Chapter 183
The train clattered along the tracks as William Cooper gazed out the window, his palms slightly damp. This was his first time traveling far from home, and his heart thrummed with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Before he left, Iris had packed his belongings with red-rimmed eyes. At the last moment, she'd pressed fifty yuan into his hand—emergency money. Thinking of his sister's care, William instinctively touched the hidden pocket where the cash lay.
"Traveling alone, kid?"
The sudden voice snapped William out of his thoughts. Turning, he saw a middle-aged man in his forties smiling at him.
"Uh, y-yes," William answered awkwardly.
"Name's Harold Baker. Folks call me Old Harold." The man extended a hand with easy familiarity. "Judging by your look, heading to the city for work?"
William blinked in surprise. "How'd you know?"
Old Harold chuckled. "Nine out of ten young men on this train are going to the city for jobs." He pulled a greased paper package from his bag. "Here, try this—homemade braised pork knuckle."
The rich aroma of meat instantly filled the compartment. William swallowed but hesitated to take it.
"Don't be shy!" Old Harold shoved the knuckle into his hands. "We're all brothers away from home. You seem like a good kid—I like you."
Grateful, William took small bites. The meat was tender, flavorful—far better than anything he'd eaten even during New Year celebrations.
"What do you do, Old Harold?" William asked curiously.
"I run construction projects in the city. Got a crew of dozens under me." Old Harold produced two beers, handing one to William. "Went back to my hometown to recruit workers. Bringing a few locals along this time."
William's eyes brightened. "Then... are you hiring?"
Old Harold studied him. "What skills do you have?"
"I..." William flushed. "My legs aren't strong. Can't handle heavy labor..."
"Hmm." Old Harold rubbed his chin, then suddenly slapped his thigh. "Got it! We need a cook at the site. Light work, just early mornings. Room and board included—120 a month. How's that?"
William nearly dropped his beer. 120 yuan! That was a fortune back home.
"But... I'm not much of a cook," he admitted honestly.
Old Harold laughed. "That honesty's exactly why you're perfect for the job! You can learn."
Just then, a wiry young man from the row behind leaned over. "Old Harold, got room for one more? I'm a bricklayer—strong as an ox!"
Old Harold narrowed his eyes. "Name?"
"Daniel Lee, from Wang Family Hollow!" The youth eagerly pulled out his ID. "William and I are from neighboring villages."
Old Harold examined the ID, then lowered his voice. "Alright, you're in. But once we arrive, you follow orders—no wandering off."
Both nodded eagerly. Warmth spread through William's chest. He'd never expected to meet such kindness so soon into his journey.
By evening, the train pulled into the station. Old Harold led them through the crowded platform to a battered van already packed with a dozen sturdy young men.
"Hop in. Still got a ways to go," Old Harold called.
William and Daniel squeezed inside as the van rumbled out of the city. The scenery grew increasingly desolate, streetlights dwindling.
"Where exactly are we headed?" Daniel whispered.
A dark-faced man in front turned. "New development zone. Old Harold landed a big government contract."
William relaxed slightly. Watching the others doze off, he too began to drift.
Half-asleep, he felt the van lurch onto rougher terrain—a mountain road, perhaps. Forcing his eyes open, he saw only darkness outside, the vague outlines of trees.
"Almost there," Old Harold's voice came from the front. "Wake up—time to get off."
William rubbed his eyes, a sudden unease prickling his skin. This wilderness... were they really heading to a construction site?