In the end, Wang Zhan couldn't escape his destiny of becoming a toy in his mother's hands, to be played with at her will.

"I told you to learn martial arts! I told you to disappear! I told you you'd scare me! I told you not to find your sister! I told you you'd leave me homeless!..."

She waved a feather duster wildly at Wang Zhan, her perfectly styled hair showing signs of wear and tear.

But he just stayed silent, saying nothing.

Because the ever-strong Yang Cui, in front of her children, finally broke down in tears.

For the first time, she cried in front of her children, whom she cherished and worried over the most. She collapsed onto the ground, sobbing inconsolably.

This was real heartbreak.

"Mom..."

Wang Zhan rushed over, gently wrapping his arms around her.

Yang Cui burst into loud sobs. The uncontrolled pain and panic showed just how tormented she had been all these past days.

"Mom, don't worry, it won't happen again. As soon as I get back next time, I'll come straight home... Also, I promise I will bring Big Sister back. She can't escape from your hands either..."

Wang Zhan murmured soothingly, much like one would coo to a small child, his words firm, his expression serious.

As for Yao Yao and Yu Lan, they remained silent and choked up, neither daring to utter a word. This mother was no different from their own; especially for Yao Yao, who hadn't visited her own parents in a long time.

...

"I didn't expect you to actually have some conscience..." Yu Lan said to Wang Zhan, her expression complex.

Ever since she heard Qin Ying's confession, although she understood Qin Ying's intentions, she couldn't harbor any good feelings towards Wang Zhan. But after witnessing this scene, she realized she might have been too prejudiced.

If Wang Zhan had no redeeming qualities, how could Qin Ying have fallen for him?

Wang Zhan chuckled and comfortably lay down on his sofa.

His mother went out to buy groceries to prepare a meal, while he quickly stashed away her family-heirloom-turned-weapon to avoid another unintentional beating.

Yao Yao also went out, accompanying Yang Cui.

After all, she was the first and only truly proper young woman to visit and meet the parents, so naturally, she held the most important and traditional role in Yang Cui's heart—that of the eldest prospective daughter-in-law.

Of course, he disregarded Yu Lan's words.

Qin Ying certainly wouldn't badmouth him in front of her; she just wasn't that kind of person.

The only explanation was that Qin Ying felt wronged. She had given everything to him except the final step, yet Wang Zhan had treated her this way. Not only was Yao Yao the first person he saw upon his return, but she was also the first to receive official recognition.

He had even brought Xu Yuyu back with him. Although there was nothing between them, it was clear she had already been tied to him by the red string of fate, undoubtedly Wang Zhan's doing.

So, Wang Zhan simply responded indifferently, "Is it appropriate for you, as a subordinate, to make such accusations about your boss?"

Yu Lan gave him a disdainful look.

"Hmph. Before *someone* makes such a statement, shouldn't he first consider if he's even a qualified boss?"

He wanted to start a business but hadn't even figured out what the project would be. Wasn't he afraid of being embarrassed?

Even with her postdoctorate in Business Management and Application, when faced with such a blank slate, even she felt helpless.

Pah, pah, pah... Who's a widow? She's a perfectly respectable, unmarried woman!

A corner of Wang Zhan's mouth lifted, and he said solemnly, "Alright. Since you're here, I won't delay any further. I do have a plan, and you can help me review it. Of course, it's just for reference; there's no need for you to make any decisions..."

Upon hearing this, Yu Lan scoffed. Obstinate... Do you think I care about dealing with you?

Wang Zhan continued, "First of all, regarding the startup capital I have. Apart from the over one billion I currently possess, there's also a debt of about 11 billion that hasn't been collected yet, presumably..."

"Wha... What? Can you say that again?"

Yu Lan doubted if she'd heard correctly.

A mere Martial Master unexpectedly has assets worth over a billion, and an external debt of 11 billion? Is it this easy to make money in the Federation now?

One should know that even she, an influential figure within the Federal Government, apart from cultivation resources, had a salary of barely 100,000.

Hundreds of millions... so many hundreds of millions! Oh my god!

No wonder this kid talked so big, wanting to start a business with no projects in sight.

Had Yu Lan possessed this much capital, she wouldn't bother starting a business; she would just invest directly. With her discerning eye, even if she couldn't guarantee a 100% success rate, she was pretty confident in making profitable deals.

Wang Zhan looked at her, somewhat speechless.

"What's with your expression? You look as if you've never seen the world before. It's only ten billion, is it that extraordinary? Besides, I haven't collected those 11 billion yet. At most, I'm just a billionaire, and I'm pretty poor..."

Yu Lan felt like pulling her hair out.

Yeah, you're really poor! It's *only* ten billion, it means nothing!

She felt as if she might have been bewitched today; otherwise, how could she have run into such an outrageously unconventional character?

...

However, Wang Zhan stroked his chin, contemplating.

