Sudden Fortune

The sun hung low in the sky as Zhang Wei made his way toward the outskirts of the town, following the direction indicated by the children. The tranquil landscape of the farm ahead seemed like a promising destination for respite and potential work. However, his journey took an unexpected turn as urgent shouts pierced the air, disrupting the calm atmosphere.

A young woman's voice, filled with distress, echoed through the surroundings, pleading for help. Zhang Wei's senses heightened as he discerned the words, realising that something was amiss. The cries grew louder, and soon, he spotted a figure dashing through the streets with nimble agility, clutching a stolen pouch. The bustling crowd parted in surprise as the thief manoeuvred skillfully, evading any attempts to apprehend him.

In hot pursuit, the distressed young woman chased after the thief, her pleas for assistance cutting through the ambient sounds of the town. The stolen goods glinted in the thief's hand, adding a sense of urgency to the pursuit. As the two figures approached Zhang Wei's position, he assessed the situation unfolding before him.

"Help! Someone, please, stop him!" the young woman implored, desperation evident in her voice. Passersby glanced at the scene but hesitated to intervene, unsure of the unfolding drama.

As the thief continued his desperate sprint through the crowded streets, Zhang Wei's instincts kicked in. Years of learning under Uncle Zhen, a retired assassin, had honed Zhang Wei's nimble fingers.

Without missing a beat, he deftly stole the pouch from the thief's grasp with a swift hand movement. The hidden sword underneath his shirt limited his range of movement, pushing Zhang Wei to utilize the unexpected skill he had acquired – the art of stealing.

To the amazement of the young woman and the oblivious thief, Zhang Wei now possessed the pouch, and his swift manoeuvre was executed seamlessly. While the thief sprinted ahead, unaware of his loss, the young woman, initially dismayed by Zhang Wei's lack of action, turned towards him with a mix of confusion and frustration.

"Why didn't you do anything? My money—"

Before she could unleash her frustration on Zhang Wei, he revealed the stolen pouch, holding it up for her to see. The woman's anger transformed into astonishment, her eyes widening in disbelief. The abrupt turn of events left her momentarily speechless.

"I may not have intervened the way you expected, but your earnings are safe now," Zhang Wei, with a calm demeanour, spoke to assuage her concerns.

Now filled with gratitude, the woman praised Zhang Wei for his swift action. However, the abrupt change in atmosphere led her to question Zhang Wei's involvement.

"Wait, are you working with that thief?" She asked, eyeing him with suspicion.

"No, I'm just passing through. A wanderer, you could say. I don't have a reason to steal from you when I can barely carry my belongings," Zhang Wei chuckled lightly, shaking his head.

The young woman, her gratitude evident, felt a strong need to repay Zhang Wei for his timely intervention. As they walked through the bustling town, she turned to him and asked.

"Is there anything you need? I owe you for helping me, and my family is well-respected here. If there's anything you require, don't hesitate to let me know."

Zhang Wei, seizing the opportunity, expressed his need for a place to stay, food, and some pocket money in exchange for his work. The woman's eyes lit up with understanding, and she revealed her identity.

"I'm Qiao, the daughter of the town's chief. We have a farm, and I'm sure my father would appreciate an extra pair of hands. Follow me, and I'll introduce you to him."

Accepting her offer, Zhang Wei and Qiao exchanged small talk as they walked towards the outskirts of the town. He learned more about Qiao's life, her role as the chief's daughter, and the challenges they faced. Zhang Wei, in turn, shared snippets of his journey, avoiding too many details about his past.

The journey led them to a quaint farm on the edge of the town, where Qiao's father, the chief, worked diligently. Qiao approached him, her expression still filled with gratitude and introduced Zhang Wei.

"Father, this is Zhang Wei. He helped me when a thief tried to snatch my earnings. In return, he's looking for some work and a place to stay."

The chief, a weathered yet kind-looking man, examined Zhang Wei with a discerning gaze. After a brief pause, he extended his hand in a welcoming gesture.

"I'm Chief Zhou. Qiao speaks highly of you. We could use an extra set of hands around here. If you're willing to work hard, we can offer you a place to stay, food, and a modest allowance."

