He changed Tiwat

"Why doesn't Boss Dongsheng pay you your wages?" Han Fulai asked.

Logically speaking, a grocery store that has grown to the size of "Rongfa Shop" can be considered a small supermarket. Boss Dongsheng has made a lot of money over the years. Although he has the same problem of being cunning and sly as his old nemesis Bolai, it is not enough for him to deduct Lao Meng's wages for 300,000 Mora.

If Boss Dongsheng really goes this far, Han Fulai wouldn't mind providing Lao Meng with legal aid and helping Yan Fei secure a business deal as well.

Old Meng shook his head. "He paid me my wages... but the Mora he gave me was mixed with a lot of counterfeit money! Last month, my child got sick, and after I paid my wages, I went to 'Bubu' to get medicine for my child. But Doctor Bai insisted on not taking my money and even reminded me that there was counterfeit Mora circulating in Liyue Harbor, and it would be best to exchange it for Liyue currency. That's when I realized that the Mora Dongsheng gave me was counterfeit."

“I was furious and went back to confront Dongsheng, but he denied it outright and accused me of framing him and trying to cheat him out of money with counterfeit money. He fired me on the spot and even threatened to take me to the authorities.”

“I threw a punch… but I couldn’t beat him. So I went to report it to the General Affairs Department… and they took away my bag of mora, saying they were going to investigate… I lost my wages and my job, and went home empty-handed. I was too ashamed to face my wife and children… I couldn’t sleep that night…”

"The next day, I went to 'Hanfeng Ironware' and bought a blunt sword. I also put on a mask, intending to rob back the wages I was owed... Little did I know that the Qianyan Army was nearby and caught me red-handed..."

Han Fulai couldn't help but smile bitterly. If there really was such a thing as "luck" in this world, then Lao Meng was simply an unlucky guy with a dark aura.

Upon hearing the words "counterfeit money," Han Fulai understood everything.

A month ago, rumors were rampant about counterfeit Mora circulating in Liyue Harbor.

At that time, Han Fulai was still handling matters in Qingxupu, and many merchants in Liyue Harbor began to refuse Mora.

The fact that there were counterfeit Mora in Liyue Harbor, and the method of identification, was told to him by Bai Shu, the holder of the Vision.

Old Meng's child happened to fall ill at that time, and went to Bubulu to get medicine. Baishu saw that he was using counterfeit Mora and couldn't bear to see this poor man being deceived, so he instructed Old Meng to use Liyue coins.

When Lao Meng realized he had received counterfeit money, he went to ask for his wages—of course he couldn't get them, because Dong Sheng would never admit to using counterfeit money.

At that time, the Liyue National Bank did not have a policy of "exchanging counterfeit for genuine" currency. Moreover, counterfeit currency was a desecration of the Geo Archon. Which merchant in Liyue Harbor would dare to take the blame?

Before opening his general store, Boss Dongsheng was an adventurer, and one of the more skilled ones at that. He later changed careers after suffering serious injuries during an adventure. Although his strength wasn't what it used to be, dealing with an ordinary person like Lao Meng was no problem for him.

When Lao Meng went to report to the General Affairs Department, he ran right into trouble. At that time, Ningguang was secretly investigating the source of the counterfeit Mora. Lao Meng took a bag of counterfeit Mora to report to the authorities and came into the sights of the General Affairs Department investigators. His whereabouts were immediately monitored.

The next day he went to take revenge on Dong Sheng, which was practically suicide...

As for why Lao Meng was released after being detained for more than half a month, it was because after half a month, it was found out that the counterfeiting of Mora was the work of the Fools, and Han Fulai's "fake for real" press conference had already been held, and the blame had been placed on the Northern Bank. Lao Meng was just a victim, and considering that he had committed robbery because of the counterfeiting of Mora, and that it was an attempted robbery, the General Affairs Department released him.

But Lao Meng's life trajectory has been completely changed.

If this had happened a month later, Lao Meng wouldn't have suffered this injustice. Unfortunately, there are no "ifs".

He now roughly understood Lao Meng's situation—he lost his family and his emotional support due to an unexpected disaster, which led to his depression.

