Chapter 20: A Family Banquet

Gao Yun sat on the sofa, his arm around Daria’s shoulder, and said, "Mom, Dad, the bank card ending in 6603 is for you. There are fifteen million in it, and the PIN is six zeros."

"Sis, the one ending in 6604 is for you and your family. Eight million, the PIN is also six zeros."

Everyone stopped unwrapping their gifts, their gazes fixed on him in stunned silence.

Seeing this, Gao Yun waved a hand. "Take it, use it, don't stand on ceremony with me. If you run out, just ask for more."

After saying that, he felt an incredible sense of satisfaction. Compared to carousing in dens of iniquity or posturing and showing off in front of strangers, this was on another level.

Providing for his family, ensuring their happiness, and fulfilling his responsibilities as a man—damn, it felt amazing!

Twenty-three million was just pocket change.

Wasn't it just a matter of Gao Yun gaining a few more attribute points, leveling up his skills, securing two more provincial honors, and dating a few more girlfriends?

Wang Hui was the first to snap out of it. She set down her gift box and took the card, her expression shifting from overcast to sunny. She smiled, "I suppose you're sensible. I'll hold onto this for now." With that, she turned and headed into the bedroom, likely to hide the card in some secret corner.

Gao Peng was not one to be modest either; there was no need to be formal with his own brother. He was beaming. "I told you, having that second child was the right move! You’re a good brother." He tucked the bank card into his pocket and leaned over to whisper in Gao Yun’s ear, "You have no idea—before you got here this morning, Mom and Dad were actually plotting how to swindle two million out of you."

"Small-minded!" Gao Yun shook his head. "Their perspective is too limited!"

Gao Peng chuckled, "Exactly, that’s just how they are."

Gao Zhishan, hearing this, puffed out his belly and vehemently denied it. "Don't talk nonsense! What do you mean 'swindle'? How is asking your own son for money 'swindling'? You would have given it even if we hadn't asked. But I have to say, you did well, son. We didn't expect this much—you’ve grown filial!"

Qiao Liran, who was squatting on the floor unpacking a computer, chimed in, "Little Brother has always been generous! Ever since he started working, he’s given his nephew lucky money every year."

At this moment, Qiao Huan walked into the living room, having changed into new shoes in the bedroom. He had overheard the conversation; at fifteen, he already had a clear grasp of money.

Upon learning that Gao Yun had given his parents eight million RMB, and imagining the lavish and happy life ahead, Qiao Huan was ecstatic. He entered the living room and showered Gao Yun with praise: "Uncle, you are so cool! Powerful and awesome—you’re my idol!"

Noticing Daria, Qiao Huan’s expression became comically exaggerated as he continued to butter him up: "Whoa, Uncle, a new girlfriend? She’s much prettier than the last two you brought home!"

"..." Daria’s professional model smile instantly stiffened. She turned to look at Gao Yun, her light blue eyes clearly expressing her confusion: "?"

Qiao Liran’s mouth twitched. He grabbed his son’s hand and led him toward the bedroom. "Come here, son, I need to have a word with you."

No one knew exactly what was said between father and son, but by dinnertime, when the family sat around the table in harmony and laughter, only Qiao Huan sat there with red eyes, occasionally sniffing, burying his head in his food in silence, turning his grief and indignation into an appetite. "The adult world is too complicated, boo-hoo-hoo."

Gao Yun didn't actually pay much attention to this little episode. Instead, he felt the child was a bit innocent and, as a gesture of comfort, added a chicken leg to his nephew's bowl. "Eat less rice and more meat. Look at how chubby you are—it’s because you eat too many snacks and carbohydrates."

"Mhm, thank you, Uncle."

Qiao Liran asked, "Little Brother, what are your plans for the future? Are you going to keep doing futures trading?"

Gao Yun, the "small leek," felt a tremor in his heart and shook his head repeatedly. "No more, no more. The risk is too high. The money I made was pure luck—a gift from the heavens."

"I’m planning to open a gym in the New District soon, and after that, I’ll just focus on working out and learning—studying things I’m actually interested in."

Qiao Liran nodded. "Mhm, that’s a good plan. When it comes to futures, cashing out after a big win is the best ending."

Gao Zhishan added, "I’ve been looking into it lately too. I found that the longer people stay in futures, and the more skilled they get, the worse they end up. Just do whatever you like, son; you have enough money now anyway."

"Mhm, that’s exactly what I was thinking."

