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Grandpa Chen completely opened up his heart to his eldest son, engaging in a heartfelt conversation. He recounted the hardships they had faced together from childhood, narrating each event like telling a story to his children. Despite Chen Guochao being of mature age, he truly enjoyed this atmosphere, relishing his father’s company and the ability to casually ask his father for advice.
A profound sense of affection began to flow between father and son, intangible but deeply felt by both.
“Dad, I truly made mistakes before. As a son, making those choices at that time was truly…” Chen Guochao admitted his faults to his father for the first time. Over the years, he had pondered this issue during sleepless nights. Initially, he believed he had done nothing wrong, as everyone acted similarly. However, every time he dreamt, he could see his mother’s eyes filled with reproach, staring at him, causing him countless restless nights. He had never discussed this with anyone, not even with Shi Wenting.
As his father brought up their childhood memories today, recalling the sacrifices their mother had made for them, his almost faded conscience began to resurface.
Grandpa Chen patted his son’s back gently. “Silly child, I understand why you all acted that way. We live for your well-being, don’t we? At that time, I was also afraid of implicating you all. So, let’s leave the past in the past. In the future, I just want to see you and your brothers get along well. You’re the eldest, and even if one day I’m no longer here, you’ll be their guardian. The principle of the eldest brother being like a father, I’m sure you understand. Be a good son. If that day truly comes, take good care of your two younger brothers.”
At that moment, Chen Guochao realized that his father was speaking as if entrusting him with his final wishes. His heart ached intensely, feeling like an invisible hand was tearing at his heart. Moved, he hugged Grandpa Chen tightly. “Dad, you’ll be fine. It must be a misdiagnosis. Once the test results come back, we can discuss it. Even if you are ill, I’ll do everything I can to help you recover. If you leave us, it will be like losing a layer of skin. Dad, I want you to live longer, to make up for what we’ve lost. Please don’t leave us.”
In that moment, Chen Guochao felt like a child, tears streaming down his face as he held onto Grandpa Chen. It had been years since he had cried, but now tears flowed freely, washing away all the darkness and resentment from his heart.
As Grandpa Chen continued to pat his son’s back, tears rolled down his own cheeks. That night, though sleep was scarce, Chen Guochao awoke feeling like it was the most peaceful night he had experienced in years. Despite sleeping on the floor, he felt spiritually fulfilled, as if he had slept in his mother’s embrace.
Early in the morning, Chen Guochao cheerfully assisted Grandpa Chen with washing up and having breakfast. Breakfast, brought over by Chen Xu from the Wang household, made Grandpa Chen pretend to gag for a while before slowly eating under his son’s care.
Chen Xu glanced at his uncle and then at his grandfather, both looking visibly happy. He figured that the solutions proposed by Qianqian and the others had worked. Seeing his uncle making positive changes was a welcome sight. As long as Grandpa Chen could rediscover the father-son bond and familial affection from the past, Chen Xu was more than willing to assist in any way.
“Uncle, you should go to work. I’ll take care of Grandpa here during the day, and I’ll head back when my dad and the others come in the evening,” Chen Xu advised his uncle.
Chen Guochao, showing care for his father, instructed his nephew to take good care of Grandpa Chen. “Dad, I’m off to work. Call me if you need anything.”
With a smile, Grandpa Chen bid farewell to his son as he left. Chen Xu waited until his uncle was out of sight before closing the door to the ward and sitting beside Grandpa Chen with a cheerful expression. “Grandpa, how are you feeling? Is it working? Have you found the familial affection you were looking for?”
Sipping water, Chen Minghai nodded. “The results so far are promising. I’ll confront your father tonight, breaking down each one step by step. I hope they won’t disappoint me.”
Seeing progress, Chen Xu didn’t inquire further. “Grandpa, what would you like for lunch? I can have Qianqian and the others bring it over for you.”
Grandpa Chen shook his head with a smile. “Let’s just eat whatever we have, the two of us. They must be busy these days, especially with your Uncle Weiguo’s wedding preparations. We can’t help, so let’s not cause any trouble. Let’s wait and see; maybe your mother will send something over.”
Mentioning his own mother, Chen Xu felt a sense of frustration. Their indifference towards him in the past left him feeling cold. Despite being their own son, they had distanced themselves just to avoid complications. If it weren’t for the kindness of the Wang family, his path to university and his grandfather’s care might have been uncertain.
His heart was filled with resentment and anger towards his parents.
Grandpa Chen sensed the burden in his grandson’s heart but was unsure how to offer comfort. “Chen Xu, try to talk more with your parents when you have the chance. Who can fully understand those past years? Let bygones be bygones. After all, they gave birth to and raised you. No matter what, they are still your parents. Seeing you like this pains me. If I were to pass on one day, you would be left alone in this world. Even in the afterlife, I wouldn’t rest easy thinking about you.”
