Chapter 49: Just Wait for the Slap in the Face
Huang Hui's words made Xue Xiao's face darken. She turned around and glared at him angrily: "Have you been reading too many trashy novels and imagining things?"
"This is what my old man meant. I have no way to repay you for saving a life, so it would be foolish not to give you these things as repayment."
Huang Hui shrugged. "This is not superficial at all, old classmate. Compared to those cultivation resources, I hope you can give me more money."
Xue Xiao didn't bother to respond to Huang Hui and sneered. "You've taken advantage of me. Don't even think about giving it back."
"Hey, there's no reason to take back a gift once it's given." Huang Hui quickly stepped back, shaking his head like a rattle.
Too lazy to argue with Huang Hui, Xue Xiao turned back to look at Jiang Tian again. "In addition to the 100 million Tang national currency, I have prepared a small single-family villa for your family in Xiangcheng, the provincial capital."
"According to the old man, this matter involves you. We're worried that the scum from the Starry Sky Gate might take their anger out on you and your family. This small villa is in a security zone, so you won't have to worry about safety."
"As the provincial capital, Xiangcheng has much better overall public security."
"In addition, since you followed Xiao Ruyan and won first place this time, you will get a Blood Source Room reward. Once you arrive in the provincial capital, we can arrange something even better for you."
After that, Xue Xiao asked for Jiang Tian's contact information, added him as a friend, and sent him a contract. "Signing the contract means you agree to this plan."
"If you're not satisfied, we can also change it to a mountaintop villa on Jin'e Mountain in Yue City."
Jiang Tian looked at his mobile phone account interface, where the contract details had popped up. Once signed, his family would own a small villa in the provincial capital.
This mobile phone account functioned similarly to an ID card in his previous life, connected to the official system.
If the device was changed, it could still be activated through biometric verification.
Personal information, wealth, and transactions were all linked to this account.
Almost all aspects of life were tied to it, making daily transactions very convenient.
However, security levels varied. For instance, when Jiang Tian opened Xue Xiao's profile, he could see nothing except her name.
But on the other hand, Xue Xiao could see a lot of Jiang Tian's information—such as:
His academic performance at Yue City No. 14 Middle School.
Public records of books he had borrowed.
Fortunately, he didn't have any embarrassing or questionable reading habits. The only oddity was...
Why was he only reading chef-related reference books?
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A Swift and Decisive Agreement
"I agree!" Jiang Tian said without hesitation and signed the electronic contract.
As soon as the contract was signed, it immediately took effect.
Jiang Tian opened his personal account and saw that a new property ownership certificate had appeared.
Then, he took the bank card, placed it on his phone for a quick scan, and just like that—100 million Tang national currency was credited to his account.
Since it was a large sum, transferring it through a direct account deposit would have required Xue Xiao to go through various approvals due to her special position—which was too troublesome.
Instead, using a physical card for scanning was more convenient.
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Xue Xiao's Surprise at Jiang Tian's Quick Decision
"I didn't expect you to agree so quickly. I thought you'd at least take some time to think about it," Xue Xiao said, a hint of surprise in her eyes.
Jiang Tian looked at Xue Xiao calmly. "This way, the favor of saving a life is cleared, and Xue and I are even. It's better to pay a material price than to owe an emotional debt in the future."
Xue Xiao's expression changed slightly. She opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, no words came out.
In truth, this was exactly the decision her father had made after she reported the situation to him over the phone.
Her grandfather's reasoning was essentially the same as Jiang Tian's:
Repay the life-saving grace with generous material gifts, clearing all obligations.
This way, no lingering debt would tie Jiang Tian and Xue Ruyan together unnaturally.
If something developed between them in the future, it would be a genuine connection, free of obligation.
From an emotional standpoint, this decision seemed cold and calculating.
But in reality, it was the most generous thing the Xue family could do.
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A Challenge from Xue Xiao
"Don't misunderstand," Xue Xiao finally said, offering an explanation. "Grandpa just hopes that you two kids won't be bound by an obligation like this."
"If you really want to be with her, then at least try hard enough to get into Star City's Martial Arts University."
"Hongwu University in Xingcheng is Xiao Ruyan's goal."
"As elders, we won't interfere too much in your personal matters, but young man, you have to show some ambition."
She then stepped forward and patted Jiang Tian's shoulder. "You seem like a good kid. I hope we meet again in the future."
With that, Xue Xiao waved goodbye and prepared to leave.
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Huang Hui's Strange Look
Just before she left, Huang Hui, who had been leaning against the wall, was staring at her with a very strange expression.
Seeing his odd look, Xue Xiao frowned. "What's with that face?"
"You weren't... encouraging him just now, were you?" Huang Hui asked slowly.
Xue Xiao raised an eyebrow. "And what if I was? He's just an ordinary kid, but at least he's a decent one. What do you want me to do? Crush his confidence and give him psychological trauma?"
"You're way too careless." Huang Hui's expression grew even weirder when he heard her call Jiang Tian ordinary.
"Aren't you afraid that someone might really steal your little niece away?"
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A Misguided Prediction
Xue Xiao sighed and waved dismissively.
She and Huang Hui left the room, walking into the corridor.
She glanced back at the door and spoke calmly.
"You and I both know that the gap between them will only grow bigger. The likelihood of them staying together is next to none."
"For Xiao Ruyan, this is simply a necessary part of growing up."
"To put it bluntly—if they can still be together despite everything, then it must be something truly special."
"However, I don't hold out much hope for such an outcome. Even just the martial arts college entrance exam will be an insurmountable obstacle for that kid."
"It will be nearly impossible for him to pass and get into Star City."
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Huang Hui's Private Thoughts
Huang Hui stayed silent for a moment before speaking.
"With your position, you actually had time to come here. It's almost time for the martial arts college entrance exam..."
"The chief examiner for Nan Province's Martial Arts College Entrance Examination wouldn't happen to be... you, right?"
Xue Xiao snapped. "Don't even think about it! Do you really think I'd abuse my authority like that?"
"What I hate most is deception!"
With that, she huffed and stormed off.
---
As she disappeared down the corridor, Huang Hui shook his head and chuckled.
"You're in for one hell of a slap in the face, old classmate."
"Too big a gap?"
"Too difficult for him to pass?"
"An insurmountable chasm?"
"Just wait until you see what my junior brother does next."