The Cheat

Shen Jianan rode his bicycle all the way to Chaoyang Production Brigade, bumping along until it was already around seven. His legs ached from pedaling. Just as he was about to get off and push the bike back to his residence, he saw Gu Yu standing at the village entrance, waving at him.

The boy's heart skipped a beat. He hurriedly scanned the surroundings and, seeing no one passing by, instantly relaxed. Then, suppressing his discomfort, he rode up and stopped in front of the other man before asking, "Why did you come here? If those annoying pests see you, they'll report you again."

"It's fine!"

Gu Yu smiled and shook his head, his voice carrying a hint of excitement. "I spoke to the brigade leader and Uncle Zhao. They told me to wait for you at the village entrance."

He paused slightly, then raised a hand to point at the boy's new clothes. "Why did you change outfits?"

"Oh! This?"

Shen Jianan glanced at what he was wearing and replied, "I was eating at the state-run restaurant today when I ran into two lunatics... They refused to let things go even when they were in the wrong... My clothes got dirty afterward, so I changed."

Upon hearing this, Gu Yu's lips trembled with rage and the veins on his forehead bulged. He had never imagined there could be such shameless people in this world, people who dared set their sights on Shen Jianan and splash him with greasy soup. A frigid killing intent flashed in his eyes. "What are those siblings called? Do you know where they live?"

"What are you doing? Don't be stupid."

Shen Jianan was no fool. The moment he heard that, he knew what Gu Yu was thinking. He quickly told him everything that had happened in town, along with his plans afterward.

"They've already been punished. I even turned misfortune into a blessing, expanded my connections, and brought the business out into the open. So you're not allowed to do anything foolish, understand?"

He looked at Gu Yu seriously, his bright eyes full of worry. "Brother Gu, don't make me worry."

Those soft words immediately brought Gu Yu back to his senses. However, he did not answer directly. He merely nodded in silence.

Seeing the hostility disappear from his eyes, Shen Jianan did not think too much of it. He assumed Gu Yu had come around, so he smiled and tilted his chin forward. "Let's go! We'll unload the goods at the Cheng Household first."

"Mm, I'll push the bike."

Gu Yu curled his lips and stepped forward. "When we get back, I'll tell you something good. I guarantee it'll make you happy."

Only then did Shen Jianan recall that Gu Yu had seemed more excited than usual when he first saw him. He smiled and nodded, then made room for him to push the bike.

But by chance, he noticed that Gu Yu's left index finger was wrapped in a thick circle of white cloth. The blood seeping through had already turned dark red, but it was enough to sting the boy's eyes.

"H-How did you hurt yourself?"

Shen Jianan reached out, gently cupping Gu Yu's injured finger without quite touching it. "Does it hurt badly?"

Then he lowered his head and softly blew on it. His fine breath washed over the wound, warm and faintly moist. Gu Yu felt a tingling numbness travel from his fingertip straight into his heart.

The ticklish sensation made him take a rough breath. He hurriedly stepped back, forcefully suppressing the strange feeling in his chest before smiling. "It's nothing. Not serious."

Shen Jianan felt that this man had no sense at all. Somewhat angry, he clenched his fist and punched Gu Yu lightly on the arm. "You're hurt like this, and you're still smiling!?"

"Mm!"

Gu Yu nodded and lowered his voice. "This injury was worth it. Hehe."

Seeing him grin foolishly only made Shen Jianan angrier. He frowned and glared at him. "What do you mean, worth it or not? Are you addicted to getting hurt!?"

"No, no."

Seeing that the person he loved was genuinely angry, Gu Yu hurriedly wiped the smile from his face and pleaded, "We'll talk when we get back. We won't discuss it out here. When we get home, you can make me balance a basin of water on my head or kneel on a washboard. I'll do whatever you say."

"Pfft!"

Shen Jianan burst out laughing. "Where did you learn that? You're getting smoother and smoother with your tongue."

Then he added, "Fine. Let's go talk to Brother Cheng first."

"Okay."

Gu Yu immediately nodded and reached for the bicycle, only for Shen Jianan to block him. "You're injured, so behave yourself. It's only a few more steps."

Shen Jianan shot him a glare and pushed the bike forward. Gu Yu did not dare disobey and could only obediently follow behind. He pressed his uninjured hand against the basket to help push, making things a little easier for Shen Jianan.

