He had gone to visit his former master, Master Chang when he heard about the state of the Long Family.
Ever since his no-good younger brother became an apprentice under Master Chang, Master Chang had been infuriated. He thought that, given the brother was Long Gang’s sibling, he should give him some extra care. But who would have anticipated he’d turn out to be a hopeless Ah Dou, not only lacking ambition but also sporting a rotten character. Stirring up trouble as soon as he arrived at the factory, he was fired within half a year.
After Long Gang left, Long Tie married within a few months. It was said that on the wedding day, his bride made a scene demanding to split the family. That day, the Long Family’s face was utterly lost.
After the split, the elderly couple lived with their youngest son. They thought that if he worked hard, he might become a regular worker someday, and then they could enjoy some peace. How could they have guessed that he would be fired? Once home, not only did he refuse to work, but he also depended on his elderly parents to provide for him. They’d come home exhausted to the bone and couldn’t even enjoy a sip of hot water—all the while slaving away doing laundry and cooking.
At that moment, they began to regret why they had driven away their most obedient son, the Second.
But regret was already too late, because no one knew where Long Gang had gone after leaving the Long Family.
And now, Long Gang had reappeared at Master Chang’s house under a new name and identity as a soldier. Truth be told, the old couple were quite startled.
What was even more baffling was the teenager who accompanied him.
Zheng Long never explained Zheng Kai’s origins, so everyone naturally assumed the boy was his own. Just that, no matter if he got married at twenty, he couldn’t have a son so old, could he?
Zheng Long didn’t mention it, and they didn’t dare to ask. After they left, the couple looked at the gifts on the table and sighed.
"No wonder the kid said he didn’t need my help to pull strings for him, he had gone into the military. It’s the same with people—why is it that some can have such a successful military career and even get into a top military academy, while our son can only continue to farm when he comes back?"
"I’m even more curious about where this big son of his came from? They don’t quite look alike either!"
"I’m afraid this child’s background is not as simple as we imagine, but what of it? They’ve already left this place... Right, let’s not spread word about this matter. The child went through so much trouble to leave, just to shake off the parasites of the Long Family. Don’t blurt this out," the wife cautioned.
"Fine, fine, I know what’s at stake. He brought you a load of pastries, millet, even bought liquor and Milk Essence. This kid has a better conscience than any regular worker you taught," the husband agreed.
Master Chang nodded in agreement, "Indeed, a grateful soul!"
It’s said that when luck is against you, even smiles feel like grit in the teeth. Just after buying their tickets from the bus station, father and son were looking for a place to eat when someone called out his name. Long Gang’s name hadn’t been used for many years, so the person who could call it out must be someone from their village.
Sure enough, before he turned around, a few out-of-breath people caught up with them. Leading them—if not his lazy, gluttonous brother—then who could it be?
However, Zheng Long wasn’t foolish enough to admit he was Long Gang. Frowning with a displeased expression, he looked at them, "Comrades, what is it you want?" Discover more novels at N0v3l.Fiɾe.net
Long Qiang was taken aback, then quickly caught on, sweeping a contemptuous glance at him, "What’s the matter? Haven’t seen each other for seven or eight years and you don’t recognize your own brother?"