Chapter 10: Security Guard Suits You Perfectly!

Returning home, his parents had prepared a sumptuous dinner and were waiting for him. They had already learned the news of Xiao Yang’s successful assessment as a martial artist and had spent the entire day in excitement. Seeing Xiao Yang, both wore expressions of pride and joy.

“Yangyang, you must be starving. Come, eat,” his mother called, Xiao Yang’s bowl and chopsticks already laid out on the table.

“How’s your classmate? Is he alright?” his father asked, showing concern for Chen Wanglong. Xiao Yang did not tell the whole truth about Chen Wanglong’s situation, nor did he mention visiting the Spring Garden, so as not to worry his parents. He merely said his classmate was ill, hospitalized, and he went to visit.

“He’s fine.”

Xiao Yang sat down at the table, picked up his chopsticks, and began eating. After tasting a piece of beast meat, he praised, “Mom, your cooking is superb.”

After leaving the Tiance Martial Hall, Xiao Yang had transferred a hundred thousand yuan to his mother’s account. Today was the day of his successful martial artist assessment, and with money on hand, his mother naturally made the dinner lavish, serving several types of beast meat.

In the past month, they hadn’t eaten beast meat often; tasting it again now was exquisite, delicious enough to make his soul tremble.

His mother laughed softly. “Now that we have money, I’ll often make beast meals for you!”

Xiao Yang said, “Dad, Mom, from now on you won’t lack for money, so don’t save on my account. You should eat beast meals too; let’s have them at every meal.”

As he spoke, Xiao Yang placed large pieces of beast meat in his parents’ bowls. In the past, beast meals were reserved for Xiao Yang alone; his parents would never touch a bite. Now, neither refused—Xiao Yang was a martial artist, receiving ten thousand yuan monthly benefits, and with their current circumstances, the whole family could afford beast meals.

His father said, “Still, we shouldn’t be wasteful. Your mother and I will just have a taste. You became a martial artist so young; there’s still room for growth. Continued training requires money. To think you transferred all your benefits to your mother—keep some for yourself. You’ll need funds for future training at the martial hall.”

Xiao Yang smiled lightly. “I’ve been hired by Tiance Martial Hall as a special member. My salary is ten times that of a regular martial artist—one million two hundred thousand a month. My training at Tiance is all free. Dad, Mom, I have plenty of money. I’ll give ten thousand a month for household expenses; you won’t need to work anymore.”

He had only told his parents he’d passed the martial artist assessment, not yet about being recruited as a special member with a monthly salary of over a million. He had considered carefully, wondering whether to conceal the full amount, lest his parents ask about how he spent so much.

On the way home, Xiao Yang thought it over—his parents weren’t the sort to pry. They treated him so well; apart from the Ultraverse Book, he didn’t want to deceive them about anything. He didn’t want to become someone who lied even to his parents, so he decided to tell the truth.

He believed that giving the family ten thousand a month, his parents would not ask for more, nor monitor his spending. There was no issue in telling them.

His parents stared at him, as if petrified. A monthly salary of one million two hundred thousand truly stunned them; their lifetime earnings might only just exceed a million. Now, Xiao Yang earned that in a single month—not to mention the national benefits, making his monthly income one million three hundred thousand.

The shock was overwhelming, and both parents seemed to suffer a mental short circuit.

After a while, his mother finally responded, delighted. “Yangyang, with one million three hundred thousand a month, you’ll be a tycoon!”

His father, regaining composure, was more cautious. “Why does Tiance Martial Hall pay you so much? Are they asking you to do something dangerous?”

At this, his mother grew concerned as well. “Yangyang, you must be careful. No amount of money is worth risking your life.”

Xiao Yang looked at them. “Dad, Mom, don’t worry. Director Yang Zhen of Tiance Martial Hall met me personally, because he saw my potential, my future, and offered me ten times the standard pay. Furthermore, Tiance will negotiate with Jiangnan Martial University to admit me as a special recruit, so I can train there. Tiance wants to cultivate me as a powerful martial artist.”

His parents’ eyes lit up instantly.

Xiao Yang’s failure to enter Martial University had always been a regret for them. Even though he was now a true martial artist, they still felt it was a pity. After all, Martial University was the best training ground for martial artists in their foundational stage.

Now, Xiao Yang could enter Jiangnan Martial University as a special recruit—this brought immense joy. Regrets and disappointments vanished.

