No choice, Samuel Young had to step in himself. He pulled out the bargaining tricks his mom used at the market and started haggling: “Your price is too high. That D-grade polystyrene sandwich panel, labor and materials included, should be 240 rand per square meter.”

“Impossible,” the boss refused flatly. “D-grade polystyrene sandwich panel, 280 rand per square meter. That’s the lowest price.”

Samuel Young pretended to leave: “Then I’ll go check with Hercules Construction Company.”

“Wait, Chinese brother, 270 rand, 270! That’s the lowest. If you can find a lower price in the market, I’ll be your son!”

“I don’t think so. I’ll ask Hercules about their price.”

“250 per square!”

“Deal!”

In Samuel Young’s plan, the color steel prefab house was just a temporary solution, so he didn’t want it too big. Two stories, five meters high, five meters wide, ten meters long—that was enough for him. Calculating the required area of color steel: four walls, a roof, and a floor, it totaled about 300 square meters, 75,000 rand.

He demanded the boss install the house that very day. The boss readily agreed: “No problem, no problem, we’ll come this afternoon. It’s quick, just a day or two.”

Samuel Young knew how unreliable South African black workers’ promises could be, so he said firmly, “If your crew doesn’t show up at my place this afternoon, I’ll immediately hire someone else. I’m not giving you a deposit, so if I switch to another construction team, you won’t make a cent.”

His tough attitude made the boss unhappy: “Are Chinese people as untrustworthy as the white folks now? Hey kid, listen up, this is South Africa, not China. We’re in charge now, you have to show us respect!”

A few strong black men nearby stood up, looking unfriendly.

Samuel Young wasn’t intimidated—if it came to a fight, Nate would take the brunt.

So he pulled out his temporary passport and said forcefully, “South Africa is impressive, and I respect every good South African, especially Mr. Mandela. That’s why I’m happy to do business with you and let you make money. But I won’t be bullied, understand?”

“And you should know I’m not just anyone. Look at my pass—what does it say? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China requests all military and government authorities to provide the bearer with convenience and necessary assistance. Understand? I’m a scientist here to support your country’s development!”

Dealing with the local black community required both toughness and tact—something an American colleague had taught him when he first arrived in the reserve.

The black boss had never seen a temporary Chinese passport before. After reading the words and seeing Samuel Young’s photo, plus the Pietermaritzburg police station stamp, he became a bit wary: “Alright, I’ll arrange for people to start work right away. 75,000 rand, you must pay me!”

“Once your crew arrives, I’ll give you half as a deposit.”

The black boss checked the temporary passport again, and when he looked at him this time, his face was full of respect.

After leaving the address, Samuel Young took Nate to the supermarket to buy supplies—there was a real shortage in the resort town.

Hluhluwe had South Africa’s famous chain supermarket Woolworth. From the name, you could tell it was a knockoff of Walmart. It mainly sold fruits, vegetables, and food, but also had clothing. Samuel Young first took Nate to buy clothes.

Nate was only about 1.2 or 1.3 meters tall, so they had to go to the children’s section.

Earth elves had a simple relationship with land. Unlike forest elves, night elves, or blood elves, they didn’t care much about appearance, so Samuel Young went straight to the sales assistant and said, “Show me your cheapest clothes.”

The black salesgirl looked at him with some disdain: “Sir, your son is very cute…”

She glanced at Nate and changed her words: “Your son is very well-behaved and obedient. I think you should treat him better, maybe dress him up a bit.”

Samuel Young said, “Alright, bring out the most expensive children’s clothes in your store and let him try them on.”

The sudden change in attitude stunned the salesgirl: “Really? Are you joking?”

“Yeah, but you started joking with me first,” Samuel Young replied irritably. “He’s not my son, he’s an adult!”

He spent 50 rand to buy Nate two sets of clothes, and 500 rand to buy himself two sets. He also bought some dehydrated sausages, dried beef, raw chicken fillets, and drinks.

The supermarket had barbecue grills on sale. Samuel Young saw the price was reasonable—a whole set with charcoal and tongs was only 120 rand—so he bought one.

With bags and bundles of stuff, he and Nate rode the horse cart back to their territory.

The tree spirit hadn’t communicated with him at all. He thought the Tree of Life was fine, but when he got back under the shade to cool off, several small birds suddenly took flight.

These birds looked a bit like sparrows, but slightly bigger. They seemed attracted by the Tree of Life. After being startled, they didn’t fly away, but circled around the tree crown, chirping as they flew.

Samuel Young looked closely and laughed: “Well, well, honeyguides! Tree of Life, you’re quite the charmer, huh? Even the birds are flocking to you?”

Chapter 12: A Cuckoo in the Nest