Chapter 13: Uncle, don’t you like it?
Chen An wasn’t concern about Ding Sheng realising anything awry. Even if he did decide to investigate him, he will only find that ‘Chen An’ is just a normal man in his thirties who couldn’t be any more ordinary.
As for how he would wash the money in his hands clean, Chen An have his ways. Shanghai isn’t a place that lacks opportunities to launder money, and one good example would be betting.
There are people who specialises in collecting winning lotteries. All Chen An had to do is to buy a winning lottery and then claim the money to have an explanation for the sudden amount of cash in his disposal.
Just like normal, Chen An got ready to leave for 'work’ after eating breakfast. His cover to Chen Yang was to tell him that he had a job as a security guard in an upscale residential area. This lie also conveniently explains away the nights when he didn’t return home.
The crafty fox habitually leave wiggle room in his lies; he also habitually place limited trust in the people around him.
Lu Feng’s betrayal is an inerasable shadow over his heart.
'Uncle, wait!’ Chen Yang suddenly shouted after his departing uncle.
'Yes?’ Chen Yang paused by the open door as he stared at the nearby youth rummaging through his bag. While he knew Chen Yang is a good-natured kid, he nevertheless still kept a measure of cautious distance between them.
Carrying a small bag in his hands, Chen Yang scampered over. As though he was feeling too bashful to say anything, Chen Yang merely handed the bag over to Chen An before murmuring haltingly, 'Uncle, I just got my pay. Please take this.’
'What is it?’ Chen An was stumped for a moment. While he knew that Chen yang was schooling, he certainly didn’t know that Chen Yang was working a part-time job as well.
He was indeed baffled at first; Why did Chen Yang chose to stay off-campous instead of inside? Was it because it would be more conveninent for work?
'Open it up.’ Chen Yang could barely contain his excitement, like a child waiting to receive words of praise, his face held only anticipation as he faced Chen An.
And in that moment, his innocent and pure gaze reminded Chen An sharply of his brother. Years ago, when they were still making a name for themselves, they often could not eat the dishes of their hometown. Then, to make Chen Zhang An happy, Chen Zhang Le would ventured out to Chinatown on his own to learn how to cook.
The first time Zhang Le made him a table of Chinese dishes, he had looked at Chen An with the same eagerness that Chen Yang have now.
Chen An broke into a startling smile. It has been a long time since he felt such a heartwarming emotion.
He pulled open the bag and removed an exquisitely packaged box. Inside it was a phone. While it wasn’t a brand that many people recognize, for a student working to pay for his own tuition, this phone cost a fairly sizeable sum.
'Uncle, my number is already stored inside the phone and the calls are already prepaid. This way, the next time when its too dark and you couldn’t catch a bus home, I can come fetch you.’
For the past several days, Chen An had been returning home only when its late into the night. Chen Yang had been worried sick but yet he had no way of contacting his uncle. So in the end, he made up his mind and decided to bite the bullet to buy Chen An a phone.
Seeing that Chen An had not spoken a word at all, Chen Yang gingerly tested the waters and carefully asked, 'Uncle, don’t you like it?’
Ever since he entered university, Chen Yang had never once asked for handouts from his family. Hence each day when he wasn’t in class, he would be working because other than his tuition and rent, he had to cover his own monthly expenses.
Before he was hospitalised, Chen An would often buy food for Chen Yang and on occasion, even stuffed some money to him. Though they did not meet often, but Chen An’s kindness had been deeply engraved into Chen Yang’s mind.
Now that Chen An had fallen into trouble; not only is he bankrupt but that he almost killed himself, Chen An would not abandon his relative no matter.
'I like it. I like it a lot.’ It was rare for Chen An to feel so touched. He could only lament to himself that he had apparently not become completely cold-blooded as he stepped forward to gently enveloped Chen Yang in a hug.
Patting gently on Chen Yang’s back, Chen An asked, 'Would you be eating dinner at home tonight?’
'Yes.’ Chen Yang replied instantly without thought.
'Then wait for me tonight so we can eat together.’
Done with the conversation, Chen An took the phone and left. Chen Yang on the other hand, stood frozen at his spot in a daze. He lowered his head and touched the spot where Chen An had hugged him. He felt a light sensation of warmth and satisfaction.
Relatives really are the best, Chen Yang thought quietly. In a great mood, he proceeded to clear the dishes with a song.