Bai Shu was right; doctors couldn't cure this kind of mental illness, but he could.

He could even use this opportunity to help more people like Lao Meng.

Chapter 332 Killing That Man from Mingyun Town (Part 2) [4k]

Seeing that Han Fulai remained silent for a long time, Lao Meng's face showed a dejected and uneasy expression.

The glimmer of hope that had just ignited in my heart had quietly dissipated.

He began to regret that telling this important figure from Yuehaiting might have been a mistake.

Upon closer examination, there's no evidence that the wages paid by Boss Dong Sheng were from fake Mora credits, and he couldn't provide any proof. However, the evidence against him for attempted robbery is conclusive; it's fortunate he didn't have to serve many more years in prison.

He had no relation to them, so why should they get involved in this mess for a sinner like him? Then, recalling Han Fulai's question about how he had been released early... Old Meng felt increasingly foolish for having revealed this.

He concealed his past when he entered the Hall of Rebirth. All they had to do was tell Master Hu about it...

Now, they probably won't even be able to stay in the mortuary.

Thinking of this, Old Meng hurriedly said, "I... I know I made a mistake, and I have no objection to the punishment given to me by the General Affairs Department. I dare not ask you to help me get back those Mora... It's already very kind of you to listen to this useless old man's nonsense. I won't take up any more of your time..."

As he was about to get up and leave, a strong hand pressed down on his shoulder.

Han Fulai remained seated, only extending one hand.

His hand, though seemingly weak, pressed down on Lao Meng so hard that he couldn't move at all.

Han Fulai stared intently at Lao Meng and said, "I will investigate. As long as what you say is true, I will help you get your wages."

Old Meng's heartache stemmed from the issue of getting his wages back, and the solution, naturally, was to help him get them back.

Han Fulai's words were tantamount to an imperial edict. Old Meng's face was filled with mixed emotions of sorrow and joy. He wished he could kneel down and kowtow to Han Fulai on the spot—but Han Fulai's hand on his shoulder pressed him back down.

"Is it enough to just get your wages back?" Han Fulai asked.

Old Meng was at a loss for words and didn't know how to answer.

Han Fulai smiled and asked, "I heard you say earlier that you lost your dream... I'm curious, what was your dream?"

“Dream…” Old Meng paused for a moment.

Just now at the concert, he heard Vice Minister Han sing that song full of dreams, and he was moved to tears because of it.

He hasn't dared to think about his past dreams for a long time.

That was a promise he made with his friends when he was a child.

At that time, his good friend Wolf was still alive, and the friends in town had not yet gone their separate ways. The Lantern Festival was always a time for everyone to celebrate together.

During that Lantern Festival, Lao Meng, Wolf Brother, and three close friends climbed to a high slope in the wilderness to gaze at the lanterns floating in the sky above Liyue Harbor.

Mingyun Town wasn't as lively as Liyue Harbor, and the town couldn't put on a lantern festival of the same scale as Liyue Harbor. For Lao Meng and his friends, who were just kids at the time, the Lantern Festival in Liyue Harbor was about as impressive as the "Invitation Ceremony" when the Geo Archon descended—no, it should be said that it was much more impressive than the "Invitation Ceremony".

If you can attend the Liyue Harbor Lantern Festival, you'll be considered a worldly person in town—the kind who can hold their head high and make all the village children envious.

The five friends could only gaze at the lights of Liyue Harbor from afar, and they were all somewhat dissatisfied.

"It's the Lantern Festival again. I wish I could actually go see the lanterns someday." The roundest little chubby boy among the five muttered with a pout. His name was Xiao Wu, and he was the son of a cook at the mine in Mingyun Town.

The little girl with pigtails standing next to him is Congzi, the tailor's daughter in town.

Congzi's words, "You can make a wish even without a light," became the starting point for the children's dreams.

According to Satoko, her mother told her, "As long as you shout it out loud, your dreams will come true in the future."

"Isn't it... a little embarrassing to shout it out loud?"

