C22 I Have Trash

The old man greatly admired Wu Ge's perspective. After sharing his thoughts, Wu Ge bashfully averted his eyes.

"You know, I actually do have money—certainly more than that guy earlier."

"His car isn't worth as much as my watch. I pick up trash to protect the environment."

"He carelessly litters, thinking his money gives him the right to do as he pleases?"

Wu Ge had always looked down on such behavior. Now, with newfound confidence, he was ready to stand his ground.

He had wanted to set the young man straight for his earlier provocation. If only the guy hadn't run off so quickly, Wu Ge would have given him a reason to regret their encounter today!

Seeing Wu Ge's earnest expression, the old man nodded approvingly and cheerfully asked,

"Well then, we've got some trash at our place. Care to join me to check it out?"

Wu Ge's eyes sparkled as he eagerly rubbed his hands together.

"Really? That would be fantastic, thank you!"

"Oh, it's nothing. I just see potential in you, young man, and wanted to extend a kindness."

With a casual wave, the old man turned and headed back, with Wu Ge following, sack in hand.

Upon entering the city's most renowned villa district, Wu Ge's eyes widened in astonishment. The old man had been concealing his wealth, and Wu Ge had nearly missed it!

As he took in his surroundings, the old man mistook Wu Ge's amazement for discomfort and reassuringly patted his shoulder, showing no sign of condescension.

"Don't be nervous; it's just a simple community."

Wu Ge wasn't nervous. Observing the area, he inquired,

"Sir, what's the going rate for a villa in this district?"

An auntie, pushing a stroller, overheard and glanced at Wu Ge with a hint of astonishment, sizing him up.

After Wu Ge moved on, he caught the echo of her mocking tone,

"A trash collector asking about villa prices? You should just look and not get any ideas. Do you really think you belong here just because you've set foot in this place?"

The murmurs were distinctly audible to Wu Ge as the old man next to him tensed up momentarily, shooting an angry glare at someone behind them. He then turned to Wu Ge and explained, "Don't mind him. He's just upset with his family matters and tends to take it out on others."

Wu Ge wasn't particularly concerned. He was wealthy, and not just a little. Just from picking up trash the day before, he had made a considerable amount of money. How could today be any different? Wu Ge felt that the luxurious villas weren't out of his reach. One day, he'd move into one, and when that day came, it would be quite the moment for that aunt to witness.

With a smile, Wu Ge entertained the thought of finding out where this aunt lived, buying the place next to hers, and then going out to collect trash every day just to annoy her.

Observing Wu Ge's amused expression, the old man mistook it for a sign of generosity, assuming Wu Ge didn't hold a grudge against the aunt. Relieved, he cheerfully led Wu Ge into his home.

The old man's residence was on the quieter outskirts of the neighborhood. A middle-aged man approached them, looking surprised at the sight of Wu Ge and the old man together. The old man, perceiving his confusion, gestured for him to leave, saying, "There's nothing for you to do here. Go on with your other tasks. Oh, and have a few people sort out the stuff I don't need anymore so this young man can take it with him."

Wu Ge stood confidently by the old man's side, clearly out of place, yet the old man's butler, with his outstanding professionalism, didn't question Wu Ge's request and promptly left to carry it out.

Shortly after, the butler returned with servants carrying stacks of boxes. They placed the boxes before Wu Ge and addressed him courteously, "Sir, here are all the items we no longer need."

Thanks to the old man's demeanor, the butler treated Wu Ge with exceptional politeness. Wu Ge, unfazed by the formalities, eagerly opened the boxes. His eyes sparkled at the sight of their contents.

Understanding his employer's disposition, the butler took great care in meticulously packing up the discarded items. What was labeled as trash were simply unused old belongings. Wu Ge glanced at the elderly man, his eyes reflecting appreciation.

"I never expected you to give all this to me. I'm truly grateful."

Wu Ge earnestly thanked the elderly man, who simply waved off the gesture, not making much of the situation. He scrutinized Wu Ge intently and inquired without hesitation, "Take a look. Is there anything here you could use, or perhaps something you'd like to take with you?"

The old man regretted not having met Wu Ge sooner, especially after witnessing the precise and swift manner in which Wu Ge had handled the young man, which he greatly admired. This prompted him to invite Wu Ge over without a second thought, hoping to secure some benefits for him.

Wu Ge didn't hold back. He opened the boxes and began sifting through them. The old man noticed the watchful eyes of the others on Wu Ge but didn't mind, although he knew others might not share his indifference. He caught a glimpse of the scornful look that someone shot the butler and felt a surge of irritation. With a casual wave of his hand, he addressed the butler, "If there's nothing else, you may leave for now. I'll call for you later if needed."

His voice was tinged with anger. Initially, the butler didn't take much notice, but upon registering the old man's tone, he was momentarily taken aback. He quickly responded and walked away. Once out of Wu Ge's sight, he turned back with a stoic face and cast a glance at those behind him.

"Even though that man may appear shabby and is carrying a burlap sack, he remains a guest invited by the master. Instead of looking down on others, perhaps consider whether you're even worthy."

He gazed sternly at the few before him. The person he addressed turned pale, looking back at him awkwardly and nodding in acknowledgment, "I understand. It won't happen again."

Seeing the individual acknowledge their fault, the butler's expression softened. Without another word, he dismissed the group. Wu Ge, meanwhile, remained unfazed by the earlier disdainful looks.