C10 Returning to the Luo Family

Jiang Chen clearly understood that Yu Hudie's life as a thief was born out of necessity, not choice.

The so-called siblings who had just called her were likely the root of her troubles.

As Yu Hudie walked away, Jiang Chen clutched the bracelet, still warm from her touch. Yet, it wasn't the warmth he sought but the spiritual energy within the bracelet.

This energy, bound within the object, was far superior to the natural spiritual energy he had previously absorbed.

It was denser, more potent.

For Jiang Chen, aiming to enhance his unparalleled physique, this energy was far more effective than that gathered through traditional cultivation.

His true desire was never for the bracelet itself.

The moment it passed through his hands, he had siphoned its energy, rendering the bracelet worthless to him.

Yu Hudie hadn't even stepped beyond the courtyard gate when Jiang Chen called out to her.

"Yu Hudie."

She turned, a look of confusion on her face, wondering why he would stop her now.

Jiang Chen tossed the bracelet back to her. "Take your bracelet with you."

It held no value for him anymore.

Catching the bracelet, Yu Hudie's eyes widened in astonishment. "You don't want to buy it?"

"This is a vintage piece. You could easily double your money by reselling it," she insisted.

Jiang Chen simply shook his head.

"I was just taking a look."

He couldn't possibly reveal that he had drained the bracelet of its spiritual energy, leaving it useless to him.

With a heavy heart, Yu Hudie turned to return the ten thousand yuan.

"Keep the money," Jiang Chen said. "I've achieved what I needed to. The bracelet serves no purpose for me now."

Yu Hudie's head snapped up, her gaze locking onto Jiang Chen. It dawned on her that he had deliberately given her the money. After all, who buys an antique silver bracelet for ten thousand yuan only to return it after a mere glance?

"I'll find a way to repay you," she vowed, dashing off.

Jiang Chen called after her retreating figure, "Find legitimate work. No more thieving."

Yu Hudie's stride faltered at his words, yet she didn't look back.

In truth, Jiang Chen leaving behind the bracelet wasn't out of the question. He understood that in today's society, a woman with the looks and figure of Yu Hudie could easily abandon her principles for money if she so desired.

Yet she hadn't taken that step, indicating that the girl wasn't all that bad.

After Yu Hudie left, Jiang Chen tidied up the room quickly and then packed the three hundred thousand yuan into a black plastic bag.

He didn't want to be in debt to Luo Yiran, so he was determined to pay her back.

Knowing where Luo Yiran lived, he set out for the Luo family home, money in hand.

The Luo residence wasn't far from the old house, but Jiang Chen took his time, turning the walk into a leisurely hour-long stroll.

By the time he arrived at the Luo family's doorstep, dinner time was approaching.

Before Jiang Chen could even ring the doorbell, the door swung open.

"Really, your foster mother has been out of the hospital for nearly a day, and only now you think to come home and check in. How very conscientious of you," said Luo Yiran's aunt, who answered the door.

Jiang Chen had always been a well-behaved, straightforward guy who had lived off the Luo family's generosity, making him less than popular among the Luo relatives.

Luo Yiran's aunt, privy to intimate details of the Luo family, was particularly harsh with Jiang Chen.

Previously, Jiang Chen's timid nature, coupled with his status as a foster child, had kept him from talking back.

But the Jiang Chen of today had no time for her scorn.

Ignoring her, he carried the plastic bag into the house. Luo Yiran's aunt sneered at the sight, "Almost thirty and still without a decent job. Just look at what you're carrying in that tacky plastic bag."

Unperturbed, Jiang Chen continued on his mission to repay the debt, not wishing to stir up any unnecessary conflict.

Just then, her son arrived, arms laden with four gift boxes.

Clearly, the aunt had been waiting for her son, not Jiang Chen.

When Jiang Chen entered the room, he was immediately struck by how crowded it was with Luo family relatives.

Luo Yiran, as the family's daughter, was effortlessly mingling with the various family members. Her aunt, with her son in tow, approached the bedside, "Auntie, I've brought you some nourishing supplements—bird's nest and ginseng."

Upon hearing her cousin's words and seeing the gifts placed beside the bed, Luo Yiran's mother's face lit up with a contented smile. "Xiao Yuan, you're so thoughtful. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit your aunt."

Luo Yiran's mother complimented her nephew, which seemed to open the floodgates for everyone else's praises. "Indeed, Xiao Yuan is at the helm of a state-owned enterprise. His future is nothing but bright."

"Absolutely. I've always said Xiao Yuan was destined for great things, and he's proving me right."

Amidst the chatter, it was as though Jiang Chen had become invisible. They all noticed him, yet there was an unspoken agreement to disregard his presence.

Luo Yiran, however, made her way to Jiang Chen and linked her arm with his. "Mom, Jiang Chen's here too."

Earlier, Luo Yiran had recounted how Jiang Chen saved her life, but her mother remained skeptical, dismissing it as Luo Yiran covering for him.

Luo Yiran's mother gave Jiang Chen a cursory glance before resuming her conversation with her nephew.

Her aunt was basking in the adulation, strutting proudly like a victorious rooster.

Then, her son confronted Jiang Chen. "What are you up to these days, Jiang Chen? Don't tell me you're still leeching off others?"

Such blunt words were rare, even among those who were not fond of Jiang Chen.

"You're just lucky, that's all. My naive sister has a soft spot for you. Otherwise, how could an orphan like you afford to live without lifting a finger?"

This wasn't the first time her cousin had belittled Jiang Chen in front of everyone, yet Jiang Chen always chose to bear it in silence.

And as usual, not a single Luo family member spoke up in his defense.

Today was no different. Following a round of accolades for her cousin, he turned his attention to belittling Jiang Chen once again.

"Brother, don't push it too far. After all, Jiang Chen is my fiancé."