“Good, good, good! Jiangnan Martial University is excellent!” his father praised repeatedly. “Back then, your great-grandfather never attended Martial University. So even though he became a first-grade martial artist, he remained just that all his life. If you can train at Jiangnan, all your ancestors will be proud!”

His mother was delighted. “This is wonderful. Xu Ruqing is at Jiangnan Martial University, you’re in Yuezhou, living apart. Over time, even the strongest feelings can fade—I worried someone might steal her away. Now you’ll be together, your relationship will deepen. She’s such a good girl; you must treasure her, don’t let her slip away.”

Xu Ruqing’s alluring figure flashed in Xiao Yang’s mind. He nodded. “Don’t worry, Mom, I will cherish her.”

After a pause, Xiao Yang continued, “Martial training requires money, especially after becoming a martial artist. Even at Martial University, though there are free resources, the best treasures must be bought. So—for now, I can only give ten thousand a month to the family. I’ll keep the rest for myself. When I have more, I’ll give you more, so you can live like millionaires.”

Both parents spoke at once, “That’s more than enough.”

His father added, “Ten thousand a month is more than we earned in a year. We can live as extravagantly as we like.”

His mother said, “We don’t need much. Your sister has given us plenty over the years. Now our situation is better, we can help her, so her in-laws don’t keep giving her trouble.”

His father snorted. “Now my son’s a martial artist with a bright future. Her in-laws will be eager to curry favor with Luanluan, let alone show her any attitude.”

His mother, proud, said, “Exactly. When Xiao Yang was likely to get into Martial University, they visited often to build ties. After he didn’t get in, they turned their backs and even demanded we repay Luanluan’s contributions. Such opportunists! But now, with Xiao Yang’s success, they’ll treat Luanluan like a goddess.”

Seeing his parents’ satisfied expressions, Xiao Yang felt a surge of joy. Life was about striving so that parents and family could live happily, never inferior to others.

Soon, his mother brought up another happy matter. “This morning, your aunt called again, pressing me for the fifty-seven thousand split of expenses, speaking harshly, as if waiting to see me embarrassed at the birthday banquet. Ha… After I got your transfer, I sent her the money immediately. I imagine her face must have been sour when she received it. Later she called, asking if I borrowed the money again. Once I’ve sent it, who cares where it came from? She never lent me any when I needed it, so what business is it of hers?”

His father asked, “Did you tell her about Xiao Yang becoming a martial artist?”

His mother replied, “Of course not. I said nothing. I’ll wait until the banquet and surprise her in person.”

His father chuckled, “That’s the way.”

Xiao Yang’s thoughts turned. The banquet venue his aunt chose was also Spring Garden. He wondered how many Spring Gardens there were in Yuezhou. If it was the same one he’d visited before, it would be quite a coincidence.

That night, Xiao Yang continued to absorb spirit energy from the beast crystal, holding it in his hand. Without a proper cultivation technique, he could only rely on his body’s instincts, absorbing the energy slowly. It took two nights to finish even one beast crystal.

The next day, his sister and brother-in-law came, having heard the news. Xiao Yang’s sudden transformation into a martial artist left them amazed and incredulous. Learning that he’d become a martial artist by “eating a mutated Firecloud Fruit,” they were even more astonished—what luck!

Xiao Yang smiled quietly. The Ultraverse Book must never be revealed to anyone, so he hypnotized himself: I became a martial artist by eating the mutated Firecloud Fruit. This way, whenever the topic arose, he would never slip and mention the Ultraverse Book, but only the fruit.

Peaceful, joyful days passed quickly. It took Xiao Yang three days to absorb the spirit energy from a single beast crystal.

At last, the day of his grandmother’s birthday banquet arrived.

The family piled into his brother-in-law’s car, heading for Spring Garden. Xiao Yang had learned that there was only one Spring Garden in Yuezhou—so today’s venue was indeed the same as before.

Spring Garden belonged to the Abundance Group. If Xiao Yang remembered correctly, his uncle by marriage was a middle manager there, at the level of manager. So perhaps the family could get a discount for the banquet?

Of course, Xiao Yang’s family didn’t know about any discount; his aunt counted everything at the original price of 2,888 yuan per table. Xiao Yang’s family was responsible for twenty tables, totaling 57,760 yuan, not a penny less.