The two made their way to the Cheng Household and unloaded the fabric and accessories. By then, the sky had completely darkened. Xiang Haiyan brought out the corn mush warming in the pot and carefully placed it before Shen Jianan. "You must be starving. Eat quickly. Educated Youth Gu and the rest of us have already eaten."

After Gu Yu got injured, Cheng Hu had directly told him and Shen Jianan to make do with a meal here rather than go back to cook. Shen Jianan had returned late, so they had saved him a portion.

"Thank you, Sister-in-law."

Shen Jianan thanked her happily, lifted the bowl, and began wolfing down the food. Seeing him eat so urgently, everyone guessed that he must have been terribly hungry and felt a little distressed. "Eat slowly. There's more in the pot if it isn't enough."

"This is enough!"

Shen Jianan looked up and smiled at everyone, then lowered his head to continue drinking the porridge. Very quickly, he polished off the large bowl of corn mush.

He pushed the bowl and chopsticks forward, wiped his mouth clean with the back of his hand, and told Cheng Hu's family about his plans. The husband and wife both fell into deep thought after listening.

But little Cheng Guang at the side became so anxious that tears spilled down his face. He looked pitifully at Shen Jianan, twisting his fingers together nonstop. "Brother Jianan, don't you want Dad to make bags anymore?"

"I do."

Shen Jianan pulled him closer and wiped away his tears. "As long as you do what I say, not only can you keep making bags in the future, you can earn even more money, mend your relationships with the neighbors, and stop being bullied."

"Really?"

Tears pooled in Cheng Guang's eyes, his voice full of confusion. "But I don't really understand."

"It's okay if you don't understand."

Shen Jianan patted his head. "Watch carefully from the side and see how I do things. Once you've experienced more, you'll understand."

The child became even more confused, but he was obedient. Since Brother Jianan said they could earn more money and that he, his father, and his mother would no longer be bullied, then he would believe him. "Xiao Guang will listen to Brother."

"Such a good boy."

Shen Jianan praised him, then looked up at Cheng Hu and Xiang Haiyan. "Brother Cheng, Sister-in-law, what do you think?"

The two looked at each other before turning back to Shen Jianan and nodding solemnly. "Whatever you say, that's what we'll do."

Cheng Hu said seriously, "Our family has been cared for by you two. I, Cheng Hu, will never forget this kindness."

Shen Jianan smiled but did not respond. He approved of this couple's character, but it was impossible for him to believe they would never change for the rest of their lives. After all, there had been many stories like The Farmer and the Snake. He still needed to observe them.

Seeing that the discussion was more or less over, there was no reason for the two to stay. Besides, they had other matters to discuss. They stood and bade the family of three farewell. "It's getting late, so we'll head back first."

"Alright."

Cheng Hu and Xiang Haiyan stood as well and walked them to the door. "Educated Youth Gu, be careful with your hand. Don't let it touch water."

"Got it."

Gu Yu smiled and waved. "Go back inside. Don't see us off in this darkness."

Then he loosely put an arm around Shen Jianan and guided him onto the field path. Xiang Haiyan watched their retreating figures, finding the sight strange yet unexpectedly harmonious, so she made a joke.

"Educated Youth Gu is so good to Educated Youth Shen. If he weren't a boy, I'd think they were dating. They look so well matched."

"You can say that once in front of me, but don't ever bring it up again."

Cheng Hu turned to look at her, his expression stern. "What if someone with bad intentions hears it and pins some messy accusation on them? Wouldn't we be committing a grave sin?"

Only after Cheng Hu's reminder did Xiang Haiyan realize what she had said. Her face instantly turned as pale as paper. Her lips trembled as she looked at him. "I understand, Brother Hu. I just... I just thought they looked too beautiful together, so I..."

"I understand."

Cheng Hu put an arm around her and comforted her gently. "I'm not blaming you. Everyone likes beautiful things.

But just because we find something beautiful doesn't mean everyone else will like it. You can keep it in your heart and admire it yourself, or share it with like-minded people.

But if you expect everyone to be just like you, it will only backfire and hasten the destruction of that beauty. Do you understand?"

"Mm."

Xiang Haiyan nodded, then thought for a moment and added, "Just now... Educated Youth Shen didn't seem to fully believe you?"

"You noticed too."

