Chapter 140: Sincere Invitation, Suffering a Setback

After all, bringing Li Chao into the Dragon Group was the crucial mission he shouldered this time.

Duan Tian’s brow was furrowed tightly, forming a knot that seemed impossible to untie, while he silently bewailed his bitter plight in his heart.

He had originally thought this would be a rather simple and effortless task, but he never expected... that it would actually prove to be quite troublesome.

Duan Tian let out a helpless, deep sigh, his face a picture of utter frustration, as if he had suffered a devastating blow.

After a moment of silence, Duan Tian spoke up once again:

"The Dragon Group is truly a uniquely sacred and solemn existence!"

Duan Tian’s expression instantly turned solemn and reverent, his eyes filled with a profound sense of awe.

"It's just that you've had far too little exposure to it!"

Fixing his gaze intently on Li Chao, Duan Tian spoke with a hint of urgency in his tone.

"How about this? Don't be in such a hurry to refuse. If you have some time, accompany me on a few missions."

Duan Tian’s eyes were brimming with anticipation, as if he desperately hoped to change Li Chao’s mind through practical experience.

"If, in the end, you are still unwilling, then I won't force you any further!"

Duan Tian’s words carried a boundless sense of depression, and he looked thoroughly dejected, as though he had lost his most cherished possession.

There was no help for it.

Under normal circumstances, practitioners would weep and beg for a chance to join the Dragon Group, but here with Li Chao, they actually had to wait and see if he was even willing.

Duan Tian could not help but grumble inwardly, a bitter, wry smile forming on his face.

Of course, this also demonstrated one thing from another perspective.

Those with strength and talent could receive special treatment in any field.

A flash of helplessness crossed Duan Tian's eyes, yet at the same time, he felt a sincere appreciation for Chen Shan's strength and talent.

Seeing that Duan Tian had put it this way, Li Chao really felt too embarrassed to refuse any longer, and thus nodded in agreement.

Li Chao nodded slightly, a somewhat sheepish smile appearing on his face, tinged with a hint of apology.

For the remainder of the time, they continued their meal.

Duan Tian's appetite was evidently astonishingly large.

The two of them had ordered over a dozen dishes, and the vast majority of them were actually consumed by him.

Duan Tian's mouth was stained with grease, and the plates on the table gradually emptied one after another.

"If you're not going to eat, I'm going to pack up the leftovers!"

Finally, Duan Tian pointed at the food on the table and said.

Li Chao smiled and said:

"Go ahead! Pack them up!"

Li Chao waved his hand with a smile, looking thoroughly generous and letting Duan Tian do as he pleased.

The waiter helped Duan Tian pack up the remaining food.

As he saw him out the door, Li Chao asked with a trace of oddity:

"Logically speaking, you guys are supposed to be civil servants, right?"

Li Chao’s face was full of puzzlement, and his gaze carried intense curiosity.

"Is the pay really that low?"

Li Chao tilted his head, staring unblinkingly at Duan Tian, awaiting his reply.

"How is it that I feel..."

Li Chao trailed off, leaving his sentence unfinished, his eyes filled with a probing intent.

He did not finish the rest of his words.

However, his meaning had already been expressed quite clearly.

Frugality and thrift were traditional virtues, but logically speaking, that should not apply to someone like Duan Tian!

Li Chao furrowed his brow deeply, his heart filled with profound doubt.

Being at the Profound Realm of cultivation and also a captain of the Dragon Group, even if official policies explicitly prohibited networking and banqueting, he shouldn't be craving food to this extent.

Thinking this to himself, Li Chao repeatedly shook his head.

Duan Tian glanced at Li Chao and then said:

"The pay of the Dragon Group is indeed not low! The benefits are also quite good! At the very least, it is absolutely enough to ensure someone is free from worries about food and clothing for a lifetime, with no future concerns whatsoever!"

A helpless, bitter smile appeared on Duan Tian's face, his tone carrying a trace of bitterness.

"It's just that my situation is rather special!"

Duan Tian's eyes grew dim and lackluster, as if he were hiding some unspeakable, hard-to-voice difficulty.

"That's why I need a bit more money!"

Duan Tian let out a long sigh and stopped talking about it.

"Let's leave it at that for today."

Duan Tian waved his hand, preparing to turn and leave.

"Wait for my call!"

With that, Duan Tian reached out and hurriedly hailed a taxi by the roadside.

As he pulled open the car door, Li Chao seemed to suddenly realize something, and muttered softly behind Xing Ye:

"Burning through so much money? Could it be that you've picked up vices like women, gambling, or drugs?"

Li Chao's voice was not loud, but it was just loud enough for Duan Tian to hear clearly.

