(It’s online now, this Chapter is 11,000 words, a big Chapter presented!)
Chapter 77 [Magical Artifact]
Although the main room’s door was closed, some remnants of the sunset could still be seen through the windows.
Chen Yan sat on a chair. While Chu Keqing was talking with Boss He, he looked up at a black and white portrait hanging on the wall—it was an image of Mrs. He, who looked kind and benevolent in the photo.
The photo was hung above a cabinet, and on the cabinet below the photo were candlesticks and an incense burner, offering fruits and other tributes.
Chen Yan gazed at the portrait, lost in thought. Suddenly, he stood up, glanced at the chatting Chu Keqing and Chairman He, and softly said, "You two continue talking, I’m going for a walk."
Chairman He frowned at the young man. Chu Keqing pursed her lips and smiled apologetically at Chairman He, then gracefully got up and followed Chen Yan to the door, softly asking, "Where are you going?"
"You stay and chat with Chairman He. I’m just going to look around."
Chen Yan waved his hand and turned to leave.
In the main room, Chairman He squinted at Chu Keqing: "Isn’t this young man supposed to be Teacher Chu’s disciple or junior? The way he acts, it seems like Teacher Chu is pretty indulgent with him."
"...Not exactly," Chu Keqing shook her head and said, "He’s a disciple of a fellow cultivator, just staying with me for some time for Cultivation."
Noticing Chairman He’s displeased expression, Chu Keqing added, "I know this is a family matter and shouldn’t have brought an outsider. But this young man has some skills, and I thought he might be able to help."
Chairman He’s expression then softened, and he waved his hand, "Teacher Chu, I don’t mind as long as you can solve the problem."
Chen Yan stepped out of the main room, smiled and nodded at Assistant Zhao, who was guarding the courtyard, then strolled towards the courtyard gate.
"Mr. Chen, where are you heading?" Assistant Zhao took a few steps to follow and asked.
"Nowhere in particular, just wandering around."
Assistant Zhao thought for a moment, "Should I send someone to accompany you?"
"No need. Oh, and don’t wait for me for dinner." Chen Yan instructed and waved before leaving with a smile.
He Village’s size was neither too big nor too small, a typical Dragon Country southern rural area—in such places, the villages were usually quite deserted.
Nowadays, young people either go out to work or pursue their dreams in big cities if they have education. Village life is mostly comprised of left-behind elderly and children, rarely seeing young faces.
However, with just over ten days until the Spring Festival, the village gradually started to have a bit more life.
Chen Yan walked out of the He Family Mansion, meandering along the village paths, observing that many households had their main rooms’ doors wide open. Some families even had young faces, likely home for the New Year.
Chen Yan wandered for a while, played with the chickens and dogs, leisurely strolling through the village roads, finding a sense of familiarity.
Having lived in the countryside with his grandmother before going to university, he felt quite comfortable and at ease with the rural environment.
At the entrance of a small store in the village, a big yellow dog lazily lay against the wall, occasionally scratching its head with its hind leg.
As Chen Yan walked up, the dog didn’t even glance at him, just yawned with its eyes half-closed.
Standing outside the store, Chen Yan saw various New Year goods on the shelves inside and a stall outside selling fireworks and firecrackers.
From the doorway, he could hear the clattering sound of Mahjong tiles.
Chen Yan entered the store, casually picked up a bottle of Coke from a shelf, and noticed a small side door on the left. Through the door, he saw a smoky room with three or five Mahjong tables, crowded with people.
A man hugging a hot water bag, probably the store owner, poked his head out from the Mahjong room and glanced at Chen Yan, then said in a flat tone, "Coke is two yuan, scan to pay yourself."
This combination of running a small shop and a Mahjong parlor was familiar to him, as it was common in his hometown. Except during festivals, the small shop hardly made any money, while the Mahjong business was the main income source. After scanning and paying for the Coke, Chen Yan dove into the Mahjong room and nonchalantly stood by a table to watch the game.
He wasn’t dim-witted, and after days of Essence Nourishing, his senses were sharp. He quickly grasped the local Mahjong rules by watching for a while.
After waiting for some time, one player stood up, likely going for dinner. Chen Yan went over and patted the owner, "Is there a free spot? Can I play a couple of rounds?"
The owner looked at the young man, and seeing him looking so young, he wasn’t overly cautious—Chen Yan didn’t look at all like an undercover police officer.
"Can you really play? It’s for money," the owner swiftly said.
"Yes." Chen Yan nodded, calmly asking, "How much for the tea?"
The owner quoted a price, then smiled and pulled out a chair for Chen Yan, "For dinner, I have noodles and fried rice. Let me know if you want anything."
The three people at the table were clearly local idlers.
In the countryside, there were many of such people who farmed during busy seasons and took odd jobs when not busy, leading neither rich nor poor lives, without much ambition—not willing to endure the hardships of moving to big cities or working in factories.
While staying in the countryside, they would play Mahjong and gamble a bit when free. Winning meant buying some good cigarettes, having a drink, or adding a special dish at home. When losing, they would grumble and curse.