Zhu Fanfan looked at Elder Dan with confusion: "This is your own thing. You have the right to decide who to give it to. Why should you feel guilty?"
Xi Yan also said, "Elder Dan, it's perfectly reasonable for you to give your things to whomever you want, and I won't blame you."
For the past six months, they have been living and eating at the Zhu family's house. He was certain that the Dragon Group had not provided any subsidies, but they had not paid a single penny for living expenses. When they tried to pay, Grandpa Zhu refused to accept it, saying that he would leave if they were given money. He said that one of them came specifically to teach Fanfan skills, and the other fully cooperated with Fanfan's antics. He was grateful enough for taking care of his child, so how could he accept money? Besides, the Zhu family did not live off such a small amount of money.
He knew that Grandpa Zhu was saying this to save face for them. They couldn't be so self-righteous. Food was a lifesaver these days, and meat was especially hard to come by. It wasn't something you could buy just with money; you had to pull strings. Their expenses over half a year were considerable.
Elder Dan was relieved to see that the two children were so sensible: "The room basically contains all my belongings. I have been gradually moving things over the past six months. Everything in the Taoist temple is now in Fanfan's hands."
Zhu Fanfan looked at the priceless ancient books in the room, as well as the experience left by many predecessors, and even a number of precious inkstones and brushes. These were not things that money could buy. She had been eyeing the pair of seal script brushes for a long time. It was said that they could draw brushes with talismans and be blessed. Now they were all given to her.
Elder Dan continued, "Young Xi, I'm passing this ring on to you. You must make good use of this ring and contribute to the country."
Xi Yan: ...Elder Dan values Fanfan more. Did he hear wrong?
Elder Dan said irritably, "What are you still standing there for? Come and take the ring."
This kid is more honest than Fanfan. If Fanfan heard those words, he would have snatched the bag back and put it in his own hands before the words were even finished. Even if he was stunned, he would pretend to be clueless about how to put it in his own hands.
Zhu Fanfan wasn't disappointed. She already had her own space and didn't care for it; having more wouldn't have helped her.
Elder Dan explained, "Xi will continue to stay in the Dragon Group, and the Dragon Group has too many things that require survival. I'm afraid that Xi might forget to bring things and lose his life, so I'm making sure he's fully prepared for every mission, Fanfan..."
Zhu Fanfan nodded: "Grandpa Dan, you've thought this through very well."
Xi Yan choked up. Elder Dan had been so good to him. When he first joined the Dragon Group, his talent wasn't as good as it was. It was Elder Dan who took a liking to him and let him use his special ability to ignite fire and refine pills. Elder Dan also taught him constantly and managed to turn his weak special ability into what it is now, earning him the attention of the group leader. He would be grateful to Elder Dan for the rest of his life. Before he died, Elder Dan gave him such a precious gift, which was originally meant for Fanfan.
Elder Dan couldn't bear to see Xi Yan like this; he couldn't even look at him. Back when Xi Yan had just joined the Dragon Group, he was refining pills when all the fire-type ability users were away on missions. Seeing that Xi Yan was also a fire-type user, he wanted to try using his own abilities, but who knew that this kid's flame couldn't even light a piece of firewood.
Watching the clumsy child frantically trying to light the fire, sweating profusely and unable to even heat up the stove, he considered returning the child. But then he discovered that the kid was just figuring things out on his own because no one had taught him, and he was using only the fire of his mind. While superpowers can be trained, the fire of mind is not so easy to obtain. He patiently guided the child's fire and taught him how to use his superpower.
He watched this kid grow up, and it turned out that his judgment was correct. After the kid's superpower was developed, he progressed rapidly and has reached his current level.
Elder Dan said, "Fanfan, Grandpa Dan is leaving. You must study hard and live happily every day. Be a happy and joyful little girl."
Zhu Fanfan naturally agreed: "I was originally a happy and carefree little girl. I am the only son of the Zhu family."
Elder Dan said nothing more. The Zhu family was her best protection. He simply introduced the gifts he had given her and said at the end, "If you two have the opportunity in the future, build a Taoist temple! Continue the name of our Qingfeng Taoist Temple."
Zhu Fanfan readily agreed: "If that day ever comes, I will definitely buy the mountain and build a Taoist temple."
Elder Dan was relieved, and Xi Yan assured him, "I will definitely fulfill Elder Dan's request."
To everyone's surprise, Elder Dan seemed to be shocked: "Leave the construction of the Taoist temple to Fanfan. You can assist from the sidelines, but you must not spend any money."
The kid's salary is so low. It wouldn't be a problem if he took out all his savings to build the Taoist temple. The problem is that he might borrow money from all over the place, or do something he doesn't want to do for money. Wouldn't that be harming people? He might have to bear the consequences in the afterlife.
Zhu Fanfan: ...So she's a complete victim of injustice, isn't she?
Xi Yan: ...Just because he doesn't have money now doesn't mean he won't have money in the future.
Elder Dan said earnestly, "Young Xi, never do anything you don't like just for money. If you want money, borrow it from Fanfan. The Zhu family's future wealth will all belong to her; she doesn't lack it, and she can earn it herself."
Xi Yan naturally couldn't do that: "Elder Dan, I have a salary."
Elder Dan didn't say anything, but asked with his eyes: How much salary do you get?
Zhu Fanfan could only try to smooth things over: "Grandpa Dan, I don't have any money. Why don't you give all your money to Brother Xi Yan instead? Don't try to take advantage of me."
Elder Dan retorted irritably, "Where would I get money? I've eaten it all."
He loves to eat, and he spends all his salary on food. Even though the Zhu family has been providing meals for the past six months, he still bought some things he likes. Especially after meeting Ji Yuchen, he bought a lot of strange and unusual things, and his money is almost gone. Including his previous savings, he is now penniless.
Zhu Fanfan chuckled twice. Don't you know whose food you're eating?
Elder Dan realized he had misspoke and could only say, "Someone will come to pick me up soon. Fanfan, since Grandpa Dan won't be by your side anymore, you must work hard at alchemy. If you meet someone talented in the future, be sure to teach them well so that the art of alchemy won't be lost."
Zhu Fanfan assured him, "Don't worry, Grandpa Dan, I will."
Elder Dan reluctantly began packing her things. Although she said she was packing, she didn't take much except for two pieces of clothing. The three of them said goodbye for a long time before the car finally arrived. Elder Dan took Xi Yan away, saying that Xi Yan would come back to assist her in refining pills once the situation stabilized.
Ten days after Elder Dan left, dark clouds suddenly appeared in the sky and rain began to fall. Zhu Fanfan looked at the sky with delight. Could it be that the drought had ended ahead of schedule?
When Grandpa came home that evening, he looked grief-stricken and told Fanfan some sad news.
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