This incident was the underlying reason for my reluctance to return to the village for ten years, and it was also the heart-wrenching pain that continued to haunt me in my midnight dreams.
But I had achieved success.
Those hidden pains were greatly alleviated by the success of my career, and I decided to get back everything I had lost over the years.
On Christmas, I dressed up and returned to the village. The villagers warmly welcomed me, creating an atmosphere that made it seem like I was returning home in triumph and glory.
But I neither went back to the new house I built for my father nor went to visit my aunt and uncles.
Instead, I went directly to the dilapidated old house halfway up the mountain because deep down, I saw this place as my only home.
Upon my arrival at the old house, I presented gifts and graciously entertained the villagers. With deliberate intent, I made a grand announcement in front of the entire village, declaring my plans to construct a luxurious mountaintop villa on the very foundation of the old house.
The villagers were well aware of my success, and those who had previously looked down upon me now greeted me with flattering smiles.