Chapter 186 - 185: Preparing Gifts, the Fifth Boundary’s ’Blessings

After sending Yulian back to East City, Li Jing hurried nonstop to the North City Patrol Branch.

The time was now approaching seven in the evening.

Arriving outside the director’s office, Li Jing knocked gently on the door.

"Knock, knock" twice, Chen Jing responded in a calm voice.

"Come in."

Li Jing pushed the door open upon hearing the voice.

In the office, Chen Jing upon seeing him come in, stood up, pointing to the sofa.

"Have a seat."

"Alright."

Li Jing complied, taking a seat on the sofa.

Chen Jing then settled down and spoke.

"You’ve worked hard on this case."

Opening the dialogue, he went on.

"The development of the situation is somewhat unexpected, bringing in the Lu family from the Capital. It’s clear that they are aiming for Morning Star Prison, our North City Branch doesn’t need to invest more effort there. Stop here, and don’t delve any deeper."

"Understood."

Li Jing replied.

As for the Capital’s Lu family, he had no interest at all.

Such a big entity - he didn’t want to provoke it.

Especially when there’s no benefit.

If you were to say that the Lu family owns a Great Demon, then it would be a different story.

Seeing Li Jing readily agreeing to stop inquiring further, Chen Jing said in a calm voice.

"As for Yuran, I’ve also instructed her to stop. A bit earlier she captured two hackers. But that’s all. The hackers were only paid to assist in covering up the trace of suspicious financial movements, they don’t even know where the money came from. It’s good for you to know, but no need to dwell on it."

Saying this, Chen Jing continued.

"Regarding your previous message, I tentatively confirmed that Lu Wenhua is indeed a member of the Lu family, but he is just a side branch. I will ’visit’ the Lu family later and give them a small warning. As long as the head of the Lu family thinks clearly, they will stop. In addition, I have already informed Morning Star Prison to strengthen its defences."

After finishing, he added.

"There should be someone else behind this. There are no members of the Lu family in Morning Star Prison, so there must be other reasons for the Lu family to extend their reach to Morning Star Prison. This matter itself is a direct challenge to the bottom line of the inspection system. If it’s the sole action of the Lu family, they are overly bold. They dare to act because they certainly have someone else they rely on. I will communicate with the Capital Inspection Headquarters later to allow them to conduct a discreet investigation. However, it’s unlikely that there will be further information. The Lu family’s influence in the capital is deeply rooted, and no one can touch them without substantial evidence."

After listening to Chen Jing’s three consecutive explanations, Li Jing silently nodded.

What Chen Jing said didn’t matter to him.

With the matter coming to an end, and he has no interest in the Lu family, further understanding has no real significance.

But since Chen Jing said it, he listened anyway.

At the very least, this is a "benefit" after revealing his Fifth Boundary cultivation level.

In the past, Chen Jing wouldn’t say so much, let alone mention how subsequent arrangements would be made.

This showed that Chen Jing and Li Jing were in agreement with each other, their intentions understood without being expressly stated.

Seeing that Li Jing didn’t speak or even ask questions, only listening to his narration, Chen Jing revealed a satisfied smile.

There’s no doubt about how well Li Jing could be "used".

What’s more commendable is that he has few questions.

You speak, and he just listens.

If you don’t speak, he doesn’t ask.

What’s the most bothersome thing for a leader?

A subordinates who is not only incompetent but always asks "why" every time something happens.

Li Jing’s abilities and character can be described as impeccable.

"It’s a pity that you’re a bit too young, and your cultivation level is not suitable for revealing."

Showing a wry smile Chen Jing mused.

"Otherwise, there is still a vacant position for the deputy director in our North City Patrol Branch. If I send word to the Capital, we might be able to get you your appointment."

"Uh!"

Li Jing coughed.

This joke was a bit big.

He knew his own affairs. He was clearly not cut to be a leader.

Choosing the path of patrol was initially for him to make money and gain experience.

If he really was to become a deputy director, wouldn’t he have to sit in the office all day?

"Uncle, you’re a bit too high on me. I’m not executive material. Compared to sitting in an office, I’m more suited to being at the front line."

Steering the conversation away, Li Jing said casually.

"Since the matter has come to an end, why don’t let me visit your house and help you assemble the supercomputer?"

Mentioning this, Chen Jing suddenly became interested.

"No rush on the supercomputer, we can talk about it over the weekend. I have quite a lot on my hands in the next few days, and your aunt’s company is also expanding its business. If you come over tomorrow, I’m afraid your aunt and I won’t be able to entertain you properly."

