Chapter 2, Come and take the money

Zhang Chi's uncle is named Zhang Youliang; however, he is not a biological uncle but a paternal uncle. According to the family genealogy, he and Zhang Chi are already five generations apart.

While the income is not substantial, I am not an unemployed drifter without work to do

Moreover, after thinking for so many days, Zhang Chi has not come up with a more reasonable and quicker way to make money than this

Zhang Chi smiled and said, "I haven't mentioned it yet; it won't be too late to bring it up once I settle down here."

However, Zhang Chi also understood that once you come into contact with such people, you may never be able to rid yourself of them for a lifetime. Therefore, even though he had acquired the gourd, he still decided to live a stable life, work diligently, and be a person of integrity

After taking their luggage, Zhang Chi and his nephew headed towards the parking lot

Zhang Youliang actually did not want to bring it up, so he said: "It's still the same. By the way, do you have any plans? A friend of mine mentioned that his construction company is short-staffed. Why don't you go over there and give it a try?"

How is the business at the restaurant?" Zhang Chi did not want to bring up this matter, so he changed the subject

Some people may find these buildings to have character and a sense of history, but in Zhang Chi's mind, they are simply old, dilapidated, and small. Not to mention, they cannot even compare to the airports in domestic cities; even the high-speed rail station in his hometown is superior.

Zhang Chi blended into the crowd as he walked out, carrying a small backpack on his back after exiting the airport

On that day, Zhang Zhi was watching television while gnawing on a large steak, when he suddenly noticed that a wilderness survival program was being aired on the screen

On the way, Zhang Chi bought several pieces of steak and, after returning home, grilled one piece.

Zhang Youliang, upon hearing his wife say this, not only appeared unembarrassed but also felt a sense of pride

It is precisely for this reason that after settling down in the United States, Zhang Youliang brought his nephew Zhang Chi to the United States to obtain residency. At that time, it seemed like a good thing, but now different people may have different opinions on it

The main street is a thoroughfare that runs from south to north, and it takes less than ten minutes to drive through it completely

If there were no gourd, Zhang Chi would really be willing to give it a try, but as for now, how could he possibly work at a construction company? It's not that the construction company is bad

The house is naturally not his, but rented. The layout is similar to apartments in the country, however, the rent for these houses is very low, generally rented by the government to those without housing

Fortunately, the exit is not far from the place where the plane lands, approximately 50 meters away, allowing passengers to reach it in no time by simply walking.

Auntie is a bit talkative

It is not yet the time for customers, and there are not many people in the restaurants.

Without hesitation, Zhang Chi immediately called the program, filled out some forms as instructed, and then quietly waited for news

The airport still retains its familiar appearance, which in domestic terms can be described as old, worn, and small. The airport, built in the 1970s, has been in use until today, and no matter how well it is maintained, it cannot escape the aura of antiquity.

Such a large airport does not have any shuttle buses or similar services; upon disembarking from the plane, one must rely solely on their own two legs to stand on the ground

At this moment, Zhang Chi found himself at a loss for what to do; his previously mundane life was suddenly poised for change due to the gourd.

After sitting on a plane for fourteen or fifteen hours, Zhang Chi felt no fatigue at all. He was happily contemplating how to make a fortune. Originally, this was something he would not have dared to think about, but anyone who possesses the treasure of a gourd would inevitably think about it extensively.

In about ten minutes, the car arrived at the entrance of Uncle's restaurant from the airport

Certainly, there are numerous ways to make money with gourds. Without mentioning other things, just by transporting some flour, money can flow into one's pocket like water.

At this time of year, the climate here is the most comfortable of the entire year, with daytime temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. Unlike Zhang Chi's hometown, where the temperature during this period exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, occasionally reaching as high as 40 degrees, making it difficult to breathe once the sun comes out.

The restaurant is not large, occupying a single-story building of approximately 200 square meters, with a parking lot in front that can accommodate a dozen vehicles for dining guests.

Next comes eating and sleeping, and when I open my eyes, I ponder how to make a fortune

If the sharp-tongued aunt were to be involved, not only would she not save up 100,000 US dollars for Zhang Chi, but she might not even provide a full meal.

