amaotonovel Chapter 38 Trip to Dragon Valley
Chapter 38 Trip to Dragon Valley
Time passed quietly. Summer went and autumn came, bringing abundant harvests and turning all the leaves yellow. This winter, Lin Yue didn't go back to her hometown, nor did she go to the Taoist temple for her summer retreat. Instead, she and Gong Yong planned to visit Shennong Valley.
According to the records in an ancient book given to them by the old man Huoyun Xianding, they wanted to see if there were any rare flowers and herbs in Shennongjia that were not in his space, in order to enrich their own space and prepare for alchemy. They were full of anticipation, imagining what wonderful discoveries they would make in the mysterious Shennongjia. Perhaps it held precious herbs that could advance their cultivation path, or perhaps it contained some previously unseen mysterious plants that would bring them unexpected surprises. However, the mystery and unknown nature of Shennongjia also filled them with a sense of trepidation, unsure of what adventures and challenges awaited them.
Winter vacation has arrived for the children. On the first day of vacation, the children played with abandon. On the second day, Gong Yong attended his older sister's parent-teacher conference, while Lin Yue, who was with her younger child, couldn't attend her younger child's parent-teacher conference. So, she invited her aunt to attend the younger child's parent-teacher conference instead.
The morning after the event, the family of five, along with a little mouse, first went to the garden next to the mountain. The little mouse went through the rabbit hole and filled up with 5 cubic meters of various spirit stones. They returned to the car and continued their journey to Shennong Valley.
They traveled at a leisurely pace, stopping frequently, as they weren't in a rush. Gong Yong's work schedule had cooled down due to the automotive industry downturn. His company was very flexible, allowing employees to take leave whenever they wanted. Gong Yong also took a month's leave, telling the company he wanted to take the children on a trip, and the company granted his request. So he drove his family of five—no, six—at a leisurely pace towards Shennong Valley, staying in guesthouses and five-star hotels along the way. Gong Yong and Lin Yue wanted their children to experience the world, to encounter things they hadn't experienced themselves. Wherever they went, whether the accommodations were cheap or expensive, the children chose for themselves, staying wherever they felt comfortable. So, there are advantages to both expensive and cheap accommodations.
The scenery along the way was picturesque, and snacks were everywhere. Only after leaving Fuzhou did they realize that the snacks outside the province weren't as delicious as they had imagined. Despite their famous reputation, they were far inferior to the food in Fuzhou. They sampled the local delicacies while enjoying the beautiful scenery and precious family time. The children excitedly discussed every new discovery and every different flavor. Although the snacks outside the province didn't meet their expectations, the experiences and joy of the journey left them incredibly satisfied. In this relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, the family continued their journey towards Shennong Valley.
During Lin Yue's family's long journey to Shennong Valley, Ouyang's friend, Lao Zhao—the same Lao Zhao who had transferred from the special forces to the local public security bureau—suddenly found Ouyang. You might ask, why Ouyang? Because when Ouyang obtained the spirit rice, spirit noodles, and spirit vegetables, he didn't forget his good friend. So, every time he received a batch, he would give some to Lao Zhao.
He knew that Lao Zhao had been injured during a special mission; he was injured while saving him, which prevented him from returning to the special forces. To express his gratitude to Lao Zhao for saving his life and his former brotherhood, he always saved some of the good stuff for Lao Zhao.
Because Lao Zhao was a retired soldier transferred to the internal system of the "hat police officer" (a term referring to officers in military uniforms), he was already in his thirties when he retired, and his marriage had broken down. His injury had caused disagreements with his wife, and his long separation from his children while in the military had led to resentment from them. Lao Zhao's family was broken, and he had been living alone ever since.
Old Zhao's parents are getting old, and he wanted them to come live with him in the city, but they weren't used to city life. So, Old Zhao's job was changed again, this time to a town in his hometown. Now, Old Zhao lives about 50 kilometers from his parents, and he goes home once a week.