"Alright, I’ll come over on the weekend then."

Li Jing agreed without hesitation.

Visiting Chen Jing’s house - he didn’t think much about it.

People wanted to entertain him properly, so he could wait until the weekend.

...

After chatting idly with Chen Jing for a while, Li Jing didn’t hurry home after leaving the Patrol Branch - instead, he went to the Spiritual Object Market.

Today was Tuesday, and there were still three days until the weekend.

However, he needed to start preparing in advance for what needed to be prepared.

Chen Jing wanted him to meet his aunt, and he ought to bring a gift for their first meeting.

When meeting older relatives, it wouldn’t be proper to show up empty-handed.

When Li Jing arrived at the appraisal shop, Xu Jiayi, who usually went back to school during the day, was in the store reviewing a stack of appraisal reports.

Upon seeing the shop owner, Li Jing greeted her with a smile.

"Jiayi."

Hearing someone calling her, Xu Jiayi looked up subconsciously.

Seeing who had arrived, she was slightly surprised and got up with a smile.

"I was just thinking about sending you a message later, why did you suddenly come over? Don’t tell me you have something else to sell?"

"No, I’m here to buy something."

Li Jing laughed, looking at the thick stack of appraisal reports in front of her.

"Are these the appraisal reports for the beasts I sent this morning?"

"Yes."

Xu Jiayi responded.

"They were just appraised half an hour ago, do you want to sit down and take a look?"

"No need."

Li Jing waved his hand.

"Just tell me how much they’re all worth."

Without any hesitation, Xu Jiayi stated.

"All these beasts together are worth a total of 107.2 million. The Pig Monster from the Fourth Realm has a value of about 33 million after the removal of its flesh, and the two Dog Demons together are worth 22 million. There are a total of 127 low-level beasts from the First Realm. Upon appraisal, it was found that they have not yet generated Demonic Qi and are thus edible. Their prices vary depending on the size and species, averaging about 360,000 each."

After hearing Xu Jiayi’s valuation, Li Jing nodded slightly.

The value of those low-ranking beasts without the presence of Demonic Qi in them went up a lot more.

However, most of them belong to odd species, with very few being common edible livestock.

Moreover, they are generally small in size.

The smaller they are, the less meat they yield.

Lower value, it’s understandable.

As for the Pig Monster and the two Dog Demons, none of them have anything special.

Especially the Pig Monster from the Fourth Realm. The most valuable part of it is probably its fat.

He took the meat off in advance to give away, and it’s quite remarkable that the remainder is still worth 33 million.

After some deliberation, Li Jing stated.

"Remove the 72,000 spare change, I remember there were some chicken monsters among the low-level monsters, take the meat of two of those for me. If it’s convenient, could you also convert the rest of the one hundred million into Spirit Crystals instead of giving me cash?"

Spirit Crystals have various uses.

For now, Li Jing doesn’t have any current use for Spirit Crystals.

But as for money, he really didn’t need more.

It’s better to have some extra Spirit Crystals, just in case he needs them in the future.

When Xu Jiayi heard that Li Jing needed Spirit Crystals, she nodded and asked one of the employees.

"Get ten thousand Spirit Crystals and also bring two portions of the low-level chicken monster’s meat."

Upon receiving the instructions, the employee nodded and went into the appraisal room.

Xu Jiayi turned back to Li Jing and smiled.

"You said you came to buy something? What exactly are you intending to purchase?"

"In a couple of days, I have to meet a senior female relative, I want to buy some beauty-enhancing spiritual objects."

Li Jing smiled.

It would be difficult to discern what would please Chen Jing if he were to give him a gift.

Chen Jing, with his discerning taste, would certainly not be impressed by ordinary objects.

But giving a gift to Chen Jing’s wife was a lot simpler.

Well, women!

They are naturally beauty-conscious, regardless of age.

In the world Li Jing lived in before he crossed over, even this aspect would be quite challenging to choose a gift for.

However, in this world, there’s the "universal option" of beauty-enhancing spiritual objects.

Spiritual objects have excellent beauty-enhancing effects and no side effects.

Pure natural nourishment, any woman would like it.

Upon hearing that Li Jing intended to buy beauty-enhancing spiritual objects for a female relative, Xu Jiayi was a bit surprised and teased him.

"Beauty-enhancing spiritual objects are not cheap, and you are so willing to pay. That female relative must be no ordinary person, could it be... your mother-in-law?"

"No, just a senior relative."

Li Jing laughed and shook his head.

His mother-in-law is a significant figure.

He will meet her sooner or later, but it’s unlikely to happen in the short term.

