New Beginnings

While Li Chen was in the process of packing his belongings at the Gu mansion, he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions as he glanced around the tiny room. As he carefully folded his clothes and gathered his important documents, he couldn't escape the memories he had accumulated during his time in this confined space.

As Li Chen continued to pack his belongings, he found himself engaged in a thoughtful conversation with the God of War:

"You know, this room has been my space for years. It's strange to think about leaving it behind."

"But this is a new beginning, a fresh start. There's no need to dwell on the past."

"True, but there were some memories here—good and bad."

"And you've grown from all of them. This is your chance to move forward with what you've learned."

"Yeah, I suppose you're right."

Li Chen then stumbled upon the old wooden box in his wardrobe and decided to share the story behind it:

"You see this box? I found it when I was just eight years old. My aunt had disappeared, and I was living with one of my mother's cousins. I never opened it, but I kept it secretly. My cousin had told me not to bring dirt from outside."

"Take that box with you."

"Why? It's just an old box."

"Take the box!"

"Jeez, no need to lash out. You're giving me a headache."

Despite the odd insistence from the God of War, Li Chen decided to place the mysterious box in his backpack as he continued to prepare for his new journey.

Li Chen, after ensuring all his important belongings were packed, exited his room and headed to the kitchen. There, he encountered Aunty Lui and exchanged heartfelt goodbyes.

"Goodbye, Aunty Lui. It's been a real pleasure staying here with you."

Aunty Lui couldn't hold back her tears, expressing how much she would miss him.

"I'll really miss you, but I'm so glad you're out of this situation."

"And I wouldn't have made it without you."

Li Chen and Aunty Lui shared a warm hug, cherishing the bond they had formed during his stay.

"Maybe one day when I get rich, I can hire you as my cook. I'll really miss your cooking."

"Well then, get rich soon so I can change jobs!"

Their laughter filled the kitchen as Aunty Lui prepared one final meal for Li Chen, handing him a plate of her delicious food.

"You have to enjoy my cooking one last time."

Li Chen expressed his gratitude and began savoring the meal.

Li Chen bid Aunty Lui goodbye one last time, carrying with him the warmth and memories he had experienced during his stay. As he walked out of the house, he couldn't help but feel a sense of liberation, knowing he was stepping into a new chapter of his life.

Li Chen slowly strolled through the grand streets of the high-class neighborhood, taking in the opulent surroundings. He had a determined look in his eyes, whispering to the imposing mansion, "I will be seeing you, and roles will be reversed."

After a while, he reached the main road and hailed a cab. He directed the driver to his new address, and as he sat in the backseat with his eyes closed, he was mentally sketching out the plans that would redefine his life.

The taxi driver eventually informed him that they had arrived at their destination. Li Chen paid the fare, thanked the driver, and stepped out of the cab. He surveyed the neighborhood, noting that he had reached the fourth district, known for houses that were neither extravagant nor run-down, occupied by families who were comfortable but not excessively wealthy.

Amidst this district, he spotted the house specified in the address. It was a two-story dwelling, not too old but certainly not brand new, displaying signs of having changed ownership over the years. The yard was overgrown with weeds, hinting at years of neglect in lawn maintenance. It was the perfect reflection of his modest yet ambitious new beginning.

Li Chen pushed the door open and was taken aback by the beauty of the interior. The house had been decorated with a tasteful yet not overly extravagant touch, almost as if it had been customized to suit his exact preferences. He stood in the doorway, his emotions welling up as he looked around, the lump in his throat threatening to turn into tears. This was the culmination of Old Madame Gu's love and care, a gesture that remained meaningful even after her passing.

As he entered, Li Chen ran his fingers over the dusty furniture that adorned the living space, a mixture of nostalgia and gratitude welling within him. The house was thoughtfully furnished and complete in every aspect, and he began his inspection in the kitchen, finding it fully stocked with everything he would need.

