The Zhao Family's Talk and the Weight of the Future

"Consider it a chance for you to gain practical experience. Allocate a budget from your Practice Fund," Zhao Zhiyou said. "You can decide the exact amount yourself, but remember three principles: moderation, naturalness, and sustainability. Giving him money or resources directly would be too utilitarian. It could easily make him dependent, and it would cast a transactional shadow over your friendship as classmates—perhaps even backfire. Real investment isn't charity, nor does it require signing a contract. It's about mutual benefit."

"I understand!" Zhao Peng nodded excitedly. "That's exactly what I was thinking! We'll start as friends. We can normally exchange cultivation insights, and if he wants to test his Qi and Blood Value or use the training room, he's welcome anytime. Inviting him over occasionally for some nutritious food is normal between friends too. We can also share information about the martial arts world and Gaokao-related news. That way, I can help him without making him feel pressured, while also strengthening our relationship. This is called... Emotional Investment Plus Potential Options! If he really grows in the future, the returns brought by this friendship will definitely be more useful than directly throwing money at him!"

Seeing his son rubbing his hands together eagerly, Zhao Zhiyou's eyes flickered with amusement. The kid was really invested in this. Fine. Even if Chen Mo ultimately failed to meet expectations, this small investment was nothing to the Zhao Family, while it would give his son valuable experience.

He slowly picked up the exquisite teacup on the table, gently blew away the steam on its surface, and carefully took a small sip. After setting the cup down and moistening his throat, he added earnestly, "There's another very important point to keep in mind. Just because you've decided to invest in someone doesn't mean you can slack off or neglect your own cultivation and studies. You need to keep improving your abilities, broadening your horizons, and accumulating more resources. Remember, friends can certainly offer us some help, but they are ultimately only a supporting force. You can't rely on them completely. What truly supports a person's long-term growth is their own sufficiently powerful strength."

Upon hearing his father's words, Zhao Peng immediately nodded hard to show that he understood. He patted his broad, sturdy chest and solemnly promised his father, while not forgetting to boast about his current achievements. "Don't worry, Dad! How could someone as capable as me possibly hold anyone back? Let me tell you something—I'm already at ninety-two points of Qi and Blood Value! And I've even cultivated that stance technique that stumps countless people to the late Minor Accomplishment stage! If I work a little harder, I might break through to the Proficient level before the Gaokao! When that happens, hehe... Brother Mo and I will fight side by side and carve out a world of our own at Sixth Middle School!"

Watching this warm scene quietly from nearby, Wang Hui couldn't help but smile with satisfaction and joy. She thought to herself, Seeing her child being so sensible and ambitious, knowing how to plan for his future, and seeing her husband, the Head of the Family, so skilled at guiding their child's growth—what a happy and harmonious family this was! Yet at that very moment, Chen Mo, seated in the back of the Zhao Family's spacious luxury sedan, knew absolutely nothing about the "investment discussion" concerning his future that was taking place in their living room.

The sedan moved smoothly through the night. Streetlights sped backward outside the windows, slicing the city's nightscape into flowing streaks of light and shadow. The seats inside were soft and comfortable, and the air conditioning was set just right—a stark contrast to his rattling old bicycle. Chen Mo leaned against the seatback and gazed out the window, his emotions a complicated mix.

Everything that had happened today felt like an unreal dream. Qi and blood data accurate to two decimal places—75.23 points. Luxurious nutritional meals rich in spiritual energy. Training equipment comparable to a professional Martial Arts Hall. A breathtaking virtual reality game. The warm hospitality of Zhao Zhiyou and his wife. Zhao Peng's sincere treatment... All of it gave him a more direct sense of the disparity in this world and made him even more determined about the path he had chosen.

"75.23 points, Qi and Blood Activity 82%, upper-grade... Black Tiger Stance proficiency: 203/300. Body Tempering Fist: 179/300. They're both past halfway." Chen Mo calculated silently. "At today's cultivation speed, combined with the continuous supply of Qi and Blood Capsules, I can reach the Proficient level in half a month at most! By then, my Qi and Blood growth rate will rise another notch. Reaching 90 points before the Gaokao—or even touching the threshold of 100—might be possible!"

"Zhao Peng really is someone worth befriending." Thinking of Zhao Peng's hearty smile and sincere help, warmth welled up in his heart. "Not only does he come from a good family, he's also straightforward. He doesn't have the airs of a spoiled rich kid, and he has a sharp eye for people. Becoming friends with him won't just make certain resources more accessible—it'll also let me see a broader world."

If you can't find the book by searching its title, try searching for the author instead. It may have simply been renamed!

He also thought of Black Tower, the novel he was serializing on Qidian. It had gained a few more favorites today, and one reader had even tipped him five yuan. The amount was small, but it was recognition for his writing and a possible future source of income. "The 100,000 yuan in family savings has to be used carefully. I can't stop taking Qi and Blood Capsules—they're the foundation of my improvement. But saving alone won't be enough. I need to find ways to earn more, like writing novels, or perhaps using martial arts knowledge for some part-time work in the future..."

His thoughts surged like a tide, yet they remained firmly fixed on two keywords, as if drawn by a magnet: "progress" and "future." The wonderful feeling of carving out a path forward through his own efforts and clearly sensing the tangible improvement brought by every step intoxicated him beyond escape. Compared with the suffocating, hopeless gray days of his previous life, this youthful time, brimming with endless hopes and possibilities, was simply priceless!

With a soft sound of braking, the sedan steadily entered Xingfu Residential Area. It stood in sharp contrast to the quiet elegance of Guanlan Villa Area. Under the night sky, every household was brightly lit; friendly conversations between neighbors occasionally drifted from the corridors; and the snack stalls along the streets gave off mouthwatering aromas... It was a vibrant, bustling portrait of everyday life!

"Mr. Chen, we've arrived," the driver, Xiao Liu, said respectfully to the passenger in the back after parking the car.

"Thank you for the ride, Master Liu." After politely thanking him, Chen Mo gently pushed open the door and stepped out. He stood there quietly, watching the black sedan gradually disappear into the vast night. Only then did he come back to himself, turn around, and walk toward his apartment building with light yet steady steps—the somewhat old but incomparably warm little home waiting for him.

Though his body was somewhat tired after a day of cultivation and gaming, his eyes were exceptionally bright, carrying an indescribable excitement and resolve.

When he returned home, his parents were already asleep. A dim little lamp had been left on in the living room, and a glass of warmed milk and a plate of pastries sat on the table, clearly saved especially for him. Chen Mo quietly washed up, picked up the milk, and took a sip. The warm liquid slid down his throat and warmed his entire chest.

He walked to his desk and opened the System Panel. Looking at the steadily rising proficiency values, an involuntary smile rose to his lips.

Tomorrow would be another new day. There would be new proficiency to grind, new chapters to write, and new goals to pursue.

On this second chance at youth, he was walking more steadily—and with more strength—with every step.