Chapter 21: Dangerous Building
At this time, Principal Zhang raised his wine glass and said to the master, "Although I have been in school administration for decades, I am still a rough man. In the army, there are not so many etiquettes. The most common thing I say is 'Fuck it'..."
The last few words were enough to kill the mood, and everyone laughed awkwardly. Shi Er bit the bullet and interrupted, "Principal Zhang used to be a regiment commander. He transferred to the university to manage logistics."
I was secretly excited. It seemed that my ability to read people's expressions had improved significantly over the past year or so.
Principal Zhang continued, "Master, please don't be offended. I'm a rough man like me, I don't pretend. I just say what I think. However, although I'm a rough man, I have always respected cultured people. To show my sincerity, I'll drink three cups first."
Shi Erdeng and Principal Zhang finished the first cup, then sifted again, and then sifted again.
The master picked up the cup, wiped his chin as usual, and laughed out loud, "If Captain Zhang only spoke politely, who would lead the troops and defend the country? Therefore, your use of foul language is the true nature of manliness, heroism, and military spirit. Come, I offer you a toast."
Principal Zhang was a bit flattered and said, "To be honest, Master, even when a soldier transfers to a place full of intellectuals, he has to adapt to the local customs and change his role. So, I'm not good at other things, and I'm naturally lacking in the art of writing. But I can practice calligraphy, right? As long as you put in the effort, isn't it just a stroke, a dot, a hook? So, I practice calligraphy whenever I have time."
Principal Zhang was about to take out his award certificate when Shi Er waved his hand. He felt that Principal Zhang's arrival diluted the theme and it was like Shi Er was setting the stage while the principal was performing.
Shi Er said, "Let's look at your certificate after dinner. Let the master speak first."
Unexpectedly, Principal Zhang refused to comply and insisted on showing his certificate to Master. I glanced at it and saw: "The Hong Kong Chinese Calligraphy Association has awarded Zhang Qingsheng the title of Global Chinese Calligraphy Master."
I really want to laugh, because my brother-in-law, who has not even joined the Provincial Calligraphers Association, often receives letters inviting him to become a "master", and they will send him a certificate if he pays 1,000 yuan.
The master looked at it, gave a thumbs-up and praised, "Excellent, excellent."
Shi Er couldn't stand Principal Zhang's display of power, and probably regretted inviting him to accompany the guests. He saw an opportunity to change the subject: "Master, what do you think is so good about my house?"
Everyone looked at the master. Even Principal Zhang quickly took the certificate and waited intently for the master to speak.
The master took a sip of wine and said slowly, "Facing the creek and overlooking the mountains, the mountains and waters are in abundance; placing pearls and offering a luxurious house, money and wealth are abundant. The green mountains are thoughtful, the flowing water is affectionate, what a wonderful place, what a wonderful place!"
Although Shi Er was very polite at the dinner table, he was completely confused when he heard these words.
Principal Li, who had been silent the entire time, said to Shi Er, "Second brother, this is how I understand it. The master said there are mountains and water, plus there are two small hills right in front of you. Those hills are like two pearls. You will have endless money in the future."
Principal Zhang interjected, "This explanation should be correct. Teacher Li not only teaches but also serves as a ritual attendant, so he should understand a little bit."
Shi Er filled a glass of wine and said to the master, "This is the custom here. I will drink three glasses in a row. You can just drink tea."
Then, he drank three cups in a row. At this moment, a fat woman came with a tea tray containing a large red envelope. Shi Er held the red envelope in both hands and presented it to his master.
The master didn't answer it, saying, "Sit down, sit down, and have a drink."
Shi Er felt a little embarrassed.
Principal Li of the primary school, who usually also serves as a ceremonial attendant, walked up behind Shi Er and whispered a few words in his ear.
Shi Er tapped his head, stood up, and left. A moment later, a young girl returned with a tea tray. Shi Er offered a red envelope, and the master accepted it.
The people present immediately realized what was happening and showed even greater respect for the Master. They offered him wine, but the Master responded by drinking tea.
I guessed it. The master thought the first woman was pregnant and unclean.
The master has a sharp eye. The woman is probably only a month pregnant, which is something outsiders cannot tell.
