Chapter 23: A Simple Ideal

The national gathering of snake breeders took place every two years, with major breeders from across the country taking turns to host it. Of course, there weren’t many who qualified as prominent breeders of large snakes—so far, only four. Mr. Hong was one of the original founders; the very first gathering had been held at his place.

With just over ten days left until the event, Mr. Hong had instructed Sha Ler to learn snake breeding from Li Ying. Though Sha Ler hadn’t finished middle school and his education was limited, Li Ying was amazed by his aptitude—he could remember over sixty percent of the theoretical knowledge after hearing it once, and after a second explanation, he’d memorized almost everything.

“Ler, you must have done well in school before, right?” she asked.

Ler chuckled sheepishly. “Not really. I didn’t do well. Back then, I didn’t think studying was useful, didn’t want to read books, just wanted to help Grandpa with work. My grades were bad, and I was always messing around. Even my classmates were afraid of me.”

“You little rascal—if you’d studied properly, getting into university wouldn’t have been a problem.”

“I never dreamed of college. Back then, we couldn’t even afford enough to eat—how could I afford university?” There was a shadow in Ler’s eyes.

“It doesn’t matter if you didn’t go to college. Focus on learning how to breed snakes—you have a bright future,” Li Ying comforted him. “When Mr. Hong was your age, he was in a similar situation. He didn’t go to college either, but how many university graduates can compare to him now? If you learn well, you might just achieve great things like he did.”

“How could I compare to Mr. Hong?” Ler gave another goofy smile. “All I want is to earn some money, find a wife, have a couple of kids, and live in the countryside without being looked down on or bullied.”

His expression turned even gloomier as he spoke. He thought of Zhou Wenli—wasn’t it because he was poor that she left him? If he’d had money, would she have run from his arms?

Li Ying giggled. “You’re not even seventeen and already thinking of getting married? Little rascal! Still, your idea isn’t bad. A man’s duty is to earn money and protect his wife and children. But you won’t make much just by working as a laborer.”

“But I have neither capital nor skills—if I don’t rely on labor, how can I make money?”

“Aren’t you learning snake breeding now? With your intelligence, you’ll soon be an expert. You could breed snakes yourself in the future—it’s a good business and you can earn a lot.”

“But… even if I learn it, I’ll just be working here. I don’t have the capital to start something on my own.” All Ler wanted was to master the breeding skills and make as much as he could working for Mr. Hong. He’d never even considered starting his own farm—it would require so much money.

“There’s a good opportunity for you to make money right now,” Li Ying said, lowering her voice and glancing around before continuing.

“What opportunity?” At the mention of making money, Ler immediately brightened.

“Keep your voice down.” Li Ying looked around again, then leaned close to his ear. “This time, Mr. Hong and that Third Boss will definitely want your little snake to compete. You need to ask them for a bigger share—do you understand?”

“Ask for more money? How much?”

“At least a million,” Li Ying considered.

“A million?” Ler’s mouth dropped open in disbelief. A million—what did that even mean? If he had ten thousand, he’d laugh himself awake at night.

“You think a million is a lot?” Li Ying scoffed. “You country kids really haven’t seen the world. Remember, don’t tell anyone I said this, especially not that I taught you. Understand?”

“Don’t worry, sis, I won’t say a word.”

Li Ying shook her head. “I’m afraid I’ve caused trouble now. The chairman will definitely think I put you up to it. Why did I even tell you this? I must have lost my mind.” She tapped Ler’s forehead in mock annoyance, then smiled. “You’re a real troublemaker.”

Though Ler seemed simple, he was anything but when it came to work. He continued learning from the technicians: feeding the snakes, extracting venom, treating illnesses, even collecting bile from live snakes—things others might not master in months, he picked up in days. His actions were precise, bold, and meticulous, leaving Li Ying astonished.

“You… I really don’t know what to say about you.” She shook her head speechlessly.

“Sis, am I not doing well?”

“Not just well—you’re excellent!” She led him out of the snake garden. “Not only are you sharp, but your hands are so skillful. You must just play dumb in front of me. Look at that silly grin.”

“I really am just a silly country boy,” Ler replied. “But breeding snakes seems to suit us villagers—it comes naturally.”

“Let’s sit down for a while; I’m a bit tired.”

They sat on a hillside, where the wind gently stirred the young trees and grass.

“Ler, if you had money, what’s the first thing you’d do?”

“Heh… I’d get a wife, of course. Then… I don’t really know.”

“Would you want a beautiful wife?” Li Ying teased, grinning.

“Of course… but…” Ler looked at her, grinning sheepishly again. “Not necessarily… it’s just…”

“What’s with that look? Don’t tell me you want to marry your own sister?” Li Ying joked, though her cheeks reddened and she smiled awkwardly. “You troublemaker—you need a good smack!”

“I wouldn’t dare,” Ler stammered, blushing. “I just… I just thought, if I could marry someone as pretty as you, that’d be… but no, I don’t dare dream of it. You’re like a fairy in the sky, and I’m just a toad. For someone as beautiful as you, I don’t stand a chance.”

Li Ying burst out laughing, gazing at him. In truth, the boy wasn’t bad at all—tall, sturdy, and exuding a masculine energy. If he’d been born in the city and gone to college… not just her, but girls even more beautiful would be drawn to him. But what of being born in the countryside? He was smart and hardworking, tough and resilient. If he ever got the chance, he’d surely accomplish great things—who could compare to that?

Why am I thinking like this? Li Ying suddenly realized she’d let her thoughts wander, and her cheeks grew warm. She’d sworn never to marry. And even if she did, how could she marry a boy five years her junior?

The thought made her laugh again. Ler looked at her, puzzled by her strange behavior.

“Sis, what are you laughing at?”

“I’m laughing at you, silly.”

“Am I that funny?” Seeing her playful look, Ler was stunned.

“Don’t get any ideas,” Li Ying said, patting her cheek. “It’s not impossible for you to marry a beautiful woman. If you become as wealthy and accomplished as Mr. Hong, even the prettiest women would want to marry you.”

“That sounds harder than plucking stars from the sky,” Ler said, shaking his head.

“No ambition.” Li Ying spat lightly. “You have a real chance now. Work hard at mastering snake breeding—once you have the capital, you can start your own farm. Who knows, you might succeed. If you have no ambition, how will you ever succeed?”

“Could I really start my own farm?”

“You’re just as smart as anyone else—why not?” Li Ying scolded him. “Of course, if you have someone to help you, you’ll have an even better chance. In the countryside, you have a bigger shot at success than in the city, especially if you have the support of the local leaders.”

“The biggest leaders I know are the village chief and party secretary—what use are they?”

“They’re useful. For instance, if you want to lease land for breeding, their support makes things much easier.” Li Ying didn’t quite know why she was so eager to help this “little brother,” but she always had his interests at heart. “Once you have money, you can get to know bigger leaders. As long as you’re willing to work hard, what can’t you achieve?”

Ler thought it over. The village head and party secretary would be easy to deal with—a few good meals and they’d be friendly. There were barren hills in the village, places where not even dogs would go, where nothing would grow—if he wanted to lease the land, they’d jump at the chance. As for town leaders, he didn’t k