Cheng Hu smiled, taking her hand as they walked back. "We don't know each other that well. If he believed my words so easily, then he wouldn't be the Educated Youth Shen we know."

Xiang Haiyan squeezed his palm. "Then what are you going to do?"

"Heh."

Cheng Hu turned to meet her eyes. His adoring gaze held a trace of determination.

"Wife, don't think too much. As long as we keep to our place and do every task they give us properly, sooner or later, we'll earn the trust we deserve."

There was one thing he did not say: after earning that trust, perhaps his son would have a chance to study by Shen Jianan's side, gain a broader sky, and completely escape this small mountain village that had trapped their family for generations.

Gu Yu protected Shen Jianan as they returned to the small courtyard beneath the moonlight. After washing up in a perfunctory manner, they climbed onto the heated brick bed together and lay there like corpses.

"You were acting all mysterious at the village entrance. What did you want to tell me?"

The moment Gu Yu heard the boy's question, he perked up. He quickly sat up, removed the Landscape Jade Plaque from around his neck, and held it out to Shen Jianan.

"After you went out today, I had a feeling that Gao Xiaofen and Bai Yun would be eager to wear the gifts you gave them as soon as they got home..."

Once the two women appeared among the crowds in those clothes and carrying those bags, they would definitely cause a sensation.

After all, such bold color combinations and fashionable styles were rare even in town, let alone the city. Women loved beauty; when they saw something pretty, they would surely want it for themselves.

At that point, they would not even need to seek out customers. People would come to them on their own to order custom clothes. But Shen Jianan only had two hands. How could he possibly keep up?

So Gu Yu wanted to try learning, to help ease some of Shen Jianan's burden. He knew perfectly well that he was not cut out for making clothes, so he decided to start with the easier floral cloth bags. He took two pieces of fabric Shen Jianan had previously cut and began sewing them on the sewing machine.

Things went smoothly at first. Though he was slow, he could at least sew the fabric together, which gave him confidence. He gradually sped up, only to make a mistake. Not only did the thread skip, but the machine also jammed.

Gu Yu panicked and reached out to pull the cloth bag. Who would have thought that another accident would happen? He was careless with his footing and stepped on the pedal several times in a row. His finger happened to be beneath the needle, and it was pierced straight through, leaving a bloody hole.

He was quite tough. Afraid that he had broken the machine, which would not only prevent Shen Jianan from taking work but might also force him to pay compensation, he endured the pain and used his other hand to turn the shaft and pull the needle back.

Blood immediately poured from the hole in his finger. He hurriedly raised his hand and turned to look for scraps of cloth to bandage the wound. Somehow, a drop of blood fell onto the jade plaque exposed outside his collar.

In an instant, the jade plaque began to emit waves of fluorescent light, rapidly surrounding Gu Yu. Before he could react, the world before his eyes twisted, followed by a blinding white flash.

Startled, he immediately shut his eyes. When he had adjusted and opened them again, he discovered that he was standing in a valley. Peach blossoms drifted before him, while a brook babbled nearby.

Gu Yu stared in shock, unable to stop himself from swearing. Then he muttered, "Why does this place look exactly like the landscape carved onto the jade plaque!?"

The moment he finished speaking, a row of small words appeared in midair, as if answering his question. Gu Yu's pupils shrank as he hurried closer to read them.

Only then did he learn that entering the jade space would cause the jade plaque to automatically recognize its owner. From then on, the space could be freely used to store goods and even take refuge from disasters.

This magical artifact had been refined by the ancestors of the Cheng landlord. Its original purpose was to help the clan avoid calamity and survive safely through chaotic times.

Yet in the end, it instead aroused the greed of someone close to him, who developed the intention to kill him. The Cheng ancestor was caught off guard and badly wounded. To prevent his enemy from succeeding, he used his last remaining power before his death to preserve his life's work in the space, seal it, and lay down a forbidden curse.

When the jade plaque space appeared again, once it recognized an owner, it could not be given to another person. No one else could be brought inside either. Should either rule be broken, the space would immediately collapse and vanish from the world along with the jade plaque.

Unfortunately, after calculating everything so carefully, he probably never expected that this branch of his descendants would not only fail to see the space reappear, but would decline to the point that not even a single person remained. In the end, it benefited an outsider instead.

