Chapter 160: Mei Family Medical Clinic
“Enough. He can do whatever he wants. As his juniors, are we supposed to force him to work?”
Even though Yu Shanhai found his father’s actions selfish, he still upheld traditional filial piety. With so many people watching, he couldn’t allow Liu Lan to openly criticize his father.
“Alright, let’s settle this. Luo’s numbers were just examples. Once Mr. Bai drafts a formal contract, we’ll finalize the payment. If you want to work, you can. If not, we won’t force you. The fewer people, the bigger the share; the more people, the smaller the share. Discuss it among yourselves—I’ll review the payment details and confirm the final amounts.”
Yu Haojie wasn’t running a charity. He had already gone above and beyond by providing them with this opportunity. If they weren’t willing, others would be.
The wilderness was full of exiled people. If word got out that he was paying for labor, people would flock to work for him.
After Yu Haojie and Yu Luo left, the remaining hundred or so people erupted into discussion.
Meanwhile, behind the stone mountain, a small group of men had been listening.
After stealthily withdrawing, they took a long detour back to the stone houses.
“They’re selling food? No wonder those people carried back so many bags the other day!”
“Yeah, and who would’ve thought that one of them is so capable? It’s a shame we don’t have silver—otherwise, we could buy some white rice and flour. I haven’t tasted white rice in five or six years!”
“Same here! But listen, they don’t seem like ruthless criminals. If we help them clear land and dig ponds, we can earn money and buy food and supplies.”
At this, some looked hesitant.
“What if they just kill us instead? Did you forget what happened to those people from Fengcheng?”
“Are you stupid? Why would they waste time killing us? If they wanted us dead, we’d already be dead. Those people from Fengcheng were the ones who provoked them first. This is a chance. If we miss it, are we really going to continue living like savages?”
The group fell silent.
“I don’t want to live like this anymore. If we work hard, we can make money—and maybe even find a wife among them!”
The moment he said this, the other men’s eyes lit up.
*
Back in the Cave
Yu Haojie and Yu Luo sat down to finalize the payment details.
“Since these are one-time jobs, we should pay them a little more. Later, when we hire permanent workers, we can be more selective—weed out the lazy ones.”
“Exactly, Dad. If they clear 100 acres, we’ll still need people for maintenance, harvesting, and storage.
Instead of contracting everything, we should switch to fixed monthly wages for long-term workers.”
As the father-daughter duo excitedly planned, Ye Jiamei lounged on a wooden recliner, petting Xiaoxue.
She rolled her eyes at them.
“I don’t know what the two of you are so obsessed with. If a royal decree suddenly arrives calling the Yu family back, won’t all your efforts just go to waste?”
“You really think we’re going back to the capital?” Yu Haojie raised an eyebrow.
Ye Jiamei shrugged. “Not necessarily the capital, but we can leave anytime. Why stay in this godforsaken wasteland? Am I supposed to waste my life here?”
“Daughter, don’t forget—Xiaoyi discovered a coal mine nearby. If we mine it, we’ll be filthy rich! Once we make enough money, we can leave whenever we want.”
At this, Ye Jiamei perked up.
“That’s right! My medical skills could also be a valuable asset. If people recognize my abilities, they won’t dare provoke us!”
Excited, she immediately ordered Yu Luo to prepare ink and paper and Yu Haojie to fetch a wooden signboard.
“What are you doing?” Yu Haojie frowned, wary of her sudden enthusiasm.
“I’m opening a medical clinic! Once my reputation spreads, even the Jianghu warriors will respect us. That way, you two dreamers can build your little kingdom without worry!”
Yu Luo and Yu Haojie exchanged speechless looks.
Soon, outside their cave, a crude wooden sign was hung up.
It read:
Mei Family Medical Clinic
Yu Luo glanced at her mother’s messy calligraphy and shook her head.
“Honestly, Mom, we should’ve let Dad write it. Your handwriting is scarier than the idea of getting sick.”
