After devouring an entire pot of preserved egg and pork congee, plus a dozen boiled eggs, Eren finally leaned back, clutching his overstuffed stomach and letting out a series of loud burps.
"Ugh... If I keep eating like this, my stomach is going to explode," he muttered, shaking his head at his predicament. "I need to find a way to replicate the recipes and nutritional formulas from the Nutritionist's Guide sooner rather than later. Otherwise, I'll either break my budget or my body."
Eren thought about the hundred thousand dollars he'd taken from the Water Ghost Gang's stash.
"That should be enough to set up a basic lab. I'll start small, work on recreating those nutrient-rich meals and supplements, and maybe even run some trials on lab mice to see if the formulas are compatible with humans in this world."
He frowned, though, realizing the challenge ahead.
"Setting up a proper lab won't be cheap. High-precision equipment, safe materials—where am I even supposed to buy all that? Ugh, more headaches…"
Still, in the US, money often most solved problems.
"Let's just hope the Water Ghost Gang's stash doesn't run out too fast," he sighed, wondering how his supposed wealth had vanished into a sea of logistical nightmares.
With his stomach finally settling after several trips to the restroom, Eren donned a warm down jacket, grabbed $50,000 in cash from upstairs, and headed out the door.
This time, his destination was the address he'd learned earlier that morning—the residence of Uncle Yuan's ex-wife.
A short taxi ride later, Eren arrived at a run-down seven-story apartment building. Its weathered walls and peeling paint spoke of its age, though its proximity to the local Chinatown police station ensured a relatively safe environment.
Paying the driver and tipping generously, Eren stepped into the apartment's dimly lit lobby.
Inside, an elderly Chinese man sat behind a counter, engrossed in an illustrated novel titled The Plum in the Golden Vase. He barely acknowledged Eren's presence, occasionally casting critical glances at the book's risqué illustrations.
Eren didn't bother disturbing the man. He ascended the stairs to the third floor, quickly finding Unit 304.
Knocking lightly, he waited for a response. Moments later, a shadow moved behind the peephole, and Eren felt someone scrutinizing him from the other side of the door.
"Is that you, Aunt Feng?" Eren called, his voice gentle and polite.
The figure hesitated before a soft, cautious voice replied, "Who are you?"
"It's me, Eren! Don't you remember? My grandparents brought me to your wedding with Uncle Yuan years ago!"
"Eren…" The voice trailed off, as if searching its memory.
After a moment of silence, recognition dawned. "Oh! You're old Mr. Lin's grandson! My goodness, you've grown so much! If it weren't for that familiar face, I'd never have guessed it was you."
The door opened to reveal Feng Qingwu, a woman in her thirties with delicate features. Though life's hardships had left their mark, she retained a refined air.
Eren smiled warmly. "It's been years, Aunt Feng. I'm about to graduate high school now, so I've changed a lot since you last saw me."
"That's true," Feng Qingwu said with a small laugh, stepping aside. "Don't just stand there. Come in and sit down."
Inside, the modest apartment was clean but sparsely furnished, with signs of wear and tear visible in every corner.
After offering Eren a pair of house slippers, Feng Qingwu asked, "Would you like something to drink? Coffee? Juice?"
"Just hot water, please," Eren replied. "It's perfect for this chilly weather."
"Good choice," she said, smiling. "I just boiled a pot of water, so it won't take a moment."
She poured Eren a steaming cup and sat across from him at the small dining table.
"So, Eren, what brings you here today? Are you in need of help? If it's money, don't hesitate to ask—I can spare some," Feng Qingwu said, pulling out her wallet. She began counting the larger bills, ready to hand them over.
Eren froze for a moment, caught off guard by her assumption.
Seeing her sincere concern, he realized she must have heard about his circumstances—the loss of his grandparents, then his mother's passing in a car accident, leaving him an orphan.
To her, his unexpected visit must have seemed like a plea for assistance.
"Aunt Feng, that's not why I came here," Eren said quickly, waving his hands.
(End of Chapter)
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