point in the hands..."

Caleb Whitlock took note carefully, as if thinking about something.

After sharing his business tips, Xia Yuanzhang finally said, "The day before yesterday, a clerk at our counter quit his job. I plan to let you work at the counter. Although you haven't finished your apprenticeship yet, I have been working at the counter since you were your age. One more thing, if you work at the counter, you have to live in the store. Go back and ask your mother for her opinion."