Chapter 100 Reconciliation
The trip had to end early, Yan Nanxing bought a ticket for the early morning and rushed back to Huayang.
Old Man Yan has been in good health for many years. At the age of nearly eighty, he is still stronger than some middle-aged people. He also likes to exercise. Who would have thought that he would fall down because of a cold one day.
Even when Yan Nanxing pretended to be sick last time, he knew it was a lie as soon as he heard it. But for some reason, after hearing Yan Kongqing say that, he started making arrangements to go back without further verification.
It was early morning when they arrived. Yan Nanxing hurried into the old house and saw Yan Kongqing in the hall, surrounded by relatives whom he rarely saw on weekdays.
The Yan family has weak family ties, especially since the previous generation. One branch of the family moved away and separated, leaving only Yan Nanxing in the other branch. The grandfather and grandson both have eccentric personalities, the old man is stubborn, and Yan Nanxing is even less popular. As a result, they are rarely seen during the New Year holidays.
At this moment, such a large group of people suddenly came, which might be a bad omen.
Yan Nanxing's heart sank. He took a step forward, came into everyone's sight, and walked straight to his cousin.
"Brother, you're back?" Seeing him arrive, Yan Kongqing breathed a sigh of relief, as if he had found a support. "I was just about to get someone to pick you up."
"It happened so suddenly that even if you were looking for someone, you would have to walk a lot slower. I'm not unfamiliar with the way, so I hurried back as soon as possible." After a few casual greetings, he asked directly, "How is Grandpa?"
Yan Kongqing was silent for a moment, then looked at the relatives around him and said, "The doctor is taking care of him."
Then he took a step forward and lowered his voice: "The old man said that when you come back, go over there. He has something to tell you."
It doesn't sound good.
Yan Nanxing lowered his eyes slightly, not really wanting to hear such words.
He had been fighting with his master for more than ten years and had never fulfilled his filial duty. Now that something bad had happened, was it a warning to him?
Mr. Yan's bedroom is the master bedroom on the south side of the third floor, a single floor. He loves quietness and has always kept himself separate from the younger generations in the family. However, he never expected that later on, as people left and dispersed, the house became completely silent, and he felt a little lonely.
Yan Nanxing walked up the stairs step by step until he reached the door of Old Man Yan's room. There were people guarding the door, all of them unfamiliar faces. Only then did he realize that he had been away from home for much longer than when he lived in the old house.
Those who had a little more insight recognized that this was the eldest son of the Yan family, opened the door for Yan Nanxing and led him in.
The bedroom was not very big compared to the whole house. A light calming fragrance wafted through the room. It was a recipe the old man had researched himself, and he always had the same scent on him all year round. Yan Nanxing remembered that when he was a child, sachets made with the same recipe were often hung in the house.
After passing the wooden carved door railing and turning a corner, he saw the master bedroom bed, but Yan Nanxing stopped and suddenly did not dare to move forward.
At this age, why do I feel a little homesick for no reason?
The noise at the door probably alerted the people inside. Someone came out and greeted Yan Nanxing: "Nanxing, Grandpa is waiting for you."
The man who spoke had a kind face. He was Yan Kongqing's father, his uncle. His expression was relatively calm. He stepped forward, patted Yan Nanxing on the shoulder, and whispered soothingly, "Some things should be discussed properly."
Yan Nanxing was quite respectful to this elder, especially when he thought that this was Shannai's father, he couldn't help feeling a little guilty: "Uncle, I know."
The second son of the Yan family pushed him and said, "Go quickly."
Finally, he took a step forward, but his movements were too light. The old man was a little confused again. He coughed and said, "Second brother, is Nanxing back?"
Yan Nanxing quickened his pace and reached the bed in a few steps.
As soon as he lowered his head, he could see that Mr. Yan looked sick. Without anyone saying much, Yan Nanxing could tell that it was indeed the symptoms of a cold. However, because the old man had a weak resistance, the disease came like a mountain, and it seemed so serious.
He stepped forward, hesitated for a moment, and finally chose to hold the old man's hand: "Well, I'm back."
"What's wrong with you?"
But the old man was silent again this time, with his eyes closed and brows furrowed, as if he was sleeping soundly, as if the words he just said were just dream mumblings.
The family doctor, standing nearby, explained, "There was a sudden downpour yesterday, and the master insisted on moving the flowers and trees in the yard inside. No matter how much we tried to persuade him, he wouldn't budge. Getting caught in the rain wouldn't be a big deal, but the main reason is the accumulated depression that's causing his illness."
