C26 The Nine Million Yuan, the Two Generations of People.

Clutching such a hefty sum of money, Jiang Hao's walk home was a whirlwind of emotion—excitement, anxiety, and worry all tangled up in a complex knot.

To Jiang Hao, nine million was an astronomical amount. He'd never even dreamed that he might possess such wealth one day!

Upon reaching his doorstep, he tamped down his inner thrill. "Just nine million. In the future, I'll have a hundred, a thousand, even ten thousand times this amount," he assured himself, brimming with boundless hope for what lay ahead.

Yet, he reminded himself, "I can't sell jade crafts too frequently, or I'll really be in trouble." Once his excitement subsided, a sense of caution took hold.

"Sure, the story of a Grandmaster master I concocted has thrown them off for now. But there are bound to be skeptics. A lie like this might work temporarily, but it won't hold forever. It's clear—I need to get stronger, and fast. When I'm powerful enough, I'll be able to handle anything with ease."

...

Back in his room, Jiang Hao lay on his bed, contemplating. "Now that I have money, it's time to improve my family's life."

But then, a crease formed on his brow. "How do I even begin to explain this to Mom and Dad?" He pondered the dilemma, sinking into deep thought.

...

As a new day dawned, Jiang Hao was roused by noises outside before he could even rise. Rubbing his eyes, he stepped out to find his parents busy packing up for the day's stall, while Jiang Zixuan was already engrossed in her studies.

Jiang’s father had been revitalized since drinking the Vital Essence, his chronic ailments miraculously cured, his body seemingly rejuvenating. Even his hair, once graying, was now lustrous and dark.

"I should try to distill a few more bottles of Vital Essence for Mom," Jiang Hao mused.

Noticing her son, Jiang’s mother greeted him with a warm smile. "Hao, did we wake you?"

"Since your dad's feeling better, we don't want to just sit around. We're planning to set up a stall!

You've got the college entrance exams coming up and your studies are crucial. Go get some extra sleep. I'll be back at noon to whip up something tasty for you!"

Hearing this, Jiang Hao felt a twinge in his nose.

"Dad, Mom, you don't need to work so hard. I've got plenty of money!" he blurted out.

Jiang's mother paused, then chuckled and teased him.

"Silly boy, how much money could you possibly have? A hundred? Two hundred?"

Jiang Hao sensed the skepticism in his mother's voice and grew anxious.

"Mom, I'm serious. I have nine million!"

Jiang's mother, thinking Jiang Hao was spouting nonsense, grew stern. She touched his forehead to check for a fever, then checked her own as a comparison.

"You're not feverish! What's gotten into you, talking such nonsense?"

Jiang Hao began to question his own sanity after his mother's reaction.

"Are my words really that far-fetched?"

But then he thought about it. If the roles were reversed, he probably wouldn't believe it either.

Just then, Jiang's father rolled out the cart, grinning as he joined in the teasing.

"If you truly had nine million, we wouldn't spend it. We'd save it for your future wedding!

"Finding a wife these days isn't easy! First, you need a place of your own, which usually costs over a million. A nice one could be several million.

Then, you need a car, and that's a few hundred thousand more. And don't forget the dowry—another few hundred thousand. Only then might someone agree to marry you!"

"Besides, you'll need money to live on, and if you have kids, you'll need even more."

"So, you'd better hold on to that nine million!"

Jiang's father's words left Jiang Hao speechless.