Chapter 54: Delusional

Back at the Glamor Hotel, the crowd had dispersed after the banquet. Walter detained Jared briefly, saying, “Mr. Chance, I need a few more days to obtain the spiritual brush and cinnabar rosary you requested.”

“That’s fine; I can wait. Thank you for your help, Mr. Grange!” Jared smiled. “My mother’s condition has been like this for a while, so a few more days won’t hurt. There’s no need to rush.”

“You’re too kind, Mr. Chance. Please don’t hesitate to ask for help in the future!” Walter replied readily.

After their conversation, as Jared prepared to leave, Luca approached and knelt before him. “Mr. Chance, please be my mentor!”

Having witnessed Jared’s abilities, Luca earnestly hoped to learn from him.

Jared helped Luca to his feet. “I’m not worthy of being anyone’s mentor. You overestimate me.” He knew his skills were vastly different from those of these martial artists and he couldn't teach them even if he wished to.

“But Mr. Chance—” Luca began, but Walter interrupted.

“That’s enough, Luca,” Walter said. “Mr. Chance has already answered.” Although not a martial artist himself, Walter understood the community’s customs and the rarity of mentorships.

Luca stepped aside, silent.

“Please feel free to contact me if you need anything,” Jared said apologetically. “But mentorship? I’m not qualified.”

“That’s perfectly acceptable, Mr. Chance. Thank you!” Luca accepted Jared’s response gratefully.

Leaving the hotel and returning to Dragon Bay, Jared found his parents absent. Concerned, he wondered where they could be, especially since they were unfamiliar with the area. He called them, learning they’d returned to their old house. He hurried back.

“Mom, Dad, why are you here? Did you not like Dragon Bay? It’s a much better environment, isn’t it?” Jared asked, confused.

Gary retreated to his room after a brief glance at Jared. Hannah sighed deeply. “Jared, you’ve just been released from prison. Stop dreaming of instant fame and fortune. Josephine is kind, but you shouldn’t exploit her just because you saved her father! You two aren’t suitable. Get a job and stop being delusional!”

Jared frowned. “Mom, did someone talk to you?”

“It doesn’t matter. Stop contacting Josephine and return the Dragon Bay mansion. Your father and I won’t stay there. I don’t need you to get rich, but an honest living and a family of your own will make me happy,” Hannah said heavily.

Sensing his mother’s anger, Jared remained quiet, simply nodding. “Okay, Mom. I’ll listen to you.” He knew his mother had suffered greatly because of him.

Hannah softened. “I’ll have your father ask Mr. Miller to find you a job tomorrow. Also, Mrs. Wallace’s daughter just graduated and found a good job. You two have known each other since childhood. I’ll talk to Mrs. Wallace if you’re agreeable.”

Although blind, Hannah seemed to have everything under control.

The extraneous website promotion has been removed. The language has been cleaned up for clarity and flow, maintaining the original intent.