Depression leads to illness. I never thought that this word would one day be associated with Old Man Yan. Old Man Yan, who didn't shed a tear at Shannai's funeral and scolded Yan Nanxing for not being able to handle such a small matter, would actually become depressed and sick.
However, time can dilute everything. When people reach a certain age, they begin to forgive many things unconsciously. Recalling the past again, Yan Nanxing found that he did not seem to have the same deep pain and resentment as he did then.
Even at this moment, I could calmly ask, "Are those camellia trees in the yard?"
The doctor was stunned and nodded, "Yes."
Second Uncle added from behind, "Your grandfather didn't take the medicine in time. After moving the tree, he stayed in your room for the whole afternoon."
Yan Nanxing lowered his eyes slightly.
After a while, he said, "Please leave me some space so I can stay with Grandpa for a while."
Everyone else left, closing the door behind them. The room fell completely silent. Yan Nanxing paused and said, "Don't pretend. I took his pulse. He won't have a fever for three days and three nights."
"Old man, I just didn't go home. I know your physical condition. Is this little cold enough to knock you down?"
The person on the bed was still motionless, which made Yan Nanxing feel helpless. This time was different from the last time when he pretended to be sick. After all, he was really sick. Maybe he was too tired on weekdays, and he relaxed all of a sudden, looking very pale.
On the one hand, my body can’t take it, and on the other hand, I don’t really want to face the facts.
He couldn't possibly be mean to a sick person, but just looking at him made him feel a bit headache. After a moment of silence, he spoke again: "Grandpa."
A heavy cough sounded, and Old Man Yan cleared his throat and finally replied: "The last time you called me grandpa was more than ten years ago."
Yan Nanxing recalled carefully and replied, "After I moved out after entering high school, I really didn't yell again."
He was unwilling to face it in his heart, and subconsciously felt that the source of the disaster came from the conflict between him and his grandfather. It seemed that only by escaping this identity could he hate openly and allow himself a little breathing space.
When I said the name again, I didn't feel as much psychological pressure. It turned out that as long as he was willing, everything could return to normal.
But the hurt we inflicted on each other over the years has never disappeared.
Old Master Yan sighed deeply: "I am old now, and I am a little bit stubborn."
"I'm already old, why bother?"
Yan Nanxing lowered his head and remained silent, listening to him slowly express his thoughts.
"Actually, it's just one sentence. What happened back then is not your fault. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have said that. You have to live her share for Shanna... If that girl knew I said that, I'm afraid she would be so angry that she would jump out to reason with me..."
As they talked, they both laughed, but there was a long silence and some sadness.
Even the body was not found, and all that was left in the cemetery was an empty grave.
"Just...just assume she's still alive. Maybe this child isn't meant to be with our family...it's not a bad place to think about it that way..."
Before the two of them had a thorough discussion about the matter, Old Man Yan felt a little at a loss. He spoke awkwardly and disorganizedly, trying to comfort her, but the more he spoke, the more he persuaded himself.
A tear slowly slid down from the corner of his wrinkled eye. Seeing this scene, Yan Nanxing suddenly came to his senses.
In fact, he had already let go of a lot, but when he saw this scene, Yan Nanxing found that he could completely understand the past.
He smiled faintly and said, "On Shannai's birthday, let's go to visit the grave together."
The old man didn't respond directly, but the hand beside the bed suddenly clenched, which meant he agreed.
After recounting his thoughts, Yan Nanxing sighed softly, "You asked me to come back not just for this matter, right?"
If it was simply because of a serious illness that made him think a lot more clearly, there would be no need to rush to call him back.
After realizing that the old man just had a simple cold, Yan Nanxing used some of his rationality to think about the reason.
The old man has been shrewd all his life, but he suddenly reveals his vulnerable side. Is he trying to play a trick and show some affection? What is he laying the groundwork for?
Yan Nanxing didn't have time to continue acting with him, so he just blurted out what he wanted to say, so as to avoid suppressing the worries that were really causing the old man's illness.
The atmosphere of the seemingly warm and casual chat suddenly changed after this sentence.
The old man's dry voice drawled, half proud and half vicissitudes: "As expected, nothing can be hidden from you."
"I know what you've been doing secretly in the past few years."
Yan Nanxing felt a chill in his heart.
Did he know? Was he exposed somewhere, or was he feigning surrender?
The cooperation between Yian and the Xing family was very successful, and Yan Kongqing's research project also made great progress, but all of this has not been announced yet. Which link revealed the flaw?
Before the dust settled, Yan Nanxing didn't dare to relax at all. He could only play dumb and cover up with a dry laugh: "Grandpa, what are you talking about?"
"We both understand each other, so what's the point of pretending..." Old Master Yan coughed twice more. "You kid, I was right. You've been quietly doing great things and even set up a company yourself."
