Ji Mo had heard from Qian Xianxian that her ancestral home was in the Northeast.
He vaguely recalled that when meeting elders or seniors in the north, they would often be addressed as "lao deng" to show respect, which also conveyed a sense of closeness and intimacy.
However, this simpleton grew up in the south and was still a naive youth when he left. He didn't truly know the real meaning of "lao deng," leading to a misunderstanding.
This term should not be used lightly; its true meaning is roughly "an incorrigible old man" or "an old pervert."
Because he intended to ask for something, Ji Hanhan, in an effort to build rapport, addressed Qian Xianxian's father, Qian Heng, as "lao deng" right from the start. He didn't even act like an outsider, directly asking if it was safe to park his ghost fire outside.
At this moment.
Qian Heng's blood pressure surged, and his hair stood on end.
Qian Xianxian, after a moment of愣了一下, burst into hearty laughter, her body shaking with mirth.
This was too much.
Visiting someone's home and calling the father "lao deng" at the door. This was exactly what Ji Hanhan would do!
And yet.
The word did have the effect of bringing them closer.
Qian Heng's old face turned red. He began to loosen his collar buttons, roll up his sleeves, grit his teeth, and stride directly towards Ji Mo.
Fortunately, his self-cultivation allowed him to suppress his anger, as the visitor was a guest.
However, Ji Mo continued to fan the flames.
"Lao deng, you're acting strange, you've got a serious problem. But luckily, I caught a big bird for you. A bowl of slow-cooked soup should fix you right up."
Ji Mo spoke again, handing over the Mist-Nee he was carrying.
Qian Heng was beside himself. His face turned black, and he couldn't help but want to lash out.
He had expected his daughter to bring back a wealthy and eligible son-in-law, but instead, she brought back this fellow who nearly angered him to death upon meeting him.
Seeing her father about to have a heart attack from anger, Qian Xianxian finally stopped laughing and said, "You silly boy, don't call people the wrong names. Just call my dad 'Uncle'."
Then, she pointed to her own temple, glanced at Ji Mo, and signaled that the guy was not mentally sound and that her father shouldn't take it personally.
Ji Mo, seeing this, felt a black line appear over his head. Did she think he was blind?
Speaking ill of him to his face, she was truly something.
Ji Mo had hurt Qian Heng, and Qian Xianxian had hurt Ji Mo. Then, it was Qian Heng's turn to hurt Qian Xianxian.
Qian Heng muttered softly, "Xiao Xian, how could you bring someone like this to anger your dad? I won't rush you to get married anymore, and I'll turn a blind eye to your matters with Ruan Xingqing."
He really couldn't stand a young man riding a ghost fire; it was too disheartening.
"Dad, what do you mean by 'someone like this'? Ji Hanhan might be a bit slow, but he's a good person."
Qian Xianxian's brow furrowed instantly, showing her displeasure, as he was her friend.
Then she felt something was off and questioned, "No, Dad, what's going on between me and Sister Xingqing? Is there a problem?"
Qian Heng smiled subtly and gestured towards the blooming lilies in the flowerbed beside them. "I understand, I can accept it. Although this is not ideal, as long as you like it, Dad will support you."
This was because Qian Xianxian and Ruan Xingqing were very close, inseparable, and even lived together. Moreover, neither of the girls had ever had a male friend.
Therefore, Qian Heng had always suspected something was amiss between them, which led him to say that.
Qian Xianxian was stunned for a long time before she understood. Her eyebrows shot up in anger, and she stomped her feet.
"Dad, what are you thinking? Sister Xingqing and I are just good friends and sisters."
Qian Xianxian was beside herself, unable to believe that her father saw her in such a light. It was infuriating.
After this mutual "harm," they finally entered the Qian residence.
Qian Heng looked at Ji Mo with the disdain of a father-in-law assessing his son-in-law, labeling him as a "mental youth," a "freeloader," and "stingy."
You kid, riding a ghost fire and calling me "lao deng" is one thing, but coming to my house without bringing any cigarettes, alcohol, or fruit, and only bringing a big crow? What are you playing at?
In any case, he had decided that even if his only daughter, Qian Xianxian, were to end up with Ruan Xingqing, he would never accept Ji Mo.
"Uncle Qian, a small token of my appreciation. I heard you have a collection of the Tuibei Tu. Could I borrow it for a while?"
Ji Mo got straight to the point, holding out the Raven he was carrying and stating the purpose of his visit.
He was eager to borrow the Tuibei Tu from Qian Heng, offering a divine bird as a gift, showing his sincerity.
"Kid, you've got quite the plan. You think you can trick me out of my Tuibei Tu with a crow and a mongrel? Do you take me for an idiot?"
Qian Heng pushed the Raven back with a look of disgust and glanced at Anubis at Ji Mo's feet, mistaking the dachshund for another "small token" from Ji Mo.
The Tuibei Tu was worth at least hundreds of millions, not to mention its mythical aura. He considered such an item a family heirloom and would not hand it over.
Anubis rolled his eyes and let out two disdainful snorts.
The general meaning was probably: "That's right, lao deng, you are a big idiot."
Ji Mo shook his head. "This skinny dog can't be given to you. I still need it to pull the cart. Uncle Qian, this crow is quite precious. You'll definitely make a profit by trading it with me."
"Precious?"
Qian Heng reached out and poked Mist-Nee's belly a few times, then plucked a feather, asking, "It's just a big crow, is it a spirit beast?"
Ji Mo shook his head.
Qian Heng pressed further, "Are you trying to pass off a deer as a horse and insist it's a celestial bird?"
Ji Mo continued to shake his head, correcting, "To be precise, this is a deity, a divine bird, so to speak..."
Upon hearing this, naturally, no one believed him.
Qian Heng sneered, not believing that anyone in the world would offer a deity as a gift.
Qian Xianxian also glared fiercely at Ji Mo, signaling him not to brag nonsense. However, she still pleaded for Ji Mo, "Dad, the gift isn't important. It's the thought that counts. What are you keeping that old drawing for? Don't just lend it, give it away directly."
It had to be said that Qian Xianxian was truly generous, readily giving away an item worth at least hundreds of millions without batting an eye.
Qian Heng glared at her angrily. Even if the family was rich, they shouldn't squander it like this. He adamantly refused to lend it.
After receiving a phone call, he decided to see Ji Mo out, unwilling to converse further with him.
Qian Xianxian could only helplessly escort Ji Mo out of the Qian residence and complained, "Honestly, my dad is sick. The older he gets, the more stubborn and stingy he becomes. But don't worry, I'll find a way to steal that Tuibei Tu for you."
It seemed this "little padded jacket" had sprung a leak, as she was now planning to steal from her father to give to a man.
"Your dad really is sick."
Ji Mo agreed, then quickly noticed Qian Xianxian's fierce glare and hurriedly explained that "sick" wasn't an insult, but that he genuinely had a health problem and she could take him to the hospital to check if she didn't believe him.
Then, he reminded her, "Many people are looking for the Tuibei Tu. The Qian family cannot protect it. It's best to get rid of this hot potato."
Two hours after Ji Mo left the Qian residence, several angels, bathed in golden light, tracked Mist-Nee's aura and rushed towards the Qian family.