Chapter 10: Return to the Modern World
A few days later, the lightning-shaped mark on Chu Feng’s wrist began to heat up, and under Illya’s watchful gaze, Chu Feng disappeared from the wooden cabin.
“Big bro, he’s gone…” Gray said with a hint of sadness.
Illya nodded. “Mm.”
Thanks to all the novel items as a bridge, Gray had gotten along well with Chu Feng in recent days. Seeing him vanish like that, he genuinely felt a little reluctant.
“Big bro, did you tell him to bring more Skittles next time? And that instant noodles stuff?” Gray asked.
Chu Feng had brought five buckets of instant noodles—three of which ended up in Gray’s stomach. One went to Illya and one to Duoduo.
Illya shook his head. “No.”
Gray got a bit worked up. “Big bro, you had some too! It was so good—how could you not remind him?!”
Illya frowned. “I forgot.”
Gray sighed. “Then… what did you ask him to bring?”
“Salt.”
Gray rolled his eyes. “Big bro, salt is important, but we can’t live on salt alone!”
Illya frowned. “As long as we get salt, we can go back to the village. Aunt Evelyn and the others must be waiting.”
Gray nodded. “Yeah, true… but I still want to eat other stuff.”
Illya narrowed his eyes. “Didn’t you take a huge jar of Skittles? You and Duoduo shouldn’t eat so many—you’ll get cavities.”
Illya shook his head. Candy was a luxury here—only nobles could afford it. When he earned a lot from missions, he’d occasionally buy Gray a piece or two.
“I got it,” Gray muttered, though his mind was racing. There must be tons of good food on the other side. I wonder what he’ll bring next time…
Illya shook his head. “He promised me he’d bring more salt next time. The rest… maybe not.”
Despite his words, Illya was looking forward to Chu Feng’s return.
Gray stared at the suitcase. “He didn’t take this with him!”
He’d been curious about the suitcase for a while but didn’t dare touch it for fear of damaging it. Now that Chu Feng was gone, he could finally explore it freely.
“Chu Feng didn’t take this?” Gray asked.
Illya shook his head. “He said he’d just buy a new one over there.”
Gray blinked. “A suitcase that pretty must be expensive. He must be rich over there, huh?”
Illya nodded. “Maybe.”
*
Back in his familiar room, Chu Feng quickly took off his backpack and checked its contents.
Seeing the bag full of raw jade stones, Chu Feng felt like a mountain of gold was laid out before him—an overwhelming sense of wealth surged through him.
He hadn’t felt it in the other world, but now it hit him full force—he was rich.
His heart pounded wildly as images of fluttering banknotes danced before his eyes.
Chu Feng locked most of the jade stones in a chest at home, only picking out a small portion to take out and scout the market.
Just as he was about to head out, he heard a knock on the door.
Chu Feng went downstairs and opened it. Standing outside was Chu Anzhi, who had been a complete mess not long ago. But today, he looked in pretty good spirits—he might’ve gotten over his heartbreak.
“Brother Feng, were you not home the past few days?” Chu Anzhi asked.
Chu Feng nodded. “Yeah, I went out for a bit. Something happened?”
Chu Anzhi shook his head. “Not really. The day after tomorrow, Mom and Dad are throwing a banquet for me at Yunxiang Restaurant to celebrate me getting into college.”
Chu Feng nodded. “That deserves a celebration.”
Anzhi puffed out his cheeks. “I don’t think it’s a big deal, but my parents feel it’s something worth celebrating.”
Chu Feng thought to himself: Whether the score was good or not, getting out of the high school grind is still worth being happy about.
He suddenly recalled his own college entrance exam year. Back then, he had lost his parents right before the exam and had no idea what his future held. In fact, he’d known deep down that no matter how well he did, he probably wouldn’t be able to attend college anyway.
He never regretted the choices he made that year—but even now, thinking about it brought a twinge of sadness.
