Chapter 108: Parents’ Reflections
Three Bentleys were driving neatly down the street, and even in Celestial Sea City, they attracted some attention.
But people only took a few extra glances, and most turned their attention back to themselves. Occasionally, a few youngsters would curiously snap some photos and send them to friends as a topic of conversation for the day.
There are too many wealthy people in Celestial Sea City, and too many chances to see luxury cars. Not that longtime residents are numb to money, but they've come to understand that others' wealth has nothing to do with them, and instead of paying too much attention, they focus on working hard to earn their own money.
In the first Bentley sat Li Jing and Li Jing's parents.
The second one was occupied by the uncle, Li Xiaoxiao, and An Tong.
The third had Ge Qin and Zhang Xinxin; originally, the aunt and her spouse were supposed to be there too, but the aunt changed her plans last minute, so it ended up being just Ge Qin.
The Bentley, as a mid-to-large luxury SUV, had a spacious rear with plenty of room, allowing passengers to stretch their legs freely, but Li Weijun and Liu Mei seemed a bit restrained sitting back there.
Seeing the seats equipped with entertainment tablets, Liu Mei glanced at the driver and then lightly patted Li Jing, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, whispering, "Son, this car must be expensive..."
Before Li Jing could respond, Li Weijun, who knew a bit about it, chimed in, "Isn't this car called a Bentley, a top luxury vehicle?"
"Yes, the rental is paid for, please just enjoy the ride. Renting this car is to ensure you're comfortable."
Li Jing chuckled, "Didn't I just say? Don't worry about money, just relax and enjoy this trip to Celestial Sea City."
Upon hearing this, Liu Mei was still somewhat incredulous, cautiously touching the leather seat, saying, "Son, I know you're outstanding, but I didn't know you're doing so well, thriving in Celestial Sea City."
Li Weijun was also impressed by Li Jing's generosity, "Son, I heard from Xiaoxiao that you're wealthier than that Wang Dafu now, is it true?"
Upon hearing this, Li Jing was initially startled, then recalled a former neighbor named Wang Dafu who had made millions, bought luxury cars and a new house, and had been quite impressive.
This had previously left Li Weijun, who had unpleasant dealings with Wang Dafu, quite vexed.
Recalling the name now made Li Jing smile, realizing Xiaoxiao's comparison hit a sensitive spot for his father, so he answered, "Dad, don't worry. No matter how many factories Wang Dafu opened back then, he never earned as much as I do."
"Really?"
Upon hearing this, Li Weijun was initially shocked, then clapped his hands joyfully, repeating "Good" three times.
"Why compare our son to Wang Dafu? That Wang Dafu is a petty man who made money by deceiving and scheming, he can't compare to our son."
As if more assured, Liu Mei leaned closer, whispering to Li Jing, "Son, be frank with me, how much money do you really have now? I feel uneasy watching you spend like this."
She gently held Li Jing's arm, earnestly saying, "Even if you're not well off, it's alright, I won't let your uncle know. I hear people say the economy is tough now, with many young people unemployed. If you're really struggling, just come home, we'll always have room for you."
Hearing her words reminded Li Jing of how his parents tirelessly worked to support him, bringing a wave of emotion to him.
He smiled warmly, turned to face his mother's face lined with wrinkles, and said, "Mom, rest assured, our family's hard times are over. I've truly made money."
Liu Mei looked into Li Jing's eyes for a while before exhaling a sigh of relief, her eyes getting slightly red as her last ounce of worry dissipated, she said reassuringly, "I know... You've worked hard all these years, son."
Hearing Liu Mei's words, Li Weijun also felt somewhat emotional, lightly patting his partner, then said to Li Jing:
"Son, whatever you're doing in Celestial Sea City, we won't pry, just hope you are healthy and happy. We weren't much help, your journey here can't rely on us. Though you've made money, don't waste it on us, just use it where necessary. Whenever you can, come home and visit."
Feeling moved by his father's words, Li Jing responded, "Don't worry, Mom and Dad, I'm doing well. I want you to enjoy my success too. Your happiness is my happiness."
Hearing Li Jing's words, Li Weijun and Liu Mei clasped each other's hands without saying much more.
