Chapter 58: You're Really Willing to Give It Up
Ye Linfang's expression was very serious. "During the Awakening Assessment, you developed a crush on that child. We all know that."
"In our family, we don't judge people based on background; otherwise, I wouldn't have married your grandfather."
"So, we will just watch from a distance and let things take their course as long as it doesn't cross the line."
"But your behavior is too reckless and irrational."
"If this budding relationship benefits you, we'll be happy to bless it, but if it clouds your judgment, Grandma will step in."
Xue Ruyan blushed but remained firm. "Grandma, you misunderstood. I do have a good impression of Jiang, but I'm not blinded by it."
"Right now, we're just good friends."
Ye Linfang tapped her finger against the phone screen. "Good friends? And yet, you're using the merit points your mother left behind? You're even asking me to guarantee your purchase of such a rare item?"
"50,000 merit points might not mean much to our family, but for you, it's a massive sum. Your mother left it for your future..."
Xue Ruyan took a deep breath, her expression resolute. "Grandma, please trust me."
She had promised to keep Jiang Tian's secret. Even though Ye Linfang was family, she couldn't reveal anything without his permission.
She owed him her life.
Xue Ruyan knew the gratitude the Xue family had shown Jiang Tian was far from enough.
Because she had genuine feelings for him, she wanted to repay him first. That way, their future interactions wouldn't feel like a debt but something purely their own choice.
A drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring of gratitude.
How could she not repay Jiang Tian for everything he had done?
After thinking long and hard, she had decided—this was the best way to thank him.
Ye Linfang looked at her granddaughter's determined face and remained silent for a long time. Then, she suddenly smiled.
"Alright, Grandma understands. I'll guarantee it for you."
She took out her phone and started processing the request.
A moment later, a video call notification popped up. After confirming her identity, Ye Linfang completed the guarantee, allowing Xue Ruyan to redeem her chosen gift.
"Grandma, thank you!" Xue Ruyan threw her arms around Ye Linfang, hugging her tightly.
---
"It Seems Your Aunt Made a Mistake..."
Ye Linfang stroked her granddaughter's hair. "It seems that careless aunt of yours misjudged things..."
"Grandma..." Xue Ruyan stiffened slightly, about to say something to defend her aunt.
But before she could speak, Ye Linfang interrupted.
"Everyone has their own little secrets. You don't have to tell me, and I won't ask."
"You're a smart girl. I trust your judgment."
"Grandma is the best!" Xue Ruyan's voice was slightly choked with emotion as she buried her head in her grandmother's arms.
Ye Linfang chuckled. "Really? Then who's better, Grandma or Grandpa?"
"Of course, it's Grandma!"
Ye Linfang burst into laughter. "Hahaha! That's right. Your grandpa, that old man, doesn't compare to me!"
---
The Next Day: A Special Delivery
The Tang State's official exchange system was highly efficient.
The very next day, the package arrived.
After verifying the contents, Xue Ruyan picked up her phone and sent a message to Jiang Tian.
> [To thank Jiang for saving my life, I prepared a mysterious gift. Do you have time today?]
After sending it, she lay down on the sofa, waiting.
Ding!
She turned over and grabbed her phone. Jiang Tian had already replied.
> [If you have time and it's convenient, please come to my house. I have something important to discuss with you.]
Jiang Tian took the initiative to invite her over?
Something important to discuss?
She didn't think Jiang Tian would joke about such a thing. She immediately packed her things and asked Aunt Juan to drive her there.
Since it was urgent, she didn't even dress up much.
It only took ten minutes to reach Jiang Tian's home.
After ringing the doorbell, the door quickly opened.
---
Unexpected Welcome
To her surprise, the person who opened the door wasn't Jiang Tian.
"Master Huang?"
It was Huang Hui.
Xue Ruyan was stunned.
But then, she quickly understood.
She turned to Aunt Juan.
"Aunt Juan, you can go back first. Since Master Huang is here, my safety is guaranteed."
Aunt Juan hesitated but then said, "Miss, I'll wait in the car."
She could tell there was something private going on, but for safety reasons, she didn't leave.
"That's fine. Thank you, Aunt Juan."
With that, Xue Ruyan stepped inside.
As soon as she did, she noticed something unusual.
There were formation fluctuations in the house.
She quickly followed them—toward the kitchen.
---
Jiang Tian's Kitchen Experiment
Upon entering, she immediately smelled a strong aroma.
Her stomach rumbled involuntarily.
She turned her gaze toward the chopping board.
There were various processed ingredients, neatly arranged.
"What is all this...?"
Huang Hui chuckled. "I went to the No. 17 Level 3 Portal and killed some aliens so my junior brother could practice."
Xue Ruyan blinked.
"Portal No. 17 in Xiang City connects to the Red Realm. What kind of alien did you kill?"
Huang Hui smiled mischievously and pointed to the corner of the kitchen.
Xue Ruyan turned her head—and froze.
There, on the floor, lay a massive pig's head.
Its skin was reddish, and a flame symbol burned between its brows.
"Is this... the Red Pig Tribe?"
She gasped.
The Red Pig Tribe was one of the dominant races of the Red Realm.
"That's right." Huang Hui grinned. "A fine specimen, isn't it?"
Then, his gaze fell on the box in Xue Ruyan's hands.
He froze.
Recognizing the logo on the box, Huang Hui's expression changed.
"Girl... what exactly are you holding?"
"A thank-you gift for Jiang. He saved my life, so I prepared something special for him,"** she said with a soft smile.
Huang Hui stared at her in shock.
Then, he took a sharp breath.
"This is a restricted war reserve resource. And you're giving it as a gift?"
"You're really willing to give it up?"