This was almost blatant provocation, but Qin Qinghuai neither provoked nor got angry. He gave him a strange look, with a hint of mockery at the corner of his mouth. Before Chen Hongjun could figure out what was going on, he went back to playing with the child.
"Daughter, who have we come back to see?"
That glance, cold yet subtle, a half-smile, was so quick that Chen Hongjun almost thought it was his imagination, but it did manage to instantly snap him back to reality.
How could he forget that the other party was not some shallow-minded person? Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse. Besides, the other party had only retired. Even if the Qin family had left the capital, the center of power, their foundation and connections were still beyond their reach. They couldn't just make things up about them.
"Oh, oh! Good, here you go, it's delicious!"
These past few days, perhaps because I've been meeting more people and things, and have had more opportunities and interest in talking, I've started to speak more freely. At first, it was just one word at a time, but in the last couple of days, I've been able to string together several words.
"Great! That's wonderful!"
"Yes, yes, great-grandfather, you left some good food for me."
These past few days, the adults have probably been talking a lot, and the children have been following suit. Although they don't speak completely, only a few words come out, Chen Hongjun, who is already sensitive, still couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.
Sure enough, they all found out.
He wasn't afraid, though. Although the Qin family was powerful, they had retired after all. His behavior was more like an act of ingratitude, so the Qin family wouldn't go so far as to seek revenge on him.
However, the kindness that the old man of the Su family had shown him, which could even be described as a life-saving grace, was genuine. After all, he was a soldier who had been tempered for so many years, and his sense of shame had not been completely extinguished.
Judging from his appearance, Jian Dan could roughly guess what he was thinking. However, everyone has their own choices. The old man wouldn't expect to repay the kindness he had shown back then. If she said anything more, it would seem like she was taking advantage of his kindness.
She came today only for him. If he really had his reasons, she wouldn't just stand by and watch, considering he helped her back then.
But now it seems that, although it wasn't explicitly stated, the evasive look in his eyes and the expression on his face when he talked about those two courtyards made it all clear.
Since it's their own choice, there's nothing more to say.
After glancing at Qin Qinghuai, the couple quickly put down the mountain goods they had brought and got up.
"Uncle Chen, we just came to see you today. We'll be going back in a couple of days, and we don't know when we'll be back. I don't have many close friends in Beijing. Let's keep in touch from now on."
Qin Qinghuai didn't say anything, but quietly straightened the child's coat, held the child and followed his wife's movements, glanced at the hidden door behind him, a slight smile appeared on his lips, and turned to leave.
Just as they were about to reach the door, Chen Hongjun suddenly seemed to wake up, got up and took a few steps to catch up, a look of shame on his face.
"Xiao Dan, Uncle,"
Qin Qinghuai watched coldly, a hint of shame on his face—not much, probably because his earlier words had reminded him of something, and not to the point of regret. Clearly, he felt he had lost face.
"Xiao Dan, there are some things I can explain. I have my reasons,"
A simple, almost imperceptible sigh—it's fine as it is, you and I just know it. Why do we have to spell it out?
"Uncle Chen, don't say that. You haven't done anything to wrong me. You don't need to explain anything to a junior like me. You helped me when I was going through the toughest time a few years ago, and I've always remembered that. But you also said that I'm a simple person, and I think that's a very accurate assessment, especially now that I'm married. All I think about is my little family and my child. I don't have that much energy for anything else."
You and I are different. You are a factory director, a retired veteran, and a long-time Party member. You hold the fate and future of so many workers in your hands. What you do must be based on your own considerations.
We are at different levels, and our perspectives, attitudes, and views on things are all different. If you feel that you are right and have a clear conscience, then there is no problem.
Without the protection of my elders, I am just an ordinary person. I don't ask for much. Within my own capabilities, I will carry on their legacy and not tarnish the honor they have earned in their lifetime. That would be enough for me.
Here in the capital, my attachments are dwindling, and I won't have many opportunities to return. Please take good care of yourself.
Her tone remained calm throughout, without any sharpness or anger, and even carried a slight smile. After speaking, she turned to look at Qin Qinghuai.
"Brother Huai, let's go. Let's get this sorted out so we can go home sooner."
The little one cheered with his arms outstretched.
"Home, home, Grandpa!"
A simple and patient response.
"Yes, yes, go home, find Grandpa. Does our daughter miss Grandpa?"
"think!"
Watching the family of three slowly leave, Chen Hongjun stood quietly for a long time, his mind filled with the conversation he had just heard, the courtyard, his grandfather, and his clear conscience...
After a long while, another mocking voice came from the office.
"What, regretting it?"
Chen Hongjun...
Do you think he'll believe it?
Qin Qinghuai chuckled.
"Does it matter whether they believe it or not? Right now, they should already be discussing their next move, right?"
Qin Qinghuai's hearing was already exceptionally sensitive, and this was just a basic skill. The couple had long since discovered that there was another breathing sound hidden behind Chen Hongjun's office. Although they deliberately kept it quiet, it was not a difficult task for them.
So those last few sentences were actually somewhat sarcastic, and I suspect not only those who came after them could understand it, but Chen Hongjun himself probably realized it too.
"Let's go eat first, then we can eat roast duck openly and casually, and then we can buy things to prepare for going home. Tonight, I guess some people won't be able to sit still,"
She glanced back at the steel plant briefly. She didn't really care about parting with it, but it represented so many years of her grandfather's hard work, and now it seemed to have nothing to do with it anymore.
"Ha, that's what makes them restless. Just think, if Grandpa were still here and knew he'd become like this, wouldn't he be heartbroken?"
Qin Qinghuai decisively shook his head.
"No, I've never met my grandfather, but after hearing you talk about him so many times, I know that his perspective is very different from ours. He's not the kind of person who expects something in return for his kindness. I doubt he could even remember all the good deeds he's done or the people he's helped. I doubt he would remember them."
He didn't do those things for anyone's gratitude,"
He simply pursed his lips.
“I know he just wants peace of mind. He has the means, so he thinks he can help if he can.”
However, I'm not as saintly as he is. Just the thought of his good intentions producing such an ungrateful child makes me uncomfortable.
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