Living in a small county town, earning a million a year

Chapter 31: Not Like the Wanderings of Youth Anymore

Upon arriving at the hospital, Xu Mu picked up Bai Ze.

"Xiao Mu, is this your car?"

“Yes, Uncle, I just bought it.” Xu Mu got out of the car and opened the car door for Bai Ze. “Uncle, get in the car, we still have to pick up the God of War.”

"This car is too expensive. My pants are a bit dirty. It wouldn't be good if they got your new car dirty."

"Your car still has a white interior. How about I take the electric scooter instead? You guys go pick up Wushen, I'll wait for you at the restaurant."

Bai Ze patted his trouser legs, removing the dust he had brought back from the construction site that day.

Xu Mu smiled and pushed him into the car, saying with a smile, "It's just a car, we can wash it when it gets dirty."

"Please sit here comfortably."

Seeing Xu Mu's attitude towards Bai Ze, Bai Xue pursed her lips, her eyes overflowing with love.

She understood that many wealthy people looked down on them, especially those who drove luxury cars. They didn't like dirty people riding in their luxury cars, and Bai Ze was sitting in the back seat while Xu Mu was driving, which made it feel like Xu Mu was being treated as a chauffeur.

However, Xu Mu was not unhappy at all; on the contrary, she treated Bai Ze with great respect.

Once in the car, Bai Ze felt somewhat reserved and awkward.

But Xu Mu had no such idea at all.

In his view, a car is just a car, it doesn't matter who gets to ride in it.
He was not superior to others.

After picking up Bai Ze, Xu Mu drove to the entrance of Tianzhong School.

It was Tuesday, and the school gate was deserted.

They are all boarding students and can only go home for a day and a half of rest on Fridays.

Bai Wushen is currently a junior in high school, and the second half of the year will be his final year of high school.

If you can maintain your composure in your senior year of high school and work even harder, getting into Tsinghua or Peking University is not a pipe dream.

"Martial God, your brother Xu Mu and I are at the school gate. Come out."

Bai Xue made a phone call to Bai Wushen.

It's time for them to finish class and leave school. Some are eating in the cafeteria, some are exercising on the playground, and some are resting in their dormitories.

I have to attend evening self-study sessions from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Xu Mu had gone through the same thing before, so he had a pretty deep bond with his roommates during high school.

The premise is that the roommates are all compatible.

Xu Mu got along well with Tong Wu, but not with the other classmates.

After waiting for a few minutes, Xu Mu saw Bai Wushen running out of the teaching building from afar.

After handing the leave slip to the gatekeeper, he went out.

"Brother Xu Mu, is this your new car?"

"He's so handsome!"

“Is this a Maybach?”

"Yes, you know him?"

After watching Bai Wushen get into the car, Xu Mu started the car and drove towards Senlan Tonglu.

Xu Mu hadn't expected Bai Xue to arrange such a high-end hotel.

This is the only five-star hotel in the county.

Even Kaiyuan Taihe is only a four-star hotel.

It was only completed in 2021, and it can be said to be the most high-end hotel in Tianji County.

The service there is also more upscale than that at Kaiyuan Taihe.

Unfortunately, Xu Mu doesn't own any shares here.

"I do research cars sometimes, but I definitely can't afford one."

"Haha, if you work hard, you'll definitely be able to afford it." Xu Mu laughed. "Don't be so lacking in confidence."

"Brother, this car costs nearly two million! Unless I'm born with one, I definitely can't afford it in my lifetime."

Bai Wushen said seriously, "There is a classmate in my class whose family is very rich. Her father picks her up in a Maybach every day. Although I am very envious, I think some things really can't be obtained through hard work!"

Xu Mu was surprised that Bai Wushen was so clear-headed, and couldn't help but smile.

There aren't many clear-headed young people these days.

However, this may be related to Bai Wushen's upbringing.

But Xu Mu saw his former self in Bai Wushen.

Xu Mu bought the Maybach because his father said he liked Maybachs, and that's why he decided to buy one this time.

Xu Mu didn't understand that sentence from before.

Now I understand.

That is—people will eventually be trapped by things they cannot obtain in their youth, and then find the answers to their lifelong questions through a single thing or event.

Xu Mu never thought he could afford a Maybach before, because he was born without one, and it would be difficult for him to own one when he grew up.

