Easy Money Baby(I)!

Orion and Nord had no choice but to agree to carry out the contract. However, Alexis was not interested in continuing to watch because it was already late, and he needed to go home to have dinner.

The moment Alexis stepped through the threshold of his home, a tantalizing, savory scent engulfed his senses. The aroma wafted through the air with such intensity that it infiltrated his nostrils, stirring every fiber of his being. His mouth instinctively watered, and he found himself involuntarily swallowing, unable to resist the allure of the delectable fragrance.

"Mom," Alexis called out with anticipation, unable to contain his curiosity any longer. "What culinary masterpiece have you created today? The aroma permeating the air is absolutely tantalizing. It's making my taste buds dance with delight!"

Emerging from the kitchen, a warm smile gracing her face, was Maggy Loft, Alexis's slightly plump, middle-aged mother. Clad in a cozy apron, she exuded an air of culinary expertise. With a gentle voice, she explained, "My dear, what you're smelling is the essence of the freshly procured Fire Bear Beast meat. Prepare yourself for a true gastronomic delight this evening."

"Fire Bear Beast meat? Did we strike it rich today? Why did you buy these?" Alexis widened his eyes in astonishment. The Fire Bear Beast was a renowned powerful monster on the Ember Celestine, difficult to capture and impervious to conventional weapons. Ordinary firearms couldn't kill it.

But this meat is extremely precious. It contains a large amount of life energy. When used to make soup and consumed, it can improve one's physique and even enhance the true energy within the body, greatly increasing one's strength. It's no less effective than powerful medicinal pills. It surpasses many times over the ginseng and deer antler found on Earth.

The price of Fire Bear Beast meat is exceptionally steep, amounting to six hundred LCC per kilogram. Such a cost places it firmly in the realm of luxury items, making it unattainable for ordinary households on a regular basis. Instead, it is often reserved for special occasions and festive celebrations, offering individuals the rare opportunity to indulge in a meal featuring this delicacy. Its exclusivity adds to its allure, making it a cherished treat that brings joy and delight during those exceptional moments.

Cough~

"If we don't strike it rich, we won't be able to afford it? Occasionally, we should indulge ourselves with a lavish meal. What's the point of earning money if we don't spend it? Are we going to take it with us to the grave?" Robert Loft, Alexis's father, sitting in the living room, coughed and displayed a generous expression.

Alexis looked speechless. He remembered that his father, Robert, was a civil servant working in the City Management Bureau, responsible for overseeing street vendors and small businesses in the city. In simple terms, he was a city inspector. His position was permanent, and he earned a monthly salary of around five to six thousand LCC, including benefits.

Meanwhile, Alexis's mother worked as a street vendor, selling snacks on the street. Although she didn't earn a substantial amount each month, she made around three thousand LCC. It seemed that the combined income of their family exceeded ten thousand LCC.

The problem is that they also have a mortgage on the house, with a thirty-year term, requiring a monthly payment of three thousand LCC. In addition to the monthly living expenses, there are also Alexis's tuition fees and other expenses, making their financial situation a bit tight.

It can be difficult to justify indulging in Fire Bear Beast meat outside of special occasions like festivals. The cost and financial constraints make it hard to justify having it more frequently.

Eating Fire Bear Beast meat once is indeed something they find it hard to bring themselves to do unless it's a special occasion.

"Alright, alright, enough talking. Let's sit down and eat," Alexis's mother, Maggy, hurriedly brought out dish after dish, filling the table with a feast. There were five main dishes and a soup, a dazzling array of food, with delightful aromas filling the air. It was a truly lavish spread.

Seeing such a lavish spread of dishes, Alexis's heart skipped a beat. It felt like a feast fit for an emperor. His father, who was usually extremely frugal, even to the point of smoking a cigarette until only the butt was left, would never be so generous on ordinary days.

Alexis's expression turned serious as he confronted his father with a pressing question. The air in the room grew heavy with anticipation as he awaited an honest response.

"Dad," Alexis began, his voice filled with determination, "let's have an open conversation. Are we in debt to loan sharks? Is this last dinner an attempt for us to gather our belongings and escape? Please, tell me the truth. I can handle it."

His words reflected a mix of concern and readiness to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Alexis wanted his father to be forthcoming, recognizing that honesty would pave the way for them to find solutions together. The weight of the situation hung in the air as he awaited his father's response, prepared to face the truth, no matter how difficult it might be.