Because of the spiritual rice, spiritual noodles, and spiritual vegetables that Ouyang gave him, he would always take them back to share with his parents. After eating these things, his mother, who had diabetes, suddenly no longer needed medication, and his father, whose late-stage liver cancer had progressed to severe fatty liver disease. Old Zhao never complained to Ouyang about any of his hardships, nor did he report his financial difficulties to higher-level government officials.
Old Zhao found Ouyang and went to Ouyang's villa. Hesitantly, he knocked on the door. Ouyang opened the door for him in his villa in the Jiangnan water town, as the previous modern villa wasn't finished yet. The moment the door opened, tears welled up in Old Zhao's eyes; this tough man suddenly shed tears. Ouyang found it strange; he had never seen Old Zhao so dejected, so vulnerable.
After inviting Lao Zhao inside, Ouyang sat in the pavilion, served him a cup of tea, and waited quietly for Lao Zhao to calm down before asking, "Lao Zhao, we're good brothers, what happened? Tell me."
Ouyang, I am very grateful to you. It's time for my annual physical exam. Because my parents aren't in very good health, I took them for a checkup, and I also got one done while I was at it. I also feel that my old injury from adulthood isn't hurting as much this year; it used to ache every winter.
My parents... My mother has diabetes and needs long-term medication, but she suddenly felt much better and didn't need the medication anymore. My father has late-stage liver cancer, and he felt less pain. I took my parents for a comprehensive medical checkup.
The test results filled me with immense joy. My previous injury, in which half a bone had been broken, had completely healed. The old injury to my spine was cured, and my mother's diabetes had stabilized and she no longer needed medication. My father's late-stage liver cancer was now only severe fatty liver; he only needed appropriate exercise, a controlled diet, less oily food, and more physical activity.
I am extremely grateful to you. I know you gave me good things, but I didn't know they were so valuable. Every time you gave me something, I would take it home and eat it with my parents. During the time you gave me things, no matter how late it was, I would rush home every day to have dinner with my parents.
My parents raised me, and I haven't been able to provide them with a peaceful old age. Because of my work, I'm often away from home; because my discharge from the military has taken away their pride; my happy little family has fallen apart; and I haven't even had much time to care for my parents in their old age. But this time, I am extremely grateful for your act, which has given me the time to care for them. I used to worry about wanting to care for my parents but finding it too late. Now my parents are finally healthier, and my financial burden is less heavy. Thank you so much, brother.
Ouyang saw his good brother crying his heart out in front of him. The once spirited young man had grown old. His once full head of black hair was now streaked with gray. Without realizing it, he saw Old Zhao, and suddenly, something Old Zhao said touched Ouyang deeply.
Ouyang knew that he hadn't moved on from a past relationship, and had never married or had children. He hadn't taken over the family's vast business empire either. His parents were also getting old. Through Old Zhao's heartfelt lament, he understood that he too had responsibilities to bear, and he understood why his cultivation hadn't progressed. Despite consuming so much spiritual rice and flour, he hadn't achieved a breakthrough or reached the Foundation Establishment stage until his mental state improved.
He understood this, patted his brother on the shoulder and said, "Old Zhao, if you have any financial difficulties in the future, just come to me. I don't lack this, I lack that kind of friendship."
Ouyang transferred 100 million yuan into Lao Zhao's bank card. While operating his phone with his head down, Ouyang finished and said to Lao Zhao, "Lao Zhao, good brother, I know you're having financial difficulties, so I transferred 100 million yuan to your card. This 100 million yuan is for you, brother. Right now, there's only a string of numbers left in my account. Brother, am I feeling lonely living here alone? Actually, it's because I can't let go of that relationship. But today, from your words, I found strength. I've finally moved on, and I know what I need to do next. Maybe we should both start a family again. You find another good woman, and I'll find another good woman, and we can settle down and have one or two kids. What do you think?"
Old Zhao looked up in astonishment: "Find another woman, and have another child."
Ouyang said, "That's right. Now that your parents are better, your ex-wife doesn't want to talk to you, and you're not getting along with your child, why not start a new life?"
"Would you like me to introduce you to someone?"
Old Zhao said, "You've been living like a monk these past few years, without a single woman by your side. Where are you going to introduce someone to me?"
