Chapter 150: Paying a Visit

In the sitting room.

The maid brought several steaming cups of tea, placed them before everyone, moving with meticulous precision and respectful posture, appearing well‑trained.

Ba De, Ma Lin Da, and the three children, however, seemed a bit unaccustomed and hurriedly voiced their thanks.

When the maid withdrew, the steward Ma Li Er, also very considerate, claimed he needed to tidy the rooms and left the sitting room, allowing the family to relax slightly.

Ba De lifted his tea cup and took a sip.

He had never tasted fine tea before, yet he could discern that the tea in his hand was different—sweet, mellow, and surely expensive.

He remained silent, the atmosphere grew quiet, and the three children sat side by side on the sofa, looking rather uneasy.

Until Ma Lin Da broke the silence.

She had been watching her eldest son and asked, "Lei En, how did you become like this? You've grown taller and stronger than before. God of Magic above, if you return home alone, I might drive you out."

"Ha ha…" Lei En couldn't help but laugh.

In his memory, mother Ma Lin Da was a devout follower of the God of Magic and an optimistic woman, kind to all the children, cheerful, and fond of telling jokes.

Father Ba De, on the other hand, played the role of a strict dad, making the children somewhat fearful.

The couple's personalities complemented each other, sustaining the family.

Now that Ma Lin Da asks this, it shows she already believes she is Lei En.

Lei En, half‑truth half‑lie, explained, "Mother, many people change after becoming supernormal beings. I was lucky to fuse a powerful Element called 'Iron Body', so I look like this; countless people desire it but never get the chance."

Ma Lin Da, unfamiliar with this, asked, "Is that Element really that miraculous?"

"If you don't believe, ask Buli Sete; he's been at the Supernormal Academy for half a year and should have heard about it…" Lei En began, but Buli Sete shouted, "Iron Body!"

"Lei En, you actually have a Supreme Element?"

His eyes bulged, staring fixedly at Lei En's face.

Seeing that looking wasn't enough, curiosity drove him forward, pinching the skin on Lei En's back of the hand, examining it carefully as if admiring a priceless treasure.

"God of Magic…" Buli Sete clicked in amazement, "So the Iron Body is like this; I actually get to see it with my own eyes."

Lei En allowed him to observe.

Ba De and Ma Lin Da also picked up clues from Buli Sete's tone.

"Buli Sete, quickly tell us."

"Alright, Mother." Buli Sete, a bit embarrassed, released Lei En's hand and began to explain.

He had spent half a year at the Supernormal Academy, mastering considerable basic knowledge about supernormal beings, being very interested in various Elements, so he had long heard of the Iron Body.

Buli Sete's mind was quick and his eloquence fine; he concisely introduced the levels, rarity, and strength of Soul Elements, describing the marvel of the Iron Body, and even Ka Luo Di and Cathy understood.

The family's gaze toward Lei En changed instantly.

Ba De and Ma Lin Da finally felt relieved.

"So that's how it is." Ma Lin Da stood, silently prayed to the God of Magic, and whispered, "God bless!"

Ba De also nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

He had once held great expectations for his eldest son, but over the past years had gradually lost patience; now Lei En finally walks the right path, having fused a powerful Element, his future boundless, and as a father he feels very pleased.

However, he still felt some confusion.

A Supreme Element might be mighty, yet Lei En has only been a supernormal being for half a year, his rank certainly low—how could he have earned so much money?

Ba De couldn't help but ask, "Lei En, where did this house come from? Buli Sete also said you're about to be granted a barony?"

"All of this came from it," Lei En pointed to a Phonograph in the sitting room.

Everyone looked at the Phonograph.

In fact they had long seen this trumpet‑flower‑shaped piece of furniture, not knowing its purpose, curious yet too shy to ask.

Even Buli Sete didn't understand; he had heard classmates mention this newly released item but had never seen it himself.

Lei En rose to activate the Phonograph, and a pleasant melody rang out.

The whole family listened entranced.

Only after the song finished did Lei En cut the music and explain to them.

