Chapter 16: Boss Ma Yue

Although he had enjoyed showing off in front of his buddy, Du Yu eventually handed the "rare fish bait" to Wang Xiaowei.

It was better to let Xiaowei have some fun too.

Regrettably, however, the "rare fish bait" Du Yu gave him didn't hook a single fish.

Du Yu found it amusing; he reached out and patted Wang Xiaowei on the shoulder. It wasn't a gesture of apology, but rather a silent message: "Kid, you still need more practice."

Without further ado, the two returned to their spots and focused on fishing.

By evening, Du Yu and Wang Xiaowei returned with their buckets full, which naturally caught the attention of the village's "intelligence unit." This time, they didn't whisper among themselves; they ran straight up to Du Yu.

"Oh my, our little Yu has become quite capable, hasn't he? Caught so many sea fish! Do you want us sisters-in-law to help you with anything?"

"That’s right, that’s right! We’re all neighbors, if there’s anything we can help with, just let us know."

Several sisters-in-law chimed in one after another. Du Yu noticed that Zhao Qinqin and his eldest sister-in-law were among them.

Just as Wang Xiaowei was about to decline, Du Yu stopped him.

"Aunts, I actually do have something I might need your help with. In fact, not just you—your husbands could help too!"

Du Yu paused, speaking vaguely, but he gave everyone a hint: he needed manpower.

"How about this, aunts? After dinner, why don't you bring your families to the village entrance? I'll come by and have a chat with you all there. Does that work?"

Wang Xiaowei was stunned. He realized that Du Yu was likely planning to recruit people.

*Good grief, you’re showing off again, aren't you?* he muttered to himself as they walked home.

Upon returning, Du Yu told Li Chunhong about the plan. She nodded happily, repeating how good it was. "That’s wonderful, son. Bringing back benefits to the villagers—that’ll show them not to look down on our family!"

After dinner, before even finishing the dishes, Du Yu hurried Li Chunhong off to the village entrance. Who knew how early the neighbors would arrive?

When they reached the entrance, Du Yu couldn't help but sigh inwardly: it seemed the entire village had turned out!

"Du Yu is here! Little Du, do you have any work for us villagers?"

Du Yu smiled slightly. He thought for a moment and replied, "Yes, aunts and uncles. I’m currently working at a sea fish shop in the city for a boss. It’s a new store, and he’s short-handed. He needs two people who are hardworking to watch over the shop, three who can drive a van, and five with the strength to move cargo!"

Du Yu didn't mention that the shop was actually his; he claimed to be working for someone else. After all, popularity brings trouble, and he didn't want to be pestered by villagers demanding jobs.

The crowd erupted.

"Me, me, me! Let me go, Little Yu! I can drive!"

"I’m good at moving heavy things! I can do it!"

"I..."

Many people scrambled to speak.

Inside the crowd, the eldest sister-in-law and Zhao Qinqin felt very uncomfortable. Where did Du Yu find a big boss to work for? They felt unbalanced, secretly mocking Du Yu for being nothing more than someone else's lackey. People like them had a toxic mentality—they couldn't stand to see others do well. Even if Du Yu knew their thoughts, he wouldn't care.

"Everyone, please stay calm! I’m not the one doing the selecting; the boss will come to the village tomorrow to choose. So, everyone go home, get a good night's sleep, and come back here tomorrow morning to let him pick!"

Du Yu shouted at the top of his lungs, feeling very satisfied with the crowd's reaction. He wondered how they would feel once they realized he was the real boss.

Seeing this, the crowd slowly dispersed.

The eldest sister-in-law approached Du Yu. "What is it, sister-in-law? Something you need?" Du Yu’s tone was distant.

"Little Yu, I wanted to ask if you could save a spot for me? You know your brother has it tough, and I..." She suppressed her annoyance and began to play the victim.

"Sister-in-law, I already said I’m not the one in charge; it depends on the boss tomorrow. Besides, we’ve already divided the household—what does your situation have to do with me?" Du Yu cut her off mercilessly, leaving no room for negotiation.

The sister-in-law was about to snap, but a single glare from Du Yu stopped her cold. She snorted and left in a huff. Li Chunhong stood by silently, offering quiet support to her son.

Back home, Li Chunhong went to wash the dishes, while Du Yu retreated to his room.

The system notification popped up: The Luck Value Store has been updated!

Suppressing his excitement, he opened the store.

[New Arrivals]

"Probability Booster: 1000 Luck Points.
Description: Increases the probability of obtaining a specific item by tenfold.
Note: Only effective for items with a base probability of less than 1%, but can be used repeatedly.
Remark: Fate is determined by heaven, but luck is forged by me!"

"Unknown Map Fragment (1/8): 500 Luck Points.
Description: There seems to be something good on it.
Note: Collect all eight pieces to obtain an unknown item.
Remark: You scoff at one piece, but you can't afford the set of eight!"

"Compressed Oxygen Ball (one): 50 Luck Points.
Description: Place it in water to provide oxygen for a whole night.
Note: Disposable item.
Remark: The savior of dark circles!"

Du Yu looked at his 400 Luck Points and, without hesitation, exchanged them for three Compressed Oxygen Balls—two for himself and one for Wang Xiaowei.

"It lasts all night? No need to change the water? For 50 points?" This was an incredible deal!

He tossed the ball to Wang Xiaowei, who was overjoyed. Finally, he could have a proper dream about the Honghong Hair Salon!

After sending Wang Xiaowei away, Du Yu looked at the remaining two items with temptation. Well, he didn't have enough money, but he could still fantasize about a bright future—or, in short, indulge in daydreams.

Soon, Du Yu fell into a deep, sweet sleep. In his dreams, he left Wang Xiaowei behind and went to the Honghong Hair Salon all by himself...

The next day, the villagers were waiting early at the entrance for the "boss." Du Yu was also dressed neatly as he welcomed Ma Yue, who had arrived in a Santana.

"Boss, you're here?"

"Folks, this is Boss Ma!"

*Boss? You?* Wang Xiaowei was stunned. *You didn't tell me about this script! Brother Yu, what kind of stunt are you pulling?*

But seeing Du Yu winking at him frantically, Ma Yue didn't show any reaction and played along.

"Yes, I shall begin the selection now."

He actually had the air of a real executive.

The crowd was a bit puzzled—was the boss really this young? But they didn't think too much of it and obediently followed his instructions.

"Boss Ma, look at me..."

"Boss Ma, me too..."

Ma Yue slightly rubbed his forehead. *Just you wait, Du Yu. Next time, I’ll have you play the role of 'Boss Du' too!*