In the past, attending family gatherings was never pleasant for the Xiao Yangs—always subject to grandfather’s scolding and the sneers of his aunts’ families.

But today, the whole family was full of vigor, walking with pride, spirits high, as if bathed in spring breeze.

They arrived at Spring Garden.

After parking, the family got out. Outside the main entrance stood a red arch with characters congratulating Madam Mu Huiying on her eightieth birthday.

Walking through the entrance, a prominent sign in the lobby read: “Guests for Madam Mu Huiying’s birthday banquet, please proceed to VIP Hall No. 1.”

What a coincidence—VIP Hall No. 1 again!

The greeters watched the Xiao Yangs heading for VIP Hall No. 1, their expressions odd.

Someone said, “Wasn’t that the guy who broke Chairman Feng’s legs?”

Another replied, “Looks like him. I saw it myself—it was him.”

A third chimed in, “My god, he broke Chairman Feng’s legs and dares to come here again?”

…

Xiao Yang had broken Feng Jingming’s legs at Spring Garden, in front of many staff—he was famous now. Anyone who witnessed it remembered him.

VIP Hall No. 1.

Last time, it had been empty except for Feng Jingming’s table. Today, five rows of twelve tables each, sixty tables in all. The Xiao Yangs were neither early nor late. Only about half the guests had arrived; his aunt and second aunt’s families were already there.

His aunt Zhang had organized the banquet, with the three sisters splitting the cost, so she and his second aunt were at the door welcoming guests. Their husbands were already seated, chatting with the grandparents, along with their children.

Aunt Li Yun’e and Second Aunt Li Yunzhen were dressed extravagantly, impeccably groomed, though the traces of age could not be fully concealed, and they wore heavy makeup to cover wrinkles.

Seeing the Xiao Yangs, Li Yun’e greeted them warmly, “Third sister, today is mother’s grand birthday—a rare occasion. I’ve been waiting for you here, nearly worn out my eyes!”

Her enthusiastic manner and words seemed to imply deep affection, but beneath the surface, it was clear: Today is mother’s birthday, why are you so late? We’ve been waiting forever.

If the Xiao Yangs had truly been late, such words might be acceptable, but the banquet hadn’t started and only half the guests had arrived—this was excessive.

Second Aunt Li Yunzhen came forward too, “You made it just in time. Come, don’t forget mother—quickly come and offer your blessings.”

The two flanked their sister, escorting the Xiao Yangs to the grandparents’ table.

The Xiao Yangs had paid their share for the banquet, yet now it seemed as if Li Yun’e and Li Yunzhen were the hosts, with the Xiao Yangs mere guests.

Grandfather Li Chenggong was smiling as he chatted with Uncle Shi Qiucai and Uncle Zhu Jinbao, clearly pleased with his sons-in-law.

When the Xiao Yangs approached, his smile faded, his expression grew stern. Grandmother Mu Huiying, though pleased to see them, had little color or energy due to illness.

Father and mother first offered birthday greetings to Mu Huiying, then the sister and brother-in-law, and finally Xiao Yang.

Grandmother’s gaze lingered on Xiao Yang. “Good child, good child. In the future, the family will depend on you.”

Xiao Yang looked at her in surprise. Because of his grandfather, he seldom visited their home and wasn’t close to his grandmother. Yet her words seemed to imply she knew Xiao Yang was rising.

Perhaps it was merely an expression of hope—the family would depend on him as his parents aged, martial artist or not.

Xiao Yang nodded, “I will.”

A light laugh sounded—it was his cousin Li Zhixi. “Xiao Yang, you flunked the martial exam, wasted so much money training all these years. Can you ever earn it back?”

Li Zhixi was Xiao Yang’s age, though he was her elder cousin. She had never treated him as such, speaking bluntly. Aunt and second aunt’s sons, Shi Guodong and Zhu Tengfei, were more than ten years older, already working and occasionally gifting Li Zhixi. Xiao Yang, still in school and short on money, could hardly spend any on her, so she was warm to those cousins and cold to him.

Grandfather now spoke. “I’ve always said, your family could never produce a martial artist. He isn’t cut out for it, but you insisted on spending money. Now you’ve got nothing to show for it—does it feel good?”

Mother was about to retort, but father stopped her. He shook his head, signaling her not to reveal Xiao Yang’s martial artist status yet.