Though his grandson was good, he was also stubborn, leaving Grandpa Chen feeling helpless.
In response to Grandpa Chen’s words, Chen Xu maintained his stance. “Grandpa, I still stand by my decision. If they don’t acknowledge you, I won’t acknowledge them either. There’s a cycle of karma. Just as they treated Grandma back then, that’s how they treated you. I’ll be the one to bring this to a close. I’ll only reconnect with them once they show themselves as true parents.
In the morning, Bai Jianing popped in to check on Grandpa Chen at work. “Uncle, how are you doing here? Everything okay?”
Grandpa Chen nodded with a smile. “Dear, I feel great here. If things go as planned, I hope to leave soon. No matter how good the hospital is, nothing beats being at home. Thank you for your help. Your cooperation has been crucial for the success of my plan.”
Bai Jianing approached Grandpa Chen with a smile. “Uncle, let’s stick to our usual routine. I’ll apply the bandage, and they won’t be able to tell if you’ve had your injection or not. If the plan succeeds, let me know. I’ll speak to the doctor to get you discharged early. If not for your family matters, you would have been sipping tea at my second sister’s place by now.”
Grandpa Chen deeply appreciated the sentiment. At this moment, he imagined Qianqian and the two girls treating him with delicious fruits and freshly brewed tea. The thought of their spacious yard alone brought him comfort, much more pleasant than the hospital’s medicinal scent.
“Dear, your wedding is approaching. Have you sent out the invitations yet? Don’t leave it too late,” Grandpa Chen inquired.
Bai Jianing smiled. “Chen Uncle, I submitted it yesterday. Weiguo is even more anxious than me; he’s personally supervising my work. I need to do my rounds now; won’t chat too long. If you need anything, tell Chen Xu to find me.”
During lunchtime, Zhang Jiuhong surprisingly showed up at the hospital, bringing a meal she had prepared for Grandpa Chen. Seeing her mother, Chen Xu felt a mix of emotions.
Noticing her son there, Zhang Jiuhong hesitantly spoke to him, “Chen Xu, if you want anything to eat, just let Mom know. I can bring it over for you. Do you need your clothes washed? I can take them home for you.”
Chen Xu politely declined, “Mom, I can handle washing my clothes myself. I’ve been doing it on my own for so many years. If you have time, please bring some delicious food for Grandpa. Remind Dad to stay with him at night. Oh, what about my younger brother? Why haven’t they come?”
Seeing her son engaging with her, Zhang Jiuhong joyfully responded, “Your brother went to work. I asked them to come over in the evening to visit your grandpa. If you need anything, just let me know, and I’ll be there.”
Its not that he couldn’t see the flattering look in his mother’s eyes, he had been hoping for a change in her father and mother’s attitude over the years. She felt her mother did well today by bringing food for the elderly, a small step of progress compared to the past.
Observing his daughter-in-law’s behavior, Grandpa Chen couldn’t help but reflect, “Jiuhong, I heard Third grandson wants to learn some technical skills. I have a student who is currently the factory manager at a mechanical plant. Let me write down the address. When Third grandson has time, ask him to visit. Just mention he’s my grandson and ask for guidance. It’s essential for a boy to learn some technical skills for future livelihood. It wouldn’t hurt.”
Old Chen suddenly mentioning this matter left Zhang Jiuhong ecstatic, not expecting such support. Her younger son’s job was indeed temporary, secured through connections at a local clothing factory, involving menial work and minimal pay. This situation not only posed financial challenges but could complicate finding a suitable wife in the future. Old Chen’s unexpected assistance truly surprised her.
“Dad, is what you said true? That’s wonderful. I’ll go inform third son right away. By the way, what would you like for dinner tonight? I can cook for you,” Zhang Jiuhong eagerly offered.
Her daughter-in-law’s response brought a little joy to Grandpa Chen. Without the recent encounter with his former student, he wouldn’t have been able to help his grandson in this way. Thankfully, having connections mattered. When he had mentioned the issue to his student, the immediate offer of help was heartening.
“Jiuhong, don’t trouble yourself too much. Keep it simple. I don’t have many preferences, especially in the summer. My appetite has been off lately. Light and simple dishes will do. There’s no need to buy expensive items; too extravagant and I won’t be able to eat,” Grandpa Chen advised.
Zhang Jiuhong smiled and agreed, eager to inform her younger son to contact the acquaintance mentioned by Grandpa Chen, feeling like she had won a jackpot with the note in her hand.