Ouyang said, "I have a cousin who is financially well-off. Her husband died young, and now she stays at home to run the family business. She's surrounded by people who want her money. I feel she and you are quite a good match."
Old Zhao said, "Sure, I can get a facelift too. Let's see if anyone would be interested in my old face. We can meet first. If we both feel it's a good fit, I don't want to give up my job as a police officer. She manages her business, and I'm doing pretty well in my job. But you have to tell him about the dangers of my profession."
Ouyang said, "No problem, you're only in your early forties, that's impossible. Time flies, so many years have passed since you left the army, it's time to give it your all for a better life."
Ouyang Hanrui's cousin, Ouyang Qin, is 38 years old. Her ex-husband was the youngest son of another family and did not inherit the family business. However, during the division of the family business, her husband's cousin orchestrated a fatal accident, killing him in a car crash. Although Ouyang Qin knew the details of the incident, their marriage was an arranged one and they didn't have much affection for each other. After her husband's death, she inherited his share of the estate.
Ouyang Qin is a wealthy and beautiful woman, but her marriage has run into some problems, and she doesn't have any children yet. With her family business and the assets her husband inherited, this woman is one of the most successful women in Rongcheng, ranking among the top wealthy and beautiful women in the city. The people surrounding her—sons of various powerful families, scions of wealthy clans, and even children of high-ranking officials—are all drawn to her for her money. Because this woman is beautiful, charming, and capable.
The reason Ouyang introduced him to Lao Zhao was because Lao Zhao was reliable, resourceful, shrewd, and capable of protecting his cousin and safeguarding the family fortune. Furthermore, Ouyang Qin was the only remaining heir in Ouyang's paternal line. Ouyang wanted her family to protect their wealth, which is why he recommended Lao Zhao.
One weekend, the sky was clear and blue, a rare treat for Fuzhou. Ouyang Hanrui took Ouyang Qin to a hot pot restaurant near Lao Zhao's workplace. Why hot pot? Because Lao Zhao enjoys eating, and instead of taking Ouyang Qin to a high-end place, he went to a mid-to-low-end hot pot restaurant. Where was this hot pot restaurant? It was about 500 meters from Lao Zhao's workplace; Lao Zhao had just taken lunch off to go out for a meal.
In front of Lao Zhao, Ouyang Hanrui told Lao Zhao about Ouyang Qin's actual situation, and Lao Zhao also told Ouyang Qin about his situation through Ouyang. The two looked at each other; the woman was beautiful and vibrant, while the man was tall, handsome, and composed. Ouyang, speaking from Lao Zhao's perspective, told Ouyang Qin, "You can rest assured about this person; he's my brother, a brother I'd risk my life for."
Old Zhao and Ouyang Qin basically hit it off. If you disregarded finances, they were truly a perfect match. They exchanged phone numbers and WeChat IDs, both saying they could continue their conversation privately.
This time, Ouyang Qin felt a great weight lifted from her heart because the man seemed reliable, and he was even personally introduced by her cousin. Her cousin had mentioned that this man was a retired soldier from a special forces unit, and he went into great detail. He told Ouyang Qin everything clearly—why his marriage with his ex-wife had broken down, his current parents' situation, and his financial situation.
Ouyang Qin also explained very clearly the things her cousin hadn't mentioned about her relationship with her deceased husband. They both felt they shared some common interests; Lao Zhao had also gone to a university of science and technology before retiring from the military. Intellectually, they were very compatible. They also shared similar ideals and spirits, and had a tacit understanding in their daily lives, so their relationship progressed quickly.
Six months later, Lao Zhao was introduced to Ouyang Qin's parents, who approved of the belated marriage. The two married quietly and began a low-key married life. In this marriage, they understood and supported each other, jointly building a warm and loving family. Although they didn't publicize their relationship, their happiness grew richer and more profound in the ordinary. Lao Zhao remained dedicated to his work, while Ouyang Qin continued to manage the family business. They both strived in their respective fields, while simultaneously providing each other with endless warmth and love at home.