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At this moment, everyone had to admit that Chen Xu was the most familiar with Grandpa’s daily life. He had been by the elderly couple’s side the longest. The brothers exchanged glances and left the ward together. Chen Guoqiang shared the information he had gathered about their old man’s condition with them.
Upon hearing how dire the old man’s health was, the brothers were stunned. “How could this be happening? Dad survived the Revolution, and now that things were looking up, how could he fall ill like this…”
Unable to accept the harsh reality, the brothers were in disbelief. Chen Guoqiang lit another cigarette, taking slow drags, a bitter taste lingering in his mouth. Lost in their thoughts, the brothers remained silent, creating a profound stillness in the corridor.
Unable to stay in the room any longer, the three wives eventually sought out their husbands. Seeing the brothers standing in silence, Zhang Jiuhong couldn’t resist asking, “Eldest brother, as the eldest, it’s your decision. Should we treat dad’s illness or not?”
Chen Guochao glanced at his sister-in-law, replying, “Treat it, of course. Dad has the means to seek treatment. Even if we don’t provide for it, he can manage on his own.”
Third daughter-in-law, Zhao Chune, coldly glanced at her eldest brother-in-law. “Elder brother, do you know how much it costs for medical treatment? Dad may not even have enough money. Even if the company reimburses, you still have to front the money first. We’re unsure of how much money Dad has. What if it’s not sufficient?”
Chen Guochao hesitated, looking at his wife. Shi Wenting glared at him, annoyed. “Why are you looking at me? Let me make it clear—we don’t have money. Whoever has it can pay first and get reimbursed later.”
Zhang Jiuhong, displeased, glanced at Shi Wenting. “Sister-in-law, what kind of talk is that? Regardless of the situation, a son should spare no expense for their father’s treatment. Are you not afraid of being ridiculed? Be careful not to pass on such behavior to your children.”
Realizing she couldn’t win an argument against Zhang Jiuhong, Shi Wenting shot her a fierce look and sardonically replied, “Fine, it’s all about money, right? But remember, we have a share on fathers house. If we’re short on funds, we can sell the house. If we’re willing to sell our home, who would dare say we are not filial?”
In the hospital room, Chen Xu, listening to the arguments outside, felt a deep sense of sadness for his grandfather. At this critical moment, they were still consumed with thoughts of money and property.
“Grandpa, look at them…”
Grandpa Chen, lying in bed, could sense what was being discussed outside. He motioned for his grandson, “Xu’er, change requires a process. Over the years, they’ve become so selfish, and there are certainly aspects of Grandpa’s fault. Initially, they wouldn’t have acted this way if they hadn’t been influenced. But it’s also my failure in educating them. We must evolve slowly. I hope this experience will bring about a change in them.”
In the quiet corridor, Chen Guoqiang, who had not spoken, finally expressed himself. “Big brother, regardless of anything, he is our father. In the past, we didn’t treat him well. Now that he’s in this state, do we still need to vie for things?” He sighed softly. “I’m not claiming to be exceptionally filial, but at this moment, I feel like less of a son than Chen Xu. He’s better than any of us. Our mother has passed. Are we really going to stand by and watch Dad deteriorate further? If we do, we’re worse than animals. Regardless of our past actions, lying there is our father. Even if it’s just for the children to see, I will ensure Dad receives treatment. I don’t want my son to treat me the way we are treating Dad now. Do as you wish. If you’re not afraid of consequences, feel free to leave.”
Chen Guoqiang had been reflecting on this issue lately, pondering why his sons were growing more distant. Despite having successful sons, they rarely returned home, practically becoming strangers. While their other children were related by blood, they lacked drive and ambition, only concerned with spending money. Compared to his eldest son, they were worlds apart.
Seeing his father in such a state, while his brothers discussed whether to treat him or not, Chen Guoqiang felt a chill in his heart. If one day he ended up in that hospital bed instead, and his children treated him similarly, what would be the point of his life?
His wife, Zhang Jiuhong, understood her husband’s thoughts. However, the idea of solely financing the treatment made her uncomfortable. Why should they be the ones to pay?
“Third, what’s your opinion? Don’t forget you’re a teacher…” Zhang Jiuhong awaited Chen Guofu’s response. If he dared to decline, she was ready to escalate the situation. They were workers, but at least he was a teacher. She was willing to challenge his reputation, testing who valued their reputation the most.
Chen Guofu glanced at Zhang Jiuhong. “Second sister-in-law, we stand by your family. It’s our duty as children to ensure our father receives treatment. With Mom gone, we only have this one elder left. If we neglect this responsibility, it would truly be unforgivable.”
Then, he looked at Chen Guochao, making his intentions clear—he wanted his elder brother to speak up.
