My 1995 Small Farm.

After leaving Sister Xiufen's house, Li Lianjie's steps were somewhat unsteady.

Rui Rui and Xiao Ming followed behind him, running around.

The two children were still excitedly discussing the stories that Aunt Xiufen had just told them.

What mountain god appeared in my dream? What water ghost moved stones to build a bridge?

Li Lianjie, however, seemed somewhat distracted.

One sentence kept replaying in his mind.

“Look at Fugui, he has a mountain god protecting his house and he even leads the whole county in building roads. If he doesn’t get rich, who will?”

This may sound crude, but upon closer examination, there's a lot more to it than meets the eye.

"Uncle Li, what are you thinking? We've both gone the wrong way!"

Rui Rui looked up and tugged at his clothes.

"Huh? Oh, it's nothing."

Li Lianjie snapped out of his reverie, looked down at his two children, and suddenly smiled: "Rui Rui, my good child, what kind of person do you think your father is?"

"My dad?"

Without a second thought, Rui Rui exclaimed, "My dad is the best person! He cooks lots and lots of delicious food for me, takes me hunting, and teaches me how to help puppies give birth!"

Xiao Ming chimed in, "Uncle can also treat illnesses! Last time my grandpa had a leg ache, it was Uncle who cured it with acupuncture!"

What do the villagers say about him?

"Everyone in the village says my father is a capable man and a lucky star!"

Rui Rui puffed out her little chest, her face full of pride: "Grandpa said that the village used to be very poor. My dad raised dogs first, sold them for money, and then led everyone to sell wild fruits and raise fish in the reservoir. He also taught everyone how to receive tourists. Now every household has money!"

"And there's road construction too!"

Xiao Ming added, "In the past, the roads were so difficult to walk on when it rained. It was my uncle who found people to help everyone repair the asphalt road. Now we're not afraid of the rain anymore!"

Li Lianjie stopped and stood on the village road, looking around.

The winter sun was very warm, and the dirt roads in the village were turned into asphalt roads.

In the distance, the reservoir shimmered, and several elderly people sat in the newly built pavilion at the village entrance, basking in the sun and playing chess.

Several teenagers rode by on brand-new bicycles, leaving behind a trail of laughter.

This was a vibrant scene he had never experienced before.

It gives you a sense of grounded abundance.

Li Lianjie had known for a long time that Chen Ling was wealthy.

The second-in-command, who can make braised beef noodles, can also own properties in Hong Kong Island and North Island. He is definitely not an ordinary farmer.

But now that he has money, what is he doing?
He didn't go to the city to open a clinic and make a lot of money, nor did he move to Hong Kong Island or North Island to live a life of leisure.

He stayed in this mountain village, building roads and leading the villagers in planting, breeding, and tourism.

He treats patients and charges according to his mood; if someone is truly in need, he won't take a penny.

He researched bizarre and unusual treatments, such as maggots and leeches, which were terrifying but could actually save lives.

He doesn't seem to have much of an obsession with making money.

He enjoys the process of doing it more.

They grew novel vegetables, raised intelligent animals, cured difficult diseases, and saw the villagers' lives getting better day by day.

This way of life is pure, down-to-earth, and carries a sense of magnanimity—doing good deeds without worrying about the future.

Sister-in-law Xiufen said that there is a mountain god protecting the house.

Li Lianjie didn't really believe in these things before, thinking they were feudal superstitions.

But today, looking at the atmosphere of Chenwangzhuang and thinking about what Chen Ling had done, he suddenly understood something.

So-called good fortune and luck may not really fall from the sky.

When you have others in your heart and do things that benefit everyone in a down-to-earth manner, your spirit will be upright and harmonious.

When you're in a good mood, many things will naturally fall into place.

What about yourself?
They became famous early, earned a lot of money, and appeared to be living a glamorous life.

However, over the years, he has been embroiled in numerous controversies and lawsuits, and his health has suffered as a result.

The friends I make come from all walks of life, and sometimes I have to do things against my conscience for the sake of personal relationships or interests.

When I can't sleep at night, I feel extremely tense and exhausted.

He had always been looking for a way out, trying Buddhism, Taoism, collecting dzi beads, and studying Tibetan medicine...

It may seem like they are seeking spiritual sustenance, but in reality, it is more like an escape from anxiety.

He always wants to get something.

To receive protection, to receive health, and to receive inner peace.