Wolf Brother was unusually hesitant at the time. As the tallest "leader" among the children, he preferred to be seen as aloof and arrogant like the "Wolf King," and publicly proclaiming a childish dream would obviously damage his image.

As Wolf's best friend, Lao Meng knew best that Wolf was shy, so he jokingly gave Wolf a push: "You need someone to start it for you. Once everyone has shouted, you won't be shy anymore."

Congzi raised both hands in agreement and urged Xiao Wu, "Yes, yes, Xiao Wu, you go first."

Xiao Wu, on the other hand, was quite bold. He had the biggest face and the thickest skin. He cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted at the distant lanterns in the sky, "I want to open a huge restaurant with endless food and snacks! I want to eat tender and spicy chicken every day!"

"Hahaha, look at you, so full of yourself." As soon as Xiao Wu finished speaking, "Four-Eyes" burst out laughing.

"Four-Eyes" was named Mumu. He was the only one among the children who wore glasses, and also the only one who had received an education. His father was an accountant at the mine, and was said to be a cultured man who had attended a private school. Therefore, Mumu always considered himself a scholar.

Xiao Wu retorted defiantly to Mu Mu: "You're laughing at me, but what about you?"

Mumu raised her head and puffed out her chest, replying, "Of course it's about making money! Doing big business, making lots and lots of money! With money, you can do whatever you want, it's so great to be rich!"

Old Meng gave it a thumbs up: "That's right, with money, you can buy that super expensive toy box whenever you want, right?"

Mumu patted her chest and made a grand promise: "Not only will I buy them, but I'll give each of you one, no, several for each of you!"

Congzi, clutching the hem of her clothes with a shy expression, said, "Since Mumu wants to be a big businesswoman, then I don't need to make money, right?"

Mumu quickly shook her head: "No, no, making money is hard work, don't just rely on me!"

Congzi thought for a moment and said, "I want to learn how to make Mingxiao lanterns in the future, the really big ones! I want to learn how to make Mingxiao lanterns and become the best craftsman."

Wolf immediately nodded: "That's right, that way we don't have to go to Liyue Harbor, and we can still release lanterns for the festival!"

Xiao Wu's eyes darted around, and his gaze fell on Wolf Brother and Old Meng.

"After saying all that, Xiao Meng, Wolf Brother, where are you two?"

Wolf Brother and Old Meng (who was still young) exchanged a glance and decided to speak together.

When he talked about his childhood, a smile appeared on Lao Meng's face.

"Wolf and I... said back then, 'After we settle down and start families, we'll celebrate the Lantern Festival together in Liyue Harbor.' Haha, now that wish will never come true."

"So I changed my dream later, 'To settle down in Liyue Harbor and celebrate the Lantern Festival with my children.'"

"Now... Xiao Wu has really opened a small restaurant, Mu Mu has become a businessman, and Cong Zi has become a craftsman. It is said that he even participated in the production of the 'Mingxiao Lantern'... Only I am useless. I have a family, but I haven't established a career... No, now I have neither a family nor a career."

When talking about his family, Lao Meng's voice became somber again.

“I’ve been a miner for almost 30 years. I thought I would spend my whole life in Mingyun Town, in the mine… I know I don’t have much ability, and I’m content. After work, I would have a couple of drinks with my neighbors and a bowl of hot porridge. That’s how I would spend my life… But the mine closed down.”

"...I went to the Layered Rock Abyss with the miners from town, but I wasn't selected for the Blackrock Mine team. I could only do odd jobs like transporting goods...and then the Layered Rock Abyss was sealed off..."

"I've been living in Liyue Harbor for two years now. During the Lantern Festival, I've been working at a shop, so I haven't been able to buy them a big lantern or take them to the lantern market..."

“I also committed a crime, which has ruined my wife and children’s reputation, making it impossible for me to stay in Liyue Harbor… I am truly unworthy of being a husband and a father…”

Hearing Lao Meng fall into self-pity again, Han Fulai said, "No, you just want to protect your family's livelihood. You've tried your best, and no one can say you don't deserve it."

Old Meng felt his heart suddenly tremble, and a surge of heat suddenly filled his chest.

