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Wang Man’s initiative earned her the heartfelt appreciation of Wang San’s elder Brothers. It was enough that someone remembered all the efforts they had made over the years.
Now they could only hope to pull Wang San back onto the right path.
If he could be steered away from gambling, live a proper life with Wang Man, and maybe even have a few children in the future, the family line would continue. That way, the Brothers could hold their heads high when they met their unfortunate younger Brother in the afterlife.
Wang San, of course, had no idea about the hopes being placed on him. He was simply feeling downcast because he hadn’t been to the gambling house in days.
At the moment, he was like a headless fly, darting around aimlessly. His hands moved about randomly, and his heart felt anxious.
After wandering about for a long time, he finally went back into the house and refused to come out.
Wang Man observed all of this, quietly taking note. She thought that if she could just find him something to do, it might distract him.
So she called out, “Wang San, come with me to chop some bamboo.”
They had talked about buying a hatchet yesterday, but she had completely forgotten. Looked like she’d have to make another trip to town.
Wang San didn’t want to move—not in the slightest. All he wanted was to try his luck at the gambling house.
When he didn’t respond, Wang Man raised her voice and called again, “Hurry up and cut a few more stalks. We’ll need them.”
Wang San still didn’t budge. He lay on the bed like a sack of rotting meat, his eyes blankly fixed on the thatched roof, his mind already wandering off to the gambling house.
How long had it been since he last gambled?
Was it five days? Or six?
Ugh, too long. He couldn’t even remember clearly. If he didn’t show up soon, would those people even remember him?
Maybe he could sneak off later?
But he didn’t have any silver!
What was the point of going without silver?
Should he ask Wang Man for some? Even ten copper coins would be enough.
So deep in thought was he that he didn’t even hear Wang Man calling.
That was the last straw. Wang Man, who had a notoriously short fuse, stormed into the room, grabbed his ear, and yelled:
“Are you dead or something? Why didn’t you answer me? Get up and come chop bamboo, or I swear my fists won’t hold back!”
Wang San cried out in pain and snapped back to reality.
“Ouch, Manniang! Let go! What are you doing? I didn’t even provoke you. Why are you so angry?”
“Hah, you didn’t provoke me? I’ve been shouting for ages and you just lay there like a corpse. Are you looking to die? Want me to help you with that?”
Her voice was sharp and had a bit of a girlish tone, bright and clear.
But to Wang San’s ears, it was like the devil whispering—enough to make his heart pound.
He cautiously asked, “Manniang, what do you want me to do? I was thinking about something just now and didn’t hear.”
Wang Man didn’t bother to explain further. She just repeated, “Get up. We’re going to chop bamboo.”
Then she turned and left, not even checking if he was following.
Wang San blinked and asked, “Chop bamboo for what? Are you planning to weave baskets? Do you even know how?”
He grumbled, but still sensibly followed behind.
“We’re not making baskets. I’m going to build a shed for storing firewood. Tomorrow, I’ll cut a few logs to make posts. That way, it won’t collapse easily.”
Wang Man kindly explained.
Wang San: …
That was a lot of work. And heavy labor at that. Should he just quietly sneak off?
The thought crossed his mind, but he didn’t dare act on it.
There were two areas in the village with bamboo growing on the mountains. It was free for anyone to use, and no one would complain if you cut some.
Wang Man, now mostly recovered from her concussion, was strong and handled the chopping herself.
Wang San’s job was simply to drag the bamboo back home.
On his second trip, however, he couldn’t find Wang Man anywhere.
“Manniang? Manniang?”
“Over here, hurry up and help me!”
Her voice came from nearby, sounding a bit urgent.
Wang San quickly followed the voice and found her crouched beside a large pile of bamboo, fiddling with something.
“What are you doing? Digging a hole? Don’t tell me you’re planning to crawl in there?”
He watched her movements with confusion.
Still such a child—always playing around.
“Go wait by that big rock over there. If something tries to run past, hold the stone tight against the hole. Don’t let it get away.”
Wang Man didn’t even look up as she gave him instructions.
Wang San…?
Wasn’t he too old to be playing games with her?
Then again, better do as she said. Otherwise, she might throw another tantrum.
Obediently, he walked over to the large rock blocking the hole and plopped down on it.
There—should be tightly sealed now. And he could rest a bit, too.
“Wang San, do you have a fire striker on you?”
Just as he sat down, her voice came again.
“Nope. Why? You’re not thinking of setting the bamboo grove on fire, are you?”
The idea made Wang San nervous.
“Manniang…”
“Shut up. Don’t talk.”
Wang Man cut him off, clearly annoyed by his fussing.
“Should I go get one for you then?”
Wang San asked meekly.
Didn’t seem like she was trying to burn the bamboo grove. If not, then it was fine.
Wang Man didn’t respond. Her small figure busied about, and before long, smoke began to rise.
Wang San…?
What the heck? Didn’t she just say she didn’t have a fire striker?
How did she light a fire?
And now she’d picked up a rock with murder in her eyes—what was she planning to do?
Just as Wang San was puzzling over this, something moved beneath him, startling him so much that he nearly jumped up with a scream.
He would’ve bolted if not for Wang Man’s earlier warning to keep the stone pressed down.
Though he stayed in place, his heart was pounding, filled with nameless fear.
The sounds beneath him grew louder and louder, and Wang San grew more and more anxious. He wanted to call out to Wang Man but didn’t dare disturb her.
Suddenly, he saw her lift the rock and slam it down—
Thwack!
A sharp squeal rang out.
And then… silence.
Wang San had no idea what she’d just killed. His mind raced with wild speculation.
What if it was some ghostly creature—one of those that only comes out at night?
Who knew how much time passed before Wang Man spoke again.
“Wang San, jump a few times up there. Chase the rest toward me.”
Wang San wanted to refuse but followed instructions anyway.
With his hopping, another flurry of rustling sounds scurried toward Wang Man.
Once all was still again, she called out joyfully, “Wang San, come look at what I caught!”
Wang San…?
It’s probably just some ghost thing, right? What’s there to look at?
Besides, he didn’t dare look! What if it latched onto him and he could never get it out again? Then he’d never be the real Wang San again.
Unaware of his inner turmoil, Wang Man lifted the largest bamboo rat she had caught and beamed:
“Look at this! Isn’t it fat? Must weigh at least seven or eight jin.”
Seeing what she held, Wang San relaxed and rushed over, amazed.
“Wow, that’s one huge rat! Wonder how much grain it must’ve stolen?”
Wang Man rolled her eyes at him.
“What kind of eyesight do you have? This is a bamboo rat—not a regular rat.”
Wang San had never seen one before and didn’t recognize it.
“How is it not a rat? It looks exactly like one! There’s no difference at all. Well… I guess its snout’s not as pointy.”