But what about Chen Ling?

Chen Ling never seemed to have deliberately asked for anything.

He simply followed his heart and did whatever he liked, and in the process, it all came naturally.

Is this the true meaning of altruism?

It's not about condescending charity, but rather like a big tree, striving to grow while naturally providing shade for the grass and birds beneath it.

The big tree never expected anything in return from the little grass.

But that is precisely why the land beneath it is so fertile and the ecosystem around it so healthy.

……

Li Lianjie had returned to the farm in a daze some time ago.

He was sharing his insights with Chen Ling.

And it brought praise from Sister-in-law Xiufen!

"A living Buddha?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Ling nearly spat out the tea in his mouth.

"No, no, no, I can't accept that title."

Li Lianjie said earnestly, "Boss Chen, listen to me, I had a real eye-opening experience when I went to Sister Xiufen's place today."

"What did your sister-in-law say?" Chen Ling asked curiously.

“My sister-in-law said that you are leading the whole county to build roads so that goods from the mountains can be transported out, medicinal herbs can be sold at a good price, and the villagers can get rich. Isn’t this helping the world?”

Li Lianjie counted on his fingers: "You also provide free medical care and vaccines to the villagers, run aquaculture in the reservoir and help everyone make money, and even rescue those stray wild animals. Isn't that compassion?"

Chen Ling waved his hand: "It was just something I did on the spur of the moment, I didn't think too much about it."

"That's what's truly remarkable!"

Upon hearing this, Li Lianjie sighed, "You may not realize it yourself, but what you've done has truly helped others. I used to always think about myself, making money, becoming famous, and being glamorous. In the end, I was exhausted and still felt uneasy."

"Look at you, raising livestock, growing vegetables, and taking care of the kids every day, seemingly living a leisurely life, but who within a hundred miles doesn't appreciate your kindness?"

Hearing this, Chen Ling felt a little embarrassed: "I just wanted to live my own life and help my fellow villagers on the side. I don't really have that kind of grand vision."

"That's what perspective means."

Li Lianjie said earnestly, “When you are successful, you should help others. You may not feel that you are helping others, but you have already done it. Sister-in-law Xiufen is right. Altruism is the greatest form of self-interest. The more people you help, the greater your blessings will be. That’s why your home is peaceful, all animals come to pay homage, and your business is prosperous. All of this is what you have cultivated yourself.”

Chen Ling picked up his teacup and took a sip of water, thinking to himself that this old lady was really good with words; even Li Lianjie had been enlightened by her words.

Isn't this better than going to Tibet to find a master?
The old lady should open a class sometime.

"So what do you plan to do?"

Chen Ling asked, "You don't want to go back to the mountains to farm, do you?"

"I'm not good at farming, but I can do what I can."

Li Lianjie stood up, paced around the yard a few times, and suddenly turned to look at Rui Rui and Xiao Ming, who were chasing a puppy in the yard.

"Mr. Chen, I really like these two dolls of yours."

"You may like them, but don't get any ideas about them," Chen Ling said with a smile.

"I'm not after anything, I just want to take them on as apprentices."

Jet Li said earnestly, "I've made so many martial arts films over the years. Although my kung fu skills are all show and no substance, my basic skills are real. I can definitely teach children horse stance, punches and kicks, and improve their physical fitness."

Chen Ling was taken aback: "Are you serious?"

"Seriously."

Li Lianjie nodded: "I want to stay in this mountainous area for a while longer, teach the children kung fu every day, learn traditional Chinese medicine from the villagers, go into the mountains to collect herbs, and slow down my pace."

"You mean you can do all these things in big cities too?" Chen Ling asked, puzzled.

"Different."

Li Lianjie shook his head, his eyes calm: "Big cities are too restless. Your phone keeps ringing, and you have to attend social events one after another. You can't even find peace and quiet."

"It's different here. The air is fresh, the people are kind, and there's not much to do. It's very comfortable to stay here."

"Moreover, Sister-in-law Xiufen said that I am a person who thinks too much and need to find a quiet place to cultivate my mind and body."

"After thinking it over, I think this place is the most suitable."

Chen Ling laughed: "Well, so you're treating this place like a sanatorium."

"Just tell me if it's okay or not?" Li Lianjie looked at him expectantly.

"Sure, of course, you can stay as long as you want."