Ever since courting his wife, father had endured slights from this family—nearly thirty years’ worth of grievances. Now that his son had become a martial artist, he could finally vent. Revealing it now would be less satisfying.

Let them perform; the more they flaunt now, the sweeter the reckoning when his status is revealed.

Xiao Yang glanced at his father, understanding his intention: to delay, play the underdog, and then deliver the blow.

Clearly, his father was skilled at this kind of “face-slapping,” previously lacking only the opportunity and stage. Now, he could finally shine.

Grandmother, sensing the awkward atmosphere, said, “Today is my birthday. Let’s not talk about unpleasant things—let’s share some happy news.”

Aunt Li Yun’e continued, “Speaking of happy news, we must mention Guodong. Not yet thirty, he’s been promoted to deputy manager, earning thirty thousand a month. He’s a key figure in Abundance Group, sure to become a senior manager with a fifty-thousand salary like his father.”

Less than thirty, earning thirty thousand—quite impressive for an ordinary person.

Grandfather was delighted. “Guodong’s a good boy, Qiucai and Yun’e, you’ve raised him well.”

Uncle Shi Qiucai, portly and balding, stroked his belly and laughed, “My seed is extraordinary, naturally.”

Uncle Zhu Jinbao, thin and gold-toothed, smiled, “My son Tengfei is doing well too, handling family business better than me. Last year he made about five hundred thousand. He’ll do even better in the future.”

Second Aunt Li Yunzhen lifted her chin, “Indeed—who do you think raised him?”

“Big cousin, second cousin, you’re amazing,” Li Zhixi exclaimed, looking up to Shi Guodong and Zhu Tengfei.

Usually, in the contest of wealth, Xiao Yang’s family fared worst. This year, however, they all suppressed laughter, especially father, whose eyes gleamed as he watched their endless boasting, knowing the greater their pride now, the heavier the blow to come.

Aunt Li Yun’e, annoyed that her sister’s family was upstaging her, turned her attention to Xiao Yang.

“Xiao Yang, I heard you work at Abundance Group as a security guard. Though you didn’t become a martial artist, you’ve got some strength—being a guard suits you. Your uncle and cousin are big shots at Abundance Group; I’ll ask your uncle to promote you to security captain, so you can show some authority.”

Pfft—

Sister Xiao Luan, drinking tea, couldn’t help herself—she sprayed tea everywhere.

Brother-in-law Lin Hai reddened, barely holding back laughter, quickly passing her a napkin.

Xiao Yang smiled. Now he understood why his father hadn’t wanted the news revealed early—this feeling was secretly delightful.

Father and mother struggled to contain their amusement, but traces showed at the corners of their mouths.

Aunt Li Yun’e grew displeased. “What are you laughing at? I’m not exaggerating. How many people under thirty become deputy managers at Abundance Group? Your cousin is top talent! And your uncle has wide connections, not something small business can match. He can get things done with a word. Take this Spring Garden restaurant—General Manager Feng Yunxing is your uncle’s friend. Thanks to him, today’s banquet price is discounted…!”

“Enough!” Uncle Shi Qiucai cut her off, raising his voice. “Manager Luo from the security department is my friend. Xiao Yang, I’ll talk to him and recommend you. If you work hard and have the ability, you’ll become security captain one day.”

If you need ability and time to become captain, what’s the point of pulling strings?

Xiao Yang smiled calmly. “No need, uncle. I’ve resigned—I don’t work at Abundance Group anymore.”

Aunt Li Yun’e said, “Being a security guard suits you. Why resign?”

Before Xiao Yang could answer, Uncle Shi Qiucai stood up, obsequious, calling out, “General Manager Feng!”

Everyone looked over—Spring Garden’s general manager, Feng Yunxing, approached.

Feng Yunxing was from Abundance Group, and as general manager of Spring Garden, his position was above Shi Qiucai’s at company headquarters—a figure Shi Qiucai looked up to.

Because both were managers, this banquet was given a twenty percent discount; of course, Xiao Yang’s family was unaware, as his aunt would never mention it.

Shi Qiucai, seeing Feng Yunxing arrive, was delighted, thinking the general manager was here for the birthday out of respect for him.

But Feng Yunxing’s gaze was not on Shi Qiucai—it was fixed on Xiao Yang. He hurried over, saying, “Young Master Xiao, your presence graces Spring Garden, illuminating us with brilliance!”