Of course, it was just a joke, not really asking for gifts.
But Ye Ajian also had no intention to give any, he chuckled, "I am the best gift mom and dad have, as for you, big brother, shouldn't you be the one to prepare something for me?"
"Hey, you little rascal..."
Ye Anu was at a loss for words, when it came to banter, he was really no match for Ye Ajian.
"Alright, since everyone is back, let's eat."
With Ye Wudi's order, everyone went to the dining room to eat.
Ye Ajian seemed to really like Xiao Zhan, sitting next to him during the meal and constantly finding topics to chat with him, clearly acting very familiarly.
Xiao Zhan also had a good impression of Ye Ajian.
During their conversation, he learned that Ye Ajian was seventeen and had not awakened yet, it would be next year around this time when he would undergo awakening.
But seeing the Ye Family's genes, plus Ye Ajian seemed very smart, he should awaken with a decent talent in the future.
"By the way, Anu, you said seven days ago that you'd be back, why were you delayed for so long?" Ye Wudi asked while eating.
Ye Anu replied, "Oh, it was nothing major, just when we were about to set off, we encountered a small wave of demon beasts' attack, I led the soldiers to clear them out, so we got delayed for a few days."
"Demon beast attack? Why didn't you report such a big thing?"
"It was no big deal, just some scattered low-level demon beasts, only about a dozen of them, so I didn't report it. After clearing them, I was worried about possible further attacks, so I stayed a few more days, otherwise, I would have been back early." Ye Anu explained.
Hearing this, Ye Wudi relaxed a bit, if it was just a dozen low-level demon beasts, reporting indeed wasn't necessary.
Since they were stationed at the border, such incidents happened frequently.
"However, this year has been strange, usually at this time, demon beasts rarely come out. Recently, there have been several scattered harassment attacks, the soldiers dare not relax!" Ye Anu suddenly said with a frown.
Demon beasts didn't cause troubles every day, there were always periods of peace throughout the year.
The place they were stationed at was also perennially cold, these peaceful times were longer.
But this year, the normally peaceful days had become livelier.
Upon hearing this, Ye Wudi became worried again.
"Where there's unusual events, there must be something amiss. Send more scouts, especially to the Snow Demon Valley, observe closely. Any anomaly, report to me immediately!"
"Yes, father."
"Alright, let's not discuss other matters while eating, enjoy your meal." Zhang Runya persuaded from the side.
A good mealtime had turned into a work report.
"Listen to your mom, let's eat first." Ye Wudi, who was afraid of his wife, said no more.
Everyone had a serious meal.
After the meal, everyone gathered again for a chat, but Ye Youlong didn't seem to enjoy the atmosphere much, after staying for a while, she found an excuse to return to her room.
Xiao Zhan also prepared to leave, he really had nothing to say, but Ye Wudi called out to him.
He had no choice but to stay.
Luckily, with Ye Ajian constantly finding topics, it wasn't too awkward.
About an hour later, everyone dispersed.
At this time, Ye Wudi called Xiao Zhan to the study.
"General Ye, do you need something?"
"From now on, just call me Second Uncle, calling me General Ye is too formal." Ye Wudi waved his hand, saying.
"Yes, Second Uncle."
Xiao Zhan knew that he might have gained some recognition from him.
However, this wasn't important.
It was just a title, Xiao Zhan wasn't particular about it.
Ye Wudi gestured for him to sit, then picked up a box of tea leaves to brew, saying while he did so, "When we first met, my attitude towards you was a bit stern, don't take it to heart. I was worried you might be conceited, but after observing you for seven days, I found your character to be steadier than I thought."
Xiao Zhan approached, took the tea leaves and hot water from him, but Ye Wudi stopped him.
"Just sit, let me make the tea."
"How could I accept that?" Xiao Zhan said.
Letting an elder make tea for a junior wasn't customary.
"Nothing to be embarrassed about." Ye Wudi said briskly.
Hot water gurgled into the teacups, rolling tea leaves, and a sweet aroma slowly unfolded.
He handed Xiao Zhan a cup and said, "Of course, this tea isn't free."
"Second Uncle, feel free to command me, I'll do my best."
"You'd better not slack off, as for whether you can do it... you must do it!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhan felt a chill, this seemed to be something serious.
"Youlong should have told you some things, right?"
"No." Xiao Zhan shook his head.
"Oh?" This surprised Ye Wudi a little, he thought Ye Youlong would have told him.
However, upon thinking, considering Ye Youlong's personality, it wasn't unexpected for her not to.
"No matter, since she didn't tell you, I won't say much either, knowing it might be worse."
After Ye Wudi spoke, he pulled out a box, the box was very old-fashioned, but Xiao Zhan could feel a very heavy aura from it.
He couldn't help but become serious.
Ye Wudi then opened the box, and inside lay a white piece of clothing.
The material of the clothing was indiscernible, but it was thin and soft, monochrome, with light patterns, the patterns were not very orderly, resembling snake scales.
Under the light, it reflected colorful waves.
It was very beautiful.
However, it was flawed, with a part torn by something sharp.
Xiao Zhan immediately knew this piece of clothing was extraordinary.
Gently stroking it, Ye Wudi's eyes revealed a trace of sadness.
"This piece of soft armor is called Seven-colored Soft Scales, it was made from the skin of a Dragon Level Seven-Colored Giant Python our elder brother slew. Its defensive power is astonishing, even though it's damaged now, it can still withstand a full-force attack by a Sixth Grade Spirit Master!"
"Now, I hand this piece of soft armor to you. If you get the chance, have it repaired. It should be very helpful to you."
Listening to his words, Xiao Zhan's breathing became heavier, a soft armor that could resist a Sixth Grade Spirit Master!
And he just handed it over to me?
"You don't need to refuse, to be precise this soft armor isn't for you, it's for Youlong! Use this armor to protect her! That is its true mission!" Ye Wudi added.
Who said I was going to refuse?
Xiao Zhan accepted the soft armor without any pretense, kidding, this is a life-saving treasure, why not accept it!
The Ye Family was wealthy and influential, taking something as a son-in-law is expected.