Well then! Zhang Youliang did not ask further

Well, Aunt, my grandfather and the others have brought you a little something

Aunt sighed and said: "Things are different now than before. In the past, your uncle used to deceive me with just an ID card, thinking that coming here would lead to a better life. Little did I know, it was still as exhausting as being a dog..."

Seeing his nephew, Zhang Youliang was quite happy, smiling as he reached out to take the backpack off his nephew's back, while asking: "How was the journey, smooth or not?"

When it comes to what he most desires to leave this place, it can only be steak, as it is an agricultural state where anything related to cattle is inexpensive. A steak that is larger than a human face and as wide as two finger joints costs about half of what it would in California

Airports in small western towns like Forsen are not large, just like the Forsen Airport in front of Zhang Chi, which consists of a single runway and a three-story terminal, making up almost the entirety of the airport.

With the addition of floral water to the mask, Zhang Chi was barely able to endure this period of time

After more than fourteen or fifteen hours without bringing Zhang Chi down, the next two hours could leave Zhang Chi in a dire state

Auntie replied, "Oh dear, it’s always a bother for you and uncle to think of us. Come in quickly. By the way, Da Chi, how did the blind date go?"

Zhang Chi turned his head and saw that his uncle was standing at the exit, waving at him.

If you still claim that others do not treat you well, then that seems a bit ungrateful

For Americans, the nearest mode of transportation is the car, while for longer distances, it is the airplane. Therefore, there are particularly many airports here, and almost every slightly larger town has an airport.

As soon as the car came to a stop, the aunt stepped out.

Zhang Youliang laughed and said, "That must be considered suffering."

In the past, after sitting on a plane for about ten hours, my legs would tremble a bit when I got off the plane. However, today, I got off the plane as if nothing had happened, feeling quite sprightly.

It is not that Zhang Youliang is stingy, but rather that after many years of being here, he has unconsciously adopted the temperament of the local people, and he is reluctant to let others drive his own car, no matter how old or worn it may be

This is not a survival show; it is clearly saying to oneself: Come and take the money!

"Wait a moment, I will go get the suitcase," Zhang Chi said. After seeing that the luggage could be collected, he turned to his uncle and said something before jogging over.

Returning to the apartment, Zhang Chi directly went back to his room after obtaining the key from the administrator

Los Angeles is not his final destination; he still needs to transfer flights. Originally, Zhang Chi could have stayed overnight at his cousin's house, who works in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, his cousin is now in a relationship and living with his girlfriend. It's not that they are unwilling to host him; Zhang Chi is just concerned about disturbing others.

"Only half a bottle of floral water is needed to deal with the past," Zhang Chi said with a smile

Zhang Chi's residence is not far from here; it takes only about 15 minutes by car. However, this area is considered the outskirts after just 15 minutes.

Zhang Youliang is somewhat timid, as his parents passed away early in his childhood. Without the care of Zhang Chi's grandparents for a few years, it remains uncertain whether he can survive to adulthood.

Have you told your parents about your plans to go out and explore?" Zhang Youliang asked while driving.

Aunt is a middle-aged woman in her fifties, quite tall, approximately 1.7 meters in height. She was quite beautiful in her youth, but now she has gained some weight, to the point where her neck is almost not visible.

After finishing his meal, Zhang Chi fell asleep for a whole day, adjusting his body clock back to normal.

"Why did you bring floral water?" Zhang Youliang casually asked

Zhang Chi smiled and said, "The young lady does not think highly of me, and there is nothing I can do about it"

After chatting with Uncle and Aunt for a while, Zhang Chi gave them some items he had brought from home, and then he drove his second-hand Hyundai, which was parked in front of the restaurant, back to his place.

Uncle, I would like to pursue something else. I currently have no clear ideas. I will inform you once I have sorted things out on my end, " Zhang Chi said.

The small restaurant was not very large to begin with, and it was quite good to support three people. However, with an additional person, it became a bit too much. Zhang Chi was not someone lacking in awareness; seeing this situation, he suggested to his uncle and aunt that one person should step out for a while.

