At the exit of Shangrao City’s train station, groups of minivan drivers, each speaking their own county dialects, were soliciting passengers. There was only one train station in Shangrao, so everyone returning home had to transfer here to get back to their respective counties.

As soon as Henry Foster stepped out of the station, a young man came up to him, patted him on the shoulder, and said:

“Xiaoyu, what took you so long to get back? I’ve been waiting here for over two hours!”

“The train was delayed, nothing I could do. Cousin, why did you come to pick me up?”

“Aunt told me you were coming back today. Since there’s no direct bus to our town, I thought I’d come get you.”

The young man was Henry Foster’s third uncle’s son, three years older than Henry Foster, named Michael Bolton. Unlike Henry Foster, Michael Bolton went south to seek his fortune after finishing middle school. It was said he worked as a foreman for a construction company and had made quite a bit of money over the years. Just last year, he bought a Honda, which made him quite the accomplished young man in town.

“Second uncle’s new house is having the beam-raising ceremony tonight. Everyone’s back, so we can have a good time. Grandma said she hasn’t seen you in ages.”

Henry Foster’s maternal grandmother had three sons and one daughter—his mother. Henry Foster was an only child, and as the only grandson on his mother’s side, he was doted on by his grandparents and uncles alike.

This time, Henry Foster had come back because his second uncle’s new house was finished. According to local custom, there would be a banquet, and of course Henry Foster had to make it back in time.

The two got into Michael Bolton’s car. Henry Foster joked:

“Cousin, you’re doing pretty well now—got a car and all. When are you going to bring home a sister-in-law for me?”

“Oh, come on, don’t make fun of me. I just got lucky these past couple of years and made a bit of money. How can I compare to you college students? Every time my old man gets drunk, he scolds me, says I should’ve studied harder. No matter how much money I make, I’m still just a roughneck.”

Michael Bolton’s words made Henry Foster laugh. His third uncle used to be an elementary school teacher in town, known for his learning in the area. He’d always resented his son for not studying and going out to work instead. As he often said, “All trades are lowly, only studying is noble!”

Actually, this way of thinking was common in the countryside. The older generation hadn’t had much schooling. Every New Year or festival, they’d have to invite a literate man to help with couplets or important events. You always long for what you lack, and in their eyes, only scholars had real status.

“Xiaoyu, you’re graduating this year, right? Have you decided where you want to go?”

“Nope. Why, cousin, are you offering to take me in?”

“Heh, if you’re willing, I’d be happy to! Honestly, I’m starting to feel overwhelmed. The business is getting bigger, and I can’t keep up with everything, especially the accounts. I didn’t study much, and I don’t trust hiring an outsider as an accountant.”

“I didn’t major in accounting, so I can’t help you with the books on your site. But I do have an idea that could solve your problem!”

Henry Foster’s words made Michael Bolton, who was driving, turn around and ask seriously, “Xiaoyu, you’ve always been smart and full of ideas. Tell me what you’ve got.”

“My idea is simple—just find a sister-in-law who majored in accounting!”

“Making fun of me again, huh? I’m just a middle school grad, a roughneck. Why would any of those college girls be interested in me?”

“Cousin, you don’t get it.” A sly glint flashed in Henry Foster’s eyes. After all, his cousin was already twenty-six, and in the countryside, it was rare for a man that age to still be single. Grandma and the aunts had nagged him about it countless times.

“It’s not like it used to be. College graduates are everywhere, and jobs are hard to find. Cousin, you’re basically a boss now—it’s not like you’re not good enough. What’s there to be afraid of?”

Henry Foster was telling the truth. Ever since college enrollment expanded, millions of students graduated every year. Many college grads only earned three or four thousand yuan a month. In today’s materialistic society, money is often the main standard for judging people. Young and well-off guys like his cousin were still the top choice for many female college graduates.

Chapter 6: Talismans

The black Honda slowly drove into town, but instead of heading to Henry Foster’s house, it turned and stopped in front of a newly built four-story unfinished building.

This was Henry Foster’s second uncle’s new house. There was a rural custom: when a new house was built, there had to be a housewarming banquet, and the timing was important. In the year the house was started, you could pick an auspicious day. If not, you’d have to wait three years, and during those three years, no firecrackers or fireworks could be set off in the new house.

Henry Foster’s second uncle loved lively occasions. Not being able to set off firecrackers during holidays was unbearable for him. So as soon as the house was finished, he found a feng shui master to pick an auspicious date, which turned out to be tomorrow—the day of the housewarming banquet.

After getting out of the car, Henry Foster sized up the new house, his brows furrowing slightly. He looked around at the surroundings, and his expression suddenly changed, becoming grave.

“Xiaoyu, what’s wrong?”

Michael Bolton, who had gotten out of the car from the other side, noticed his cousin’s expression and asked.