Chapter 352: Family and Friends
Chapter 352: Family and Friends
Upon entering the house, Chen Chuan removed his coat and began unpacking his suitcase, "Uncle, Auntie, I've brought you quite a few things."
He picked up an aluminum tobacco box and handed it to Uncle Nian, "This is top-quality tobacco, imported from Tyana."
As soon as Uncle Nian saw it, his addiction stirred, and he rubbed his hands, "I've been wanting to try Tyana tobacco for a while now." He started to fill his pipe, "The pipe you sent me last time, I haven't really used it yet, so it's perfect for this..."
Chen Chuan smiled and took out a set of exquisite tea sets and a skincare product from Qing Nang Yu Fang, saying, "Auntie, this is for you."
The skincare market was once dominated by Mo Lan, but after the collapse of the Mo Lan Company, its market and technology were divided among various companies, and Qing Nang Yu Fang also obtained a share, currently focusing on high-end products with limited quantities. As a tester, Chen Chuan also managed to acquire some.
Auntie Mo Lan said, "You've already sent us a lot of things last time. You have many expenses in Central City, so don't bring anything when you come back."
Smiling, Chen Chuan said, "Auntie, I now have a position at the Processing Bureau and receive a salary. I don't need to spend money for accommodation and meals at the academy, so I bought some things for you."
Uncle Nian asked, "What position is it?"
Chen Chuan replied, "A member of the Special Execution Team at the Processing Bureau."
Uncle Nian asked a few more questions, and after understanding, he sighed, "If you were in Yangzhi, the Patrol Bureau would at least give you the position of a battalion commander. This way, we're at the same level."
Chen Chuan smiled and said, "It's not comparable. I can only manage myself at the Processing Bureau, but Uncle manages over a thousand people."
Uncle Nian sighed, "Sigh, the salary isn't much, but there are so many things to worry about. It's tough." Auntie Mo Lan glared at him and said, "Then let someone else do it."
"That's not possible. So many brothers are counting on me. How can I abandon them..."
At this moment, his cousins were jumping around Chen Chuan, saying, "Cousin, don't forget about us, don't forget about us."
Smiling, Chen Chuan said, "I didn't forget about you." He took out the remaining items from the bag, including toys for boys and girls, as well as some educational toys for younger children.
After giving the items to the two excited little ones, Chen Chuan finally took out a cylindrical object wrapped in cloth and placed it on the table.
Curious, Auntie Mo Lan asked, "Chen'er, what's this?"
Chen Chuan removed the cloth, revealing a small cage with a colorful parrot inside. He said, "This is a mini parrot. It can greet guests and bring good luck. It can also eat various insects and mosquitoes in the house."
The mini parrot was something Chen Chuan had purchased from the Secret Snake Cult. With a simple notification, it was delivered to his door. This creature was easy to keep alive and had a long lifespan. It was also known for praising its owner.
However, its greatest use was actually identifying people. Whenever a familiar or unfamiliar guest arrived, it would notify the owner in advance.
Chen Chuan gently shook the cage, and the parrot stirred, opening its sleepy eyes. Seeing the person in front of it, the parrot immediately perked up, flapped its wings, and said loudly, "Happiness and good fortune, happiness and good fortune..."
Auntie Mo Lan was amazed, and the two little ones, Nian Mo and Nian Lu, also hugged Dawn Crier to get a closer look.
The mini parrot wasn't afraid of people at all. When it saw Dawn Crier's head leaning in, it shrank back for a moment but quickly puffed out its chest, its eyes drifting towards Uncle Nian and Auntie Mo Lan. It seemed to be seeking attention, and its antics amused everyone.
Auntie Mo Lan said, "With so many bugs around these days, and since it can catch flies, let's keep this little thing. Chen'er, how long will you stay this time?"
Chen Chuan replied, "About a month." He added, "Auntie, I have a car now, so I'll come back to visit you more often."
Uncle Nian asked, "You have your studies and duties. These things are important, so don't worry about us. Just give us a call when you have time. The road isn't close, and it's tiring to come back and forth."
Auntie Mo Lan agreed, "Chen'er, your uncle is right. Studying and working aren't easy. Take care of yourself and get enough rest. You're so dedicated that you stay up late and get up early. Take care of yourself."
Chen Chuan nodded, "Uncle, Auntie, I'll take care of myself."
At noon, the family gathered for a meal, discussing the situation in Central City. However, with the two children present and to avoid worrying Auntie Mo Lan too much, Chen Chuan didn't go into too many negative details, only describing the general situation in Central City.
The family was captivated by the description of the bizarre world under the biological field, as they had only heard vague rumors about Central City before.
After the meal, Uncle Nian suggested, "Let's go for a walk."
Chen Chuan agreed.
The two left the house, greeting neighbors as they made their way out of the alley towards a nearby park.
