Chapter 146

Charles Clark scratched the back of his head, hesitating before speaking. "Shouldn’t... shouldn’t we give Sister-in-Law a share?"

The others nodded in agreement.

Michael Stone pondered for a moment. "This time, we’ll include her. But it won’t happen again."

Soon, a few crumpled bills were divided into small stacks.

"Charles, should I hold onto your share for now?" Michael eyed him carefully. He knew his friend too well—if left to his own devices, Charles might impulsively spend it all on an exorbitant dowry for the Lee family. Worse, since Charles hadn’t yet separated from his family, his elder brother and sister-in-law would surely catch wind of the money...

"Then I’ll keep twenty. You hold onto the rest for me, Michael." Charles rubbed his hands nervously. He was afraid his mother’s relentless nagging might wear him down.

Daniel River chimed in, "Michael, I’ll keep twenty too. Last time I hid money in the house, I couldn’t stop worrying about it."

Michael shot him a stern look. "Keep it safe. We’re heading out again in two weeks. Are you coming?"

The last trip had been to escape his wife’s arguments. But this time, when he returned, she seemed like a different person. He needed to earn more before winter set in—next year, when his wife took the university entrance exam, he’d have to establish a home for them in the provincial capital.

"I’m in!"

"Count me in!"

Only Samuel Bright remained silent.

"Samuel?" Michael frowned.

"I’m worried about Grandma and my sister..."

Daniel cut in, "What could possibly happen in the dead of winter? If there’s trouble, they can go to the village chief. And if that fails, there’s always Sister-in-Law!"

Michael’s expression darkened slightly.

"Then... I’ll go too." Samuel finally relented. He needed the money—for Grandma’s medicine, his sister’s dowry, and his own future marriage.

Once the money was distributed, the group dispersed, each lost in their own thoughts.

Charles grabbed Daniel’s arm. "Did Daisy really jump into the river?"

Daniel stomped his foot in frustration. "Don’t be an idiot! The Lees are nothing but a bottomless pit!"

"I just want to know if it’s true..."

"If something had really happened, the whole village would’ve heard about it by now." Samuel patted Charles’ shoulder reassuringly. "Don’t worry. She’s too clever for that."

After seeing the others off, Michael returned to his room and handed the money to Emily Johnson. "Here’s the profit from the ginseng sale. I set aside your share."

Emily froze. "I only want what’s fair. You keep the rest."

She remembered all too clearly—in the original story, this man would one day become the wealthiest man in the province. His startup capital couldn’t afford to be short.