Chapter 107 Grandpa's Worries

On a late spring afternoon, the sunlight was already quite intense, casting bright and warm spots of light on the mahogany floor through the large carved wooden window of the study in the Huo family's old house.

Old Master Huo sat in his beloved rosewood rocking chair, with a thin, plain cotton and linen blanket draped over him.

Song Zhiyi sat in a comfortable armchair opposite him, holding a cup of perfectly warm tea. She had come at the old man's invitation.

"Zhiyi," the old man's voice was aged but steady, with the gentleness unique to elders, "did your aunt come to see you a few days ago...?"

Song Zhiyi nodded slightly: "Yes, Grandpa. Auntie came to my dormitory for a while, brought some things, and we chatted for a bit."

The old man gave a soft "hmm," and the rocking chair creaked gently with his slight movements. "She came back and talked to me a lot. She said you have big things on your mind and lofty ambitions, but... you don't take yourself seriously enough, which is heartbreaking."

Song Zhiyi lowered her eyes, looking at the tea leaves unfurling in the cup, and remained silent.

"Have things been settled at the UN?" The old man looked at her, his eyes filled with concern, a hint of reluctance, and a complex mix of elder's worries. "I heard she's going to the Middle East? That place... hasn't really been peaceful in recent years."

He used restrained words, but his concern for the dangers in the distance was still clearly discernible in his calm tone.

Song Zhiyi raised her eyes, her gaze clear and open, meeting the old man's eyes. There was no hesitation or evasion in those eyes, only a calm determination.

“Grandpa,” her voice was steady and clear, “this opportunity is indeed very rare and a crucial step for my personal career development. But the more important reason is… the Middle East peace process is where my parents devoted the most effort during their lifetime.”

She paused, a faint yet profound sense of nostalgia and mission seeping into her voice: "There lie the paths they walked, the unfulfilled ideals, and the people they cared for. My going there is not just a job, but also... a responsibility and a continuation."

The study quieted down, with only the faint chirping of birds outside the window and the rhythmic creaking of the rocking chair.

The old man gazed at her for a long time. He looked at the girl before him, from the calm and resilience she possessed years ago when he first met her, to the bright-eyed, determined mature woman she was now. Her wings had long since grown strong, and her will had been tempered to be even more resolute. Now she was finally about to spread her wings and fly towards the vast sky she was destined for, a sky that would inevitably be accompanied by storms.

Pride, relief, heartache, and a touch of indescribable loss... all sorts of emotions intertwined in the old man's heart.

“But Zhiyi,” the old man lowered his voice, carrying a sigh for the vicissitudes of life and a deep concern for his younger generation, “between you and Yanli…”

He didn't finish his sentence, but they both understood his unspoken meaning. Their five-year agreement was nearing its end, yet their relationship still seemed shrouded in an impenetrable mist. Now she was about to embark on a long journey across the ocean, a trip that would last at least two years. The distance and time would bring countless unpredictable changes.

Song Zhiyi's lips curved slightly into a faint smile, a calm and peaceful one that revealed little emotion.

“Grandpa,” she said softly, her tone reassuringly calm and clear-headed, “the five-year agreement is indeed approaching. Perhaps this… is actually a good thing.”

"Good news?" The old man repeated, his brows twitching almost imperceptibly.

“Yes.” Song Zhiyi nodded, her gaze sincere. “My relationship with Yanli began with an agreement and a wish from our elders. Over the past five years, I have fulfilled my promises to my grandfather and to you. The Huo family has also given me a nominal place to stay, allowing me to focus on my studies and work without distractions. Now that the agreement is about to expire, I have a new work mission that requires even greater concentration. Perhaps this is a natural opportunity… to let everything return to its original track. For both of us, it will reduce unnecessary entanglements and burdens.”

She spoke so rationally and calmly, as if she were analyzing the handover process of a job, rather than a marriage that was about to reach its formal end.

Looking into her calm eyes, Old Master Huo felt his last glimmer of hope slowly dissipate like moisture in the sunlight. He understood that this girl wasn't feigning strength, nor was she harboring resentment. She genuinely believed it. Her heart was mostly devoted to her ideals for her country and her professional mission; perhaps the remaining space had never been reserved enough for romantic entanglements.

"You... haven't you thought about what Yanli is thinking right now?" The old man couldn't help but ask this question, which carried his last glimmer of hope.

Song Zhiyi remained silent for a moment. The sunlight outside the window shifted slightly, casting light and shadow on her serene profile, making her expression appear even more profound.

“Grandpa,” she began slowly, her voice still steady, clear after careful consideration, “Yanli… he is exceptionally outstanding. He is intelligent, decisive, has leadership qualities, and a strong sense of social responsibility. Lately, I can sense that he is doing meaningful things, trying to make a difference and expand his horizons.” She offered an objective assessment, her tone as if evaluating an excellent colleague or partner. “However, relationships and marriage are two different things from personal excellence. The path I’ve chosen is destined to be full of uncertainties and instability. I don’t want to… become anyone’s concern or burden, nor do I want anyone to deviate from their originally planned life trajectory because of me.”

She raised her head, her gaze clear and firm as she looked at the old man: "When the five-year agreement expires, it may be the most responsible choice for each other to return to our original lives. He deserves a more stable partner and life that is more in line with his social class and expectations. As for me, I also have a mission that I must face and complete alone."

Her words were clear and logical, and her composure was almost insightful. She considered everyone's situation and the life they "deserve," but she did not leave any "possibility" for herself and Huo Yanli.

Grandpa Huo leaned back in his rocking chair and slowly closed his eyes. After a long while, he let out a long, silent sigh.

He recalled his old friend's dying wish, and the resolve he had made when he first saw her at the cemetery. He had intended to give her a safe haven, but he hadn't anticipated that she herself was a ship destined for a long voyage. The harbor couldn't hold her; he could only watch her depart, entrusting his longing and blessings to the sea breeze.

"Enough, enough." The old man opened his eyes, his gaze falling gently on her. It was a pure, elder's love and support for an outstanding junior, transcending considerations of family marriage. "Since you've chosen this path yourself, go for it with confidence. Grandpa's old, I can't help you with anything practical anymore. I can only say one thing: no matter where you go in the world, no matter what you do, always put your safety first. The Huo family... will always be your home, your support. If you need anything, just come to Grandpa, understand?"

Song Zhiyi's eyes welled up slightly. She nodded vigorously, her voice soft yet clear: "Grandpa, thank you."

The sunlight outside the window slanted further west, turning the light golden and soft, illuminating the study with warmth and tranquility.

An old man and a young man, in this space filled with the aroma of tea and the atmosphere of books, completed a dialogue about parting, ideals, responsibility and fulfillment.

Some roads must be traversed alone. Some choices inevitably involve sacrifice and regret.

But this may be the price of growth and responsibility—making clear-headed choices, resolutely pursuing them, and then calmly accepting all the consequences that follow, whether it's gain or loss.