This red envelope is big enough, it should be 20,000 yuan.
The master accepted the money calmly. He took the red envelope, but instead of putting it in his pocket, he placed it on the table. Then he asked, "Is there a fool in this village?"
Everyone cried out "Ah!" and stopped eating in shock. They looked at the master, unable to understand how he knew there was a fool in the village.
I lowered my head and drank my tea. I was used to this trick from my master, and it always worked. According to medical statistics, one in every thousand Chinese people has a mental disability.
In other words, basically, there is a fool in every village.
Everyone was waiting for the master's next words. The master looked at Shi Er kindly and said, "Next time you meet him, give him some money every time. But don't give him too much, or he won't be able to spend it."
Principal Li of the primary school ignored the rules and slammed the table, and a pair of chopsticks started to dance a duet. He said:
"Master, I'm in awe of you. This idiot lives near the school, and I'm very familiar with him. It's exactly what you said. He recognizes money. Give him ten dollars, and he'll take it. Give him twenty, and he won't take it."
Shi Er's face was full of satisfaction. He stood up and said, "Let us all pay tribute to the master. In ancient times, there was Zhuge Liang, and today there is Master Hongyi. You are even more powerful than Zhuge Liang."
The master didn't get up. He picked up his tea and said, "I don't mean anything else. People with money should do more good deeds. I'll help you look after this house, and you'll make a fortune for ten years. Remember to go back to your hometown more often, repair bridges and roads, visit the weak, respect the elderly and love the young, and speak up for what is right. Then your life will be fulfilled."
Shi Er picked up his wine glass, with a pious look on his face, and said to the guests at the two tables in the room: "Master, you have heard what you said. If I, Shi, have a little money, look down on the villagers, neglect them, and do not do public welfare, you can point at my face and scold me."
Everyone stood up and applauded.
After a satisfying meal and a few drinks, everyone dispersed. Master used a compass to determine the direction of Shi Er's gate. Afterward, Shi Er chatted with Master. I wanted to find a chance to chat with Shi Er, but he didn't seem to take me seriously. I tried to talk to him several times, but I swallowed the words.
For the sake of Master's reputation, I finally came up with a plan and said, "Second brother, don't bother Master. I'll go with you to the back of the house to take a look."
Shi Er led me to the back of the house.
I asked, "You didn't plant any willow trees?"
He smiled, indicating that he had some common sense, and shook his head.
I asked, “How many floors do you plan to build?”
“Currently two floors with caps.”
"That's about right. Build three stories at most, no higher."
"Why?"
"There are some things you shouldn't delve into, and you shouldn't ask my master about them either."
Shi Er smiled, a little nonchalantly, as if he didn't care to listen to what I said.
On the way back, Master was a bit tired, half asleep and half awake. Perhaps he'd missed his lunch break, or perhaps he'd had a few too many drinks. As I drove, I thought: Master said Shi Er would make a fortune for ten years, but I think he'll be in jail in just three to five years.
Although Shi Er has the guidance of an expert, like Liu Bang, his rogue nature will be revealed again when he becomes emperor. I can predict that if Shi Er becomes rich in another three years, he will demolish this newly built house and build a three-story, four-story, or even an eighty-story or ninety-story one with an elevator.
Nouveau riche love to show off. His house, with three floors or less, would make him rich, but with more than three floors, it would tower over the two hills across the street.
Behind the hill is a cliff thousands of feet high. By then, it will be useless even if he calls out to his master.
Suddenly, I braked.
The master woke up with a start and asked me, "What's wrong?"
I rolled down the car door, pointed at the sheer cliffs, and said to my master, "This is where the main gate of the Shi family is facing. You may not have noticed, but I paid close attention when I came here."
The master was startled and said quickly, "Call him."
After dialing the number, I said to Shi Er, "My master wants to tell you something."
The master took the phone and said to Shi Er, "Master Shi, even if you make a fortune, don't renovate your house. The height must not exceed the hill opposite the gate."
After hanging up the phone, I asked Master, "Did he agree?"
The master nodded. Then he looked at me for a long moment before he said, "Shanhong, you will definitely have a great future."
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