Chapter 31: 31.

Chapter 31: 31.

The third floor gained more excitement from the girls. The floor was filled with colorful store displays, spacious walkways, and bright lighting. Chen Kai himself felt less suffocated on this floor.

The girls did some window shopping and then chose the stores that garnered their interest, purchasing clothing that they liked.

Fashion is not Chen Kai's main strong point, but he knows what looks good when paired together. When asked, he will genuinely answer.

They were in the third store which they loved the most. The sales clerks diligently helped them after seeing the bags from other stores in their hands. A lot of clothes were chosen and Chen Kai was pulled into the mix to give his opinion. The sales clerks eyed him closely but didn't say what was on their minds.

He knew it was weird to see a guy willingly shopping with girls. Minds will fall into the gutter when they see such a scene. Chen Kai was seated on a cushioned bench going through the completed documents Xiao Wei sent. A lot of things can be done when money is spent. Reading through the properties he now owned and the clients who were leasing office space from him, Chen Kai began to slightly panic. When the system gives him more properties and cash in the future, it will gain some unwanted eyes.

This isn't what he wanted.

A low-key rich life. That's what he wants.

To have this, he needs trustworthy people on his side.

This was a tough spot for him. His circle is miniscule and he has no friends he can depend on.

"I guess I have to work on my social skills," he said to himself mockingly.

~~~

Su Lian happened to see the lost look on Chen Kai's face when she left the changing room. She didn't let her presence known, she opted to look at the man she chose to be with. For the past few days, he has grown more mature in her eyes. Being beside him feels comfortable. It's like a large umbrella over your head sheltering you from the heavy rain. There were moments when she caught glimpses of him being out of character - like now.

This was the first time she saw him look so lost.

He looked .... lonely.

"Hey, you." She called out to him and gave him her best smile.

His eyes which were dim, now lit up brilliantly. The soft smile was there, it was his eyes that told the truth to his emotions.

"I like this one. It should have different colors right?" he asked. Su Lian knew he was sincere in speaking. She twirled on her toes to give him a look from all sides and also to see him smile.

"Perfect."

Success. He smiled.

The others came out for their compliments and then left to look for more good outfits. Su Lian pulled Chen Kai closer to her side and gave him a hug.

He was slightly surprised by her actions but responded quickly. He grew up in both Eastern and Western customs, so this public display wasn't hurting his conscience. He knew it was a feat for Su Lian to take the initiative. Her upbringing is proof.

"What is this for?" he asked. Her hair brushed against his fingers playfully when she shook her head in refusal to answer. He laughed softly, running his fingers through her hair before loosening his hold.

She hid her face in his chest and then ran away. Looking at her retreating figure he had one word on his mind.

"Cute."

~~~~~~

Leaving the store and entering the next, Chen Kai was becoming bored and decided to speed things up a little. He left them at a shoe store and crossed to the store opposite it. Taking a look at the bag in the display, he knew the girls would like it.

Heck, even he liked it and he was a straight guy.

From what he can tell, the bag was a versatile one. It can be held three ways, has two additional purses, and has many uses. The two colors displayed were nice and the store modeled the bag with a few feminine-designed umbrellas. It was nice.

He walked in with a single-point purpose, not looking at the faces around him in the store. When he had a clue of who was the sales clerk he immediately went up to one and asked about the bags.

He didn't expect the response to be a shout.

"YOU!"

Chen Kai took a step back, he was startled by the shrill shout and answered reflexively, "Me?"

He got a good look at the woman.

His lips twitched to form a smile because of the irony of the situation.

Wasn't this the girl from the Samsung store? Ah, still a high-strung one. Watching the flames of anger in her eyes, Chen Kai wanted to find out how far he could go in teasing her.

[Host. Please don't. -_-']

'Did you just sigh?' he asked inwardly. The system really became sentient.

[It's bound to happen during this transmigration. Your true personality is no longer hindered and your psychological data is constantly being analyzed.]

'Oh. That's nice,' he said, losing interest after the confirmation. He returned his attention to the woman before him.

