The establishment of these three companies didn't actually require much capital; only a portion for management fees was needed, and it promised immense returns. Still, just to be safe, we brought five tons of gold back to the capital.

Calculating at one hundred yuan per gram, five tons of gold were worth five hundred million yuan. To be honest, if the serpent pearls weren't so precious—every one sold was one less—I might as well have just sold a few of those. Fortunately, the transport plane was large enough to haul all this gold back; otherwise, bringing it to the capital would have been impossible.

We chose a secluded military base near the capital as our landing site. The few officers sent by the Chairman to greet us were stunned speechless by the colossal transport aircraft. Even the Star Nation, renowned for its advanced technology, didn't possess such an enormous transport. If this thing were modified into a military bomber, a dozen of them could level all the major cities in Bird Country.

The officers, despite their astonishment, understood the rules of secrecy. Without another word, they arranged for personnel to accompany the plane to a naval shipyard to deliver the submarine. The military only needed to install their ready-made nuclear reactor onto the vessel, and the submarine would be complete.

We declined the unit’s offer of transport because we had already contacted Fang Yanmeng and Xiao Chuchu on our way back to the city. They were waiting for us just outside the base.

Unexpectedly, as soon as we exited the base gate, we ran straight into Zhu Da. Before I could even speak, Zhu Da swung a punch at me. "Commander Zhao, you've stirred up huge trouble!"

I rubbed Zhu Da's forehead. "Are you sick? I just got back, what major trouble could I have caused?"

At that moment, Fang Yanmeng and Xiao Chuchu also came forward to greet me. Fang Yanmeng, especially, made no attempt to hide her affection, practically clinging to my arm.

Ignoring the warm reception, Zhu Da pulled me aside. "You haven't been home in over two months. Your parents somehow found out you stopped collecting medicinal herbs in the small town. They've been searching for you everywhere and are nearly frantic. I suspect you’re in for a reckoning this time; you’d better buy some trauma ointment at the pharmacy first."

A cold sweat instantly broke out on my forehead. Damn, this time I’m finished. My parents had such high hopes for me at the Huashi Group; that was precisely why I had never dared to tell them I had resigned. During our two-month 'seclusion,' we had completely forgotten to cook up an excuse. Oh heavens, I couldn't worry about anything else; I had to get home immediately to beg for forgiveness, perhaps even carrying thorns as penance.

The girls were chatting animatedly over there, so I grabbed Fang Yanmeng’s hand. "You need to take me home right now. I’m in serious trouble this time."

"What’s wrong? You look so stressed," Fang Yanmeng seemed displeased that I interrupted her conversation with Zhao Fen and Zhao Fang.

"I'll tell you on the way," I turned back to the group. "You all enjoy yourselves. We’ll connect by phone tonight. I have an urgent matter, so Mengmeng needs to take me away immediately."

Ignoring their questions, I pulled Fang Yanmeng into the car and sped off, leaving Zhu Da behind to explain things to the others.

"Aren't you going to invite me up for a visit, Brother Zhao Qian?" Fang Yanmeng looked at me with hopeful eyes.

I knew my own business. Having committed such a huge offense this time, I was surely going to face family discipline. If Fang Yanmeng saw that scene, she would inevitably mock me later.

"Next time, maybe. I have something pressing with my family this time."

Fang Yanmeng lightly kissed my cheek, her demeanor quite tender and yielding. "Remember to call me. It's been over two months; I’ve missed you terribly."

Though reluctant to leave, getting home was paramount. I quickly said goodbye to Fang Yanmeng and climbed the stairs, my heart heavy with unease, to knock on the door.

My mother was overjoyed to see me, even shedding tears. "Zhao Qian, you’re finally back! I missed you so much; you’ve lost weight being out for so many days... (Her tone shifted abruptly) You wicked child! Where have you been all this time, and why did you quit your job without saying a word..."

Initially, my mother was overwhelmingly concerned, but concern quickly gave way to the big stick. While reprimanding me, she shouted toward the room, "Old Zhao! Your son is back!"

