C10 Mission

Armed with his system, Yang Chao was never short on cash. The system seemed to push him to find creative ways to spend money. He had merely posed a question, not expecting such a dumbfounded reaction.

Scratching his head, Yang Chao ventured, "Lee Xiao, I'm aware of the issues at your school. Let me lend you a hand. Take your time paying me back; there's no rush."

Lately, the system had issued a new spending challenge. If he managed to spend all the money, he'd gain a certain amount of Strength. But failing to do so could backfire, potentially leading to system-imposed penalties.

"Okay, since you're flush with cash, I won't hold back. But let's be prudent and either draw up an agreement or have a lawyer notarize it. We're talking about a significant sum here, right?"

Lee Xiao's face was a mix of emotions as he absorbed Yang Chao's offer. It dawned on him just how vast the chasm was between people. He had pegged Yang Chao as just another average Joe.

He was taken aback by Yang Chao's readiness to lend him 10 million yuan, and to two people at that, on their very first meeting. It seemed excessive to offer such an amount.

"Considering the sum involved, it would be wise to get it notarized. I wouldn't want to risk breaking my promise," said Lee Xiao, scratching his head with a look of trepidation.

His gaze wandered around the school grounds. Initially, he suspected Yang Chao's warm reception was aimed at securing an investment.

Given that he had arrived in a luxury car, his status seemed quite distinguished. Perhaps Yang Chao was hoping to attract some investment, maybe even expecting a financial kickback.

Yet, without spending a dime, Lee Xiao found himself on the receiving end of a substantial sum from Yang Chao—several million yuan, no less. It was far from a trivial amount.

For the average person, amassing such wealth could take years, possibly a lifetime. And here was Yang Chao, casually handing it over. Was his net worth really that impressive? But why hadn't Lee Xiao ever heard of him before?

Lee Xiao pondered for a moment before quietly addressing Yang Chao.

"Principal, I've been meaning to ask you something. With your wealth and generosity, why is it that you have no reputation in our circle? Is it possible you've come here incognito?"

Normally, anyone with even a modest reputation would be known, but as Lee Xiao reflected, he realized he had never even heard the name Yang Chao.

It likely wasn't so straightforward. Perhaps Yang Chao had never been part of their circle at all. But now a question arose—if he wasn't part of the circle, then what? Was there something amiss with Yang Chao?

Seeing the curiosity in Lee Xiao's question, Yang Chao simply shook his head and extended the bank card toward him, whispering,

"Truly wealthy individuals never flaunt their fortune, and besides, I'm seeking a return to simplicity. There are things I've long since stopped caring about."

"There are tens of millions in this bank card, and I've added a little extra for you. If it's not enough, feel free to ask for more. But do be cautious in the coming days; I fear some might have you in their sights."

Lee Xiao had felt an ominous aura from the jade pendant he received.

It was clearly cursed, and an ordinary person might find themselves in misfortune within days, or worse, lose their life.

That Lee Xiao had managed to endure thus far, suffering only financial losses, was no small feat. He suspected there might be more trouble ahead.

He couldn't fathom who would be so sinister as to give him such a jade pendant. It was meant to be a kind gesture from an old man, but it turned out to be a tainted gift. The giver must have been deranged.

"Okay, with that settled, I thank you. But my mother is unaware of my company's troubles. I know she has the means, yet I've never sought her help. I'm counting on you to keep this secret."

With a mix of gratitude and sorrow, Lee Xiao accepted the bank card from Yang Chao.

After a bit more conversation,

Yang Chao ushered him out of the office and surveyed the now vacant space.

He couldn't quite put his finger on the joy bubbling up inside as he beamed and launched the system. His gaze swept over his Experience Points, and his eyes sparkled with delight.

He had just wrapped up a mission, shelling out a cool 20 million. Sure, the next one would set him back 50 million, but it was an auspicious beginning.

Yang Chao had just completed a mission, too, burning through tens of millions in the blink of an eye.

With that done, Yang Chao headed back to the school's office building, where he stumbled upon Wang Cuilian and Lee Jianbin. The pair was in the midst of a nonstop chatter with their children, particularly with their daughter-in-law, while their little grandson was right there, joining in the conversation.

A few elders watched the scene unfold for a bit but soon lost interest, deciding to leave it be. They all had their own families, some even boasting noble titles and hefty bank accounts. Yet, as cultivators, they'd long since learned to detach from familial bonds. To them, dwelling on family matters was trivial, and the more they fixated, the harder it was to achieve success.

"Alright, you better hurry and catch your flight. Drop by and visit us when you can; we're doing just fine here," Wang Cuilian said, nodding gently as she bid farewell to her children.

After all, she was a mother—how could she not ache at her child's departure? Watching them leave stirred a bittersweet feeling inside her, but what could she do?

Lee Xiao gazed at his mother, his eyes tinged with compassion. "Mom, don't worry. I'll work hard out there. I promise to come back and celebrate the New Year with you. I've just been swamped lately, which is why I couldn't make it back sooner."

It seemed that each year, he was engulfed in busyness, making even a brief visit to see his mother a challenge.

For anyone, the inability to see their own child was a profound agony.

"Alright, off you go now. Don't miss your flight," Lee Jianbin said, waving them off as his wife struggled to hold back tears. His expression remained stoic.

This was his son, who had grown up, married, and built his own life. It was time to let go. Clinging on might only hinder his son's growth.