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Chapter 29 - Chapter 29: I’m Not Interested in Money 

When Luke's plane landed in New York, it was already past one in the morning. 

The first-class experience was definitely a big step up from economy. With a comfortable seat and good rest, even a 16-hour, 9,300-mile flight didn't feel as exhausting as it should have. 

New York was much colder than Hong Kong—and it had just snowed. Before boarding, Luke was wearing only a light jacket. After landing, he had to pull on a thick down coat just to keep warm. 

Dragging his heavy suitcase toward the taxi area, Luke suddenly spotted a familiar, broad-shouldered figure. 

Smiling, he walked up. "Uncle, how did you know my flight number?" 

Vin Diesel pulled him into a hug. "That sister you met in Hong Kong told me. She was worried it'd be too late for you to get home safely." 

"Uncle, I really appreciate it." 

The concern from both Vin Diesel and Zhang Ziyu made Luke feel genuinely warm inside. 

"You never have to thank me. We're family. Come on, my car's not far." Vin Diesel reached to grab the suitcase—but froze mid-lift. 

"Jesus! What do you have in here, bricks? And why are you carrying it like it's nothing?" 

Vin Diesel had no idea Luke's strength had already surpassed ordinary human limits—even more than his own, despite all that muscle. 

"Hong Kong's a shopping paradise," Luke said casually. "I just bought a few things." 

"I'm not asking what's inside. I'm asking where you got all that strength! I train every day and still can't match you." 

Luke shrugged. "Because I know kung fu." 

Vin Diesel's eyes lit up. "You gotta teach me that. Be my coach!" 

"Sure thing," Luke laughed. "I'll start you from the basics." 

He actually meant it. Since Vin was also an action star, teaching him a few real techniques couldn't hurt. 

Once they were seated in Vin Diesel's Hummer, Luke reached into his bag and handed him a box. 

"Uncle, this is for you." 

Vin Diesel opened it and nearly choked. "A gold Rolex? No way. That's too expensive." 

"Didn't you offer to fund Jurassic Park 3 for me? That cost way more than this. Don't worry—I made a lot in Hong Kong. Look, I've got one too." 

Luke held up his own Rolex Daytona—sleek, classic, and stylish. It was a gift from Zhang Ziyu in Hong Kong. 

"But…" 

"No 'buts.' You said it yourself—we're family." Luke grinned, throwing his own words back at him. 

Vin Diesel laughed, slipping the watch on. "Okay, okay. It's flashy as hell, but it fits me! I've wanted one for years." 

At that time, Vin Diesel's career was still just taking off—he wasn't rich yet. Spending seventy or eighty grand on a watch would've felt extravagant. 

But when Luke needed funding, Vin didn't hesitate to pull together his entire $1.3 million savings to help him. 

Even though Luke didn't end up using that money—thanks to a deal with Mr. Eisen—he had never forgotten that gesture. 

When Luke's parents died when he was nine, Vin had practically been his second father ever since. 

So now that Luke had the means to return the favor, there was zero hesitation. 

"Let's go home," Vin said warmly. 

"Yeah," Luke smiled. "Let's go home." 

They still lived together, in a cozy three-story wooden house in New York's 26th District—Vin on the second floor, Luke on the third. 

"Oh, by the way," Vin said as they drove, "I've started seeing someone. We might have a new family member soon. Hope you don't mind?" 

How could he not mind? 

The moment Luke heard that, a surge of anger flared up inside him. 

He would never forget that beautiful, venomous woman. 

In his previous life, she had driven a wedge between him and Vin, turning uncle and nephew into strangers for life. 

If it hadn't been for her, with Vin Diesel as his Hollywood uncle, Luke would never have died so lonely and broken. 

And now, here she was—right on schedule. 

This time, he was going to make sure she paid for everything she did. 

So he smiled calmly and said, "Of course not. I'm sure we'll get along great." 

At this stage, she hadn't shown her true colors yet. Luke couldn't act rashly—but the truth always finds a way to show itself. 

Soon enough, Vin would see just how ugly she really was. 

"That's good to hear," Vin said, completely unaware. 

 

The next day, Vin accompanied Luke to visit Director Cohen, Director Johnston, and Paul Walker—people who had helped him when he needed it most. 

Cohen didn't need an introduction—he had been instrumental in jump-starting Luke's career. 

Johnston, who directed Jurassic Park 3, had gone out of his way to highlight Luke in the final cut, hoping to help him rise to fame. 

And Paul Walker had once offered $700,000 to help fund Luke's film. 

Those were debts money couldn't repay—only friendship could. 

So Luke brought thoughtful gifts for each of them, carefully chosen with Zhang Ziyu's help. 

For Director Cohen: a bottle of Romanée-Conti wine—one of the most expensive in the world, often fetching hundreds of thousands at auction. 

For Director Johnston: a custom handcrafted fishing set worth $30,000, since he loved to fish. 

For Paul Walker: a Hermès Birkin bag—for his wife. Luke didn't want to encourage Paul's love of fast cars, knowing what would eventually happen. 

The prices varied slightly, but the sincerity was equal. And each recipient could feel it. 

After their visits, Vin shook his head with a smile. "Including my gift, you must've spent a fortune. You should really save, kid. When times are good, think about when they're not." 

Luke laughed. Vin's mindset reminded him of the older generation back home—frugal and cautious. 

Funny, considering Vin wasn't even a little bit Asian. Maybe he picked it up from Luke's late father—his best friend. 

That thought made Luke's smile soften. 

"I'm not interested in money," he said lightly. "If you don't spend it, what's the point of having it?" 

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