Faced with Lucius's questioning, Draco panicked, his mind racing.
Once he had thought of an explanation, he hurriedly put on an obedient, dutiful expression and explained quietly, "Father, 'Laodeng' is a respectful term for one's father. It means 'respected elderly father,' and expresses gratitude for all the hardships you endured raising me over the years."
Though far-fetched, this explanation struck a chord with Narcissa.
The confusion on her face instantly faded, replaced by heartfelt pride, and her eyes reddened slightly. "My dear boy, you've grown up. You even know how to appreciate your father now."
At this, the displeasure on Lucius's face gradually faded as well, and his expression softened considerably.
He looked at Draco, his tone carrying a measure of approval. "Your talent is beyond question. After all, you are the son of Lucius Malfoy. But while talent matters, hard work is even more crucial. If you wish to become an outstanding wizard like me and lead the Malfoy family, neither talent nor hard work can be lacking."
The corner of Draco's mouth twitched as he silently grumbled, Good grief, this Laodeng really knows how to flatter himself. If he knew what 'Laodeng' really meant, he'd probably explode on the spot.
Outwardly, however, he nodded repeatedly, looking utterly compliant. "Yes, yes, Father, you're absolutely right. I'll study hard and live up to your and Mother's expectations."
Seeing how carried away Lucius was by the praise, Draco was secretly amused, but he dared not say anything more and could only eat obediently.
Lucius and Narcissa returned to their earlier topic. Lucius raised his glass and took a sip of whisky, his tone grave as a trace of malice flashed through his eyes. "I have a feeling that old fool Dumbledore is certain to be the greatest obstacle to our cause as pure-blood wizards. He indulges those Muggle descendants without restraint and supports that Arthur Weasley fellow at every turn-that idiot who's obsessed with Muggle trinkets and spends all day mingling with Muggles. Utterly detestable. If we want to advance the ideal of pure-blood supremacy, we must devise some means of dealing with Dumbledore."
At this, a trace of worry appeared on Narcissa's face, and she hurriedly asked, "You intend to take on Dumbledore directly? But his power is unfathomable. I doubt anyone in the entire wizarding world can match him."
Lucius shook his head, his expression sinister. "Naturally, I'm well aware of Dumbledore's power. Apart from those students whose character he misjudged and who ultimately went astray, no one in the world can contend with him. We stand no chance in a direct confrontation. However, we can take the long view, target his foundations, and gradually undermine his position at Hogwarts and dismantle his power."
Draco listened quietly from the side, inwardly unperturbed.
He knew full well that his father Lucius's schemes would ultimately end in utter defeat.
Dumbledore's wisdom and power were far beyond Lucius's reach.
As for Draco, the only thing he needed to do now was earn Fortune Points and improve his strength as quickly as possible, so he could pick up the pieces for his stubborn parents in the future.
Besides, he was quite curious about what methods Lucius would use and how he would ultimately suffer a setback.
But Narcissa, having listened to Lucius's fantasies, thought otherwise. Her eyes instantly lit up, and she looked at Lucius with an approving expression. "If we can undermine Dumbledore's position, Hogwarts will be led by our pure-blood families in the future. The children's education can follow our wishes, and they'll no longer have to be influenced by all those nonsensical ideas."
Draco was inwardly speechless. Mother always has the children's interests at heart, but can't she let me grow up freely?
Draco certainly did not want them to map out every detail of his life. He had his own plans and his own path he wanted to follow.
Partway through the conversation, Lucius turned to Draco, his tone considerably gentler. "Draco, get up early tomorrow. I'll take you to Diagon Alley to prepare everything you need for school-a wand, a cauldron, magic books, an owl, and your school uniform. We must get every last item."
A surge of intense excitement instantly rose within Draco, and he nodded repeatedly. "Yes! Wonderful! Thank you, Father!"
The current Draco had never truly experienced the wizarding world beyond the castle.
Diagon Alley was a microcosm of the magical world, a place every wizarding student longed to visit.
At the thought of soon stepping into Diagon Alley, choosing a wand of his own, and buying all sorts of wondrous magical items, Draco could barely contain his joy.
Candlelight flickered over the three figures as the conversation in the dining room gradually subsided, leaving only the aroma of roast goose still lingering in the air.
As the night deepened, Malfoy Manor sank into stillness, while the transmigrator Draco's journey at Hogwarts, and his path with the Fortune System, had only just begun.