CHAPTER 1731: CHAPTER 1500 DAD’S GIFT (TWO IN ONE)_2

He didn’t know why, but just as he was about to step out the doorway, he suddenly stopped. He didn’t know how to face his father, what to say; he’s grown up now, and those sentimental words are hard for him to express. The father in his memory was still young—he had no idea what he looked like now. Apart from the bond of blood, there was a hint of unfamiliarity.

Why hadn’t he returned home for so many years?

The question that had troubled him for years finally came to a head—it felt like pouring out a bottle full of mixed emotions: a little bit of everything but mostly resentment.

However.

When Su Ran mustered the courage to walk into the living room, he realized that the only ones chatting were his mom and Sister Wan’er.

"Mom!"

Su Ran stubbornly glanced around again, but still didn’t see the person from his memories. His voice trembled as he asked, "Where’s Dad? Didn’t you say you were bringing him back?"

"Little Ran, your dad’s too busy with work; he doesn’t have time to come back,"

Su’s mother turned her head and glared at Su Ran, "You still know how to log off, huh? Do you know what time it is? Your Sister Wan’er made food, and it’s already cold! If it weren’t for Wan’er pulling me, I would definitely drag you out!"

Su Ran gave a shiver, finally realizing that he picked the wrong time to come out; he was caught at the wrong moment. How unlucky!

"Auntie, don’t scold him; Little Ran might have been delayed by tasks in the game. He’s usually very punctual; this time it just happened."

Li Wan’er couldn’t bear to watch Su Ran being scolded and quickly covered for him, even stepping in front of Su Ran’s body to prevent Su’s mother from reprimanding him further.

Under the table, Little Black looked at Li Wan’er in confusion, tilting his head; he didn’t understand what she was doing but joined in the fun. He skipped over Li Wan’er and jumped into Su Ran’s arms, striking a comfortable pose and squinting his eyes.

"Wan’er, no need for that. I’m just talking, not going to hit him. After all, he’s my own flesh and blood; how could I bear to do that? Don’t worry."

Seeing Li Wan’er so protective of Su Ran, Su’s mother was quite surprised. She couldn’t help but wonder if something had happened during her absence, why had their relationship improved so much?

"Oh, Auntie, it was just a subconscious reaction just now. Sorry if I made you laugh. I’ll go heat the dishes!"

Noticing Su’s mother’s meaningful expression, Li Wan’er understood she had been misunderstood and quickly turned around to leave, heading to the kitchen to heat the food.

"Go ahead, just as well I can try Wan’er’s cooking."

Su’s mother had just returned from out of town and hadn’t had the chance to rest. She’d been chatting with Li Wan’er for a while and was exhausted. Seeing Wan’er actively go to heat the dishes, she didn’t bother with pleasantries and sat right down, saying, "Little Ran, come and sit down—I have something to tell you."

"Mom, can’t you say it while I’m standing? Do I have to sit?"

Su Ran was afraid his mother would question his and Sister Wan’er’s relationship, which would be hard to explain; the more he explained, the worse it would get. Better to keep some distance.

"Stop babbling, it’s about your father!"

Su’s mother glanced toward the kitchen, dropping her tone.

"My dad? Mom, you’re finally willing to share news about my dad! Where is he now? When will he come back? Is it about money?"

Upon hearing this, Su Ran became spirited and quickly sat down, eagerly saying, "Mom, if it’s about money just tell me. I still have a lot of valuable items in the game that could probably fetch a good price."

"No need, there’s enough."

Su’s mother felt gratified, "Your dad knows you’re filial. He specifically asked me to bring you a gift—this special Luban Lock. Once you unlock it, the real gift is inside. Even I don’t know what it is; it’s really mysterious."

"Dad gave me a gift?"

Su Ran felt as though he’d been struck, his mind buzzing, and a bit short on blood supply. He took two deep breaths, his eyes bright as he looked at Su’s mother, urgently asking, "Where’s Dad’s gift?"