Chen Ling generously said, "Anyway, the guest rooms in the wooden building are empty. You can stay there if you want. It's just a matter of having an extra pair of chopsticks for meals."

"Then it's settled!" Li Lianjie clapped his hands happily and turned to call out into the yard, "Rui Rui! Xiao Ming! Come here!"

The two boys were squatting on the ground trimming Afu and Ashou's nails when they heard the shouts and quickly ran over.

"Uncle Li, what's wrong?" Rui Rui asked, tilting her head up.

"Do you want to learn kung fu?"

"miss you!"

The two boys spoke in unison, their eyes wide open.

"Starting tomorrow, I'll teach you horse stance and boxing. Are you willing?"

"Yes! Yes!"

Rui Rui jumped for joy, and Xiao Ming followed suit, the two boys were as happy as if it were Chinese New Year.

"But I have conditions."

Li Lianjie squatted down and looked at the two children seriously: "Learning kung fu is not for fighting and bullying others, but for strengthening the body and protecting the weak. Can you do that?"

"can do it!"

Rui Rui puffed out her little chest: "I don't hit good people, I only hit bad people!"

Is Liu Laoliu from Kinmen Village a bad person?

Xiao Ming asked a question.

Rui Rui thought for a moment and said, "He's not a bad person. He just doesn't respect me. I'll ask Uncle Li to teach me kung fu so I can master it, and then he'll respect me."

Li Lianjie was both amused and exasperated. He patted the two children on the head and said, "Okay, but remember, you can't hit people first."

"Know it!"

The two boys took off running into the house, shouting as they went, "Mommy! Grandma! I want to learn kung fu! Uncle Li is going to teach me kung fu!"

Wang Susu came out of the house, still holding a needle and thread, and looked at Chen Ling with a bewildered expression: "What's going on?"

"Mr. Li said he wants to take Rui Rui and Xiao Ming as his apprentices and teach them kung fu," Chen Ling explained with a smile.

Wang Susu looked at Li Lianjie, a little embarrassed: "Mr. Li, how can I accept this? You're such a big star, teaching my child..."

"Sister-in-law, don't say that."

Li Lianjie quickly waved his hand: "I'm just a martial arts practitioner. Teaching the kids some basic skills is no problem. Besides, I really like Rui Rui and Xiao Ming. They're clever, sensible, and easy to teach."

Wang Susu wanted to decline, but Chen Ling spoke up: "Alright, Susu, Mr. Li's offer is very kind, so please don't be polite."

"Well... thank you, Mr. Li." Wang Susu finally relented.

Li Lianjie laughed and said, "Don't call me Mr. Li, just call me Brother Li."

"Brother Li," Wang Susu changed her address.

Gao Xiulan came out of the kitchen and was overjoyed to hear that Li Lianjie was going to teach the children kung fu: "Oh, that's wonderful! Huang Feihong teaching kung fu, that's something to be proud of!"

"Auntie, please don't say that. I'm just an ordinary person." Li Lianjie was embarrassed by the praise.

"You're not an ordinary person, you're a big star!"

As Gao Xiulan spoke, she turned and called into the house, "Kang Kang! Lele! Come out!"

The two little ones waddled out, munching on cookies.

“You all need to learn kung fu too, and practice with Uncle Li, understand?” Gao Xiulan said.

Kang Kang looked up at Li Lianjie, then lowered his head to continue eating his biscuits, completely ignoring him.

Lele did react; she pointed at Li Lianjie and said in her childish voice, "Hey ha! Hit!"

Chen Ling was both amused and exasperated: "Mom, they're only a little over a year old, what are they learning kung fu for?"

“It’s good to practice! I’ve seen babies fighting with pacifiers in the movies!” Gao Xiulan retorted.

Li Lianjie quickly smoothed things over: "Auntie, I'll teach them when they're older and can understand what I'm saying."

"Okay, it's settled then."

Gao Xiulan was satisfied and turned back to the kitchen to continue her work.

Wang Cunye returned at dinner time.

The old man was quite pleased to hear that Li Lianjie would be staying here for a while and would be teaching Rui Rui and Xiao Ming kung fu.

“Mr. Li, please stay here with peace of mind. I know the mountains well. If you want to collect herbs, I can take you there.”

"Thank you, Uncle!"

Li Lianjie raised his glass and toasted Wang Cunye.

After a few rounds of drinks, Li Lianjie started talking.