Not chating with Xu Jiayi, Li Jing took out his phone and checked his balance.

Currently, he has 20.85 million in his personal account.

After confirming his balance, Li Jing asked.

"What kind of beauty-enhancing spiritual objects could I buy here for twenty million?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Jiayi was surprised and responded.

"Twenty million, you could buy anything you want. Even the most expensive beauty-enhancing spiritual objects are just that, beauty-enhancing. Aside from a few with special effects, they are all single-use."

Then she added.

"The best beauty-enhancing spiritual object in our upstairs Spiritual Object shop is the Nourishing Spirit Grass, which can be applied externally or taken internally. A standard piece costs six million."

"Alright, give me three stalks of Nourishing Spirit Grass,"

Li Jing said without hesitation.

If he could buy the best, he would undoubtedly do so.

Within his budget, he didn’t need to consider anything else.

He did not have the patience to carefully pick and choose.

Seeing Li Jing willing to splurge for three stalks of Nourishing Spirit Grass, Xu Jiayi laughed with a meaningful look.

"If you have a demand, my family can provide a customized gift box made of special spiritual materials. The quality of the finished gift box is a Precious Item, which will cost about two million."

"..."

Li Jing.

Businessmen usually have many ways to conduct business.

But to customize a Precious Item as a gift box, that might be playing a bit too much.

If refining an item, wouldn’t refining a flying sword be more appealing?

But you must admit it.

Purely from the perspective of giving gifts, if you put a gift in a high-class box, indeed it can look more impressive.

Contemplating that it would be awkward to bring out the three stalks of Spirit Grass at the door, Li Jing said,

"Okay, also arrange a gift box for me."

Upon hearing this, Xu Jiayi’s face blossomed into a smile.

"The gift box needs to be refined by an Artefact Refiner, which takes time. You come back tomorrow at noon, and I will have the items ready for you."

...

After spending twenty million, Li Jing didn’t stay much longer at the appraisal shop after the clerk brought him the Demon Chicken Meat and ten thousand Spirit Crystals. He set off on his way home.

It was a coincidence.

Just as his first foot fell at the door of his own villa, Liu Sisi arrived by Sky Control.

Meeting in the yard, both were somewhat surprised.

Smiling gently, Li Jing spoke,

"Sisi, why are you back so late today?"

"Had some last-minute work added."

Liu Sisi smiled slightly as she came over and said,

"I saw the news at noon, saying that the case of the attacked prisoner transport of Examination Institute has been solved. Your job should be done, right?"

"I finished working in the evening and took a walk outside."

Li Jing replied honestly, casually taking out the ring he bought during the day.

"Here, this is for you."

Upon seeing this, Liu Sisi was slightly stunned.

She had merely mentioned it offhand yesterday, and Li Jing bought her one today?

Moreover, he bought a ring.

Looking at a certain individual with sparkling eyes, Liu Sisi "hmm" took the ring, thought about it, and put it on her left middle finger.

Looking at it upside down, Liu Sisi bit her lip and looked up.

"I’ll buy one for you in return later."

"Okay."

Li Jing smiled.

A ring or something, he didn’t need it.

However, the significance of wearing a ring on each finger, he still knew.

If Liu Sisi wanted to reciprocate with one, he would wear it when she did.

Even though it was just a formal gesture, after all, it was the thought of his girlfriend, and he should accept it graciously.

Pushing open the door, Li Jing asked,

"Have you had dinner yet?"

"Not yet."

Liu Sisi shook her head and said,

"I was planning to have a quick meal by myself when I got back since you’re back, should I go get a Spirit Chicken from the Chicken Shop?"

"No need."

Li Jing smiled and said,

"I brought back two portions of edible Demon Chicken Meat."

"Demon Chicken?"

Liu Sisi was surprised, then her eyes lit up as she rolled up her sleeves.

"Give it to me. The handling of Demon Chicken is different from Spirit Chicken. There are many nuances to consider. You haven’t handled it before, and you might not do it well. Let me take care of it."

Liu Sisi wanted to take charge, and Li Jing was pleased for the leisure.

Also, he had indeed never handled Demon Chicken before.

He entered the house, took out the two portions of Demon Chicken Meat, and took out his phone.

"I’ll call Yuran over."

Liu Sisi had no objection to him inviting Chen Yuran.

Having lived in Li Jing’s house for almost a month, she and Chen Yuran had spent every day eating together, not only becoming familiar but also quickly warming up their relationship, already calling each other sisters.

If there’s good food, how could she forget her little sister?

