Inheriting His Dad's Position

Yang Wei and Gao Wan had no choice but to agree to carry out the contract. Xia Ping, however, had no interest in watching any longer. It was already late, and he needed to go home for dinner.

As soon as he got home, Xia Ping was greeted by a rich, mouthwatering aroma of meat. It made his whole body yearn for a taste, and he couldn't help swallowing.

"Mom, what did you cook today? It smells amazing!"

A slightly plump, middle-aged woman wearing an apron leaned out. She was Xia Ping's mother, Huang Lanxin. She smiled. "I just bought some Fire Bear Beast meat. You're in for a treat today."

"Fire Bear Beast meat? Did we come into money or something? Why'd you buy that?" Xia Ping's eyes widened. The Fire Bear Beast was a famously powerful monster on Yanhuang Planet. It was hard to catch and impervious to blades and bullets. Ordinary firearms couldn't kill it.

But its meat was extremely precious, rich in life energy. Eating it in soup could improve one's constitution and even strengthen the vital energy within, greatly increasing one's strength. It was no less effective than powerful medicinal pills, and far better than any ginseng or velvet antler on Earth.

It was also extremely expensive at six hundred Federal Coins per pound, making it a luxury. Ordinary families couldn't afford it and could only have it once in a while during holidays.

"You don't have to come into money to buy it. We can treat ourselves once in a while. What's the point of earning money if you don't spend it? You can't take it with you to the grave." Xia Ping's father, Xia Chuanliu, sat in the living room and cleared his throat, putting on a generous air.

Xia Ping was speechless. He remembered that his father, Xia Chuanliu, was a civil servant who worked at the City Management Bureau, where he was responsible for overseeing the city's street vendors—in other words, he was a city enforcement officer. He had a permanent position, and his monthly salary and benefits came to five or six thousand Federal Coins.

His mother ran a food stall on the street. She didn't earn much, but still brought in three thousand Federal Coins a month. On paper, the family's income was over ten thousand Federal Coins a month.

The problem was, they had bought their home with a thirty-year mortgage and had to pay three thousand Federal Coins every month. Add in their living expenses and Xia Ping's tuition, and money was still tight.

They wouldn't have the heart to eat Fire Bear Beast meat unless it was a holiday.

"All right, all right. Enough talking. Come eat." His mother, Huang Lanxin, hurriedly brought out dish after dish, filling the table. There were five dishes and a soup, an abundant spread that filled the room with a wonderful aroma.

At the sight of such a lavish meal, Xia Ping's heart gave a jolt. This was obviously a trap. His father was usually so stingy that he wouldn't stop smoking until he'd smoked a cigarette down to the butt. There was no way he'd be this generous without a reason.

"Dad, be honest. Do we owe loan sharks money? Are we going to finish this last supper, pack our bags, and run? Just tell me the truth. I can take it." Xia Ping stared at his father, his expression grave.

He couldn't help sighing inwardly. The day had finally come. He knew his father's character. He liked to gamble a little, and Xia Ping had always thought that sort of behavior would eventually get him into trouble. He hadn't expected it to happen so soon.

"Son, what's with that look? What do you mean, we owe loan sharks money and are planning to run away? Is that really how you see your dad?" Xia Chuanliu was so angry his nose nearly crooked.

Xia Ping blinked. "We don't owe loan sharks money?"

"Of course not."

Xia Chuanliu held his head high. "I'm a civil servant with a permanent position, after all. My principles are better than the average person's. How could I be a gambling addict? Sure, a little gambling now and then can be a good way to relax. Isn't there a saying? A little gambling is harmless, big gambling makes you rich, and compulsive gambling leaves you with nothing."

"Fine. Then tell me what's with all this food." Xia Ping was still a little suspicious.

Seeing that his son still didn't trust him, Xia Chuanliu looked a little awkward. It was his own fault for having such a poor reputation. He cleared his throat. "It's nothing much. Since we're already talking about it, I'll be straight with you. Your school should have started discussing college applications today. What are you planning to do with your future?"

His eyes gleamed as he looked at Xia Ping.

"I'm planning to go to college," Xia Ping replied casually.

His mother, Huang Lanxin, cried out in surprise. "You—you're planning to go to college?!"

"Son, are you serious? You actually have that idea?" Xia Chuanliu stared at Xia Ping in alarm.

Xia Ping's mouth twitched. What was going on? Weren't parents usually thrilled when their son wanted to go to college? Why did these two look like they'd seen a ghost?

"I am thinking about it."

Xia Ping answered honestly.

"Son, that's the wrong idea. It's completely against the natural order!"

Xia Chuanliu looked heartbroken. "What's so great about going to college? After four years of study, you'll still end up earning only three or four thousand Federal Coins a month. If you're unlucky, you'll get stuck with a crooked boss and no insurance or housing fund. And you'll have to pay four years' worth of tuition, which is no small sum.

"Your dad's already worked it all out for you. After high school, you can join the workforce and get a job in the government. Don't go to some other department—come work at your dad's City Management Bureau.

"Don't let your dad's humble appearance fool you. I've been working for twenty years, so I've built up a few connections. I play mahjong with the department head now and then, flatter him, and cozy up to him. Before long, we were all on familiar terms.

"When the time comes, I'll give the department head a few cartons of cigarettes, grease his palm, and pull a few strings. You'll get into the City Management Bureau for sure. Then you and I can patrol the streets together, contribute to city management, chase off the street vendors, and become the kings of the city. Imagine how impressive it'll sound: a family of two city enforcement officers! Matchmakers will be lining up at our door."

As he spoke, Xia Chuanliu looked smug, lost in his daydream.

Xia Ping's mouth twitched. He was at a loss for words. "Dad, I still want to go to college."

"You! You're a hopeless case!" Xia Chuanliu's eyes widened, and he looked as if he couldn't bear to see his son waste his potential.

"All right, all right. Don't say things like that. Let's eat. There's still a while before high school graduation, so you can think it over slowly." Seeing the tension in the air, Huang Lanxin hurriedly tried to smooth things over.

"Fine."

Hearing that, Xia Chuanliu said no more.

Half an hour later, after dinner, Xia Ping went back to his bedroom to rest. Only Huang Lanxin and Xia Chuanliu remained in the living room.

"Chuanliu, our son doesn't seem to agree with your plan," Huang Lanxin said, looking at her husband.

Xia Chuanliu waved a hand, unconcerned. "It's just a young man's rebellious phase. I was young once too, so I understand. But the reality is that his grades are just average. Once the College Entrance Exam is over and he sees his results, he'll realize how brilliant his old man is. We'll talk to him again then, and he'll come around in no time."

Huang Lanxin nodded too. She knew her son's grades were ordinary. Even getting into a third-rate college would be a stretch. If he performed poorly, he might not get in anywhere at all.