Uncle Wu's Family

Uncle Wu nodded. "Uncle Wu, I plan to inform Manager Zhao about this double-eared vase tomorrow. Perhaps we can leave it at your place for now? I don't have a safe, and I'm a bit worried about leaving it at my current place."

The reason Chu Chen decided to inform Manager Zhao tomorrow was that he feared Zhao Qirui might think it was too easy to acquire and assume Chu Chen had extensive connections. This could lead Zhao Qirui to rely on Chu Chen for future needs, undoubtedly putting pressure on him.

After all, acquiring this double-eared vase was purely a matter of luck; it didn't prove Chu Chen had broad connections. In reality, Chu Chen's network in the antiques field was still quite limited.

"That makes sense. Xiao Chen, since you have money now, why didn't you think of buying a house first? It would be more convenient to install security systems at your own place. This way, you'll have to make do with a safe for now."

Uncle Wu had a point. Buying a house was something Chu Chen felt conflicted about. Moreover, with his newfound ability, he would acquire more rare antiques, making his current rented accommodation's security insufficient. However, he was reluctant to buy a house now, as over a million yuan wouldn't get him a decent property.

After much deliberation, Chu Chen made up his mind. He decided to postpone the house purchase until after his trip to Diannan, when he could assess his savings and make a decision. For now, he would have to settle for a safe.

Chu Chen gave a wry smile. "This is something I didn't anticipate. I never expected to earn so much money in just a few days. But buying a house isn't an overnight thing. I'll get a safe for now. Uncle Wu, do you know anyone who sells safes?"

"Are you implying I'm omniscient? How could I possibly know everyone?"

Uncle Wu found the question amusing, but then his tone shifted. "However, I do know a friend who does security installations. You've come to the right person. Come over to my place later, and I'll give you his number. You can contact him yourself. Just mention you're my nephew, and he'll know what to do."

Chu Chen replied with a mix of jest and flattery, "Haha, Uncle Wu, to me, you're like the omniscient Jianghu Baixiaosheng from Gu Long's novels. When in trouble, I find Uncle Wu – that's a motto I've lived by for years."

Uncle Wu chuckled. "Alright, stop flattering me. Hurry up and pack this vase. Let's go home, and I'll have your Aunt make a couple of dishes, and we'll have a drink, just the two of us."

"Hey, why bother cooking? We'll go out for a meal at that private kitchen tonight."

Upon hearing this, Uncle Wu glared at him. "Have you become extravagant now that you have some money? It seems I'll have to let Xiao Ke lecture you."

Hearing Uncle Wu mention Wu Ke sent a shiver down Chu Chen's spine. He recalled when he first arrived in Beijing, he had many minor "bad habits," like not washing his hands before meals. Wu Ke found these habits particularly annoying. Whenever she saw Chu Chen, she would lecture him incessantly.

That alone was unbearable for Chu Chen. Furthermore, if he didn't correct these minor habits after a few lectures, Wu Ke would not only continue her endless talks but also write cautionary messages on his face while he slept, doing so silently. Even if he was on guard, the moment he dozed off, he would wake up to find his face decorated again.

Moreover, Wu Ke was very tactful. She made sure Chu Chen knew she was serious without provoking his anger. She would also act cute towards him at times. All of this left Chu Chen completely helpless, making him feel like he needed to guard against both fire and theft, especially Wu Ke.

"Uncle Wu, please let me finish."

The mention of Wu Ke gave Chu Chen a headache. He smiled charmingly and said, "Didn't Manager Zhao give me a gold card this morning? It offers a 50% discount. Most importantly, I want Grandma to experience the treatment of a leader. Please let me fulfill this wish."

The "Grandma" Chu Chen referred to was Uncle Wu's mother. Like many mothers in China, she dedicated herself to her children without expecting anything in return. Uncle Wu was extremely filial to her, and he also liked Chu Chen very much.

Chu Chen's words made Uncle Wu hesitate. After some thought, he finally agreed.

"This is a one-time exception, and it won't happen again."

After carefully packing the double-eared vase, the two were about to leave. Chu Chen suddenly remembered something and said to Uncle Wu, "Uncle Wu, could you please take this double-eared vase back first? I forgot to turn off my computer when I came earlier and need to go back and shut it down."

Without waiting for Uncle Wu to react, he quickly ran off.

"This kid!"

*********************************

As soon as Uncle Wu arrived home, Chu Chen also showed up, carrying bags and packages. Uncle Wu was immediately displeased. It wasn't that he was angry about Chu Chen giving them gifts, but rather that Chu Chen seemed to be spending money carelessly now that he had some. Just as he was about to scold Chu Chen, he heard Aunt Wu calling him from inside. He shot Chu Chen a glare.

"We'll settle this later!"

Chu Chen entered the house with his gifts, grinning foolishly. Uncle Wu's home was an old, standalone courtyard house in Beijing, about 150 to 160 square meters. It was an ancestral home that had been renovated a couple of years prior. Although not as large as a traditional siheyuan, it was spacious enough for the family.