"Don’t rush, I’ll give it to you after Wan’er leaves. Also, your father asked me to pass on these words: ’The battle of the Three Realms will have a conclusion, should poultry and dogs attain enlightenment, they too become demons! Someday, when fate arrives, legends will gather at Fortune Hill! And don’t take the game as just a game!’

Su’s mother spoke with a hint of resentment, "I’ve been back for a while and still can’t figure out what this means. Little Ran, do you happen to understand what’s meant by this?"

"I was born by you—the excellent genes were inherited from you. If you don’t know, how could I know?"

Upon hearing his father’s words, Su Ran felt like he’d been struck by lightning, leaving him a bit stunned—beasts becoming demons? Fortune Hill? Not treating the game as a game?

Is there Fortune Hill in the game?

Also, not treating the game as a game—could it be hinting at reality?

Then there’s the problem—is there really a Fortune Hill in real life?

What exactly is Dad trying to tell him?

Could it be...

All the answers are hidden within that Luban Lock?

"Dad really, couldn’t he just tell you directly? Why make it so roundabout?"

Su Ran couldn’t help but complain, conveying messages so mysteriously—does he think Su Ran’s brain cells aren’t dying fast enough?

"You’re right, but your father said the time wasn’t right. When you understand, fate will have arrived."

Su’s mother spoke with increasing frustration, "Let’s not talk about him anymore; it just makes me angry!"

"Mom, can’t you tell me where Dad is now?"

Su Ran bit his lip and lowered his voice, his eyes filled with yearning.

"Little Ran, it’s not the right time to tell you. This is also your father’s intention."

Su’s mother gave Su Ran a smile, gently touching his hair, "Once you solve this mystery, maybe you’ll find the answer yourself."

"I definitely will!"

Su Ran was full of confidence; sooner or later, he would figure out what Fortune Hill referred to!

"Dinner’s ready~!"

Li Wan’er was unaware of what happened during the process, carrying hot dishes and placed them on the table, saying a bit sheepishly, "Auntie, please try the dishes—they’re a bit bland; hope they’re to your taste..."

"Bland is good. Little Ran can’t handle overly salty food. Wan’er, thank you for your trouble, come and sit down, let’s eat together!"

"No, I’ve already eaten at home. Auntie, you go ahead, I’ll head back—I still have tasks in the game I need to finish. Time is running out."

Li Wan’er wasn’t someone without good sense; she knew that the mother and son had finally reunited, and they must have a lot to talk about. Her presence wouldn’t be appropriate; it would only add to the awkwardness.

"Good thing you didn’t wait for Little Ran. He never eats on schedule, always late; it’ll get him sick from hunger sooner or later!"

Su’s mother didn’t try to keep Li Wan’er, saying, "Quickly head back; the tasks are important. By the way, are the tasks in the game difficult? If not, wait until Little Ran finishes eating—have him join you. Don’t look down on his frail appearance; he does have certain skills in the game."

"Mom, are you complimenting me or teasing me?"

Su Ran was frustrated now. His mother’s words seemed to have hidden meaning, but he could only play dumb.

"No problem, the tasks aren’t hard; there’s no need to trouble Little Ran. Goodbye, Auntie!"

Li Wan’er was in a hurry to leave; she had hardly finished speaking but was already at the door. Suddenly, she remembered something, quickly reaching into her pocket, pulling out a key, and placing it on the windowsill by the door, "Auntie, since you’re back, there’s no need for me to keep this key—it’s on the windowsill!"

"How can you be so distant, child? Just keep the key; I have a spare!"

Su’s mother pretended to be angry, went over, and shoved the key back into Li Waner’s hand, then smiled and said, "Wan’er, come visit often!"

Li Wan’er didn’t know what else to say, so she accepted the key and quickly left.

"Mom, can I have the Luban Lock now? Can you take it out?"

As soon as Li Wan’er left, Su Ran couldn’t hold back and asked Su’s mother for the Luban Lock. This was the gift from his dad, and he couldn’t wait even a moment.

"Why rush? Eat first; let’s talk after dinner!"

"..."