What the hell!

Duan Tian's legs trembled, and he almost stumbled and fell to the ground.

Duan Tian was so startled by Li Chao's words that his body lurched violently, nearly taking a tumble.

He quickly turned his head and shouted loudly at Li Chao:

"What nonsense are you spouting!"

Duan Tian's face turned flushed with anger, and he emotionally and loudly refuted:

"I swear to have nothing to do with gambling or drugs for the rest of my life!"

Duan Tian's eyes widened, his expression exceptionally furious, as if he could breathe fire.

Oh!

The corners of Li Chao's lips curled upward, revealing a meaningful smile that every man understood.

Big brother, you didn't say a single word about the "women" part!

Fine then!

I know where all your money has gone.

Duan Tian got into the taxi and stated an address.

Duan Tian climbed into the car looking utterly exhausted and reported his destination.

Then, he leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes to rest.

Before long, the taxi slowly came to a halt by the roadside.

It was a dilapidated, rundown old residential community.

Duan Tian slowly opened his eyes, looking at the familiar yet crumbling neighborhood with a complex expression, his gaze revealing emotions that were hard to put into words.

Carrying the packed leftovers, Duan Tian walked briskly inside with practiced familiarity.

Duan Tian's steps were steady and forceful, making it obvious that he was already intimately familiar with the environment here.

All around were haphazardly strung wires, crisscrossing like a chaotic and disorderly spiderweb.

Electric bikes and bicycles were parked haphazardly at all angles, making walking feel bumpy and extremely inconvenient.

Duan Tian carefully avoided various obstacles, laboriously inching his way forward step by step.

He turned into a certain apartment building.

The walls of the stairwell were covered in mottled, peeling paint, looking dilapidated as though they had weathered countless storms and vicissitudes.

There was no elevator inside, and the steps were littered with quite a bit of garbage, leaving one to wonder how long it had been since anyone last swept and cleaned the place.

Duan Tian climbed upward step by laborious step with heavy strides.

Arriving at the third floor.

Duan Tian raised his hand and knocked on the door.

He lifted his hand and gave a few gentle, rhythmic knocks, the sound echoing continuously in the empty stairwell.

Creak.

The door slowly swung open, revealing a woman's face.

The woman had crisp, short hair and looked to be in her forties, her eyes revealing a sharp and capable demeanor.

Upon seeing Duan Tian, the woman's face instantly bloomed with joy:

"Big Brother Duan is here!"

Her voice was filled with surprise, and she hurriedly stepped aside to let Duan Tian enter the house.

"Come inside quickly!"

Duan Tian followed her into the apartment.

The interior space was not large, featuring a layout of two bedrooms and a living room, with very poor lighting, and a chaotic assortment of daily necessities piled everywhere.

The rooms appeared exceptionally crowded, with items arranged with no discernible order whatsoever.

A skinny man was squatting in the restroom smoking a cigarette. Hearing the commotion, he hurriedly and clumsily tossed the cigarette butt into the toilet bowl, and then rushed out as well:

"Big Brother Duan, long time no see!"

"What made you think of visiting our home today?"

As he spoke, the man busily used his hands to brush the cigarette ash off his clothes.

Duan Tian waved the food container in his hand slightly and then smiled, saying:

"I freeloaded a meal from someone else, and most of these dishes were barely touched, so I packed all of them up and brought them back!"

An honest and simple smile adorned Duan Tian's face as he handed the container to the man.

The man smiled again, revealing a mouth full of yellow teeth:

"Big Brother Duan is still the best! Even when eating out, you still think of us!"

As he spoke, he hurriedly took the container, set it aside, and hastily brushed the clutter off the sofa to clear a spot:

"Sit! Sit!"

The man greeted Duan Tian with the utmost enthusiasm.

Duan Tian waved his hand:

"No need to sit, I'll just chat for a moment and then leave!"

Refusing the man's kind offer, Duan Tian stood firmly in place without moving.

"How has Xiaoyan's studies been going lately?"

Duan Tian looked at the man with a gaze filled with deep concern.

The man quickly replied:

"Great!"

An expression of pride and self-satisfaction filled the man's face.

"He's at the very top of his class in every exam!"

The man straightened his back, the pride on his face growing even more intense and profound.

"Everyone says my boy Xiaowen is a literary star descended to the mortal realm!"

A radiant light of pride filled the man's eyes, as if Xiaoyan's academic performance was his most treasured possession. As he spoke, his entire face beamed with incomparable pride.

Right at that moment, the woman chimed in:

"His studies are all well and good, but the school fees are just too high!"

A trace of worry surfaced on the woman's face, her brows knitting together slightly.

