The big shot froze for a moment and said:
"Brother, this money has no other meaning. I just want to be friends with you."
My big brother still pushed the bag back, hoisting the wooden raft onto his shoulder:
"I don't like making friends. The remains have been recovered. You can leave now."
With that, he turned to my mother and me. "Let's go home."
Although I felt a little regretful that my brother didn't take the money, I also felt a sense of pride.
At that moment, he was the coolest person in my eyes.
I followed behind him, while my mother, still with tear-streaked cheeks, walked beside him.
When we arrived home, my brother shut the door, leaving the outsiders behind.
There were still onlookers outside—some curious villagers and, of course, Tang Renjie, the big shot, along with his men.
Inside, my brother took a quick shower.
When he returned, he wrapped up the 100,000 yuan and handed it to me:
"Take this home and fix the house. If it's not enough, let me know."
"I can't take this," I said.
"You must," my mother said tearfully:
"Your brother and I owe you."
My brother looked at me with an unwavering gaze:
"I said take it, so take it."
"I really can't." I tossed the money onto the table.
He glanced at me and said:
"You sure?"
I nodded:
"I'm sure."
Without hesitation, he grabbed the money and lit a lighter, about to set it on fire.
I quickly stopped him:
"Are you crazy?!"
"If you don't take it, I'll burn it," he said firmly, then set the money down and walked into his room.
In the end, I had no choice but to take the money.
Though I had only known my brother for a few days, I could tell he was someone who never went back on his word.
If he said he'd burn it, he absolutely would.
When my mother and I stepped outside, the looks in the villagers' eyes had changed.
No more mocking expressions—now, they were filled with admiration.
Tang Renjie was still there.
Seeing me come out, he approached and said:
"Brother, where's your big brother?"
"He's resting," I replied.
Tang Renjie handed me a business card:
"I am Tang Renjie, love making friends, especially capable ones. Here's my card—let's stay in touch."
Before I could refuse, he shoved the card into my hand, then turned and left with his men.
I knew that the person he truly wanted to befriend was my brother.
For someone like him, a wealthy and powerful man, if not for my brother's extraordinary skills, he wouldn't have even looked at me.
No matter what, my brother had made a name for himself.
The legend of the Flag-"The Body Fisher" , was no longer a joke.
He was now recognized as a mysterious man who could retrieve bodies from the Twelve Ghost Caverns.
People spoke of his skill as if it were divine.
Not only could he navigate the Ghost Caverns with ease, but even more incredibly, he had identified the right remains with just a single drop of blood.
It was seen as a supernatural ability.
When we returned home from Sanlitun, the village chief, Chen Qingshan, showed up at our house.
As soon as he saw me, he gave me a thumbs-up:
"Impressive! Your brother is incredible!"
I grinned but didn't say anything, though I definitely enjoyed the recognition.
My brother's skills gave me a sense of pride.
Chen Qingshan pulled me onto the couch:
"I just heard about your brother's abilities. A friend of mine is looking for help retrieving a body.
You know him—Ma Laosan from Ma Family Fort.
His daughter fell into the Luo River when she was little, and her body was never found.
Everyone said she must've been washed into the Ghost Caverns.
They had given up hope, but now that your brother is here..."
"You should discuss this with my brother," I said.
"I don't know him well," Chen Qingshan admitted:
"And you know us villagers—we're not like Tang Renjie, the rich businessman.
Not everyone can afford 100,000."
I immediately understood—he was here to negotiate the price.
While I wanted to refuse, Chen Qingshan had always looked out for me since I started working, so I couldn't turn him away outright:
"Let's talk to my brother and see. I've only just met him myself, but I think he might give me some face."
Soon after, we went to see my brother.
Chen Qingshan brought Ma Laosan and his wife, who even came with gifts.
Inside, my brother sat there coldly, listening as Ma Laosan explained his daughter's tragic story.
After finishing, Ma Laosan asked:
"It's been so many years—can she still be found?"
My brother nodded:
"Yes."
Ma Laosan was visibly relieved. He hesitated, then said:
"Brother, we're all fellow villagers. You know it's not easy for rural folks to come up with 100,000."
Without a word, my brother waved his hand dismissively:
"100,000. Not a penny less. Money first, then I retrieve the body."
Ma Laosan looked embarrassed and rubbed his hands togethe:
"Can't you lower it a bit for an old friend?"
My brother stood up:
"No."
Seeing that my brother was about to leave, Ma Laosan quickly grabbed him and gave Chen Qingshan a pleading look.
Chen Qingshan nudged me under the table, signaling me to say something.
Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to speak:
"Big brother, Ma Laosan has been a friend for years. We rural folks don't have much money, but they just want to bring their child's remains home. Can you make an exception?"
My brother shot me a look so cold it made me shiver. His voice was firm:
"No."
With that, he shook off Ma Laosan's grip and went to sit outside in the courtyard.