This is my call

After Aunt Zhang left, Su Yang and Chen Liping walked into a nearby apartment building.

This neighborhood was an old residential area with a history of twenty to thirty years, consisting entirely of seven or eight-story walk-up buildings.

It looked even more rundown than the rental Su Yang lived in back in Haicheng.

However, the place was densely populated, mostly by middle-aged and elderly residents, giving it a strong sense of local community life.

Su Yang's family lived on the fifth floor in a modest apartment—less than seventy square meters, with two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom.

Pushing the door open, he was greeted by a familiar feeling.

Su Yang placed the groceries he was carrying in the kitchen, tossed his backpack onto the table, and plopped down on the somewhat worn-out sofa in the living room.

"Nothing beats the comfort of home," he sighed.

Chen Liping sat down beside him with a smile, her expression turning curious as she asked, "Yangyang, what’s really going on? Tell me properly."

Su Yang knew what she was referring to and chuckled. "It’s nothing much, really. Last year, I quit my job and started a business with a friend. The past few months have been profitable."

"What kind of business?"

After a brief pause, Su Yang gave the excuse he had prepared in advance. "We opened a restaurant in Haicheng. It was slow at first, but business has picked up nicely these last few months."

"Oh, I see! That’s wonderful—my son’s making something of himself!" Chen Liping visibly relaxed upon hearing it was restaurant earnings, her earlier worries about him being scammed now eased.

"By the way, Mom, I transferred 100,000 yuan to you and Dad each, straight to your bank accounts. From now on, buy whatever you want. If it’s not enough, just let me know, and I’ll send more."

"What? That’s way too much! You’re just starting out—you should save more for yourself!" Chen Liping exclaimed, both surprised and concerned.

Su Yang reassured her with a smile. "It’s not that much. The restaurant’s doing really well, and things are stable now. You two have worked hard your whole lives—it’s time to enjoy yourselves."

Hearing this, Chen Liping’s eyes welled up. She grasped Su Yang’s hand, her voice trembling. "My Yangyang’s all grown up… Our family’s finally turning a corner."

"Mom, are you still working as a housekeeper?"

Chen Liping nodded. "Yes, but it’s quite manageable—only four days a week, not too tiring. The family I work for is very kind."

Su Yang’s heart ached as he noticed her rough hands, imagining her scrubbing floors and washing dishes for others.

"Mom, quit tomorrow. I can provide for you now—no need to work for anyone else anymore."

Chen Liping smiled warmly. "Alright, I’ll resign tomorrow. After a lifetime of labor, it’s time I lived a little."

"Exactly! You and Dad should travel, buy whatever you like. Later, I’ll get you a nicer place in the city—no need to stay here anymore."

"Let’s not rush that. You should save your money first. We can talk about it later," Chen Liping said, tears glistening in her eyes.

Su Yang didn’t argue, planning to finalize things once his father returned.

After some more small talk, Chen Liping headed to the kitchen to wash vegetables.

Su Yang gazed around the small apartment they’d lived in for over twenty years, overwhelmed with emotion.

[Ding! Host’s heartfelt exchange with mother detected. Reward: 300,000 yuan.]

......

Time flew by, and soon it was 5 p.m.

Su Yang dozed off briefly on the sofa when the sound of the door opening roused him.

A middle-aged man walked in, looking weary from the day. He wore simple gray clothes, had thick eyebrows, a square face, and stood around 170 cm tall—neither thin nor heavy.

His deeply lined face gave off an air of honest simplicity.

Su Yang stood up with a grin. "You’re back, Dad!"

"Oh, Yangyang’s already here?" Su Dagang’s face lit up at the sight of his son.

"Yeah. Come sit, Dad. Did you resign?" Su Yang fetched a glass of water from the dispenser and handed it to him.

"I did, but as a full-time employee, I’ll need at least two more weeks before I can leave."

Su Dagang accepted the water with a smile and took a seat on the sofa.