"Boss Chen, I heard a story at Sister Xiufen's place today."

"What story?" Chen Ling picked up a piece of food.

"I heard there was a young man in your county who went to work in the south, made a lot of money, and came back arrogant and looked down on the villagers."

"and after?"

"Then one day, he fell into a ditch while riding his motorcycle and broke his leg. The villagers carried him to the county hospital overnight and saved his leg."

“From then on, he changed. He no longer had the great abilities of Fugui, but he also began to respect the elderly and care for the young.”

Li Lianjie put down his wine glass and sighed, "Sister-in-law Xiufen said that a person should not forget his roots. If you become rich and forget where you came from, you will stumble sooner or later."

“That makes sense,” Wang Cunye nodded.

“When I was in Hong Kong Island, I was always thinking about how to climb the ladder, how to become famous, and how to make more money. I was exhausted, but I still felt empty inside.”

Li Lianjie said, "After spending the whole day here, I suddenly realized that what I lack is not money or fame, but roots."

"Roots?" Chen Ling raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, the root."

Li Lianjie said earnestly, "Look at the people in your village. Every household has land. They work from sunrise to sunset. Although they are not rich, they are down-to-earth."

"I've been wandering around for too long, it's time to find a place to settle down."

After listening, Chen Ling seemed to understand something: "So you're staying here because you want to put down roots?"

"That's it."

Li Lianjie smiled and said, "I want to start from the basics, teach children, learn traditional Chinese medicine, grow vegetables and flowers, and slow down my pace."

"Your change of heart is too fast." Chen Ling still couldn't quite believe it.

"No, I'm already forty. It's time to think about how I'm going to live the rest of my life."

As Li Lianjie spoke, he looked out the window and said, "Besides, this place is really nice. It has beautiful mountains and clear waters, and the people are outstanding. Even the Yangtze finless porpoises love to come here, so why shouldn't I come?"

Chen Ling laughed: "Okay, it's fate that you're here. You can eat whatever you want and stay as long as you want."

"Then I won't be polite."

The two clinked glasses.

……

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, there was a commotion in the courtyard.

When Chen Ling opened the window, he saw that Li Lianjie had changed into sportswear and was stretching and warming up in the yard.

Erhei lay beside him, tilting his head to watch the stranger stretching his arms and legs, looking on with suspicion.

Heiwa Xiaojin remained calm, squatting at the gate of the courtyard watching the commotion, his tail wagging idly.

"Brother Li, up so early?" Chen Ling came out wearing a coat.

"I'm used to it. I get up at six o'clock every day to practice, without fail." Li Lianjie said, standing on one leg and slowly raising the other leg above his head in a standard upward kick.

Erhei was stunned, his mouth slightly open, and he even forgot to retract his tongue.

"Your flexibility is impressive," Chen Ling complimented.

"I've been practicing for decades, it's a virgin skill."

Li Lianjie pulled his legs back and cracked his wrists: "Where are your two kids? We agreed to start teaching them today."

"She's still sleeping, I'll go wake her up."

Chen Ling turned and went into the house. A little while later, Rui Rui and Xiao Ming came out rubbing their eyes. One was yawning and the other was walking unsteadily.

"Good morning, Uncle Li," Rui Rui greeted sleepily.

"morning."

Li Lianjie squatted down and looked at the two children: "The first lesson in learning kung fu is to learn the rules. From now on, you will get up at six o'clock every morning and gather in the yard at six-thirty sharp. If you are one minute late, you will have to practice the horse stance for ten more minutes."

"Huh? So early?" Rui Rui's face scrunched up like a bun.

“There’s no such thing as a martial arts training session that isn’t tough. If you’re afraid of hardship, then don’t learn it.” Li Lianjie’s tone was gentle but firm.

Rui Rui thought for a moment, then gritted her teeth and said, "I'm not afraid of hardship!"

"I'm not afraid either!" Xiaoming chimed in.

"Okay, let's start now. Run ten laps around the yard to warm up."

Li Lianjie pointed to the courtyard: "After running, come back and practice horse stance. The first lesson is to practice the basics."

The two boys exchanged a glance and then took off running.

Seeing this, Erhei also led several puppies and ran after them. This dog was very serious, but sometimes it was also very curious.

The fact that Li Lianjie could raise his legs so high immediately caught its attention, and it decided to study it.

The courtyard suddenly became lively. (End of Chapter)