"Miss? Do you know me?" Chen Kai asked innocently. He had a confused expression on his face causing the woman's co-worker to pity him. Two hurriedly made their way over to help him.

"Of, course I know you. You're the reason I was fired. Do you know how you messed up my life?" She began her tirade, pointing her finger at him.

"Ma'am. I think you got the wrong person. Umm, I don't think you're... stable. Should I call for help?" he asked, lowering his voice for the latter words.

His worded transition from 'Miss' to 'Ma'am' was deliberate and as expected, it did wonders. Her face was red from embarrassment, she stomped her feet in anger and began to call him names. Chen Kai flinched outwardly to show discomfort. The two ladies reached her side and apologized to Chen Kai profusely.

"It's your fault why I have lowered myself to work here and apply as a maid for some big shot. You're despicable. A fucking bastard who will cheat anyone." She continued her rant all the way to the back.

A senior staff member was now before Chen Kai, apologizing for her junior's behavior.

"Oh, she's always like that. She accused me of being a scammer when all I wanted was to buy a phone above her personal budget. You can't speak normally with mental patients."

The woman pursed her lips to stop the laughter threatening to spill out. Chen Kai's unhurried speech and nonchalant shrug proved that he was messing with her junior.

"Ahem. Was there something you wish to purchase, sir?" she asked politely.

"Yes. The bag in the left front display. How many colors do you have available and the quantity?"

She knew which bag he was pertaining to. The bag cost 9000 Yuan. The craftsmanship and accessories plus the mid-tier brand contribute to the cost. The price was equal to most incomes of white-collar workers. Most ladies save up to purchase it or have a 'friend' gift it to them.

"Currently we have eight in four colors."

"Thank heavens. Four bags in the available colors and four umbrellas from the display. Match the designs to each bag. Also lunch bags. I'm sure you have stylish ones. Four in those," he commented.

"Yes, sir. Right away. I can show you the lunch bags." Her enthusiasm for the first big sale in the week was clear in her tone. She gave a junior some instructions and led Chen Kai to the other side of the store.

The bags shown were doable. Compact, stylish, insulated, and easy to clean, it came with a standard lunch container. An easy buy.

He chose four random colors and was escorted to the check-out counter.

"Separate the bags, please."

The senior staff member understood rang up the purchases and packed all four bags carefully.

Five minutes.

His phone rang.

The name Sister Jia showed up on the screen.

It's been a while since she called this number. His mind went to the envelope he left at the old couple's stall. If she knows of that card, 'he' won't see a dollar from it. The old soul was weary of this woman even if she was the boy's aunt.

"Sister Jia. How is everything? Is XiaoYan doing good in his studies?"

"Chen Kai. I'm at the hospital. I need help with the hospital fees for XiaoYan." There was no greeting nor explanation of the situation she was currently in. It can be either her or XiaoYan in need of medical care.

"Tell me what's wrong and which hospital?" he asked merging with the oncoming traffic ready.

"You don't need to come all the way here. All I need is an extra 30,000 yuan for an extra day." Her backtracking was obvious in her tone of voice.

"Sister Jia! Where is XiaoYan?"

Where did this aggressiveness come from? Why was the old soul so protective of this child?

He had a recollection of the child that's why he left meals at the stall and pocket money, it's what the old soul did. If it is a lingering affection should it be so strong?

Jia sighed on the other side of the call. She was currently outside in the smoking area thinking of people who could get her some money. Chen Kai was the last resort. The compensation money was already tied up with her things. The extra money is needed for the nurses to watch over the kid. She had no time to constantly come to the hospital and wait till he woke up. She had stuff to do.

If Chen Kai comes by, maybe he will stay with him. Two birds with one stone.

"XXX XXXXX Hospital. XiaoYan had a minor accident at school and has been in a coma for three days. I have to pay more to get round-the-clock care..."

"XiaoYan was injured three days ago and only now you decide to notify me because you want money. My number is 2nd on his emergency information. Why didn't they call me? Why didn't YOU call me?" Each line Chen Kai spoke had a deeper meaning, suppressing Jia over the connection.

