More bizarre than daydreams

After listening to his son's account, Xiao Zhenshan and Bai Yuzhen were both astonished.

Although their son spoke with utmost seriousness and it was clear he wasn't joking, laying out his story in an orderly fashion, and his mind seemed perfectly sound, the tale itself was so incredible that it strained the bounds of belief.

"Son, you're not teasing your mother, are you? How could such a huge windfall just fall into your lap?" Bai Yuzhen asked, half skeptical.

Xiao Zhenshan added, "What’s hardest to believe is that you actually received some kind of enlightenment from Elder Zhao, and that he somehow bestowed upon you all his skills—music, chess, calligraphy, painting, medicine, astrology—everything. Are you sure you haven’t read too many novels and started daydreaming in broad daylight?"

Xiao Yao knew that sharing such a story would naturally invite doubt, but he couldn’t simply keep silent. No one knew him better than his parents; aside from his handsome looks, he was essentially unskilled and unlearned. For someone who knew nothing to suddenly become a master of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, medicine, and astrology—proficient in all—of course it would seem suspicious.

Rather than inventing explanations later, Xiao Yao decided to come up with a reason now. He thought the "enlightenment" explanation given by Tang Zhengshan was perfect—a mystical term familiar enough to pique curiosity, yet obscure enough that no one really understood its workings.

"I knew you wouldn't believe me. Wait a moment, I'll go get some proof."

In a short while, Xiao Yao returned carrying two boxes and two property ownership certificates.

He first opened the jewelry box, took out the jade bracelet inside, and handed it to his mother. "Mom, this is a jade bracelet I bought for you. See if you like it."

"So transparent—it looks like ice jade, and the color is so vivid. If this is genuine, it must cost a fortune." Bai Yuzhen examined the bracelet repeatedly, the more she looked, the more convinced she became of its authenticity, and found herself reluctant to let it go.

"It's genuine. Here's the receipt—have a look," Xiao Yao said, handing her the invoice from the jewelry box.

"One million four hundred sixty thousand!" Bai Yuzhen exclaimed in shock at the price printed on the receipt. "It does seem real, and it’s certainly a fine piece. But even if you have money, you shouldn’t be so extravagant! A bracelet costing over a million—this is just too much. I wouldn’t dare wear it outside."

Xiao Yao replied, "I was planning to buy you something even more expensive, but for now, let’s start with this one so you can get used to it."

He then opened the watch box, took out the timepiece, and handed it to his father. "A new model from Vacheron Constantin—see if you like it."

Xiao Zhenshan took the watch and grew more enamored the longer he looked. The white gold casing, sapphire dial, perpetual calendar, moon phase and leap year display—all the features of this luxury watch he had only seen in pictures before.

"Our company boss's watch barely passes the hundred-thousand mark, but this one is worth over a million. Won’t it attract too much attention?" Men are notoriously weak in the face of luxury cars and watches, and Xiao Zhenshan was no exception.

"Just wear it with confidence. It was a gift from your son, not something gained through corruption or bribery. What’s there to worry about? If it causes trouble, I’ll find you a new job," Xiao Yao replied boldly.

"True enough. Then I’ll wear it." Xiao Zhenshan strapped the watch onto his left wrist, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

Xiao Yao then handed each of his parents a property deed. "These are two properties I inherited. Go ahead and confirm for yourselves whether I’m dreaming. One glance should make it clear."

In truth, after receiving the gifts, Xiao Zhenshan and Bai Yuzhen already believed their son’s story. But the property deeds were on a whole different level than gifts worth a hundred thousand; holding them, both parents felt a tangible weight.

Seeing their son’s name clearly written on the deeds, and carefully checking the area listed, it truly felt like a dream.

In the blink of an eye, their once unskilled, worrisome son had become a billionaire and inherited an array of extraordinary abilities—something they hadn’t dared to dream even in their wildest imagination!

Xiao Yao knew his parents would need time to adjust and calm down. With time, they would gradually become accustomed to their new life.

"Mom, Dad, today’s lunch is the last meal we’ll have at home. The villa has a housekeeper and chef—everything you could need. Starting today, I’m taking you there to enjoy a good life. Why don’t we head over now?" Xiao Yao suggested.

"We only moved into this place less than two years ago, and now we’re moving again?" Bai Yuzhen was reluctant to leave.

She had overseen every step, from paying for the apartment to decorating it, pouring countless effort into the process. She had always thought she’d spend her life in this 140 square meter home, never imagining she’d one day move into a grand villa. Her feelings were a mixture of nostalgia and anticipation.

"It’s not really moving. The villa has everything you need; you don’t have to bring a thing, just move in and enjoy a new environment. The landscaping is excellent—I’m sure you’ll love it once you’re there," Xiao Yao reassured her.

"Don’t be sentimental. Why cling to a small apartment when you could live in a villa? Let’s go take a look. Your son has made it—let’s enjoy some comfort," Xiao Zhenshan said, keeping up a calm appearance despite the sudden change, his experience as a mid-level manager at a state-owned enterprise showing.

Bai Yuzhen said, "At least let me pack some daily necessities and clothes. Otherwise, I’ll have to come back tomorrow to sort things out."

"Mom, you don’t need to pack anything. Housekeeper Lu is extremely competent; he’s already bought clothes and daily necessities for you and Dad. You can move right in without a worry."

"He even bought our clothes? This Housekeeper Lu hasn’t even met us—how can he know what’s suitable?" Bai Yuzhen was uneasy.

Xiao Zhenshan replied, "You worry too much. Didn’t you hear what our son said? Housekeeper Lu served Elder Zhao for decades—he’s surely capable. It’ll be fine."

As they headed downstairs, Xiao Zhenshan asked, "My Buick is a company car—I still need it for commuting. There’s space for it at the villa, right?"

"There’s space, but you won’t need to drive it anymore. Today I brought over a Mercedes S600. Take a look and see if you like it—if you do, it’s yours from now on." Xiao Yao was determined to help his parents adapt to every aspect of their new life.