He had already prepared his story: after leaving home, he secluded himself in Longshande for several months, invented the Phonograph, then Viola discovered its potential, funded him for a Soul Transformation ceremony, and he became a supernormal being.

Later he partnered with Viola, presented the Phonograph to the Silver Star Duke, and founded the Silver Star Record Company.

The Silver Star Duke was also enthusiastic about the Phonograph, rewarding a large sum of money and deciding to grant him a baronial title.

This explanation, half true half false, did not frighten Lei En from being discovered by his family.

Whether it was the Abyssal Gate incident or the founding of the Silver Star Record Company, neither was something the family could possibly encounter, almost impossible to expose.

Speaking the truth would only cause unnecessary worry and self‑doubt.

Although Ba De and Ma Lin Da still found it somewhat unreal that their son could invent such a marvelous Phonograph, the fact lay before them, and they had to believe.

Lei En also tried to mimic his former tone and manner, easing their guard.

Unconsciously, that familiar feeling returned.

At noon, Lei En had long had the kitchen prepare a sumptuous lunch; at the table he deliberately recounted past events, subtly convincing his family that he was still the Lei En of before, unchanged.

In the afternoon.

Steward Ma Li Er arrived with two senior tailors, commissioning several outfits for each family member, including formal wear, everyday casuals, evening gowns, and so on.

Each outfit's price was quoted in Gold Shield units, leaving the family gaping.

By evening, Lei En took the family to the most upscale restaurant in the Silver Star District, enjoying an expensive yet delicious dinner that opened their eyes.

After the meal, they rode a carriage back to the villa.

Today's experience let the family taste what aristocratic life feels like; Ba De and Ma Lin Da remained rather restrained, while the three younger siblings were thrilled.

Seeing Ba De's hesitant expression, Lei En said, "Buli Sete, take Ka Luo Di and Cathy upstairs to see your own rooms."

"Alright, follow me quickly." Buli Sete responded swiftly, pulling his brother and sister upstairs.

He sat down on the sofa, and after the tea‑serving maid left, Lei En finally looked at Ba De.

"Father?"

Ba De hesitated for a few breaths, his expression solemn, and said, "Lei En, you have achieved so much now; I am surprised, but also happy for you."

Lei En nodded and kept listening.

"You spent so much money to buy this house; do you want me and your mother to move to the city?" Ba De asked seriously.

"I do have that thought," Lei En answered honestly.

Ba De shook his head, "We've lived in Eagle Marsh Town all our lives and don't want to leave. City life is fine, with servants attending, but after decades as commoners, suddenly becoming nobles is hard to adjust to; I'm afraid it would only make you a laughingstock."

"Moreover, I can't give up the town's grain‑and‑oil mill, and your mother still wants to keep teaching."

Ma Lin Da, sitting beside them, also nodded.

Lei En was unconvinced and suddenly asked, "Father, how much does your mill earn in a year?" Without waiting for Ba De's answer, he began guessing, "Fifty Gold Shields, or sixty? Do you know how much the dinner bill was just now?"

Ba De shook his head; he hadn't seen Lei En pay.

"How much?"

Lei En replied calmly, "Thirty Gold Shields."

"What!" Ba De nearly jumped up; a single meal cost thirty Gold Shields, which is his mill's profit for half a year. He had just thought the dinner was delicious and the service attentive, but now felt a pang of sorrow.

Ma Lin Da was also trembling, covering her mouth and unable to speak.

Lei En laughed and said, "I'm not trying to scare you; I just want you to know what a noble's life is like. With my current income, I can fully cover such high expenses, so you can freely live in Longshande."

"This is only the beginning; once the Silver Star Record Company expands across the Empire, my income will only rise."

"Twenty percent of the record company's profits will be enough for you to live worry‑free for a lifetime."

"Bu Li Sai Te can enter a better Transcendent Academy, hire the best swordsmanship teacher, buy alchemical elixirs for him, and increase his chances of becoming a transcendent."

"Ka Luo Di and Cathy will also need large amounts of Gold Shields invested in their cultivation in the future."

"All of this requires a lot of money, and I can afford it."

