Today was Lei Zhengyang's birthday. In years past, Xu Miaoli would celebrate it alone with him, handing over a fat stack of cash for him to party for days, vanishing without a care, oblivious to any wrong. This year, though, was different—special. Patriarch Lei Yunbao returned early, and not just that—he brought a gift. Inside a rustic wooden box lay a seemingly ordinary dagger. But Lei Qiuping's eyes lit up with envy. "Father, the Dragon Fang Dagger? I've begged for it, and you finally gave it away?"
Seeing Zhengyang's confusion, Qiuping explained, "Zhengyang, this dagger's legendary, recorded in ancient texts. Forged in the Spring and Autumn period, it passed to Qin Shi Huang, a national treasure. After Qin's fall, it went to Xiang Yu—rumor says Yu Ji used it to take her own life."
Zhengyang lifted it, sliding the blade from its sheath. A chilling aura radiated, its edge gleaming with lethal sharpness. Truly a historic relic, it captivated at first glance. Instinctively, his grip tightened, and his inner golden dragon power surged, channeling into the dagger. Instantly, it emitted an icy chill, like a popsicle fresh from the freezer, wisps of cold vapor curling off it.
The room's onlookers gasped, the dagger's aura pressing on their chests. Zhengyang sheathed it and closed the box, dispersing the chill. "Thanks, Grandfather. Your first gift to me."
"First?" Qiuping huffed. "You know how precious that is? Grandfather wouldn't even give it to me. How about I trade you something for it, Third Uncle's got goodies!"
Zhengyang tucked the box away, smirking at Qiuping. "Dream on. I love this dagger—it's mine now. Where's your gift, Third Uncle?"
Qiuping sighed, knowing such a treasure was untouchable once claimed. Tossing Zhengyang a box, he said, "Kid, that dagger cuts through anything—be careful. Here's my gift. You're a man now, don't let us down."
It was a phone, sleek and stylish, but no ordinary device. Modified for military use, it packed emergency features beyond standard functions—a rare prize. Lei Xiaping and Lei Dongping also gave gifts, and they'd brought their families, signaling how seriously they took this birthday. The ambush test had shifted their view of Zhengyang from wastrel to force.
Besides his uncles, only Aunt Lei Xinping attended. The banquet was planned for her and her husband, Wang Jiansheng, so other aunts weren't invited. Zhengyang's transformation was a Lei family top secret; to his other aunts, he was still the useless playboy, unworthy of birthday fuss.
Yunbao addressed Wang Jiansheng. "Jiansheng, I opposed Xinping marrying you—she was stubborn, and I was furious. But now, with a grandson, I can't reject him, even if I don't accept you. Treat Xinping well, understand?"
Wang Jiansheng, in his thirties but weathered from years of toil, was a devoted husband and father. "Father, I know. I'll cherish Xinping." His heart raced. He hadn't grasped the Lei family's stature until after marrying Xinping. Had he known, he might've balked. Earning their approval now felt like a hard-won victory.
"Good," Yunbao said. "Come back often. We're family."
The words brought tears to Xinping and Jiansheng's eyes.
"Zhengyang," Xinping said, "your uncle and I owe you. Name anything, and I'll get it." Close to him since childhood, her gratitude was profound—Zhengyang had secured her husband's place in the family.
Zhengyang scooped up their shy son, Doudou, grinning. "Auntie, I don't need stuff—Mom's got me covered. Buy Doudou what he loves. Bring him here often, let him see the Lei house as home. No need to be so stiff."
"Thank you, Zhengyang," Jiansheng said, stepping forward. He'd strived for years to win Lei approval for Xinping's sake. Learning from her that Zhengyang's advocacy swayed Yunbao, his gratitude was boundless.
Zhengyang shook his hand. "Enough with the thanks—family doesn't need it. Sounds distant. Who knows, I might need your help someday."
Jiansheng laughed, bold. "Anything you need, Zhengyang, I'll do without hesitation."
Zhengyang was pleased. Without his past-life memories, he wouldn't have brokered this deal with Yunbao to change Xinping's family fate. Seeing their感动ed faces tugged at his heart. "Uncle's company's still small—can't help me yet. But I've got a gift for you. It'll boost your business." Jiansheng's modest firm, worth a few million, had saved the Leis in their future downfall. Zhengyang wouldn't let it stagnate now—he needed Jiansheng to rise, his proven character a future asset.
Xinping and Jiansheng blinked. A gift for them? On his birthday?
Zhengyang glanced around. "Mom, where's Dad? He took my files and vanished. Those were for Uncle."
Xu Miaoli, bustling with guests, frowned. "Who knows? Holed up in his study for days, won't even let me in. When he comes out, I'll give him a piece of my mind—"
Thud! Thud! A figure tumbled down the stairs, scrambled up, and charged toward them. It was Lei Chunping, but barely recognizable. Hair matted, face grimy, beard scruffy, eyes bloodshot, his shirt near-moldy, reeking of sour sweat—days without a shower.
Xu Miaoli, moments ago vowing to scold him, gasped. Ignoring the stench, she rushed to him. "Chunping, what's wrong? You were fine yesterday! Are you sick? I'll take you to the hospital!"
His disheveled state spooked the Leis—had he lost his mind?
Chunping ignored her, his wild eyes locking onto Zhengyang. Lunging, he grabbed his son's hands, voice feverish. "Zhengyang, quick, tell me—who wrote those equations? I've solved three steps, just one left!"
Zhengyang nearly gagged. For a few key points, his usually stern father had locked himself away for three days and nights? Just ask! Defeated, he pulled crumpled papers from his pocket. Chunping's eyes gleamed as if holding treasure, eager to show his son the results, forgetting Zhengyang might not understand.
"Shower, shave, then I'll give you the final code," Zhengyang said.
Chunping bolted upstairs, yelling, "Zhengyang, wait for me—I'll be right back!" True to his word, he returned swiftly, still rough but odor-free. The family, circling Zhengyang to probe the chaos, barely had time to react.
Zhengyang scribbled the last program segment and handed it over. Despite Chunping's aloof demeanor, his intellect was world-class. Solving three steps of such equations was impressive.