Oh no, why was Dad home? Perhaps the construction site was on holiday break with the Lunar New Year approaching. I had planned to get home early, placate Mom, so that when Dad came home to beat me, she could intercede. Now it was disastrous; both of them were furious. Pity my backside.

Sure enough, Dad stormed out of the room brandishing a rolling pin, grabbed me, and hauled me onto the living room sofa. The rolling pin descended mercilessly onto my rear.

"You little brat! You didn't apply yourself in high school and failed to get into university; you didn't apply yourself during your military service and got sent home when your term ended; you were inconsistent at work, got fired, and now this! What exactly do you want to do? What can you do? How did the Zhao family produce a rebellious son like you? Today, I’m going to break your legs!"

Even bullets couldn't harm me, so naturally, I wasn't afraid of Dad’s rolling pin. But not being afraid didn't mean the pain wasn't real. It hurt so much that I cried out while sprawled across the sofa.

"Dad, I didn’t sneak off to play. I’m starting my own company now. Besides, you might have misunderstood. Even though I’m not at Huashi Chinese Medicine Factory anymore, I’ve been transferred to the General Company's Research Office as a research assistant for the General Manager."

Unexpectedly, my statement only made my father strike harder. "You dare to lie to me! With your high school education, you think you can be a research assistant to the General Manager? Are you trying to fool me? You’re almost 24, and you don't even have a wife yet. Is the lineage of our Zhao family going to end with you?"

I retorted, "Dad, I have a girlfriend! Why don't I bring her home tonight for you to see?"

Upon hearing this, my mother immediately rushed forward to pull my father's arm away. "Son, is that Xiaoyu you brought home last time? That girl has a good heart and seems sensible, just a bit childish. I'm afraid she's still quite young."

I inwardly thought, Not young? She's nearly four hundred years old. But Xiaoyu was unwilling to openly acknowledge me as her girlfriend because she knew she couldn't bear children, so she would never enter my home in that capacity.

"Mom, I told you, she’s someone I consider a sister. My girlfriend is someone else entirely."

It seemed using a girlfriend as a shield was effective. Mom said to Dad, "Alright, Old Zhao, you've hit him enough; calm down. Don't hurt the child badly, or your Zhao family will truly end up without descendants. I think we should confine him for a couple of days so he can reflect."

Dad put down the rolling pin and said sternly, "Sit still! Tell me, why did you resign from Huashi Pharmaceutical Group? Your mother begged her former male classmate to help you get that job—it was a huge favor! And what do you do? After only a few days, you offend your superiors, you sneak back to the city when you’re supposed to be acquiring herbs, and you dare to resign on your own initiative! Do you have any regard for your mother and me?"

"Dad, you've misunderstood me. I actually didn't resign. I really am a research assistant for the manager at the General Company. If you don't believe me, I can call Manager Hua to confirm it for you."

Dad picked up the rolling pin again, preparing to strike. "Do you think I’m a three-year-old? I know a thing or two about the General Manager of Huashi Group. She’s a young, beautiful girl; why would she take a liking to you and appoint you as a research assistant? If you keep stringing me along, I’ll beat you again!"

Since Dad didn't believe me, it was best if I said less to avoid another thrashing.

Seeing that I had gone silent, Dad finally lowered the rolling pin and told me, "From today onward, you are forbidden to go anywhere. Stay in your room and reflect. That job at Huashi Chinese Medicine Factory was such a good position for you to throw away. I’ll have your mother ask her classmate again tomorrow; perhaps there’s still a chance to salvage the situation."

Judging by Dad’s reluctant expression, he likely disliked Mom asking her old male classmate for favors, but considering my future, he conceded. Sigh, Dad, I really am Hua Qingqing’s research assistant; why won’t you believe me?

Mom shot me a meaningful look. "Aren't you going back to your room? Go write a profound self-criticism—no less than five thousand characters." I knew Mom was doing this out of love, afraid that if I stayed in the living room, Dad might lose his temper again and beat me once more.