"Well, speaking of which, it's about time to collect that ten billion in debt. I can't just keep dragging it out. If the old guy has no money, I'll just take his company and have him work off the debt himself..."

"Stop, stop, stop!"

Unable to listen any longer, Yu Lan quickly interrupted him, feeling a sense of danger from what she was hearing.

"Are you sure someone owes you ten billion, and not that you've forcefully taken ten billion from someone else? Student Wang Zhan, I, as your future subordinate, feel it necessary to remind you. If a Martial Artist were to violate Federal laws, take advantage of his status to forcefully seize belongings, deceive others, or coerce innocents into prostitution, he would be held legally accountable and be subject to the Martial Management Bureau…"

SMACK.

Wang Zhan slammed a stack of documents in front of her, letting her read them at her leisure.

He then rolled his eyes and said in a speechless tone, "Do I look like the type to bully others by relying on my strength?"

No, you're not! You're worse than that! You're utterly arrogant!

"This is the bet I made with him. Check if there are any loopholes he could exploit. You're on my payroll, so don't betray me by sympathizing with him and trying to deceive me. If there aren't any issues, quickly draft a plan for me to see how to deal with these 11 billion. If there's really no other way, let him pay off part of the debt first, then he can sell himself to repay the rest."

Yu Lan replied coldly, "Student Wang Zhan, have you forgotten? We haven't signed a contract yet!!"

"Also, if I work for you, I expect a full benefits package—multiple insurances and funds, a year-end bonus, dividends, subsidies, and company stock! Did you really think you could snag a high-end, skilled professional like me with just empty promises?"

Wang Zhan looked stunned, a hint of hesitation on his face.

"Is it that expensive? Maybe you should go back to Qin Ying. My small household can't afford you…"

"Wang Zhan!!!…"

However, after spending only two or three days with Wang Zhan, Yu Lan's intellectual beauty had all but transformed into irascible madness.

...

「At night.」

After dinner with his mother, Yu Lan sat alone in her room.

Using the private time his mother had afforded them, Wang Zhan quietly left the Chu State Military Arts Academy with Yao Yao, wandering without a destination in mind.

"Wang Zhan, where are we going?"

"Just walking around. Although only half a year has passed, it feels like we've lived several lifetimes. We should take some time off."

"…Uh… Wang Zhan, what are you doing?"

"Close your eyes. Let me carry you. Experience what it feels like to be blind for a moment. Then you can consider me your firmest reliance."

Wang Zhan chuckled, which made Yao Yao a bit shy.

Eventually, she conceded, allowing him to carry her on his back, feeling her soft, yielding form against him.

Their journey continued, through metaphorical winds and storms.

After nearly two hours, Yao Yao still lay quietly on Wang Zhan's back without any resistance.

Finally, she couldn't bear it any longer and asked hesitantly, "Wang Zhan, can I get off now? Where are we? I want to walk by myself."

Wang Zhan, without stopping, shook his head.

"No, you're just beginning to get into it. Our game has only just started. Can we all have a little patience?"

"...Alright!"

Finally, they arrived!

"Hehe, Yao Yao, we're here!"

Wang Zhan gently put Yao Yao down from his back, as if unveiling a bride.

Instantly, Yao Yao saw light, but she also saw two figures with greying hair, looking somewhat old and worn.

Immediately, she forcefully covered her mouth as tears welled in her eyes.

Over there, a middle-aged man and woman, looking quite haggard, suddenly saw their daughter, Yao Yao, whom they had raised with such difficulty.

Amazement and joy filled their faces; they were speechless as tears streamed down their cheeks.

"Yao Yao…"

"Daughter…"

They hesitated, unable to believe that the girl before them, as beautiful as a goddess, could actually be their daughter.

Similarly, they couldn't believe that their daughter, rumored to have died in the wilderness, had once again appeared alive in front of them.

Wang Zhan gently patted Yao Yao's back and whispered, "Go on. I know you've missed them too. Some things, when kept buried in your heart for too long, aren't good."

Tears streaming down her face, Yao Yao staggered towards the middle-aged man and woman, sobbing, "Dad, Mom…"

She hadn't expected that the "game" Wang Zhan had proposed was actually him bringing her from the other side of Chu State City back to her old home.

In fact, Yao Yao desperately wanted to see her parents.

However, she was afraid!

Living in the Federation, although not a chaotic era, meant facing fierce beasts lurking outside and the Original Organization hidden within. Who knew how many turbulent affairs were concealed beneath the surface?

How could she dare to involve her parents and drag them into this quagmire?

Now, seeing them, her worries vanished. She was filled with joy, excitement, sorrow, and sadness, like a little bird returning to its nest.

Or perhaps, Wang Zhan's presence had given her the courage to face them.

After they had hugged and cried for a while, Wang Zhan stepped forward with his gift, saying respectfully, "Uncle, Aunt, hello. I am Yao Yao's boyfriend, Wang Zhan!"

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