"I was already there. Why bother you with simple stuff?" she countered with a nervous laugh.

"Simple stuff? Xiaoyan being injured so badly that he is in a coma is simple stuff. I'm on my way."

Chen Kai was right fully furious. That woman knew how 'Chen Kai' cherished the little boy. He saw himself in the kid and took him as his little brother, helping him with his own money from the part-time jobs. XiaoYan was left under the guardianship of his young aunt after his birth mother abandoned him to chase her lover - XiaoYan biological father.

The kid knows the truth of his birth and pretends to be ignorant. He grew up too fast. He even knows how his aunt despised him. After all, he took away her youth. Chen Kai is currently the only adult he trusts.

He had to make sure the boy was alright.

[Anomaly recognized. Non-threatening. Host is advised to proceed with caution.]

"What do you mean? What is it?" he asked aloud. His mind was torn between confusion and anger.

A headache was forming.

[The administrator advises to proceed with caution. Your fate line has minor changes.]

He sighed. In the past, he spoke with the administrator and understood their standing. Cryptic talk to their hosts is to avoid mistakes and psychological issues. He can only trust their words for now.

Stepping on the accelerator, Chen Kai showed the night scene why Lamborghini is famed as one of the top supercar brands.

~~~~~~~

It is a good thing the route he took wasn't majorly congested. He reached the hospital and called Jia the moment he stepped into the lobby. She gave him the ward and room number and then ended the call.

With heavy steps, he made it to the children's ward and found the room number. Jia was seated on a chair outside of the room, watching videos on her phone.

"Sister Jia, you can go home and rest. I will care for XiaoYan from now on."

This was thought while he was on his way but now seeing her posture, her attitude, and the already packed bag, he confirmed his decision. He couldn't blame the woman. She was five years older than Chen Kai and had to raise a child that wasn't her own and that was dumped on her.

Who wouldn't gain resentment or contempt?

Jia, on the other hand, heard the double meaning of his words, her eyes held a shine to it after understanding Chen Kai's statement.

"I'm not a bad aunt." she clarified as she got to her feet.

"I know. There's nothing wrong in being selfish but there's a limit in which we should show. I won't harm XiaoYan."

Jia looked at the young man who seemed taller than Mount Tai at the moment. She knew how much he cared for her nephew and judging by the clothes on Chen Kai, he has a good life now.

She glanced at the door and then stepped away.

"I will send over his things in the morning and the documents...."

"Thank you."

He cut her off decisively. She wants a clean break. He will give it to her.

"It's good talking to smart people," she said with a smile. With a wave of goodbye, she left the ward.

Taking a deep breath, he entered the ward and quietly went to the bed XiaoYan was in. As he got closer, a familiar energy collided with his own. His brows furrowed. There was an answer but he denied it right away.

It couldn't be.

Subconsciously he began to rotate the spiritual energy he accumulated to get a better feel of this power.

Standing before the bed, Chen Kai's body weakened upon sight of the child currently sitting up in a meditative posture. His thick black hair was messy, and the white bandage on his head had a great contrast.

Chen Kai's mind was churning. Everything was confusing.

This demeanor.

This posture.

The breathing technique.

The child had his eyes closed but he knew that those pair of phoenix eyes were familiar.

His breathing became heavier. This was..... impossible?

Unable to control his emotions, a surge of spiritual energy was released, hitting the boy's sphere of influence.

Light brown eyes flashed open. Chen Kai stumbled forward, unable to hold up. He wanted this to be a cruel dream. A simulation he was caught in.

The boy silently stared at Chen Kai, he too didn't know what to say. The man before him was in this person's fondest memories. But. There was an attachment to this young man.

Chen Kai came forward once more and reached out cup the kid's jaw in his palm. This was a subconscious yet doting move only one person could receive.

The little boy's eyes shook by this action. Who was this man? Why does he...

Tears fell from Chen Kai's eyes, they could no longer be held. Too many emotions. He was experiencing too many emotions to speak clearly.

There was only one word, one name, he can say.

This wasn't possible. It shouldn't be.

'Vance?"