Chapter Forty-One: My Parents Lost Their Jobs

Walking out of the Tianding Restaurant, Chen Feng was still feeling exhilarated. Having gained so many achievement points in one go, his heart was brimming with excitement. After escorting Fang Yue home, he headed to the market to select the finest cuts of beef, preparing to make a special batch of Juicy Beef Balls for his parents. Imagining the look of happiness on their faces as they ate, Chen Feng couldn’t help but smile as well.

Arriving at the market, he began a spirited shopping spree. Besides the beef, he also picked up juicy shrimp and all the seasonings he needed. At the far end of the market, he even spotted two jujube wood sticks—perfect for pounding the meat, which would undoubtedly enhance the flavor.

In truth, Chen Feng harbored another intention: he wanted to persuade his parents to quit their jobs and open a small eatery, specializing in his unique Juicy Beef Balls. He was confident they would be a resounding success. After all, his creation was truly one of a kind—just a small demonstration earlier in the day had filled him with certainty.

Moreover, his parents were simply too exhausted. Deep down, Chen Feng wished they could spend more time with him instead of working from dawn to dusk. He longed for them to enjoy a happier life. Though they were only in their forties, their weary appearance made them look much older.

With his purchases in tow, Chen Feng strolled leisurely toward home. Along the way, he noticed many signs announcing demolition and relocation. Recently, he’d heard that the area was being redeveloped—after all, Jiangzhou had been expanding rapidly in recent years, and his own home was within the planned zone.

At present, the construction company was in negotiations with the residents, and things were proceeding peacefully. These days, as long as one wasn’t unreasonable, compensation was fair; but if someone refused to cooperate, the company wouldn’t be cordial either.

As there was still plenty of daylight, Chen Feng set out his tools and began pounding the beef, preparing his signature Juicy Beef Balls. Once finished, he spent some time in the living room practicing Wing Chun. Over the past while, he’d noticed his body had grown leaner, yet his weight had increased. His muscles had become tougher, and he looked both fit and strong—his martial arts had also improved significantly.

Soon after, he suddenly heard the front door open.

“Hm?” Chen Feng paused his practice and turned to look. He saw his parents walk in, both visibly fatigued.

“Dad, Mom, you’re back? Why are you home so early today?” Chen Feng hurried over to take their bags, then poured them each a cup of hot water at the coffee table.

Though exhaustion was written all over their faces, his parents managed a gratified smile as they accepted the water. Forcing a smile, his father, Chen Ze, shook his head and said, “It’s nothing. Just focus on your studies.”

Chen Feng frowned and said gently, “Dad, Mom, what happened? We’re family—there’s nothing we can’t discuss.”

His mother, Xiao Sufen, sighed and replied, “I don’t know what’s going on. The factory inexplicably fired both your father and me.”

“Fired? That’s impossible!” Chen Feng exclaimed in shock. “How could they fire you? Weren’t you doing well? Is the factory in trouble?”

Chen Feng might not know all the details, but he was sure his parents were diligent workers—never late, never leaving early, always conscientious, even volunteering for overtime. Exemplary employees by any standard. Yet they’d been let go?

Chen Ze frowned and said, “I’m not sure. Someone said we offended the wrong person, but I have no idea who that could be.” With a sigh, he turned to Xiao Sufen. “Honey, prepare a small gift. Tonight we’ll visit the factory director—being dismissed like this, we deserve an explanation.”

“Uh…”

Chen Feng interjected, “Dad, Mom, maybe it’s for the best. No more exhausting work. Why not open a small shop and sell snacks? You’d earn more than as laborers.”

“What do you know?” Chen Ze shot Chen Feng a displeased look. “Just focus on your studies. Leave these matters to us.”

Knowing his father was upset and wouldn’t listen no matter what, Chen Feng simply smiled and went to the kitchen to start cooking, dropping the Juicy Beef Balls into the pot.

Soon, a rich aroma wafted from the kitchen, so enticing it could awaken anyone’s appetite. The Juicy Beef Balls were at their best fresh out of the pot—the fragrance was most intense, and the flavor at its peak. If left too long, the aroma would dissipate and the taste would decline. Chen Feng served two bowls to his parents, smiling gently. “Dad, Mom, try this—it’s my homemade Juicy Beef Balls. Tell me what you think.”

The tantalizing smell immediately stirred their hunger, and without wasting words, his parents picked up their bowls and began to eat.

“Dad, Mom, how does it taste?” Chen Feng asked eagerly. At this moment, his parents’ approval meant more to him than any achievement point.

“Excellent, really wonderful!” Chen Ze praised, looking at Chen Feng. “Son, where did you get this? Must be expensive.”

“Not at all!” Chen Feng replied quickly. “Dad, I made this myself. What do you think—why not stop working and open a small shop selling these? We could make a fortune!”

Hearing this, Chen Ze fell into deep thought. Had he been asked before tasting the Juicy Beef Balls, he would have dismissed the idea out of hand. But now, the flavor was simply extraordinary. Even those living at the bottom of society have discerning palates, and this dish was far superior to anything he’d ever tasted. Running a small shop selling these could indeed be profitable.

Seeing his father’s interest, Chen Feng hurried on, “Dad, I really think we should try. If luck’s on our side, we could change our lives!”

Chen Ze frowned. “Chen Feng, we don’t have much money. What we have is for your college tuition—we can’t risk it.”

Seeing his father’s expression, Chen Feng felt a pang of gratitude and sorrow. Their family had once had decent savings, but his own serious illness had drained every penny, leaving him overweight and unhealthy. To ensure his future, his parents had worked themselves to the bone.

“No need!” Chen Feng waved his hand. “Dad, even with our savings, college expenses might not be covered. Why not take a chance? What if—no, when—we succeed? Don’t you agree these Juicy Beef Balls are delicious?”

“Honey, I think our son is right. Let’s give it a try! I don’t want to go back and grovel to the factory director,” Xiao Sufen added. “We’ve toiled for years for a meager wage, breaking our backs for nothing. I support our son—let’s open a small shop. With these Juicy Beef Balls, I believe we can make good money. And with the upcoming relocation, we’ll get compensation. That should cover Xiao Feng’s college costs, right?”

Chen Ze frowned, lighting a cigarette—a habit whenever he was deep in thought. One after another, he smoked in silence. At last, he stubbed out the cigarette and looked at Chen Feng. “Son, how exactly do you make these Juicy Beef Balls?”

Chen Feng smiled and replied earnestly, “Dad, Mom, for now, let me handle it. When the time comes, I’ll teach you both.”

It wasn’t that he was unwilling to share the recipe, but his parents simply didn’t have the strength to pound the meat into the right texture. Only he could manage it.

Wait…

A sudden thought struck Chen Feng as he glanced at his parents, still weary from their labors. If his guess was correct, they might be able to regain their youth.

“System, come out!” Chen Feng called out silently in his mind.