He felt an overwhelming sense of resignation. The day he had anticipated had finally arrived. He was well aware of his father's character, knowing that he had a penchant for gambling. He had always believed that such a personality trait would eventually lead to trouble, and now it seemed that his prediction had come true.

Robert, Alexis's father, was visibly taken aback by his son's serious question. His annoyance was evident, his frustration causing a slight crook in his nose as he responded.

"Son, what kind of impression have I given you? Debt to loan sharks? Plans to run away?" Robert's voice carried a mix of disbelief and disappointment. He seemed genuinely surprised that such thoughts would even cross Alexis's mind.

Taking a deep breath, Robert continued, trying to reassure his son, "I understand times have been tough, and money has been tight, but I would never involve our family in any illicit or dangerous activities. I have always worked hard to provide for us honestly and with integrity."

Alexis blinked his eyes. "So, we haven't actually incurred any debts to loan sharks?"

"Of course not," Robert replied.

Robert's voice took on a tone of self-assured superiority as he responded to his son's concerns. With a hint of pride, he declared, "Son, let me assure you that as a civil servant with a stable position, my level of consciousness is higher than that of ordinary individuals. It would be beneath me to succumb to gambling addiction. Perhaps on occasion, I indulge in small bets to refine my discernment and cultivate a refined taste. After all, there is a saying, 'Small gambling brings pleasure, big gambling brings wealth.' However, I understand the limits, and I know that excessive gambling leads to ruin."

"Alright, then tell me, what's the story behind this meal?" Alexis still had some doubts.

Feeling a bit embarrassed as his son continued to doubt him, Robert cleared his throat and said, "Well, it's not really a big deal. Since we've reached this point, I might as well be honest with you. Today, your school should have started discussing career paths and college preferences. So, what are your plans for the future?"

He looked at Alexis intently, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"I plan to go to university," Alexis replied casually.

Alexis's mother, Maggy, exclaimed, "You, you plan to go to university?!"

"Son, is this true? You actually have such a plan?" Robert looked at Alexis with a face full of shock.

Alexis's mouth twitched. What on earth was going on? Normally, parents would be thrilled to hear that their child wanted to go to college. Why did these two act as if they had seen a ghost?

"I do have such a thought."

Alexis honestly admitted.

"Son, this idea is wrong. It's going against the principles."

Robert had a pained and frustrated expression. "What's the point of going to university? After four years of study, we end up with only three or four thousand LCC per month when we start working. If we're unlucky enough to encounter unscrupulous bosses, we won't even get the benefits of the five social insurances and one housing fund. Not to mention, we still have to pay the tuition fees for four years, which is not a small sum at all."

"Dad have already thought it through. After graduating from high school, You will start working right away and join a government department. You won't go to other places; I'll have you work in your dad's City Management Bureau."

"Don't be fooled by your dad's low-key appearance. After working for twenty years, he has built some connections. I often plays mahjong with the senior officers and flatters and clings to them. Over time, I have become familiar with all of them."

"When the time comes, I'll slip a few packs of cigarettes to bribe the senior officers, use some backdoor connections, and you'll definitely get into the City Management Bureau. From then on, you and I will sweep the streets, making contributions to the city's management, driving away street vendors, and becoming the rulers of the city. With both of us in the City Management, it'll be quite impressive. I bet even the matchmakers will be lining up at our door."

As he said this, he revealed a proud and hopeful expression, full of anticipation.

Alexis's mouth twitched, and he looked speechless, saying, "Dad, I still want to go to university."

"You! A rotten piece of wood cannot be carved!"

Robert widened his eyes and showed a frustrated expression, as if he couldn't understand why his son wouldn't follow his plan.

"Alright, alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Let's eat first. There's still some time before high school graduation, and you can think about it slowly." Seeing that the atmosphere had become a bit tense, Alexis's mother, Maggy, quickly intervened to mediate.

"Okay."

Upon hearing this, Robert also stopped talking.

After half an hour, Alexis finished dinner and went back to his own bedroom to rest. In the living room, there were only Maggy and Robert, the couple.

"Robert, it seems like our son doesn't really agree with the path you have in mind," Maggy said, looking at her husband.

Robert waved his hand, not caring at all. "This is just a phase of rebellion for young people, and I've been young before, so I understand. But the reality is that his grades are just average. Once the college entrance exam results come out, he'll see how wise and brilliant his old man is. We'll talk about it then, and he'll definitely eagerly agree."

Maggy also nodded, knowing that her son's grades were indeed just average, and getting into a third-tier university would already be quite challenging. If he didn't perform well enough, he might not even make it through the entrance exam.

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