But now he has bought it, fulfilling his past fantasies about the future with a Maybach.

He also fantasized about succeeding and driving a Maybach.

But now that it's open, it doesn't feel the same.

Perhaps the desire to buy osmanthus blossoms and share wine is no longer the same as the carefree days of youth; this is Xu Mu's current state of mind.

Xu Mu composed himself and looked at Bai Wushen in the rearview mirror with a smile. The boy's eyes were clear and bright, filled with hope for the future.

Xu Mu said, "What's the big deal? Once you graduate from high school and get your driver's license, you can drive this Maybach."

"Thank you, brother."

Upon arriving at Senlan Tonglu, Xu Mu parked the car, and the four of them went up from the underground parking garage.

Upon arriving in the lobby, a waiter immediately came to greet us.

Do you have a reservation?

"Yes, Snow White."

The prices here are not low; even if four people don't drink, they will still spend two or three thousand yuan.

But Bai Xue didn't feel sorry for her.

Compared to Xu Mu's contributions, treating Xu Mu to a meal is nothing.

"Okay, Ms. Bai, your reservation is in the Phoenix VIP Room on the second floor."

"follow me."

Upon entering the private room, Xu Mu looked at Bai Ze and asked, "Uncle Bai, would you like some wine?"

"You can have some."

"I usually like to drink some homemade liquor after I get home from get off work."

“Okay, then I’ll have a drink with you.” Xu Mu nodded and pointed to the Moutai on the menu, saying, “Give me a bottle of 14 Longmao.”

"Xiao Mu, there's no need to order such good wine. I'll just drink the bulk wine."

When Bai Ze heard Xu Mu order 14-year-old Dragon Grass, he quickly stopped Xu Mu.

Although he didn't know the price of Longmao, he knew that a bottle of Feitian cost two or three thousand yuan, and that aged wines like this must be expensive.

"It's alright, Uncle, it's just a bottle of wine, it won't cost much!"

"The most important thing is that you all enjoy your meal."

Xu Mu smiled and reassured Bai Ze, then looked at the menu and continued ordering.

"For dishes, I'll have two seafood dishes and a lamb chop."

"And let's get a couple of snacks to go with the drinks." "Does the Martial God have any favorites?"

Xu Mu looked at Bai Wushen and asked a question.

"It's okay, bro, just keep an eye on things."

Xu Mu ordered seven dishes, six of which were served with a soup, before handing the menu to the waiter.

"Serve the drinks first."

"Thank you."

After the waiter left, Bai Ze looked at Bai Xue beside him, his eyes filled with unease and awkwardness.

They had agreed to pay for the meal, but with the addition of the dishes, the cost would probably be over ten thousand yuan.

His monthly salary is only five or six thousand.

This one meal cost two months' salary.

Although he felt a little heartbroken, Bai Ze understood that Xu Mu had helped their family so much and lent them over a million yuan, so they definitely had to have this meal together.

Moreover, they don't usually get to eat these things, but Xu Mu must come to this place often.

Therefore, the thank-you meal must be of a high standard!
After the dishes were served, Xu Mu put food on Bai Xue and Bai Ze's plates, saying, "Eat more, I don't usually like this stuff."

"Next time you treat me to a meal, find a regular roadside stall."

"To be honest, this kind of dish is expensive and tastes terrible, it's not worth it!"

"Why not save some money?" Xu Mu said. "But since we're already here, let's all try these dishes."

"It would be a waste not to eat it."

As Xu Mu spoke, he poured Bai Ze another drink, "Uncle, let's have a drink."

"Okay!" Bai Ze clinked glasses with Xu Mu and then drank it all in one gulp.

This wine is indeed different from homemade wine.

But drinking it at Bai Ze's place is not as good as drinking the wine you make yourself.

He really can't stand this stuff.

Xu Mu noticed Bai Ze and Bai Wushen's unease, because he used to feel uneasy when he came to eat in places like this. He felt naturally inferior and timid because he didn't have any money in his pocket, and he didn't know how much the meal would cost or whether he could afford it.

In fact, without the system, Xu Mu would be no different from them.

Since acquiring the system, Xu Mu has become different from them, but that doesn't mean Xu Mu doesn't understand them.

On the contrary, Xu Mu understood Bai Ze and Bai Wushen very well.