"Thank you, Chief Zhou. I'm ready to work hard and contribute to the farm," Zhang Wei, grateful for the unexpected turn of events, shook Chief Zhou's hand firmly.

As Zhang Wei settled into this new chapter of his journey, he couldn't help but marvel at the twists of fate that had led him to this welcoming town and the warm-hearted family that was willing to offer him a fresh start.

Chief Zhou led Zhang Wei to meet the old farmer, who was currently tending to some crops in the field. As they approached, Chief Zhou introduced Zhang Wei and explained the circumstances that led him to their farm. The old farmer, whose face bore the wisdom of years spent working the land, regarded Zhang Wei with a nod of acknowledgement.

"Zhang Wei, this is Old Master Liu. He oversees most of the farm's operations. I'll leave you in his capable hands. Old Master Liu, Zhang Wei will be working with us temporarily from now on," Chief Zhou said with a reassuring smile.

"Welcome, Zhang Wei. If you're willing to work hard, there's always plenty to be done here," Old Master Liu studied Zhang Wei for a moment, his keen eyes assessing the newcomer.

With that, Chief Zhou excused himself, leaving Zhang Wei and Old Master Liu standing amidst the fields. The old farmer gestured towards a set of tools and began explaining the day's tasks. Zhang Wei listened attentively, ready to immerse himself in the work that awaited.

As they toiled in the fields, the conversation between Zhang Wei and Old Master Liu flowed naturally. Zhang Wei couldn't help but ask.

"Old Master Liu, do you happen to know a child who might speak highly of you? The child mentioned how there was an old farmer who might need help tending the farm."

"Ah, Jian! Yes, he's a spirited one, always eager to lend a hand around here. And he was right to say that I needed help. Good to have someone like you around."

Zhang Wei, connecting the dots, realized that the child he had assisted earlier—now known as Jian—was indeed the same person who spoke highly of the old farmer. It was a fortuitous turn of events that brought him to this farm, and Zhang Wei felt a renewed sense of purpose in contributing to this community.

The sun dipped low on the horizon as they continued their work, the rhythmic sounds of nature and labour creating a sense of harmony in Zhang Wei's newfound journey.

Old Master Liu assigned Zhang Wei a variety of tasks around the farm, each contributing to the overall productivity and well-being of the community. As the days passed, Zhang Wei found himself engaged in a range of activities that showcased the diverse nature of farm life.

One of his primary responsibilities involved tending to the crops—ploughing the fields, planting seeds, and ensuring that the delicate shoots received adequate care. The fields stretched out before him, a canvas of green promising sustenance for the town. Zhang Wei marvelled at the intricate knowledge required to cultivate a thriving harvest, from understanding the right planting seasons to recognizing signs of potential issues.

He also assisted in maintaining the farm's livestock. Feeding the chickens and pigs became a daily routine, and Zhang Wei quickly learned the nuances of animal care. Collecting eggs from the nests and ensuring the animals had sufficient food and water were tasks that demanded diligence and attention to detail.

As part of his responsibilities, Zhang Wei helped repair and build structures on the farm. From mending fences to constructing new sheds, these activities required a combination of physical strength and practical skills. Old Master Liu, with years of experience, guided Zhang Wei in handling the tools and materials needed for these tasks.

In addition, Zhang Wei contributed to the irrigation system, ensuring that water flowed efficiently to nourish the crops. He learned about the importance of water management and how a well-designed irrigation system was essential for a successful harvest.

The work on the farm extended beyond the fields. Zhang Wei assisted in the kitchen garden, cultivating herbs and vegetables that added flavour to the community's meals. Learning about the symbiotic relationship between various crops and the significance of crop rotation expanded his understanding of sustainable farming practices.

Amidst these tasks, Zhang Wei discovered a sense of fulfilment and purpose. Each chore, whether big or small, played a vital role in sustaining the livelihood of the farm and fostering a sense of community. Through his labour, Zhang Wei not only gained practical skills but also became an integral part of the interconnected tapestry that was life on the farm.