It was precisely because he had stayed at Uncle Wu's place before and found it so comfortable that Chu Chen had thought of buying a siheyuan himself after getting rich a few days ago. However, siheyuan were not easy to acquire, and his current million yuan could only cover a fraction of the cost.

Upon entering the house, Chu Chen saw Aunt Wu and Grandma watching television. Judging by the sound, they were watching a comedy skit, and both were laughing heartily during the funny parts.

"Grandma, Aunt Wu, I'm here!"

Seeing Chu Chen, both women smiled in unison. Aunt Wu chided, "Old Wu, honestly, he didn't even mention Xiao Chen was behind him. Oh, Xiao Chen, why are you carrying so many bags? What are you up to?"

"It's been a while since I visited, so I bought some things to show my appreciation," Chu Chen replied with a smile.

Grandma Wu said reproachfully, "You silly child, are we strangers? Why buy gifts? It's much better if you visit us more often."

Chu Chen took out several boxes and presented them to Grandma Wu. "Grandma, I haven't bought much. I got you the latest physiotherapy machine. I heard it's good for the waist and legs. You've been having back pain, haven't you? This thing is quite effective. I also got you some food. Your teeth aren't great, so these are easy to eat."

Then, he pointed to the other boxes and said to Aunt Wu:

"Aunt Wu, these are for you and Uncle Wu. I bought a physiotherapy machine for both of you as well. The ones on the far end are ejiao. You mentioned feeling dizzy and having trouble sleeping sometimes. I asked the doctor, and this is exactly what you need. I also got a few wild ginseng roots for you and Uncle Wu to take regularly. And those bottles of Maotai are for Uncle Wu."

Aunt Wu looked at the bags and packages on the table, her heart aching. "These must be quite expensive. Child, do you have too much money to spend? You just spend recklessly."

Chu Chen patted his chest and assured them, "Grandma, Aunt Wu, don't worry. I'm a millionaire now. This amount of money is nothing."

Seeing their stunned expressions, he briefly recounted the events of the past few days. Then he added, "Aunt Wu, you don't need to worry about Xiao Ke's tuition anymore. I've already told Uncle Wu that I'll cover it. My money is just sitting there anyway."

"Xiao Chen, I don't know how to thank you."

Aunt Wu and Grandma Wu were speechless, their eyes reddening. They had been quite worried before.

Grandma Wu, of course, had no money. Aunt Wu's maternal family had few relatives left. This meant they had to rely on Uncle Wu to find a solution. However, they knew Uncle Wu's prideful nature, so they couldn't help but feel anxious.

Now that Chu Chen had resolved this financial issue, they were overjoyed. As they breathed a sigh of relief, their wrinkles seemed to lessen.

Chu Chen waved his hand. "We're family, aren't we? There's no need for thanks. Besides, without your help before, how could I have earned so much money today?"

He then proceeded to open the box for the physiotherapy machine, saying, "Let's see how to use this physiotherapy machine. The one I bought is very good, according to my friend. He said the long-term effects are quite impressive."

However, before he could demonstrate how to use it, Uncle Wu emerged from a room, his face stern. "Go take the phone. Xiao Ke is looking for you."

Chu Chen knew Uncle Wu's temper and didn't mind. He hurried off to take the call.

Aunt Wu, seeing this, became somewhat angry. "Old Wu, what's wrong with you? Why are you treating Chu Chen like that?"

Uncle Wu retorted impatiently, "What's wrong? Look at him! He just made some money and is already spending it recklessly. All these things must cost several thousand yuan!"

Aunt Wu immediately retorted angrily, "How is he spending money 'recklessly'! Is it bad for Xiao Chen to be filial and show us respect? Besides this, where else is he spending money 'recklessly'? Is paying tuition for your daughter also 'recklessly' spending money?"

Grandma Wu also nodded repeatedly on the side, feeling that Aunt Wu's words were absolutely correct.

"He also said he's treating us to dinner at a restaurant tonight. Isn't it fine to eat at home? Why waste money eating out?" Uncle Wu looked like he was arguing his case.

After hearing Uncle Wu's words, Aunt Wu became somewhat irked:

"Hey, I say, Old Wu, there's something wrong with your thinking. Is it wrong for Xiao Chen to treat us to a restaurant, something he rarely does? Can restaurant food be the same as home cooking? Besides, going to a restaurant shows Xiao Chen's heartfelt affection for us. I say, old man, are you unhappy because Xiao Chen earns more money than you?"

Grandma Wu also joined the scolding, "Exactly. Xiao Chen is just being filial and bought us some gifts and is treating us to a meal. How can that be considered 'reckless' spending? It's rare for the child to have such filial piety. If you think it's 'reckless' spending, you can talk to him properly another time. Why put on that face? The child will be so sad if he sees it."