The expectation mixed with timidity in the boy's eyes reminded Xu Mu of her past self.

Xu Mu noticed Bai Ze's awkwardness and reluctance to act.

They always felt that their clothes, appearance, or even their family background were incompatible with a five-star hotel.

"Uncle, why are you being so polite?"

Eat more!

"And you, Martial God, if you don't eat your fill, how will you study when you get to school hungry?"

Eat more.

"Oh, right, this is a gift from your brother! An iPhone!"

"Also, I'll add you on WeChat. If you encounter any difficulties or problems at school that you can't solve, feel free to message me."

After taking care of Bai Ze, Xu Mu looked at Bai Wushen.

He didn't want to create a sense of distance between himself and Bai Xue's family.

Because Xu Mu is just like them.

Money cannot hinder emotions.

"Brother, this is too precious, I can't accept it!"

"Take it if I tell you to." Xu Mu stood up and walked to Bai Wushen's side, forcefully shoving the phone into Bai Wushen's arms, and said, "Study hard, brother will set a goal for you: get into Tsinghua University. After you get into Tsinghua, brother will give you a surprise!"

"do you know?"

"Knowledge changes destiny. Since you feel your family is poor, then you must work hard to change your family and life! When you accept your fate, you must understand that my destiny is in my own hands, not in the heavens! Nezha was born a demon child, so what? He can still fight against the injustice and darkness of the world!"

"Your destiny should not be defined by others!"

"Only you can change your life!"

Xu Mu had drunk a bit too much tonight, so he looked at Bai Wushen with a very serious expression.

Bai Wushen looked at Xu Mu's red eyes, held his phone, and nodded heavily, "Brother, I will try my best!"

"I will definitely get into Tsinghua University and catch up with you!"

"No, you don't need to chase after anyone. You just need to know that only by changing your own destiny can you improve your family's situation!"

After the meal, Xu Mu and Bai Ze finished a bottle of Longmao liquor.

Xu Mu drank three liang (150ml) of liquor, while Bai Ze drank seven liang (350ml).

Years of outdoor work had tanned his skin. Tonight, after drinking for so long, Xu Mu could see Bai Ze's face flushed from being drunk, a rare sight. Time had left indelible wrinkles on his face, with white hair interspersed among the black.

This is what most Chinese men are like.

Xu Mu used the excuse of going to the restroom to pay most of the bill, leaving Bai Xue with only a little over a thousand yuan.

He was afraid Bai Ze would feel sorry for him.

After all, Xu Mu's father was just like that—a father who did everything he could to be good to his child.

For example, Xu Mu likes to eat chicken wings, but Xu Mu's father will never look at the chicken wings. He will just say to Xu Mu, "You should eat more. I don't like this stuff. It's a waste if you don't finish it."

After paying the bill, Bai Xue drove Bai Wushen back to school.

Then they took Bai Ze back to the hospital.

She then quietly drove to Longyue.

She helped Xu Mu upstairs, placed her on the sofa, and then gently leaned against her. "Xu Mu, did you secretly pay the bill just now?"

"how do you know?"

Xu Mu raised his slightly drunken eyes and looked at Bai Xue, asking a question.

“Dad and my brother don’t understand, but how could I not know? This meal should cost at least ten thousand yuan, but you only left me a little over a thousand yuan as change to pay in front of Dad. Are you afraid he’ll feel bad about it?”

"You're so thoughtful!"

"Hey!" Xu Mu hugged Bai Xue and explained with a smile, "Because my dad is similar to Uncle Bai, he suffered his whole life and is a very frugal person. He usually can't bear to drink any good wine."

"Don't choose such expensive restaurants in the future. To be honest, they're both expensive and the food is terrible. They're not even as good as the lean meat balls from the roadside stalls!"

"I'll put this money in my account and pay you back!" Bai Xue said softly, listening to Xu Mu's pounding heart. "I owe you more and more!"

"Then you can spend the rest of your life paying it back slowly. You'll be able to pay it all off eventually!"

"Like right now!"

As Xu Mu spoke, he pressed Bai Xue down onto the sofa.

"Ah, Xiao Mu, what are you doing?"

"I haven't showered yet!"

"Of course we should do it."

"Right now!"

As the passionate kiss landed, Snow White went from being completely bewildered to taking the initiative.

"..."

Silent all night.

(End of this chapter)