"Every term requires quite a bit of money for tuition, and now that he's at the age where he's growing fast, his meals shouldn't be too shabby either."

As the woman spoke, she let out a long sigh.

"Oh right, the day before yesterday Xiaoyan called asking for a laptop, saying he needs to study something called 3D design, and the specifications have to be exceptionally high!"

The woman looked at Duan Tian with eyes full of anticipation.

"Big Brother Duan, what do you think about this..."

A hint of cautious probing laced the woman's tone.

Duan Tian smiled:

"I've been quite busy these past few days, so I haven't been able to attend to many things."

A smile of apology appeared on Duan Tian's face.

"It's fine! I've got it covered! No matter what, I can't let the child suffer any grievances!"

Duan Tian's tone was firm, brimming with profound care.

With that, he picked up his mobile phone and began operating it.

The man and woman stood close by, standing on their tiptoes to peer over eagerly.

Their gazes locked tightly onto Duan Tian's phone, their faces flushed with eagerness and anticipation, smiling from ear to ear in an utterly impatient manner!

After waiting for dozens of seconds.

The woman's phone chimed.

She took it out and glanced at it, the smile on her face diminishing considerably.

"Big Brother Duan, how come the money you sent this time is less than before?"

A trace of obvious dissatisfaction tinted the woman's voice.

Duan Tian smiled and said:

"I received a plea for help a few days ago!"

A warm and amicable smile remained on Duan Tian's face as he patiently explained.

"I sponsored one more impoverished college student!"

"So funds are a bit tight on my end right now!"

A hint of helplessness marked Duan Tian's tone.

Hearing this, the man standing nearby pointed out reproachfully:

"Big Brother Duan, this is where you're in the wrong!"

A look of grievance covered the man's face, and his voice rose a notch.

"You cut your coat according to your cloth!"

"If you don't have enough money, why go sponsoring so many college students?"

Anger flared in the man's tone.

"What if Xiaowen runs out of money for school and it ruins a future pillar of the nation?"

The man placed his hands on his hips, wearing a self-righteous expression.

Duan Tian waved his hand and said:

"Don't worry!"

"It won't be delayed!"

Duan Tian's expression remained calm and composed, his eyes shining with a resolute light.

"You guys go ahead and transfer this money to the child first. Once my salary comes in this month, I'll make up the shortfall for you."

Duan Tian's voice was deep and steady, giving people a profound sense of reassurance.

Hearing Duan Tian say this, the complexions of the two finally improved slightly.

Their expressions eased somewhat, and they reluctantly squeezed out a slightly stiff smile.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Duan Tian didn't even stay to drink a cup of tea before decisively turning and leaving.

Duan Tian's turning movement was clean and crisp, and he departed with firm and powerful strides.

The couple closed the door. The door slammed shut with a heavy "bang," producing a dull echo.

Standing by the window, they watched as Duan Tian hailed a taxi and quickly drove away.

Their gazes were cold, showing not a shred of gratitude.

Then, the man fiercely slapped the container of leftovers from the table down onto the floor, sneering as he said:

"Bah! Bringing us leftover food?"

The man spat hatefully onto the ground.

"Is he treating us like beggars?"

Anger and dissatisfaction saturated the man's voice, his tone implying he wished he could tear Duan Tian to pieces.

Then, looking at the woman, he said:

"The money that just arrived should be enough for us to splurge for a while!"

A greedy gleam flickered in the man's eyes, one that made people shudder.

"Let's go out and have some seafood!"

The man grabbed the woman's hand and said impatiently.

"Let's get an Alaskan king crab to try this time!"

An expression of anticipation and indulgence filled the man's face, as if he had already tasted the delicious seafood.

You can know a person's face, but not their heart!

Until the very end, you never truly know whether the person you are interacting with is human or a demon.

This sentiment seemed to linger in the air for a long time, heavy with helplessness and lament.

Just like Duan Tian at this moment.

He spent his money to sponsor impoverished college students, yet this very money was being wantonly squandered by others.

If he ever discovered the truth of the matter, one could only wonder what kind of thoughts would pass through his mind.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

After finishing lunch, Li Chao walked with a bright smile and brisk steps to visit Liu Dan at the Adult Finance and Economics Education College.

With high spirits and a vigorous stride, Li Chao walked into the college.

The two of them took a leisurely stroll around the campus.

Warm sunlight fell upon them, casting two long shadows trailing behind.

"How are your studies going now?"

Li Chao asked.

His gaze was filled with care and expectation.

"I've pretty much finished all the coursework, I'll be graduating in just a few days!"

Liu Dan said with a smile.

Her face radiated a confident smile, as bright and moving as a blooming flower.

"That's wonderful!"

Li Chao nodded in satisfaction.

