Chapter 49: Why Not, No Time Like the Present

The next morning at 8 AM.

Zeng Shen opened his eyes, sat up, and murmured to himself.

"I can't believe I was up playing with Xiao Ai and Xiao Ti until 6 AM. I only slept for two hours, but I feel as refreshed as if I had slept for eight hours."

"It even feels like I can maintain this state for a whole week."

Upon hearing Zeng Shen's voice, Xiao Ti and Xiao Ai also woke up from pretending to sleep and sat up.

"Master, these two potions are meant for divine beings. You haven't transformed into a divine being yet, so the effect is naturally extraordinary," Xiao Ai said with a smile.

"No wonder," Zeng Shen realized.

Xiao Ti added, "Moreover, the potion contains a trace of divine energy that will continually nourish every cell in your body for a week."

"No wonder I feel like I can maintain this state for a week."

As Zeng Shen spoke, he suddenly thought of a question: "After taking these potions with divine energy, is the divine energy absorbed by my body?"

Both Xiao Ti and Xiao Ai shook their heads.

"No."

Xiao Ai explained, "Master, the divine energy in these potions can only be fully absorbed by the body of a divine being. Otherwise, it will eventually evaporate into the air."

Understanding this, Zeng Shen said, "I get it. If I eat the rice with divine energy from the divine realm, or give it to non-divine creatures, it will only temporarily enhance the body's condition by nourishing the cells, but won't be retained long-term. It will eventually evaporate."

Xiao Ai and Xiao Ti nodded.

"That's a bit unfortunate. I thought I could start cultivating divine beings early with this method," Zeng Shen said with slight regret, then picked up his phone.

A message notification popped up on his phone.

"Hello Mr. Zeng, your monthly Toutiao Xigua video earnings of 513 yuan have been automatically transferred to your account."

"I didn't expect to still earn over five hundred yuan from past videos even after a month without updates," Zeng Shen mused.

Currently, not counting the jade piece in Shi Mingqiang's possession, which would eventually bring in revenue, or the four hundred million on the supreme card given to Xiao Ti and the others, he had over ninety million yuan in available cash.

This five hundred yuan is nothing compared to that.

Yet, even though it's not much, it used to be an important part of my monthly living expenses.

It kept my parents from having to dip into their modest income to provide for me.

Thinking of this, Zeng Shen opened his WeChat and selected his mother's contact. He entered 10,000,000 to transfer to her account.

Xiao Ai, seeing this, softly said:

"Master, how will you explain the source of this money to Auntie?"

"That's indeed hard to explain."

Hearing Xiao Ai's words, Zeng Shen paused and looked at her:

"So, Xiao Ai, what do you suggest I do? There's only a year left before the catastrophe, and I want my parents to buy what they want, live how they wish, and enjoy the last year of peace."

"Master wants his parents to have a sense of prestige among their relatives," Xiao Ai said.

"And you want Uncle and Aunt to feel proud because of you, not by just throwing money around," Xiao Ti added.

"Alright, you've seen right through me. Let's drop what I said earlier," Zeng Shen's serious expression softened, and he paused before saying, "Since you've figured it out, what should I do?"

"Master should chat normally with Auntie. When you plan to go home this month, inform Xiao Ai. Together, we'll make sure you're satisfied with the arrangements," Xiao Ai suggested.

"Okay."

Zeng Shen nodded, "I think transferring a couple of thousand yuan should be fine, saying it's a 5,000 yuan bonus from my boss."

"That should work, but Auntie might not accept it. However, she'll be happy to see your gesture," Xiao Ai said.

Hearing this, Zeng Shen sent his mom a couple of greetings, mentioning his internship performance leading to a 5,000 yuan bonus, and transferred 2,000 yuan.

As expected, just like Xiao Ai said, his mother didn't accept it but replied: "It's the thought that counts. It's not easy working outside, so keep the money for yourself. Treat your colleagues to meals, don't be stingy. Make more friends if you can, and try to bring a girlfriend home for the New Year."

"I understand, Mom. But you should still take the money since it's my first earning for the family," Zeng Shen replied.

Mother: "If you want to show your intention, how about coming back for the ancestral shrine ceremony in a few days? You haven't been there for years. Many relatives have been asking your father why you haven't come, and he always has to say you're busy with school, unable to visit."

Reading his mother's message, Zeng Shen hesitated.

During his childhood, his late grandparents disapproved of his mother being three years older than his father and didn't favor his father, who was second in the family.

Indirectly, they didn't like him either.

Moreover, many relatives from the main family were not very affectionate. They would ask for favors and speak ill if you didn't help, using moral coercion.

When he needed help, they would make excuses, leaving his mother's family, who lived modestly, to often step in willingly.

That's when Zeng Shen realized that distant relatives weren't as reliable as nearby neighbors, and his mother's family was more genuine than his paternal relatives.

Naturally, after starting university, he didn't want to go to the ancestral shrine and face these people, nor listen to their boasting.

Seeing this, Xiao Ai gently suggested, "Doesn't Master want his parents to feel proud because of him? Why not seize this opportunity? Also, weren't you thinking about how to tell Mistress tomorrow, after getting the license plate, that you plan to go out for a bit? You can say you're going back for the ancestral ceremony for a few days."

Hearing Xiao Ai's advice, Zeng Shen smiled, "Xiao Ai truly is Master's thoughtful life maid. Come, let Master give you a kiss."

After giving Xiao Ai a peck on the cheek, Zeng Shen replied to his mother saying he'd return in a few days, then asked about the family's usual matters.

Seeing this, Xiao Ai and Xiao Ti got out of bed to prepare breakfast for him.

Soon after.

Zeng Shen finished chatting with his mother, got up, washed, and ate breakfast.

After breakfast, he quickly completed his daily tasks for collecting points.

Before he knew it, afternoon had arrived.

After teaching Liu Miao a new self-defense technique, Zeng Shen drove around the west side of the city for a long time, unable to find Huang Ziliang and his gang.

Finally, he gave up for the day and returned to the studio.

In the studio.

Liu Tongtong and Li Yuqing were jotting down dialogue for their second short video in a notebook.

Zeng Shen sat on the sofa, watching Liu Tongtong, who was still charming and natural while rehearsing lines with Li Yuqing.

Unconsciously, he recalled the night from a few days ago.

If not for the system log confirming that something happened between the three of them, Zeng Shen would have thought the hazy experience was just a dream.

After the two finished rehearsing, Zeng Shen told Li Yuqing about his plan to go back home for the ancestral ceremony once he received the car plate number.

"Hubby is going back for the ancestral ceremony? How many days will you be gone?" Li Yuqing asked.

"Three days, I suppose," Zeng Shen said, jokingly adding, "Do you want to come with me to meet the parents?"

Hearing this, Liu Tongtong burst into laughter.

Li Yuqing shook her head vigorously, saying, "No way, who brings their partner to meet the parents for the first time at an ancestral ceremony? That's so awkward."

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