Liu Mei turned to look out of the window, quietly wiping her eyes in the back seat, letting Li Jing know she wasn't as calm inside as she seemed...
...
Upon arrival at Jiangtan Vacation Hotel, Li Jing had already booked another suite for his family.
Counting a week's renewal for his own suite, Li Jing's hotel spending this time added up to 924,000, rewarding him with a system bonus of 9.24 million.
Seeing his savings easily grow by nearly ten million, Li Jing was secretly astounded.
Truly, the wealthier you are, the more you spend, making it easier to earn more money.
Whilst Li Jing was marveling at his income, Li Weijun and the others, led by the dedicated butler, reached the suite's entrance.
The luxurious and spacious environment of the suite left everyone speechless. This сhаptеr's truе sоurсе is Мy Virtuаl Librаry Еmpirе (М|V|LЕМР-YR).
Li Fuguo was the first to react, turning back to Li Jing with astonishment and a hint of embarrassment, "Li Jing, you've spent a lot this time, this room can't be cheap. Giving the room to your parents, we can manage in a regular room."
"It's alright, Uncle, you rarely visit Celestial Sea City, so it's only right to host you well. Moreover, you helped me a lot when I was young, I remember it all."
Li Jing's words were not just polite; as the eldest of the Li Family, Li Fuguo indeed helped his younger brother's family quite a bit.
Especially since Li Jing was the eldest grandson, traditionally-minded Li Fuguo often treated him like half a son, whenever he brought back goodies from his travels, whatever his daughter received, Li Jing would get as well.
Thus, the families maintained a close relationship, and Li Jing and Li Xiaoxiao were also very close.
Hearing Li Jing's words, Li Fuguo hesitated a moment, then firmly patted Li Jing's shoulder once more, saying with emotion, "Good, good, finally a promising descendant in the Li Family."
Upon hearing this, Li Weijun and Liu Mei exchanged glances and stepped forward too, saying, "Brother, since Li Jing has booked the room, don't refuse."
"Yes, brother, this suite has three bedrooms, we can all stay here, no need to worry."
"Three bedrooms?"
Li Fuguo was taken aback, only shook his head with emotion after the butler enthusiastically showed him around, "Celestial Sea City is really different, hotels are bigger than ours, no, bigger than our home back there."
Although Li Weijun and Liu Mei were just persuading Li Fuguo earlier, the couple was also impressed by the room's environment.
Just like Li Fuguo's sentiments, they genuinely agreed.
Everyone looked around, yet not one dared to sit down.
"Mom and Dad, Uncle, please enjoy your stay. I've booked seven days, you can arrange the three rooms however you like.
You can rest here, if anything comes up, feel free to ring my doorbell or find the butler."
With that, Li Jing instructed the nearby butler, "Please help my parents with their luggage and show them the room details, like the bathroom, they might not be familiar."
"Certainly, Mr. Li, rest assured, I'll take good care of your family."
After Li Jing left, the butler smiled warmly, "Uncle, Auntie, let me help you with your luggage..."
"Oh no, no need, we can manage ourselves..."
Seeing this, Liu Mei hurriedly stepped forward, afraid of tiring the butler, "This suitcase isn't light, don't strain yourself."
"It's alright, Auntie, let me assist."
Watching the female butler helping Liu Mei and others with their luggage, Ge Qin, who temporarily placed her suitcase in the living room, glanced towards Li Jing's departure direction, her expression subtly changed before quietly asking Li Xiaoxiao beside her:
"Xiaoxiao, those two very pretty women... assistants by Li Jing's side, did they head back?"
"You mean Sister Xinxin and Sister Tong?"
Li Xiaoxiao turned to answer, "No, they are also staying here."
"They're staying here too?" Ge Qin asked in surprise, "Did Li Jing also book a suite for them?"
"No," Li Xiaoxiao shook her head, "They're staying in the same suite as my brother."
"In the same suite?!"
At those words, Ge Qin's eyes widened, various scenes from TV dramas and novels flashed across her mind.
Li Xiaoxiao looked puzzled, "Sister Qin, why is your face red?"
"Ah, is it? No, no, maybe it's too hot here."
With those words, Ge Qin promptly turned and headed towards the bedroom allocated to her.