He never imagined that words could be so heartwarming.

Han Fulai then asked, "I know you're not very good at working at the Hall of Rebirth... The Abyss of Layered Rocks has reopened, and the Black Rock Factory is short-staffed. Would you like to continue doing what you're good at?"

Upon hearing this, Old Meng was so shocked that his tongue almost tied itself in knots: "You...you mean? Someone like me, going to the Black Rock Factory?"

"There's nothing wrong with that," Han Fulai replied casually. "Once you have a stable job, you can bring your wife and kids back, and then you can take them to celebrate the Lantern Festival."

After all, Black Rock Factory is a property of the Yun family, and the second young master of the Yun family is fond of chivalrous deeds. Arranging for a miner to join the company is nothing more than a matter of Xing Qiu's word.

"Really? Really?" Old Meng could hardly believe his ears.

A former robbery offender has the chance to work as a miner at Blackrock Depths, Liyue's largest fortress? He also has the chance to reunite with his family and fulfill his childhood dream?

Old Meng almost thought he was living in a dream, and quietly bit his tongue.

It hurts, it seems.

Could it be that this Deputy Minister Han is indeed, as rumored, the successor left behind by the Rock King, the great Lord, who has inherited the Lord's will to bring a bright and clear world to the people of Liyue?

A few more hot tears rolled down Old Meng's cheeks, and he readily agreed, "Yes! Of course I want to!"

Han Fulai nodded seriously, "I have received your wish."

He patted Lao Meng on the shoulder and stood up.

"Wait a few days, I'll get back to you soon."

Old Meng's lips trembled, and he couldn't speak for a moment, only nodding vigorously. His eyes were now full of life, no longer as lifeless as before.

Han Fulai walked to the door, then suddenly turned back and whispered:

"When you're desperate, the last resort is crime... and that's not shameful. What's shameful is the person who drove you to that point."

Han Fulai closed the door to the side room, listened to Old Meng's faint sobs from inside, and sighed deeply.

Old Meng was indeed very unlucky, but his current situation cannot be explained by the word "unlucky".

His experience is actually a microcosm of the miners in Liyue.

Old Meng is from Mingyun Town.

Grandpa was a miner, Dad was a miner, and he grew up to be a miner too. The mines in Mingyun Town were his whole life.

But mineral veins are not unlimited.

A few years ago, the mineral veins in Mingyun Town were depleted, and the town gradually fell into disrepair. Many miners moved away from their homes and went to the Cengyan Juyuan to make a living.

To make matters worse, the Abyss of Laminaria has closed due to anomalies in the earth's veins.

Han Fulai recalled the "second brother" who had become an outlaw, mentioned by Jinwu when they were in the Cengyan Juyuan, as well as his "Mingyun Troupe".

This is what Jinwu said at the time—

"Sigh, the people of the 'Mingyun Class'... have no home. After the Layered Rock Abyss was sealed off, the miners from other places were laid off. At worst, they could go back to their hometowns to farm. But where can they go? They're just a bunch of people who only know how to mine. Without the mines, what kind of livelihood can they make?"

Yes, where can they go? They have no home.

How did they survive the days when the Abyss of Laminaria was closed and they had no means of livelihood?

Some, like "Second Brother," became outlaws; some mingled as local thugs in Liyue Harbor; some returned to their hometowns to farm; and some, like Old Meng, barely made ends meet by doing odd jobs. These miners had no other skills besides mining, and they found themselves useless once they left the mines.

The exploration team that smuggled the raw ore was originally a group of miners who stole treasures... They were just ordinary people in Liyue who just wanted to survive.

Old Meng also wanted to work diligently and live an honest life, but he was just a tiny speck of dust in society, and a slightly stronger wind could blow him away without a trace.

The reason why Han Fulai disagreed with Ningguang's original plan to deal with the fake Mora and proposed the strategy of "exchanging the fake for the real" was precisely this.

Anyone who has been a corporate slave knows how insignificant an individual is in society.

For many people, their entire lives, when written down, amount to only a few lines, mostly mundane stories. But these mundane stories are their irreplaceable lives.