Chapter 20 Blind Date (1/2)

At the huge-crater camp, next to the storage tent, all the items he took from the City of Tereese were put together, and formed a cone-shaped pile of jewelry that had a diameter of more than one meter. All of which included gold, diamonds, platinum, iron, rubies, jades, and watches… They sparkled with brightness so intense that it almost blinded his eyes.

Next to the pile of jewelry was a pile of random stuff; clothes, shoes, bags, and calligraphies.

In addition to the ones that were already at the camp, all the high-tech items of laser TV's, personal computers, phone projectors, video games, electronic dictionaries, super calculator…and a massive heavy-duty vehicle, were still in the city. Chen Jin assigned Da Li and other robots to bring them all back to camp, one way or another.

”Yes, master.” Da Li saluted and took on the mission.

Chen Jin nodded and headed back to his bedroom as he climbed the metal ladder with a heavy snakeskin bag full of treasure on his shoulder.

In the bedroom, looking at the bag by his feet, Chen Jin gave it a good kick with his hands on his hips and said to himself, ”Now I must come up with a strategy that can help me make a killing.”

...

At the dinner table that evening, from the constant yawning and the sleepy eyes on Chen Jin's face, He Li knew her son had just woken up. A lot of times she moved her lips and was very tempted to nag him about his recent behavior. ”Where on earth have you been lately? Why are you acting like this?”

But she'd resisted the urge, considering her son was a grown-up after all. Instead, she said to him softly, ”Son, what have you been up to lately? You seem very tired.”

His father, Chen Gang, made a noise of disdain and said, ”What else could he possibly be doing other than playing video games all night long? Don't you know your son by now?”

He Li turned around and stared at him with irritation; her cold-blooded face and merciless eyes made Chen Gang tremble. He stopped talking immediately.

”I haven't played any games these days. I've been busy making money,” Chen Jin mumbled, as he gobbled up his bowl of rice.

”Making money? While you lie on your bed? Ha.” Having heard his son's explanation, Chen Gang couldn't help but turn on his sarcastic mode again. He knew his own son too well; he'd believe anything his son claimed to be doing in the bedroom, except making money. Smirking was the only respond he could give.

”Shut your mouth!” He Li gave him another cruel, harsh stare to make sure there would be no more words coming out of his mouth. Then, she turned to Chen Jin and said in a loving voice, ”Son, what kind of money have you been making? You're not selling anime garage kits, are you?” She knew her son was good at making those garage kits, and that they were worth a lot of money.

”Pretty much. Mom, please don't ask so many questions.”

”Alright.”

He Li nodded. But then something else came to her mind. ”Son, are you free this weekend? I'd set up a blind date for you last weekend, but you were busy so we cancelled it. She was kind enough to reschedule to this weekend… Son, don't stand her up again this time, ok?” Just then, He Li frowned and seemed discouraged. She thought her son had grown up and was ready to start a family. But no. He was not. Far from it. He was still his same old self who stayed in his room all day long, and even bailed on the date she'd planned for him, resulting in her apologizing and making excuses for him, saying he was too busy working to make it and that he was very sorry. She had no choice but to postpone the whole thing.

He was lucky the girl was very understanding and thought him a good, ambitious man. But they would not reschedule again this time. It would embarrass He Li enormously otherwise, and would definitely offend the girl. So if he dared to turn her down again, she was ready to give him serious ”punishment.” He Li was determined to make this blind date work! It'd be ridiculous, if not.

”I've finished some work. I'm free this weekend.”

Hearing these words from Chen Jin relieved He Li immensely. The storm that was forming in her suddenly went away. ”In that case, son, why don't you attend the date?” she said in a benign manner.

”Sure. When is it?”

”How does Saturday morning sound?”

”No problem,” Chen Jin responded briskly.

He Li was overwhelmed with joyful excitement; she kept bringing food to her son's bowl. ”Here, eat some more, son.”