Going north: A winner in life starting from a kid
Chapter 4 - Da Huazi Openly Talks About Being a Backup

Chapter 4 Da Huazi Openly Talks About Being a Backup

“Hey, hey, look at the bruises on his back! Sister-in-law, you can’t beat him anymore!”

Across from Bai Zimo’s house lived the Zhou family. Grandpa Zhou was a cultured man, and he quickly came out to mediate.

“He went stealing! If I don’t teach him properly, I’d be letting his father down.”

“Hey, it’s pretty common for kids by the canal to steal watermelons! Last generation, Haikuo’s dad, Zimo’s dad, Wanghe’s dad — which one of them didn’t sneak onto a boat to snatch a watermelon? Zimo just needs to not steal watermelons again.”

“Grandpa Zhou is right! Next time I won’t steal watermelons, it’s boring anyway!”

“Boring? Then what do you want to steal next? Planning to do something bigger?”

Great!

Grandma was still furious.

Bai Zimo didn’t bother explaining anymore.

“Bai Zimo, I’m counting on you to achieve something. How can you be stealing watermelons?”

“Grandma! If you want to make a name for yourself, it’s simple — you gotta bury yourself in the ground first.”

“Still joking around! Old Zhou, don’t stop me, I’m gonna beat him to death today!”

Grandpa Zhou winked at Bai Zimo.

Bai Zimo chuckled, “Grandma, I’m off to fish! And I’ll sell some spice mix too!”

With that, he grabbed his father’s old fishing rod, slung his canvas bag from this morning over his shoulder, and ran off.

“Old Zhou, look at this… my kid…”

Old Grandpa Zhou waved his hand.

“I’ve watched Zimo grow up. He’s mischievous, but he’s got backbone. He’s more sensible than other kids his age.”

“My family’s situation is different. He has to grow up fast. I just hope he can make something of himself soon.”

“Don’t worry. Zimo is smart and capable! He’ll definitely succeed in the future.”

“I hope so! His mom still hasn’t sent any word… I just have to support him for a few more years!”

The moment Bai Zimo stepped out the door, he saw Da Huazi and Zhou Haikuo sneaking around outside.

______

“Da Huazi, Haikuo, hurry up and follow me!”

“Zimo, you got beaten up!”

“As if there’s anyone in our courtyard who hasn’t been beaten.”

Da Huazi pouted.

“But you’re the only one who doesn’t run when getting whipped.”

“Grandma’s old, can’t run fast. I let her hit me. I’m scared that one day she’ll want to beat me and won’t be able to.”

Zhou Haikuo immediately poked his head in to look inside.

“Haikuo, what are you doing?”

“I’m checking if Grandpa’s gonna hit me!”

Bai Zimo was speechless.

“Your grandpa loves writing, he doesn’t hit people. Let’s go! Wanghe and Xingchi already left.”

The Flower Street Pier was always bustling, but today it was especially lively. Someone was having a wedding on a boat in the canal. The five little friends squatted by the riverside, eating melon and watching the festivities.

Bai Zimo sat on the steps, baited his hook, and cast his fishing line.

Da Huazi poked Bai Zimo.

“Bai Zimo, why are you suddenly fishing today? Do you even know how?”

“Of course! I’ve been learning for two and a half years!”

Boom, boom, boom…

Just as Bai Zimo finished speaking, a few firecrackers went off in the distance. The boat got even livelier. The musical troupe started playing!

The traditional folk band wore Tang-style outfits. Souna, flutes, erhus, sheng pipes, drums, cymbals — they played “Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon.”

Then someone on the boat shouted loudly: Bow to the heavens and the earth! Bow to the parents! Husband and wife bow to each other — ceremony complete!

“Bride! Bride!”

The newlyweds bowed towards the audience on the riverbank. People on the shore waved and cheered in response.

____

“The bride’s so pretty! When I grow up, I’m gonna have my wedding on a boat too!”

Shao Xingchi teased.

“You think you can even get married? If you do, I’ll eat my hat.”

Da Huazi giggled.

“If Zimo doesn’t want me, I’ll just marry Wanghe!”

“I don’t want you either! If I married a glutton like you, you’d eat my whole house into bankruptcy.”

“Thanks a lot, Wanghe! You’ve pissed me off, I’m gonna beat you up!”

“Beating me won’t help! You’re still marrying Zimo.”

Bai Zimo was speechless.

Was this something you could just pass around like that?

And Da Huazi actually said she’d be a backup out loud.

“Bai Zimo, I’ll help you sell spice mix in the future too! Don’t worry, you’ll definitely make a fortune.”

Xie Wanghe laughed and said, “Haha, you’re just scared Zimo won’t want you! Da Huazi, you have no shame.”

Zhou Haikuo pointed at the water.

“The fishing rod’s moving, Zimo, you’ve got a bite!”

“Fish on! Fish on!”

Bai Zimo smiled too.

First cast and he didn’t blank out!

There were lots of fishermen along the canal — some even used cormorants to fish — but not many actually fished with rods. For busy folks, slow fishing took too much time.

“Bai Zimo, it’s a carp! A huge one! I’ll help you with the landing net!”

Da Huazi was even more excited than Bai Zimo himself. Some people were just born to be the life of the party.

【Ding! Today you caught a carp! You’ve received a cash reward of 1000 yuan!】

Bai Zimo was stunned!

So the fishing system rewarded you for every catch?

Double the happiness!

Back in the 2000s, 1000 yuan was a lot — most ordinary workers earned only a few hundred yuan a month.

“Look, who’s that!”

Da Huazi pointed at the bridge. A group of kids immediately ran over.

“Why is Granny Ma bringing such a pretty girl along?”

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