He continued:

"The production base in the back mountains is currently short of a financial officer. As soon as you graduate, you can go straight there to take up the post!"

Li Chao patted Liu Dan's shoulder, offering her encouragement and support, his eyes full of trust.

Liu Dan nodded, and then said:

"Since you're here this time, if you aren't in a rush to go back, why don't you stay for a few more days!"

A look of anticipation flashed in Liu Dan's eyes as she gently tugged at the corner of Li Chao's clothes, looking quite shy and adorable.

"Help me pack up some things! We can head back together then!"

A blush crept onto Liu Dan's face, and her voice was as gentle as a spring breeze.

Li Chao gave a mischievous grin and said:

"If I stay, will your body be able to handle it?"

A cunning glint flashed in Li Chao's eyes, the corners of his mouth turned up, and his expression carried a hint of teasing.

Liu Dan's face instantly turned as red as a beet:

"You can't possibly want to do that every single night, right?"

Liu Dan gave Li Chao a coy glare, lowering her head shyly, a sight that tugged at the heartstrings.

Li Chao shook his head and said:

"Definitely not!"

He looked at Liu Dan with a deadpan expression and unwavering, resolute eyes.

Just as Liu Dan breathed a sigh of relief, she heard Li Chao follow up with:

"After all, some things can be done during the day as well!"

A wicked smile surfaced on Li Chao's face, his eyes glinting with mischief.

"Ah..."

Liu Dan was thoroughly frightened by that statement.

Her eyes widened in absolute terror.

If they did it both day and night, wouldn't she be crippled and bedridden!

A wave of panic fluttered in Liu Dan's heart, and her cheeks instantly flushed a brilliant crimson.

In the end, Li Chao truly did not return to Li Family Village.

Making this decision, Li Chao looked quite relaxed and at ease.

After all, the production base was currently being meticulously managed by Li Xitian, and would later be handed over to Liu Dan.

Thinking of Li Xitian's stability and reliability, Li Chao felt much more at ease.

As for the clinic, it was being held down by Yunxin and Sun Xinglin—especially Sun Xinglin, a miracle doctor renowned throughout Zhongzhou Province who could surely handle all kinds of difficult and miscellaneous ailments.

Li Chao also had great confidence in the situation at the clinic.

As for the matter of the villa back home, Zhou Shaofeng was keeping a close, watchful eye on it.

Li Chao trusted Zhou Shaofeng's capabilities.

Therefore, whether Li Chao went back right now really seemed to have very little impact.

Pondering this carefully, Li Chao felt all the more that staying behind presented no problem at all.

Speaking of which, he had to mention the ancient pagoda in his mind once again.

Li Chao's thoughts naturally drifted toward that mystical pagoda.

Through the continuous, diligent efforts of Sun Xinglin, Yunxin, and the disciples, the scale value leading to the third floor was getting close to full.

Imagining the scene inside the pagoda, Li Chao's heart filled with anticipation.

Visually, there was only about one-fifth of the distance left.

Pushing just a little harder would break the barrier and allow entry into the third floor.

A gleam of excitement sparkled in Li Chao's eyes, shining brilliantly.

Who knew what kind of good treasures would appear upon reaching the third floor.

He was rather looking forward to it!

The corners of Li Chao's lips curled upward into an expectant smile, brimming with yearning.

Over the next few days, Li Chao temporarily remained in Huaxi City.

He settled into a new rhythm of life there.

He certainly wasn't short of places to stay right now.

Following Howard's death, all the properties under his name belonged to Li Chao—there were three villas alone, plus a hotel and several other assets.

Having come into possession of abundant resources, Li Chao's life became even more convenient and leisurely.

Previously, Li Chao hadn't had the time, but now he could go check them out one by one.

He decided to make good use of this period to handle these matters.

Busy handling various affairs during the day, Li Chao shuttled back and forth among multiple matters, keeping himself busy and fulfilled.

Accompanying Liu Dan at night, Li Chao spent warm, cozy moments with her, a happy smile plastered across his face, making his days quite carefree and unrestrained.

As for Liu Lele, after resting for a few days, her mindset seemed much improved; at the very least, she would proactively seek out Li Chao for meals when she had free time.

Liu Lele's transformation left Li Chao feeling deeply gratified.

It was just that neither of them ever brought up the topic of other women, as if they had deliberately chosen to forget.

Tacitly avoiding this sensitive subject, they thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful moments of the present.

While Li Chao was living a carefree and leisurely life, he never expected that another crisis was quietly and slowly creeping closer.

Huaxi City.

The bustling noises of the city rose and fell around them, yet the crisis lurking behind the prosperity was silently and stealthily approaching.