Chen Guochao glanced at his younger brothers. “I’m not saying we won’t do anything. Our family is currently tight on funds. I’ll go back and borrow some money. We’ll do whatever it takes to treat Dad’s illness. We’ll discuss the rest later.”
At that moment, even if Shi Wenting harbored discontent, she knew it wasn’t the time to voice it. This was a matter concerning their family. She decided to save her opinions for when they returned home.
The three brothers settled the matter, and in the evening, Chen Guochao brought dinner to the hospital room. Chen Xu went back to the Wang household for dinner, leaving the father and son to have a heartfelt conversation in the hospital room.
After enjoying the meal his son brought, Grandpa Chen reminisced, “Eldest son, when I think of stir-fried eggs with chives, it reminds me of your mother cooking for you when you were young. Back then, you were all so small, and our family was struggling financially. The little money I earned barely covered our basic needs. We rarely had good food to eat. Your mother worried about your nutrition, so she secretly sold her blood to buy eggs for you to eat. I remember seeing you all waiting eagerly by the stove for the eggs to be cooked. When I think of those times, I feel sorry for your mother and all of you. It’s my fault I couldn’t provide better for you all.”
As Grandpa Chen recounted the past, Chen Guochao, though young at the time, remembered that scene. However, he never knew that the eggs they ate were bought with his mother’s blood money, causing a sharp pang in his heart.
Seeing his son lost in thought, staring into space with a distant look, Grandpa Chen continued, “Eldest son, do you know what your mother’s last words were?”
Taken aback, Chen Guochao looked up. They were unaware of their mother’s final words, as they had distanced themselves from her during her final days. The mention of their deceased mother caught him off guard, leaving him unsure how to respond.
“Your mother said during the time I was sent to the countryside, you were all compelled by circumstances, and she asked me not to hold a grudge. She mentioned that when she was ill, Chen Xu was the one who constantly cared for her. She hoped the house would be left to that grandson. Do you think I should go against your mother’s wishes?” Grandpa Chen revealed.
Chen Guochao was taken aback by this revelation. “Dad, why didn’t you mention this before?”
With a wry smile, Chen Minghai glanced at his eldest son. “If I had mentioned it, would you have backed off? Chen Xu was still studying. He didn’t have the energy to argue with you all. I didn’t want to put my grandson in a difficult position. Each of you thinks you deserve a share of the property, but you forget that I, your father, am still alive. If I didn’t want to give it to anyone, none of you would ever have it. I’ve kept quiet all these years to give you a chance. I always hoped my sons would be sensible and understand righteousness. But it seems all three of you almost angered your mother into rising from her grave over this house. It’s a son’s duty to be filial, and it’s my fault for not educating you properly,” Grandpa Chen sighed deeply, feeling a sense of powerlessness.
Chen Guochao hung his head heavily after hearing these words. Indeed, they had never considered their father’s wishes. Grandpa Chen was right—if he didn’t want to give it to anyone, none of them would inherit the house.
“Eldest son, do you know why I never spoke up? You should understand that this house is a witness to the decades your mother and I spent together. Each of you was born here and grew up little by little. This house holds so many memories for us. It carries your mother’s essence. If I were to divide the house among you, do you think it could still retain her presence? Throughout all these years, have you ever thought about your mother, eldest son? She left so much behind in this house. I want to live here until old age, slowly reminiscing about the years spent with your mother and all of you,” Grandpa Chen’s words were slow and somber, yet each one struck Chen Guochao’s heart.
As Grandpa Chen spoke, it seemed to awaken some numb parts of Chen Guochao’s being. Memories of their childhood began to resurface in his mind, replaying scenes of playing with their parents in the yard, taking baths, and receiving parental guidance during mischievous moments.
He recalled his parents’ devoted care when he fell ill as a child, their joyous smiles upon his recovery, so genuine and warm. When did everything begin to change? He couldn’t quite pinpoint the moment. Perhaps it was after he started his own family, from the days of the Cultural Revolution to the present. The familial bond seemed to gradually drift away. He couldn’t even remember the last time he sat down to play chess with his father.
Tears seemed to well up in Chen Guochao’s eyes as he looked at his father. “Dad…”
Grandpa Chen, seeing his eldest son in this state, sighed and took his hand, patting his shoulder, much like he used to do when putting them to bed.
“Guochao, I don’t expect you all to achieve great success. If you don’t want to pursue education, I won’t force you. But I hope my sons can become truly useful individuals, not ones who focus solely on material possessions, fixated on a few rooms in the house.
As for me, I don’t know how much longer I’ll live, but I hope my sons can live in harmony, united as brothers. Even after I’m gone, I hope to have fulfilled my duties to your mother,” Grandpa Chen expressed softly.