Chapter 121: The Choices of the Younger Siblings

When Zhang Kai arrived at his old family home, he found everyone there. It seemed they weren’t too frightened, although his younger brother looked unwell.

His little sister had grown quite a bit, though she had become a chubby little thing!

“Big brother!” Zhang Yao happily threw herself into his arms.

Zhang Kai hugged her and pinched her plump cheeks.

To his surprise, his sister was even cuter now.

“Don’t pinch me! I’ve grown up,” Zhang Yao sulked immediately.

“I brought you something delicious,” Zhang Kai smiled.

Zhang Kai’s eyes lit up. “Where is it? Where?”

He set down a large package, and Zhang Yao quickly dragged it away.

Then Zhang Kai turned to his parents and asked, “Are you both alright?”

“What could possibly be wrong? It wasn’t our fault to begin with,” his mother replied bluntly, clearly displeased.

“Don’t say anything more. You can’t win against the stronger side,” his father said helplessly.

Zhang Kai reassured them, “Don’t worry. This matter is settled. We’ll leave in a couple of days, and I guarantee no one will come to cause trouble.”

“Really? You have that kind of influence?” his mother sounded doubtful.

Zhang Kai smiled, “I forgot to tell you—I’m now a disciple at the Martial Arts Academy, and an outstanding one at that.”

What!

His parents were shocked, and even his despondent younger brother looked up in surprise.

These days, even in remote mountain villages, everyone knew what the Martial Arts Academy represented. Getting in was a symbol of prestige.

In fact, once someone entered the Academy, their entire family and friends could rise to prominence, enjoying the best local benefits. No one dared to bully them.

Because the Martial Arts Academy represented the pinnacle of human achievement, reserved only for global elites. Its disciples were the future guardians of the Earth.

They had always thought Zhang Kai was just working away, but who knew...

After the shock, his mother stepped forward with concern, “I heard the Academy has a high mortality rate. Are you really okay?”

Zhang Kai said, “See? I’m intact. Don’t worry. My specialty is different and not dangerous.”

“That’s a relief,” his mother exhaled.

Just as Zhang Kai was about to speak, his eyes widened as he stared at his mother’s belly.

“Mom, what’s going on?”

He hadn’t noticed before, but now her stomach was slightly swollen. It didn’t look like weight gain—her face wasn’t chubbier.

His mother laughed, “The government supports this, you see. None of you have married yet. Since you can’t give me grandchildren, I decided to have another child to satisfy my craving.”

Zhang Kai: ???

“Ahem, it’s just that some of my friends are pregnant, one has already given birth, and they got government aid and all sorts of supplements. I couldn’t stand the bragging, so I had to have one too,” his father answered awkwardly.

Zhang Kai could only laugh and shake his head.

What kind of business was this?

After all the fuss, they ended up stirring up their own home.

Well, if they want to have a baby, so be it. They could afford it, and as long as his parents were happy.

“By the way, Zhang Yue, what’s going on with your girlfriend? Why are you distracted with love in school instead of studying?” Zhang Kai asked.

Zhang Yue blushed deeply, looking embarrassed.

“I know, I know. Sister Xiaomei is just amazing—pretty and wealthy. She’s the one chasing after me, brother. She even buys me lots of tasty food and fun things,” Zhang Yao said gleefully, pulling a large peach from the bag and taking a juicy bite.

“Chasing after you?” Zhang Kai looked at Zhang Yue oddly.

With his brother’s personality, having a beauty pursue him seemed unusual. There must be some motive.

Zhang Yue felt uncomfortable under Zhang Kai’s gaze and said, “We share the same ideals and similar personalities. We’re very compatible and gradually got together. But now, it’s over.”

His eyes darkened as he spoke.

“Oh? Why?” Zhang Kai asked.

“Sister Xiaomei’s mother forbids it, saying my brother isn’t worthy of her daughter. And, big brother, that villain tried to bully Sister Xiaomei. It was her mother who told me behind the scenes. So wicked, so wicked,” Zhang Yao said angrily.

“That can’t be, a mother doing such a thing?” Zhang Kai was stunned.

“Why not? We are just ordinary people. That bastard’s family has power and wealth from grandfather’s side. He was born with a golden key. We can’t compare,” Zhang Yue said with scorn.

After a moment of silence, Zhang Kai looked at Zhang Yue. “Tell me, how do you feel about Xiaomei? Are you giving up or not? Say it, and I will take responsibility.”

Zhang Yue’s eyes brightened.

Having an elder brother in the Martial Arts Academy was a status and identity beyond ordinary wealth and power. If his brother supported him, there was hope.

“I won’t give up, and neither will Xiaomei,” Zhang Yue replied.

Zhang Kai said, “Good. We’ll stay here for a few days. Everything will be arranged. That 'golden key’ won’t be around this city anymore.”

His parents were astonished.

Did the Martial Arts Academy really have such authority?

“Wow, big brother, you’re so awesome! I want to go to the Martial Arts Academy too, can I?” Zhang Yao’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Zhang Kai said, “When you grow up, work hard for a few years. Then you can take the exam. If you pass, you can go.”

Zhang Yao pouted, displeased.

“Brother, do you think if I try for the Martial Arts Academy, things might get better?” Zhang Yue suddenly asked.

Zhang Kai was surprised. “Why do you think that?”

Zhang Yue said, “Xiaomei is excellent. Although we understand each other, I want to have a status worthy of her—not from family, but from my own merit.”

Zhang Kai looked at him for a moment and smiled, “Good ambition. If you want it, you have to work hard. I can’t help much with that.”

Zhang Yue said seriously, “I don’t need help. I can do it myself.”

“Alright, I support you.”

In a few words, the problem was resolved. The family reunited warmly.

Zhang Kai’s return brought joy back to a household that had been tense.

He didn’t plan to concern himself with how matters were handled outside. With his disciple status at the Martial Arts Academy, he had already prepared. It was now up to the local government’s attitude.

They spent three days at the old house, making up for the lost years of family happiness.

One day, a group arrived at Zhang Kai’s old home.

“Mr. Zhang, we apologize for the trouble caused. Rest assured, our country is governed by law, and no one is allowed to act outside it. We have investigated your case and taken appropriate action. We will compensate for your business losses. The region has developed rapidly these years, with many issues arising, and we regret not assisting you sooner. We hope you understand.”

A bespectacled middle-aged man said earnestly, shaking Zhang Kai’s father’s hand, leaving him stunned.

Was it really resolved just like that?

Son, you truly are amazing.