Looking at the two big bags of Demon Chicken Meat, which weren’t that much, Liu Sisi simply picked them all up.

The Demon Chicken that Li Jing killed in the Black Market compared to the half-human-sized Demon Chicken he killed in the Agricultural Market was like a chick.

Put together, they’re still not even half the size of the one from the Agricultural Market.

Additionally, if the professional technique of the identification shop is used to remove the bones and other parts, there’ll only be about seven or eight pounds of chicken meat left.

That amount would only last for two meals for the three of them.

So little chicken meat, it all went straight into the pot.

Picking up the Demon Chicken Meat and heading towards the kitchen, Liu Sisi left behind a comment.

"Demon chicken is nothing like spirit chicken, it takes quite some time to cook. You can chat with Yuran while you wait, I can handle the kitchen by myself."

Upon hearing this, Li Jing responded with an "understood" and then dialed Chen Yuran’s number.

The call went through, but no one picked up for a long time.

Seeing that Chen Yuran still wasn’t answering, Li Jing furrowed his brows, left his house and glanced next door.

He had noticed when he came back that the lights in the villa next door were on.

They were still on now.

Why wasn’t Chen Yuran picking up?

Could she be taking a bath?

Full of suspicion, Li Jing hung up the phone and chose to send a text message.

"I brought back some demon chicken meat, do you want any?"

After sending the message, Li Jing put away his phone, ready to go back inside.

But just as he turned around, the door of the neighboring villa suddenly swung open. Chen Yuran, still in her pajamas and slippers, dashed out of her house, shot up into the sky without a word and landed in his yard.

Li Jing still hadn’t reacted when she was already right in front of him.

"Chicken?"

Chen Yuran asked, her eyebrows dancing with excitement.

"..."

Li Jing was silent and asked in a weird tone.

"Why didn’t you pick up just now?"

"Ahem."

Chen Yuran coughed and replied with her gaze evasive.

"I was just about to pick up when you suddenly hung up, it’s not my fault."

Li Jing, of course, didn’t believe her words.

In fact, Chen Yuran is really bad at lying.

There’s pretty much a sign on her face that says "I’m fooling you".

Looking at Chen Yuran, whose face was full of unease, Li Jing began to feel a bit weird.

No matter whether it was when he stayed at Chen Yuran’s house, or after they "lived separately", they always got along quite well.

They never quarreled or had any disagreements.

Given Chen Yuran’s nature, it was impossible for her to have a grudge or anything like that.

Everything was fine during the day, but at night she suddenly became like this. He quickly deduced that it had to do with the upcoming weekend meeting with her mother.

With the intention of confirming his suspicions, Li Jing asked.

"Did your uncle already notify you about the weekend?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuran’s face fell.

"Can we not mention upsetting things before eating?"

"..."

Li Jing was left speechless, his expression even weirder.

Initially, he thought visiting Chen Jing’s house was just going to be a casual visit to meet his elder.

But looking at Chen Yuran’s reaction, it was certainly puzzling.

The fact that Chen Jing notified her so quickly also seemed odd.

They just decided on the matter an hour ago, and Chen Jing wasn’t sitting idle. There was no way he could have notified her that quickly.

Upon thinking this way, Li Jing instantly figured out the problem.

The invitation from Chen Jing, there’s an ulterior motive!

But that’s too much...

Especially considering he and Liu Sisi, Chen Jing was aware of them.

Logically, no matter how much Chen Jing wanted Chen Yuran to settle down, he shouldn’t have set his eyes on him.

So, what was this?

A "reward" for revealing his Fifth Boundary cultivation level?

In this regard, to be honest, Li Jing couldn’t accept it.

Indeed, revealing his current level of cultivation would make him a hot commodity, attracting many people he had never contacted before to win him over.

But there was no need for Chen Jing to do this.

Especially from his point of view, Chen Jing intended to use Chen Yuran as a bargaining chip...

Moving his hand to rub between his eyebrows, Li Jing said.

"I’m sorry, I didn’t realize your uncle had this in mind. I didn’t mean to cause you trouble. I’ll call him later to turn this down."

Hearing this, Chen Yuran sighed.

"We still have to go; if you don’t go, it’s hard to explain to my mom. My dad’s fine, but my mom is tough to handle, and if she comes to find me, it would be even more troublesome."

As she said this, she gave a bitter smile.

"This matter has nothing to do with you, I brought it upon myself. I was the one who said it in the first place, and I’ll deal with it myself. You just do what you need to do."

Having heard this, Li Jing frowned.

He realized that it seemed he was not on the same page with Chen Yuran.