After obtaining the space, Gu Yu wanted to determine its storage limit. He came out and told Cheng Hu that he had hurt his hand on the sewing machine and needed to see a doctor to have it bandaged.

Then he used the space to go deep into the mountains, testing it by storing huge rocks and trees. In the end, he found that as long as the stored items did not exceed the height of several peach trees halfway up the mountain, and did not extend beyond the boundary where the valley met the surrounding mountains, he could place them however he wished. He could even use the space to teleport.

But there was one limitation: living creatures could not remain in the space for too long. When he entered, it had been around nine in the morning. Yet not long afterward, he suddenly found it difficult to breathe, his chest felt tight, and an invisible force even squeezed him out of the space.

He tried several more times afterward but could not enter again, so he hurried back to the village to ask what time it was. He learned that it was already past one in the afternoon. After subtracting the time he had spent elsewhere, he estimated that he could only stay in the space for two to three hours.

Later, after continuously testing it, he finally calculated that after a living creature was forced out of the space, it had to wait four hours before entering again. Those rocks, however, had no such restriction. They could stay inside forever without issue.

Shen Jianan listened with amazement. He had never expected the cheat-code trope from novels to land on Gu Yu. While happy for him, he also felt a little envious. "Then what about my pendant? Does it have a cheat too?"

He grabbed his jade pendant and gazed at Gu Yu eagerly. "Should I cut myself and drip some blood on it too?"

"Don't mess around."

Gu Yu patted his head and explained, "The space's message said that your pendant and mine are a pair, both passed down through the Cheng family ancestors.

But they have different functions, and the activation methods are different too. The timing and conditions both have to be right. It's just... it didn't say a single word about exactly what to do."

Though Shen Jianan felt a little disappointed, he did not dwell on it. After all, Gu Yu already had a cheat. Compared to before, they were already far luckier than most, and they should be content. He happily rolled around on the bed. "It's fine. It's enough that you have one."

Then he gazed at the ceiling with bright anticipation and smiled. "Ah! With the space, doing business will be so much more convenient from now on."

"Exactly!"

Gu Yu lay down beside him and turned on his side, smiling as he watched him. "From now on, you'll focus on clothes and accessories. I'll go out and try some other businesses, and I'll also help you find good fabric and accessories. We can't rely on these scraps forever."

"Mm!"

Shen Jianan responded, then fell into thought. Only after a long while did he turn over to face Gu Yu, looking at him solemnly.

"You're an eagle. You should spread your wings and soar. I know these past few years have been suffocating for you. You've always wanted to do something for yourself and your family.

So I won't force you to stay in the brigade every day, farming and helping me. Go do whatever you want!

There's just one thing: I hope you remember to consider the consequences whenever you go out to do something, and especially pay attention to your safety. Even with the space, you can't let your guard down. Understand?"

"Mm, I understand."

Gu Yu looked at the person before him, his heart burning hot and soft at once. Shen Jianan's words were like a miraculous medicine, soothing and healing his heart.

There had once been a time when the boy seemed like a beautiful, fragile porcelain doll, one who needed Gu Yu's careful protection and might shatter at the slightest misstep.

Yet before much time had passed, the boy had quietly grown into a great mountain, standing powerfully within Gu Yu's heart and giving him an endless supply of strength, along with limitless understanding and tolerance. He had helped Gu Yu walk out of darkness, so that he would no longer wander in uncertainty and confusion.

Gu Yu thought that he probably would never be able to leave Shen Jianan for the rest of his life.

The next day at work, Shen Jianan took advantage of a moment when no one was around to invite Zhao Gang and Zhao Hongjun to visit Half-Mountain Courtyard that evening, saying he had something to discuss.

Seeing how mysterious he was being, the two found it amusing. "What can't you say now? Why do you have to wait until tonight?"

Shen Jianan lifted his brows. "You'll know when you come."

Then he added, "You'll regret it for the rest of your lives if you don't." He shouldered his farm tools and left with Gu Yu, grinning all the while, leaving the two men standing there, itching to curse him.

After enduring the long wait until work ended, the two rushed home, wolfed down a few bites of food, and hurried to Half-Mountain Courtyard.

Seeing that they had arrived so punctually, Shen Jianan did not put on airs. He immediately explained his plan. The two men abruptly sprang to their feet in shock and stared at him in disbelief. "What did you say!?"