"If you, Father, want to strengthen our family, you can't keep holding onto the town's grain‑and‑oil mill." Lei En suddenly said, "Father, I know you've always wanted your own ranch; I've already bought a small ranch for you outside Longshande, investing a total of five thousand Gold Shields. Whether it makes money depends on your ability."

"Ka Luo Di and Cathy, I've also hired the best private tutors for them."

Lei En turned to Ma Lin Da again, "Mother, your duty is to manage this household so Father doesn't have to worry about the younger siblings; if anything is unclear, Ma Li Er will assist you."

Ba De and Ma Lin Da were both dumbfounded.

Lei En had already arranged everything for them; besides being surprised, he felt a lot of pressure and was somewhat afraid to face such a huge challenge.

The couple stared at each other for a moment, then finally nodded.

Lei En gave a faint smile; his painstaking effort was both compensation for them and gave his parents something to do, diverting their attention.

So they wouldn't spend the whole day suspicious and speculating about his changes.

"By the way," he suddenly asked, "Father, do you have any suggestions for the family surname?"

Ba De was stunned for a few seconds, then sighed, "Our family were commoners before, with no notable lineage. The barony you were granted—it's up to you to decide."

"Alright, then I'll think of one."

Lei En agreed, saying he had been considering a few surnames lately but hadn't decided yet.

That night, the family slept in the villa.

The next afternoon, Lei En was chatting with his parents in the living room; Bu Li Sai Te had also returned from Claidon Academy, sparring with his younger siblings in the training ground behind them.

A car engine roared outside.

The butler Ma Li Er entered and said, "Sir, Viola is here to visit."

Behind him, Viola followed in.

When she appeared, Ba De and Ma Lin Da were instantly stunned. They had heard of her from Lei En, knowing she is the great‑granddaughter of the Silver Star Duke, the owner of a record company, of very high status, a major figure in Longshande, and has bestowed great favors on Lei En.

Lei En's achievements today could not have been possible without her support.

However, they had never imagined Viola to be so beautiful.

Ma Lin Da sighed softly, "Goddess!"

Ba De was also open‑mouthed; after a glance, he quickly averted his gaze, fearing his impolite action might offend the lady.

Lei En stood up and introduced the two parties.

Viola did not display any intimacy with Lei En, merely nodding to the two, "Mr. Ba De, Ms. Ma Lin Da, pleased to meet you."

A maid followed behind her, presenting gifts to the two.

They tried to reach out to receive them, but fortunately the butler Ma Li Er stepped ahead and took the gifts for them, avoiding a breach of etiquette.

Viola only came to make an appearance, sat down to talk for a few minutes, then took her leave, but just before departing she gave Lei En a subtle glance, her eyes full of smile.

After she left, Ba De and Ma Lin Da both breathed a sigh of relief.

The lady was extremely beautiful and her demeanor very friendly; somehow, when speaking with her, it felt a bit subtle, as if she cared about them—could this be the true refinement of a great aristocrat?

Lei En saw their uneasy attitude and couldn't help but smile wryly.

If his parents learned of his true relationship with Viola, they'd probably be so frightened they'd be speechless, doubting their own identities.

The next two days, the guests seemed prearranged, arriving one after another.

Kai Nie Ji paid a visit and even sent a car as a gift for Lei En's new home settlement. De Li Si also came by; Lei En bought the ranch from his family, so they had recent contact.

Under the direction of Viscount Pei Li, De Li Si had to cultivate a good relationship with Lei En.

De Li Si had already returned to the Demon Extermination Squad; he told Bo Luo Ke about Lei En's affairs, and that afternoon Bo Luo Ke came along with Fu Li Da.

Each time he met a guest, Lei En would introduce them to his parents.

Ba De and Ma Lin Da, upon hearing these guests' backgrounds, gradually realized that Lei En truly had prospects in Longshande.

Lei En not only cultivated ties with a lady from the Duke's family, but also with the Vice President of the Mechanical Guild and members of the Demon Extermination Squad; each had a considerable background, yet when dealing with Lei En they interacted as equals, even being very courteous to him.

Ba De had some worries before, but now has no doubts, waiting only for the ennoblement ceremony before he begins managing his own ranch.

(End of chapter)