They never really communicated with Han Lie, nor had they talked sense to him.

In his past life, Han Lie formed his principles very late. He lacked confidence, aimlessly drifted through life, and feared marriage. All of this was greatly related to his parents.

Therefore, when he had just been reborn, he was highly resistant to calling his parents.

On one hand, he didn't know what to talk about. On the other hand, he hadn't sorted out his own thoughts clearly.

Not until he slowly increased his Intelligence and leveled up his psychology knowledge to almost full Level 4, after going through a series of events, did he finally feel relieved.

They did love him, and that was the foundation of everything.

They were indeed clumsy, a limitation of their innate abilities and environment.

Objectively speaking, they had raised the Han Lie of their former life in the wrong way.

Subjectively speaking, they had given Han Lie the best they had—at least what they believed to be the best.

So, Han Lie felt he was fortunate.

His parents were alive and had minor issues but were good people. They lived frugally but had tried hard to provide for him. They had high expectations but never forced him to be a certain way…

It was really not bad at all.

Which ordinary family doesn't have all sorts of worries and friction?

Anyway, now that I have the ability, it's my turn to take care of you. Just you wait, Old Han, Old Ma!

Han Lie was eager to return. He sorted out the temporary license for the car, picked up a set of sportswear from the nearby NIKE store, and then hastily set off for home.

Two hours to get off the expressway, then through half the city district. At last, the Q7 stopped beneath an old residential complex.

The apartments in this complex were multistory buildings, six stories high, without elevators.

The name of the complex had the characteristics of the era: Mining Complex, which people of Dream City also referred to as the Second Staff Building.

As the name suggests, it was the second large workers' community built by Dream City Mining (Group) Limited Liability Company.

Built in 1996 and inhabited in 1998, Han Lie spent his entire adolescence here.

At least 75% of his elementary and middle school classmates lived here.

As for his father's colleagues, it went without saying. The whole building, and indeed the entire complex, were full of them.

Of course, their jobs varied, and they didn't necessarily know each other.

This was especially true after the coal industry experienced a flood of private enterprises and was eventually re-nationalized. Consequently, many old acquaintances moved out, and many new homeowners moved in. The complex was no longer the simple workers' community it once was.

So, when Han Lie's Q7 rolled in with a relatively strong rumble and finally came to a stop on the paved space in front of Unit One's entrance, many people poked their heads out of their windows to look down.

The winters in Dream City were much colder than in Magic Capital.

But that didn't stop the neighbors from opening their windows, leaning on the sills to peer out, and speculating.

"Who is that?"

"Don't know, it's a temporary plate. Maybe it's a relative here to pay a New Year's visit?"

"Hey, an Audi! Such a rich relative. That can only be Chief Xu on the third floor…"

"That's not necessarily true! Maybe someone's kid made it big out there?"

"Hey, hey, hey, could it be Old Liu's son-in-law coming over?"

"Ah, he looks young. Seems like he's going to unload something from the back. You know, it's very likely!"

There were all sorts of guesses, but no one thought of the Han family.

Han Lie went to Magic Capital for a Tier 3 university degree, a fact all the neighbors knew. Because of this, Han Yong was often mocked by them.

—What's the point of attending a Tier 3 university? Better to get an associate degree and learn some skills!

—But how will you find a job after graduation?!

—TSK TSK. The expenses in Magic Capital are so high. They must be really rich…

—If my son Little Cong only got into a Tier 3 university, his dad would break his legs for sure!

—Don't worry, Uncle Han. When Little Lie graduates, let him come work with me! Talking big about making lots of money and living in villas is all hot air, but as his older brother figure, I'll make sure he doesn't go hungry!

—Han Lie used to play so well with Lianlian and Zhipeng when they were kids. They were always together, like a little couple with their third wheel. But look at them now! Zhipeng got into Beijing University of Technology, and Lianlian got into Beijing Film Academy. TSK TSK…

—How many years ago was that? Stop bringing up our Lianlian!

Most of these rumors were shouldered by Han Yong and Ma Honglian, but during the holidays when Han Lie came home, he inevitably heard some of them.

Back then, he didn't dare to think too much; now, he couldn't be bothered to.

In this world, it's impossible not to be discussed by others.

Actions speak louder than words!

If you're not afraid of total embarrassment, go on, keep chirping. If I even bother to answer, I lose!

Han Lie glanced casually at the nosy neighbors, a carefree smile on his face. Gripping the handles of two suitcases, he walked up the stairs.

He couldn't wait to see his parents' surprised expressions.

The Han family lived on the fourth floor.

When he fumbled out the keys to unlock the door, Ma Honglian hurried over in a flurry.

And then, as Han Lie pulled down his mask and took off his hat, smiling radiantly at his mother…

Ma Honglian stood agape for a long moment, then turned and dashed back into the kitchen.

Immediately after, her loud, exclamatory voice echoed through the room—

"Old Han, come out quick and look! Your son just made a couple of bucks, and the first thing he did was get plastic surgery!"

Han Lie: …

Handsome Lie froze at the doorway, his temples starting to throb…