Chapter 15: Well-Fed and Satisfied, Buying Land

At that sound, Chu Chen’s heart skipped a beat. Could it be that Wang Defa had noticed something? After all, even diluted Erguotou liquor was far superior to the wine of this era.

“You kid, you must have bought this in the county town. The liquor from our village doesn’t taste like this,” Wang Defa remarked.

Hearing this, Chu Chen finally relaxed and thought to himself, “I just like how naïve you look.”

“Yeah, last time I went to the city, I bought a little, not much though. I’ll bring some back for Uncle Wang later,” Chu Chen said with a smile.

Wang Defa gave him an approving look. After finishing the bowl of wine, he stood up and said, “Fellow villagers, today we are fortunate to have Chu here inviting us to enjoy meat and wine. It truly pleases this old man’s heart.”

“You all know that when Mr. Chu was around, he did much for the village. Though this kid was a bit of a rogue before, he’s now turned over a new leaf. From now on, let us all support each other and remember the kindness shown.”

Damn, this old man knows how to work the crowd — no wonder he’s the village chief.

Seeing himself making money now, even his own father was said to have made great contributions to the village.

Soup without salt is like water; a man without money is like a ghost.

No matter the world, it’s all the same, Chu Chen thought.

After Wang Defa finished speaking and sat down, Chu Chen raised his cup and stood.

“Everyone, I admit I was a scoundrel before, but I’ve changed now. So, without further ado, I toast all of you.”

With no more words, one drink down, and the atmosphere ignited.

Men and women alike devoured the meat and gulped down the wine, their mouths full of praise for Chu Chen.

The feast lasted from noon until nightfall before finally ending.

In the middle of it, Chu Chen excused himself early, citing his low tolerance for alcohol, and retreated to his room.

Li Qinglian followed him inside. “Husband, are you trying to silence everyone?”

Looking at Li Qinglian’s sharp expression, Chu Chen could hardly believe she was just a farmer’s daughter.

“I just want to avoid trouble. In this world, strength speaks,” Chu Chen said, pulling her into his arms.

But staring at the drafty thatched hut around them, he fought hard to suppress the rising anger. This place was just... unbearable.

The next day, Chu Chen knocked once again on Wang Defa’s door, carrying a jar of diluted Erguotou from yesterday.

“Chu, just come in, no need to be so polite,” Wang Defa said, pretending to refuse but his body was more than willing.

He took the jar and led Chu Chen inside.

“Chu, what brings you here today?” Wang Defa asked.

“Nothing major. You know my old shack. I want to buy the empty land in front of the house and build a new one,” Chu Chen said straightforwardly.

He had already inquired about the process. Although not as complicated as the modern world, building a house still required the village chief’s approval, purchasing land, and handling paperwork at the township office.

Hence, he came to Wang Defa again.

To ensure Wang Defa agreed readily, Chu Chen added, “Uncle Wang, you know building a house takes labor. When the time comes, please inform the village. I’ll pay the wages.”

Wang Defa pretended to ponder, then said, “Indeed, your old place leaks everywhere. Qinglian deserves better.”

“How big a house are you planning? How many acres do you want?”

Chu Chen replied immediately, “The empty plot around my house is about ten acres. Also, I want to buy the back mountain—around fifty acres.”

Wang Defa was shocked. How much money had this kid made? Fifty acres! Even wealthy families in town didn’t have such spacious homes.

Chu Chen had his own plan: to build a small ancient-style villa. Before crossing over, he had cramped himself into a tiny rented room barely over ten square meters. Now that he had traveled in time, shouldn’t he enjoy life a bit?

Wang Defa continued, “Fifty acres is a lot. Normally, you wouldn’t get that much. But considering what your father did for the village, I’ll allow it.”

“The front land normally costs five taels per acre. I’ll give it to you for four. The mountain land is two taels per acre; I’ll charge you just one.”

He smiled at Chu Chen. “See, I’m being generous this time.”

Damn, just one sentence from the village chief saved him fifty taels—impressive move.

Chu Chen grinned. “Thanks a lot, Uncle Wang. What about the paperwork?”

He handed over a five-tael silver ingot and another eight ten-tael ingots for the land purchase.

“No problem. Leave it to me. I’ll head to town right away and get it done for you.”

Having money really made things easier. With just five taels, he didn’t have to handle the paperwork himself.

Seizing the moment, Chu Chen said, “Thanks again, Uncle Wang. When you get back from town, come to my place for a meal—I’ll prepare something good.”

Wang Defa eagerly put on his coat and set off toward the town.

Chu Chen wisely let Huzi drive the mule cart to accompany him.

Sitting in the cart, Wang Defa watched Huzi, waist low and wielding a long knife, expertly driving the mule.

Suddenly, he felt like a county magistrate.

At that moment, Chu Chen tallied the costs: ten acres of flat land at four taels each, forty taels; forty acres of mountain land at one tael each, forty taels; a total of eighty taels.

He had earned six hundred taels selling cups, given Li Qinglian one hundred, and spent over a hundred on various things.

He still had over three hundred taels left. Building a modern-style villa would surely cost more.

Looks like he had to visit Qingyun City tomorrow to earn some more.

Li Qinglian, watching Huzi drive the village chief away, turned to Chu Chen.

“Husband, what are you planning?”

“Qinglian, come and look at the back mountain,” Chu Chen pulled her over and pointed.

“This mountain? What’s so good about it? But I suppose you can plant a lot there,” Li Qinglian said, puzzled.

“Planting crops? That’s too small-minded. If we have money, why farm?” Chu Chen replied.

Born in the countryside himself, he knew well the backbreaking toil of farming.

Now that he had crossed over with all the advantages of the modern world, why go back to the fields? Shouldn’t he enjoy life?

He added, “I want to turn the empty land in front into our house, and the mountain behind into our backyard garden.”

What? His husband was being extravagant again. Such a huge area all turned into a house—how much would that cost?

Moreover, with just the two of them, they didn’t need such a big home.

Seeing her shocked expression, Chu Chen added, “I’ll buy you a few maids and servants from the county. You just need to look beautiful at home.”

“But such a big house will cost a fortune. Besides, I don’t need any servants—I’ll take care of you myself,” Li Qinglian said earnestly.

She would take care of him, but the environment was unacceptable. They would wait until the new house was built.

Regardless of Li Qinglian’s objections, Chu Chen merely informed her of his plans.

“Don’t worry about money. Have you forgotten I’m a disciple of an immortal? Just stay home and enjoy life.”

With that, he took her inside the house...