CHAPTER 114: CHAPTER 114: GOOD NEWS ONE AFTER ANOTHER

After the training ended, Chu Chen returned home.

Before he got back, Mrs. Chu had already spoken with him, asking him to hurry home for dinner.

As soon as Chu Chen opened the door, a rich aroma rushed into his nostrils, instantly whetting his appetite.

Chu Chen fixed his eyes on the table, and goodness, it was laden with an array of sumptuous dishes, comparable to a New Year’s feast. Most of the ingredients were star power-infused foods, worth at least tens of thousands of Alliance Coins.

It’s important to note that at home, the priciest meal Chu Chen had ever had only cost two thousand Alliance Coins.

"Mom, what’s the occasion today?" Chu Chen couldn’t help but ask.

Before Mrs. Chu could answer, Father Chu interjected, "President Kong sealed a big deal today, so we’re celebrating."

Mrs. Chu glared at Father Chu and then explained with a smile, "Today, a research company asked us to cultivate a batch of Star Thorn Vines, with a deposit of two hundred thousand. I calculated that if all goes well, we’ll earn about a million, and it’s also a chance to boost our garden’s reputation."

Hearing this, Chu Chen beamed with delight and promptly congratulated, "That’s wonderful! Mom, you do have the makings of a big boss."

Mrs. Chu chuckled in response, "You cheeky boy, daring to tease me now. Oh, your dad has good news too."

Chu Chen, somewhat puzzled, asked, "Quick, tell me, what’s the good news with Dad?"

"Your dad is not who he used to be; he’s now Captain Chu, overseeing more than a dozen people."

Father Chu waved dismissively with a smile, saying, "Haha, it’s nothing worth mentioning."

Even though Father Chu said it was nothing, his smiling lips were hard to suppress, clearly showing he was quite pleased.

Hearing this, Chu Chen quickly said with a smile, "Congratulations, Dad, it’s been a long road, but you’ve finally made it. Let’s have a good drink together later."

Father Chu grumbled, "Cheeky boy, when did you learn to drink?"

Chu Chen waved his hands and said, "Dad, you’re wronging me; isn’t today a happy day?"

After a while of joking, Chu Chen then asked seriously, "Dad, why did your superiors suddenly promote you to captain?"

As Chu Chen knew, promotions in the City Defense Army were based on strength. The Flaming Wolf was currently only at the Eighth Rank of Servant Level, and its strength wasn’t enough to get Father Chu promoted to captain.

Father Chu sighed and said, "There are four reasons: First, I broke through to the Soul Master Level a few days ago, and as a custom, reaching the Soul Master Level warrants a promotion to captain. Second, it’s because of the Flaming Wolf; its quality is high, and once it grows, it’s a formidable combat power. Third, it’s because of the Blood God Sect. The last battle in the East City Forest caused us heavy losses, with several captains falling and empty positions to fill. Plus, with winter approaching, the pressure to defend the city is mounting. Fourth, it’s due to my extensive defense experience and reputation, and everyone unanimously recommended me as captain."

Chu Chen nodded thoughtfully.

While Father Chu listed many reasons, the real reason was that a Beast Tide was approaching, and the City Defense Army was short of personnel.

However, city defense was not solely reliant on the City Defense Army; various family forces residing within the city would participate as well.

This significantly reduced the pressure on the City Defense Army, but every year, the deaths during the Beast Tide were not few.

At this moment, the atmosphere at home was a bit tense, so Chu Chen quickly changed the subject, "Actually, I also have good news to share with you both today."

Hearing this, Father Chu and Mrs. Chu became interested.

Mrs. Chu eagerly asked, "Son, what’s the good news? Tell us."

Chu Chen cleared his throat and said, "I bought a house in the Happiness District."

Previously, he hadn’t told his parents about purchasing the house, just to give them a surprise.

Mrs. Chu looked immediately stunned upon hearing this.

"You should have let us know earlier, so we could have checked it out."

"Wasn’t I trying to surprise you? Don’t worry, this house will definitely satisfy you," Chu Chen said with a smile.

"This kid is becoming more decisive."

"He’s grown wings now, doesn’t need our protection anymore."

The two of them teased Chu Chen back and forth, in perfect sync.

Faced with this, Chu Chen could only shake his head helplessly.

"Son, how big is the house you bought? Which building, unit, and number is it? Your father and I want to check it out tomorrow," Mrs. Chu suddenly asked.

Chu Chen replied with a smile, "It’s a secret for now. We’re moving tomorrow. Just pack some clothes for a change, I’ve got everything else ready."

"What? We’re moving already?" exclaimed Father Chu, a bit shocked.

"Yes, son, this is too sudden, we’re not mentally prepared," Mrs. Chu chimed in.

Chu Chen laughed and said, "You have one night’s preparation time; we must move by tomorrow morning. Plus, I have more good news."

"There’s more?" Father Chu felt almost numb.

"Yes. A few days ago, I approached Ji Mingyue..."

Chu Chen recounted the situation, having slightly altered the reasons, directing it towards his mother’s garden.

Such a big matter as a slaughterhouse surely couldn’t be concealed, and saying it now was easier than them finding out themselves later and explaining it then.

Mrs. Chu was naturally very touched and proceeded to rebuke Father Chu as well.

"Look at our son, how considerate he is of me, and look at you, only thinking about defending the city."

Father Chu didn’t get angry either, knowing that Mrs. Chu didn’t mean it and was merely concerned about him since his job was too dangerous.

Although Father Chu wasn’t angry at Mrs. Chu, he cast Chu Chen a meaningful glare.

Seeing this, Chu Chen’s heart skipped a beat, thinking it’s not good; apparently, Father Chu would remember this incident as his fault.

However, Chu Chen wasn’t worried at all since he had already prepared.

"Dad, I have a gift for you too." After saying this, he took a wooden box from his Space Belt and handed it to Father Chu.

Hearing this, Father Chu showed a hint of pleasure, then gave Chu Chen a look of appreciation.

Father Chu took the wooden box and eagerly opened it with great anticipation.

Seeing the star-blue fruit inside the box, Father Chu was puzzled, clearly not recognizing what kind of fruit it was. However, judging by the star power it emitted, it was definitely no ordinary item.

Mrs. Chu, noticing this, quickly came over to have a look, and was instantly a bit stunned.

After a while, she cautiously asked, "Son, could this be a First-Grade Star-Raising Fruit?"

Chu Chen nodded with a smile; this Star-Raising Fruit was indeed the one he had left from the Secret Realm.

Father Chu quickly waved his hand, "No way, it’s too precious, I can’t accept it. With the Flaming Wolf’s quality, it will soon break through to the Ninth Rank, so it’s a waste for me to use it; you should keep it for yourself."

Chu Chen shook his head, "There’s nothing to waste; Lei Yao and Nirvana have both reached the War General Level. This Star-Raising Fruit is useless to me, and I don’t lack cultivation resources. Let the Flaming Wolf advance to War General Level before the Beast Tide, and increase its strength as much as possible."

Father Chu was about to refuse again when Mrs. Chu interrupted, "It was your son’s gift, accept it, and don’t let down his filial piety."

With Mrs. Chu’s mediation, Father Chu finally agreed.

Initially, Mrs. Chu was against it, but on hearing about the Beast Tide, she immediately changed her mind, obviously very concerned about Father Chu.