Uncle Nian took out his pipe, and Chen Chuan lit it for him with a handy lighter. Uncle Nian took a gentle puff and slowly exhaled, praising the flavor, "This tastes just right."
On the way, he walked slowly and said, "Without the Ink Lotus Corporation, and with the Bloodstain Gang wiped out, there's a lot less trouble in the city. The Iron Chain Gang still understands the rules, and Yangzhi's security is much better than before."
"There have been quite a few changes in the Patrol Bureau, though. Old Captain has been promoted, and now he's the Bureau Chief. Instructor Wen has been transferred, and a new Chief Instructor has taken his place. But this guy, I can't quite figure him out. He's all smiles with everyone, but his eyes are always watching from behind."
He gave a short laugh, "Without Ink Lotus, someone up there is keeping an eye on our Patrol Bureau."
Chen Chuan understood. Previously, the Yangzhi City Patrol Bureau's important responsibility was to keep an eye on Ink Lotus. Now, without Ink Lotus, it was natural for the higher-ups to choose a new method of checks and balances.
He pondered for a moment and asked, "Uncle, has there been any news about the Ink Lotus Corporation's location?"
"That place, it's been taken over by Yuan'an Corporation. They're currently building a railway in the north, connecting to the Cold Valley City Naval Port. It was decided last year, and it's said that Yuan'an Corporation is providing the funding."
Chen Chuan nodded. Yuan'an was a military company but also a state-owned enterprise. It being handed over to Yuan'an was likely an arrangement by the Dashi government.
Uncle Nian took a slow drag on his cigarette, "I heard that those island countries overseas are constantly at war. Little Qian sent a telegram a few days ago, saying his internship unit might be transferred there for garrison duty. This time, he probably won't be able to come back for the New Year."
Chen Chuan was aware of this. The many island countries overseas were constantly embroiled in conflicts, and there was little harmony among the nations, with almost daily skirmishes. It could be said that the war never ceased.
"The military equipment of the overseas islands is several levels lower than that of Dashi," he said. "Your cousin graduated from the academy as an officer. The tactics these days are different from before. There's no need for him to personally fight on the front lines. Uncle, don't worry too much."
Uncle Nian shook his head, "Even if he goes to the battlefield, it's not a big deal. If I hadn't fought on the battlefield in my youth, I wouldn't be where I am today.
"You should be careful in Central City, though. Even though you didn't say it, I know that it's not an easy place to stay. Don't worry about home. I'm still healthy, and I can hold on for another decade or two without any issues. Just focus on your own matters."
Chen Chuan gave a soft 'hmm'.
Uncle Nian slapped his forehead, "Oh, I almost forgot something. Just the other day, a guy named Lu Ke called. He's Mo Lan's disciple, right? He said he'd give you their contact address." He searched for a moment and took out a piece of paper, "I wrote down his address."
Chen Chuan took it and glanced at it, "Thank you, Uncle."
Uncle Nian waved his hand, "Mo Lan had a case against him, but the Iron Chain Gang helped the higher-ups stop the Bloodstain Gang, and his previous record was cleared. This guy knows when to advance and when to retreat, and he's reliable. He was also your teacher, so if you think it's appropriate, you can help him out."
Chen Chuan nodded.
After spending some time outside, Chen Chuan chatted extensively with Aunt Yu before returning to his room.
After being away for half a year, the room's arrangement remained as it was before, and it was evident that his aunt had been cleaning it regularly.
He took out the things he needed, tidied them up, and in the afternoon, he drove his cousins to a newly opened amusement park, also taking the opportunity to visit some of the places he used to frequent.
That night, he took a refreshing shower and went to bed.
The next morning, he woke up early, practiced some punches, and stretched his muscles. After having breakfast with his aunt's family, he made a call to Ding Jiao, "Ding Jiao, it's Chen Chuan."
"Little Chuan... you're back?!" came a loud voice from the other end.
Chen Chuan laughed, "Yes, I'm on summer vacation, and I'm back in Yangzhi."
"Oh my, oh my..." Ding Jiao exclaimed, "Little Chuan, you said you're back in Yangzhi, why didn't you tell us earlier? We could have given you a proper welcome. And you've been in Central City for so long, you have to tell us all about it so we can brag about it later, right?"
Chen Chuan laughed; Ding Jiao was still the same as ever. He said, "I only got back yesterday, and now I'm calling you. Let's set a time to meet up. I've been at home this whole month."
"Okay, I'll inform the others and get back to you," Ding Jiao quickly hung up.
Chen Chuan smiled and dialed another number, this time calling Cheng Zitong. "Teacher, it's Little Chuan. Yes, I just got home yesterday. Is it convenient for you now? Great, I'll come over right away."
He put on his hat, took some things he had bought in Central City, and stepped out.
But these items were just extras; he had prepared a special gift, a notebook of strange tales recorded based on various clues from Central City, which he believed Cheng Zitong would appreciate.
At the alley entrance, he got into his car and drove towards the Wu Yi Academy.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
