Rebirth: My Leisurely Life in the Mountain Village - Chapter 1: Rebirth in a Village Boy's Life

Ye Fugui was baffled. He offered 12,000 yuan, a fortune in their village, yet they still declined. In a place where money was scarce, refusing such a sum was unheard of. Even the mice would be shocked.

“15,000!” Ye Fugui raised the stakes, thinking this would seal the deal. But Yang Xiaoxi remained firm. “No matter how much you offer, this turtle isn’t for sale.”

It was an unexpected standoff. Ye Fugui looked perplexed, while Xiaolong continued his shrimp-cleaning work, unfazed.

The villagers were astounded. 15,000 yuan was a dream amount for them. Yet Xiaolong seemed indifferent.

Ye Fugui felt defeated. Even his 15,000 offer didn’t sway them. But Yang Xiaoxi stood resolute.

Ye Fugui left, baffled by the situation. The yard emptied out quickly, but murmurs lingered outside.

“Xiaolong’s changed his tune, won’t take 15,000! He’ll regret it for sure.”

“Leaving behind that cash? What a waste. I’d use it to upgrade the place.”

“Don’t get what Xiaolong’s thinking. I barely make 20-30,000 a year.”

“I’m off to that old fish pond. Maybe I’ll snag a turtle and sell it for 4-5,000, forget 15,000.”

It was Xiaolong’s first time cleaning shrimp. He struggled at first, but soon got the hang of it.

“Are you really not selling that turtle?” Yang Xiaoxi couldn’t hold back.

Xiaolong chuckled. “You’re attached too. I heard big turtles like this bring luck. Let’s keep it at home for Feng Shui. When I strike it rich…”

Yang Xiaoxi was taken aback by Xiaolong’s unexpected words. Her laughter brightened the room, a stark contrast to her usual self.

“Stop laughing. I’m serious. Heard making money’s a breeze these days. And hey, smile more, else folks might think I’ve done something to upset you,” Xiaolong said.

Yang Xiaoxi blushed and hurried back inside, leaving an awkward silence in her wake.

Clueless about women’s thoughts due to his lack of romantic experience, Xiaolong sighed and continued cleaning the shrimp.

Meanwhile, inside, Yang Xiaoxi lay on the bed, her cheeks flushed.

Never did Xiaolong expect to say those words.

“You fool, if it weren’t for your constant nagging and drinking, I wouldn’t be so distressed. What an idiot.”

Yang Xiaoxi regained composure, stealing another glance at Xiaolong outside. Her emotions turned peculiar.

Unaware of Yang Xiaoxi’s thoughts, Xiaolong continued cleaning shrimp.

News of Xiaolong not selling the turtle spread like wildfire throughout the village. Everyone knew within half a day. A turtle worth 15,000 left them flabbergasted.

“Imagine buying 20-30 pounds of pork instead, wouldn’t that be better?”

Some curious villagers approached, seeing the massive turtle hanging on a tree, bringing a shift in their views of Xiaolong. They realized a turtle that size required not just luck but skill to handle.

Xiaolong didn’t comment much on the onlookers; as long as they didn’t touch the turtle, he didn’t mind their opinions.

He contemplated getting a few dogs to protect his yard, thinking it would make things more secure. Recalling memories of seeing puppies sold at the market, he considered going there to check, perhaps even selling some shrimp for extra income.

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