Zhang Chi immediately realized that a hint of the truth had been revealed, so he smiled and said, "I bought it during the turning point"

Originally, Zhang Chi worked in his uncle's restaurant, but now his uncle's second son, Zhang Wu, has returned. This fellow is still without a job, so naturally, he took over the work at the restaurant

Everyone understands this matter, but no one feels comfortable discussing it. Therefore, Zhang Chi took the initiative to bring it up, which made the couple feel somewhat guilty.

The two relatives got into the car, with Zhang Chi sitting in the passenger seat and Zhang Youliang driving. It is not that Zhang Chi is particular, but rather that Zhang Youliang is very protective of his own car and does not particularly like others to drive it

It was not because the plane was broken, nor because the seats were narrow, but rather because I was seated next to a large black man. The smell emanating from him, mixed with the scent of perfume, made Zhang Chi feel an overwhelming urge to find a crooked tree and hang himself.

Uncle!" Zhang Chi walked over with a smile

Upon seeing this program, Zhang Chi's eyes lit up: Isn't this just giving money to oneself! With a gourd in hand, what does it matter to live in the wild for two or three months?

Zhang Youliang's restaurant business is doing well, and the dishes he prepares are quite suited to the tastes of the people in Forsen, which has led to a large number of patrons dining at his establishment. Gradually, he has made a name for himself in the Forsen area.

The road is not wide, consisting of four lanes, and most of the buildings on both sides are not commercial; they are residential houses. Each house is a two-story wooden structure, with the larger ones featuring a swimming pool, while the smaller ones have lawns in both the front and back yards. Cars are parked on both sides of the road

Da Chi Zi has returned

Zhang Youliang came to the United States quite early, having arrived in the last century, and has now been here for over thirty years. Like most Chinese immigrants who arrived in the United States, he initially worked in a restaurant before opening his own restaurant.

However, it is quite good here. Generally, those who rent such houses have jobs. The primary means of livelihood for the residents here is to work part-time at nearby farms and ranches, or, like Zhang Chi, to work as a waiter in a restaurant

We rely on our abilities

As soon as I exited, I heard someone calling my name

To speak frankly, Uncle has been very good to Zhang Chi. After working in the restaurant for so many years, Uncle and Aunt have saved up one hundred thousand US dollars for Zhang Chi. Not to mention cousins, how many uncles can achieve such a thing

Aunt's heart is very kind, and she gets along well with the people around her. She is also very warm-hearted, always ready to lend a hand whenever someone is in need.

"It's quite good, but just now there was a big black guy sitting next to me, and the smell was something else." Zhang Chi quickly gestured that it was unnecessary; how could he let a man in his sixties carry his backpack for him

Upon disembarking from the plane, Zhang Chi removed his mask, placed his hands on his knees, and took several deep breaths of fresh air. However, the lingering odor in his nasal cavity remained, nearly causing him to gag.

Working in construction here is quite different from doing so in the country. In the country, construction workers like Zhang Chi are referred to as migrant workers, but here they are simply called workers. It may be tiring, but the earnings are substantial. Generally, even those in white-collar jobs cannot compare to a skilled construction worker.

My uncle's vehicle is a Dodge Ram, with an engine displacement of over 5 liters, which qualifies it as a luxury car in China. However, here, pickups are ubiquitous and are far more popular than sedans; such is the nature of agricultural states

Auntie shot a glare at her husband, then pulled Zhang Chi into the restaurant

The small town has a population of just over 20,000, specifically over 20,000 individuals, not over 20,000 households. Such a population would be equivalent to that of a slightly larger university in the country, so the population in the town is indeed quite limited

If such apartments were to be located in a big city like Los Angeles, Zhang Chi would not have the courage to rent one. It is quite chaotic there, with robberies being just a minor issue, and from time to time, one can even hear the sound of firecrackers.

Da Chizi! Da Chizi!

He casually chose a hotel to stay for one night, and the next morning, Zhang Chi flew to his destination