The women paid no mind to the men’s conversation. They were chatting among themselves, though mostly probing Daria, trying to figure out the exact nature of Gao Yun and his current girlfriend’s situation.

Gao Peng sat beside Daria and asked casually, "Daria, how is the modeling industry doing right now?"

Daria took a sip of beer. "Not great. I was out of work for two months. Just a moment ago, I received word from my agency; they said there won't be any runway work in the short term, but there are some studio shoots next Thursday in Shanghai. I'll likely be there for about a month."

"Oh."

Gao Peng was lost in thought. The family was deeply concerned about Gao Yun’s life prospects; after all, at his age, marriage and starting a family should be on the agenda. Yet, his tumultuous romantic history had always kept the family’s emotions on a roller coaster.

They had hoped that since Gao Yun had made a fortune and didn't have to worry about a living, and was reuniting with an ex for the first time, he might finally be serious. That’s why they decided to meet Daria.

Forget about cultural differences or habits—as long as the two of them were in agreement, they should just hurry up and get married to save everyone the worry.

But upon seeing the current state of their relationship, the hopes that had just risen were instantly dashed.

If Daria continued to work as a model, traveling domestically and abroad for shoots and shows, they would likely end up on the same old path to a breakup.

Wang Hui asked, "Have you considered what you'll do in the future? After all, modeling is a career that relies on one's youth."

Daria replied with complete honesty, "I haven't thought about it. I’m 23 this year; I can still work for another seven years."

"..."

With that, the table fell silent. The family members exchanged meaningful, hidden glances.

At this point, the mood-lifter Gao Yun appeared. He gave a light cough and said, "By the way, I’m planning to buy a villa in the New District. Mom, Dad, you should get a new place, too."

Housing remained the topic of greatest concern for the people of their country, and Gao Yun successfully diverted the conversation.

The group discussed the matter, all agreeing with his move to buy a villa. After all, it was a fixed asset, and in this small tourist city, it wouldn't depreciate; it would only increase in value over time.

As for his parents, they were also considering moving. The place they lived in now was bought four years ago; the high floor wasn't very friendly for elderly people, and while the location was convenient, the residential complex was poorly planned.

Thus, they intended to put up two or three million to exchange for something better and larger—preferably a second-hand villa that was move-in ready, which would be stress-free, convenient, and cost-effective.

Gao Peng’s family, meanwhile, had no plans to move. They had just bought a new place with a 600,000 down payment near the school district in the New District. Including the attic, it was over 200 square meters; there was really no need to change.

The conversation naturally transitioned from houses to cars.

Gao Zhishan’s car was a small Suzuki SUV worth a little over 100,000, bought seven years ago. It had already run 200,000 kilometers, and because he hadn't paid much attention to maintenance, it was aging rapidly with constant strange noises. He had been wanting to replace it for a long time.

Gao Peng’s car was a red Mazda 6, driven for four years and in good condition. But now that his younger brother had given them eight million, naturally, he wanted an upgrade.

After dinner, Gao Yun and Daria left first, while Gao Peng’s family of three stayed behind to chat with his parents in the living room.

"It looks like this one won't last either; they’ll probably break up before long," Wang Hui sighed, sitting on the sofa.

Gao Zhishan lit a cigarette and said, "Which relationship is this? The sixth?"

The couple was getting on in years. Seeing their friends holding grandchildren and living happily while their own son was still unmarried and swapping girlfriends frequently, they couldn't help but feel anxious.

Qiao Liran persuaded them, "My brother is only 28. It's just here in our small city that people marry early. In first or second-tier cities, there are plenty of men who aren't married at 35 because they're busy with their careers."

Wang Hui wasn't satisfied. "What career does he have to be busy with? He made so much money this time; it’s time to settle down and start a family."

Gao Peng laughed, "Mom, you’ve got it backward. It’s exactly because he has so much money that he doesn't want to get married. If I were Little Brother, I wouldn't get married either. I’m handsome and rich—I can do whatever I want and chase whoever I like. How great is that?" She kicked her husband and smirked. "Right?"

Qiao Liran sighed, "If you already understand that, why are you asking me? You know how it is."

Wang Hui rolled her eyes. "Don't talk nonsense. I don't care; you’re his sister, find a chance to persuade him. Do it while our health is still good enough to help look after the kids."

"I'll try, but this isn't something you can just talk him into."

Gao Peng said, "You two shouldn't get your hopes up too high. Now that he has money, take some trips, see the sights, and have fun while you're still fit. Why worry about all that?"