"Little David, you're still young. As long as you work hard, you'll definitely achieve something one day. By the way, are you planning to sell this ornament?" Henry Brooks asked. He thought that David Carter had just arrived in Tanzhou, and judging by his clothes, he didn't seem to come from a wealthy family. Right now, the most important thing for David Carter was probably to solve his financial problems.

"Sell it?" David Carter asked in surprise. In his mind, "sell" meant getting into a fight or going hunting. In the mountains, whenever he took action, he always brought something back. Ever since he was twelve, all the wild game he and the old man ate was caught by him.

"Oh, I mean resell or transfer it. Although you spent seventy yuan, if you want to sell it, it would go for more than seventy," Henry Brooks said with a smile. David Carter was a complete novice. This "Boy Bathing the Ox" ornament had no value in his hands. Moreover, as the saying goes, "an innocent man gets into trouble because of his wealth"—city folks aren't as simple-hearted as country people.

"I don't plan to resell it for now." David Carter thought for a moment. This "Boy Bathing the Ox" ornament gave him a very comfortable feeling. If he hugged it while sleeping at night, it would surely feel special. Although he didn't have much money now and deeply understood the importance of money, if he gave up something he liked just for money, what joy would there be left in life?

Chapter 4: Good Skills

The most important reason David Carter came to Tanzhou was to unravel the mystery in his heart. But before that, finding a job was the top priority. This "Boy Bathing the Ox" ornament gave him a very special feeling. Until he figured out how the image in his mind appeared, he wouldn't let it go easily.

Tanzhou's rice noodles are a local specialty. Although not as famous as Guilin rice noodles, they have their own unique flavor. There are two types: round and flat. Most locals prefer the flat kind.

The advantage of flat noodles over round ones is that they absorb flavor more easily. Rice noodles themselves are tasteless and rely entirely on the broth for flavor. As for the toppings, Tanzhou people call the ingredients added to the noodles "mazi," which come in two types: "gai ma" (pre-made) and "chao ma" (stir-fried to order). "Gai ma" means the toppings are prepared in advance and placed on the noodles when served; "chao ma," as the name suggests, are freshly stir-fried in a small pan when you order, making them fresher and tastier, and thus more expensive than "gai ma." Common toppings include shredded pork, stir-fried pork with chili, pork liver, ribs, hot and sour, crispy pepper, sauce, and minced meat sauce.

A bowl of rice noodles is only about 100 grams. When David Carter saw it, he was a bit stunned. He casually said to the server, "Two more bowls with shredded pork, please." As soon as he finished speaking, he picked up his chopsticks and started eating, devouring both noodles and soup in no time. He had been on the train for over five hours without eating a single grain of rice, then walked for more than an hour—of course he was starving.

"Little David, you’re still hungry, right? Here, have mine first." Henry Brooks pushed his bowl toward David Carter with a smile. Seeing how ravenously David Carter was eating, he felt a pang of sadness.

"Grandpa Brooks, you eat first. I’ve already had my fill." David Carter patted his stomach and pushed the bowl back. Henry Brooks had ordered stir-fried pork liver, which was worth three bowls of his shredded pork noodles. He couldn't possibly eat someone else's pork liver and just return a bowl of shredded pork noodles—that wasn't his style.

The pre-made noodles come out quickly, and soon the server brought over two more bowls of shredded pork noodles. But just as they were about to reach David Carter, someone suddenly stepped out in front of him, and the bowl in the server's hand was about to tip over. David Carter, quick as lightning, caught it without spilling a drop. Henry Brooks saw this and nodded thoughtfully.

David Carter placed the bowl by his side with his right hand, while his left hand pressed down on the "Boy Bathing the Ox" ornament on the table. Although he was young, that didn't mean he was naive. Someone who could outwit prey in the jungle was definitely not foolish. And his experiences over the past two years had taught him well about the complexities of human nature.

After three bowls of noodles, David Carter was finally half full. He patted his stomach, put the "Boy Bathing the Ox" ornament into his bag, and went to the counter at the entrance to pay the bill, intending to pay for Henry Brooks as well. But the server told him his bill had already been settled—Henry Brooks had paid.

"Grandpa Brooks, how can I let you treat me?" David Carter saw Henry Brooks standing at the door, walked over a bit embarrassed, and said.

"Little David, you’ve just arrived. Let me play host," Henry Brooks said cheerfully. He liked David Carter more and more—alert and steady, well-mannered, without the restlessness of city folk. And he wasn't swayed by money, which was rare.

"Thank you, Grandpa Brooks. Next time, I'll treat you," David Carter said respectfully.

"It's nothing, Little David. Where are you staying tonight? If you don't mind, why not spend the night at my place? It's not far from here," Henry Brooks said, noticing that David Carter was still carrying the same bag he had when he got off the train, knowing he hadn't found a place to stay yet.

"Thank you for your kindness, Grandpa Brooks, but I can manage anywhere," David Carter replied with a smile. Though his words were polite, his tone was firm. Since childhood, he had never liked to ask for help or bow his head to others. He would rather endure hardship than compromise his integrity.