The house boasted three bedrooms, and two of them were already equipped with cozy beds and the essentials. Li Chen decided that the third room would serve as his workspace or training area, a place where he could focus on building his future.

Curiosity led him to the master bedroom, where he was met with yet another pleasant surprise. The room was elegant, featuring a queen-sized bed with exquisite bedding, a functional desk for work or study, and a spacious wardrobe for his belongings. To top it all off, he had his own private bathroom, and a door that opened to a small but charming balcony.

Li Chen couldn't help but feel a sense of overwhelming gratitude for the thought and care that had gone into preparing this house for his new beginning. It was a true gift that would enable him to chart a new course in his life.

Li Chen was determined to make this new house his home, a place where he could start fresh and build a brighter future. With his backpack set aside, he decided that the first order of business was to get the place cleaned up. Old Madame Gu had provided him with this sanctuary, and he wanted to honor her memory by maintaining it with care.

He began his cleaning mission in the spacious living room, which was part of an open-plan design. There, a small dining table sat nearby, and he knew this was a space that he would spend time in, both for relaxation and perhaps even for the occasional meal.

Li Chen was methodical in his approach. He began by dusting every nook and cranny, wiping away the accumulation of grime and neglect that had settled in. It was a way for him to physically cleanse not just the house but his own soul as well. The process was slow but therapeutic, as each sweep of his hand felt like a step towards a fresh start.

After finishing the living room, he moved on to the kitchen. Old Madame Gu had left the kitchen well-equipped, and Li Chen could almost sense her presence in the thoughtful arrangement of utensils and appliances. He scrubbed every surface until it gleamed, relishing the transformation as the heart of the home regained its former glory.

As he made his way to the bedrooms, Li Chen couldn't help but think about the future. He was ready to embrace this new chapter, to transform himself and his life. Each room he cleaned felt like a symbolic cleansing of his past, and it was a refreshing process, both mentally and physically.

The master bedroom was a particularly important space for him. It was here that he'd sleep and wake up to face each new day, a fresh beginning where he could make his own choices and forge his own path.

As Li Chen started working in his bedroom he opened the wardrobe and found an envelope inside. With curiosity he opened it and he was shocked by what was written in the handwritten letter. He recognized the handwriting as Old Madame Gu's and he sat by the bed to read it.

"If you are seeing this letter, it means I am gone and your marriage with Gu Liang didn't work out. Oh well, I had suspected that. I know my granddaughter is stubborn like her mother. I hope they didn't abuse you during your stay there. I don't know how much you received, but I had thought about a lot of possibilities. Here, I have drafted Shang Xiang's personal number. You can call him and tell him you have seen my letter; he will know what to do. I hope this one last gift you will get from me will change your life forever. I believe that you are destined for greatness, and I will be smiling in heaven watching you become the greatest version of yourself."

Li Chen's emotions welled up as he read the heartfelt letter from Old Madame Gu. Her words were like a comforting embrace, offering him a lifeline, even beyond her passing. It was a touching reminder of the love and care she had extended to him throughout his stay in the Gu family.

Tears welled up in his eyes, but they were not tears of sadness. They were tears of gratitude for the woman who had shown him kindness and generosity when he needed it the most. Her trust in his potential warmed his heart, and he was determined not to disappoint her memory.

Carefully folding the letter, he placed it back into the envelope and set it aside, knowing that it was a precious keepsake that he would cherish forever. With newfound determination, he decided to follow Old Madame Gu's advice and contact Shang Xiang. It was evident that the late Old Madame Gu had put thought into securing his future.

As the day drew to a close, Li Chen made plans for the following day. He would visit the bank to check for the deposited funds and get the essentials he needed to embark on his journey to financial independence. This house, a gift from Old Madame Gu, was not just a home but a symbol of the fresh start he had been longing for.

In this moment, Li Chen couldn't help but feel a sense of hope and optimism for the future. With the memory of Old Madame Gu spurring him on, he was ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.