"That’s fine. Just take it easy these days—no need to wake up at dawn anymore."

"Got it," Su Dagang chuckled, his crow’s feet crinkling with genuine happiness.

"You’re home?" Chen Liping called out cheerfully from the kitchen.

"Yeah. Oh, Yangyang transferred us 100,000 yuan each. I was driving earlier and forgot to mention it."

Chen Liping laughed as she prepped vegetables. "He already told me! I knew our boy would make us proud."

"See? Remember when I had that fortune-teller read his fate as a child? He said Yangyang was destined for wealth, but you didn’t believe it."

Su Dagang grinned, his smile unwavering since stepping inside.

"I never doubted our son—just that shady old man’s credibility!"

"Haha, enough about that. Is dinner ready?"

"Almost!"

Watching his parents banter, Su Yang felt utterly content.

His parents were healthy, and he could now provide them a comfortable life, free from daily struggles. Wasn’t this what most people spent their lives chasing?

"Dad, once I get the next round of profits from the restaurant, I’ll buy you and Mom a place in the city. No need to stay here anymore."

"Wait, you’re buying a house too?" Su Dagang was taken aback.

He hesitated, then said, "Let’s not rush into that. Your mom and I have lived here for decades—we’re used to it. Besides, you should save your money. Maybe use it to find yourself a wife later."

"Dad, I’m only 24—no hurry for that."

"But the house is necessary. These walk-ups aren’t ideal as you grow older. I’ll get you an elevator apartment downtown—much more convenient."

Su Dagang sat across from his son. "I just want you to prioritize saving. We’ve got a roof over our heads—that’s enough."

"Don’t worry, Dad. The restaurant’s doing well, and property in Yangcheng isn’t too expensive. You two just focus on settling in comfortably."

Chen Liping stepped out of the kitchen and added, "I agree with your dad. We talked earlier about holding off. Buying a house is a big decision, and we’re perfectly fine here for now."

Su Yang shook his head with a smile as the elderly couple spoke in unison: "It's not that big of a deal. We’ve got money now, and besides, my business is pretty stable these days. Anyway, this is my call—I’ll come back to buy the house once I have some free time. Alright, enough about that. I’m starving, Mom. Is dinner ready?"

Chen Liping glanced at Su Dagang, and the two exchanged a resigned look before dropping the subject.

"Almost done! Just waiting for the ribs to finish stewing," she replied.

......

Half an hour later, the simple yet heartwarming dinner came to an end.

Su Yang devoured three bowls of rice in one go—it was the most satisfying meal he’d had in over a year.

Leaning back in his chair, his face radiated pure contentment.

[Ding! Host has experienced immense happiness after eating a home-cooked meal by his mother. Reward: 500,000 RMB in cash and a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Tourbillon watch worth 900,000 RMB.]

—Damn, even Vacheron Constantin? This daily blind-box feeling is just too good.

After a short break, Su Yang rushed to wash the dishes in the kitchen.

Later, the family of three sat on the sofa, chatting over fruit until Su Yang finally retreated to his room at 10 p.m.

He planned to spend the night at home and return to Haicheng after breakfast the next morning.

Lying in bed, Su Yang summoned the system.

—System, show me my current stats.

[Host: Su Yang]

[Age: 24]

[Height: 180 cm]

[Weight: 73.5 kg]

[Appearance: 88]

[Physique: 75]

[Body: 90]

[Charisma: 90]

[Skills: Master of Body Management, Professional Racecar Driving, Golden Kidney, Dance of the Taste Buds]

[Bonded Individuals: Zhao Mengrou (Favorability: 65), Lu Yun (Favorability: 45), Lin Yiyi (Favorability: 0), Gu Xiaoman (Favorability: 60), Pan Ning (Favorability: 3)]

[Balance: RMB]

Satisfied with the data displayed on the virtual screen before him, Su Yang drifted off to sleep.

......