"He's been hiding it well, but he's been doing great things. What a good boy... What's the name of that company, Yian?"
At this point, Yan Nanxing no longer needed to hide. He took a deep breath and asked, "How did you know?"
"According to your original plan, I might not even know about this until I die, right?" Old Master Yan smiled bitterly. "What a coincidence! When I went to your room yesterday, I saw the plan you had on the table. It was the plan you wrote when you were eighteen, but I rejected it. It wasn't a plan that was run by Yan's company. So, a newly emerged company that suddenly developed used the same method? It shouldn't be difficult to connect the dots, right?"
Yan Nanxing was a little stunned: "When I was eighteen...except for my philosophy, everything else was completely different, right? You can see that too?"
"The most important thing hasn't changed. As long as the goal is the same, no matter how it's implemented, you'll be able to see your influence." Old Master Yan chuckled softly. "You've always been reluctant to join the Yan family. Isn't it because you think we're too closed-minded and unwilling to change?"
"Nan Xing, sometimes it's not that I don't want to, but when you reach my position, there's too much to consider. You dare to spend five years of your hard work on the welfare of the people, leaving nothing for yourself, but what I'm carrying in my hands is fifty years, or even five hundred years for the Yan family."
Yan Nanxing naturally understood: "It's just that there have to be some changes. What era is this? Whether it's an aristocratic family or not, there's no need to pass it on."
"Grandpa, I know you're carrying a heavy burden. It's okay. I won't take risks with the Yan family, but you can't stop me from making mistakes."
This is the belief that Yan Nanxing has been thinking about for many years, but no one can stop this.
But unexpectedly, Mr. Yan's tone was a little doubtful: "When did I stop you from doing this?"
Yan Nanxing: “…Hmm?”
"If I really wanted to stop you, I wouldn't be telling you all this today. Wouldn't it be easier to just trip you up in secret?"
Old Master Yan sighed deeply: "What you have done is quite good. From this, it seems that your idea is indeed correct."
"Although Yian has not yet achieved significant results, the many talents it has demonstrated have been recognized by the industry, who see it as a future emerging leader."
"I've also... let it go. You're right. The Yan family can't compare to ordinary aristocratic families. It's just a spent force. I probably won't be able to wait for the next generation. So, if you're still willing to take over the company, I won't interfere anymore."
This seemed like some kind of reconciliation had been reached, which was clearly what Yan Nanxing wanted to see the most, but for some reason, he felt a pang of pain in his heart.
I left the old man's room and went out, and found that it was drizzling outside again, which made me feel melancholy.
Yan Nanxing went downstairs, walked around the people with inquiring eyes, found Yan Kongqing again, and asked, "Grandpa, why did you call so many Yan family members here today?"
As expected, all this had been arranged. Yan Kongqing made some room to reveal the position transfer letter on the table.
Mr. Yan had to resign as chairman of Yan Group due to health reasons. The position was handed over to his eldest grandson Yan Nanxing, and the company's shareholders unanimously agreed.
The content was written very clearly and had been read to the public before Yan Nanxing arrived.
All that's missing is one hand seal from Yan Nanxing, and the transfer will be completed.
"And the reason we called the Yan family here today is to...divide the assets." Yan Kongqing gestured to the lawyers who had been busy for a long time, never stopping. "Grandpa said that all the reforms of the Yan family will be left to you. However, whether you can convince the shareholders to agree depends entirely on your own ability."
"He said he had cleared the way for you, and the rest was up to you."
The Yan family is wealthy and powerful, which is inseparable from the efforts of several generations.
It's just that in this generation, the population is sparse and there is not much interaction, so Grandpa Yan did not fulfill his responsibility to take good care of everyone, but he did his best to allocate a huge amount of property to everyone.
In contrast, there is not much left for one's family.
Yan Nanxing laughed: "This is to let me also experience the difficulties of starting from scratch back then."
He was complaining but smiling on his face.
It’s actually quite good. Neither of the brothers needs the support of the Yan family, and they haven’t used the family assets for many years.
Even Yan Kongqing's current project research funds are supported by Yan Nanxing's own private bank.
This is the reason why the old man can completely eliminate his worries.
Who knows, he might even feel relieved.
"Oh, right." Yan Kongqing had the same cold expression as always, but what he said was earth-shattering, "The old house may also be sold. Grandpa means to go live with you in Xinhai."
"What?!"
Yan Nanxing exploded on the spot.
————
After seeing off the large group of relatives, the two people who had been busy all day finally had some time to rest.
After laughing all day, Yan Nanxing felt a little tired. Before his second uncle's family left, they couldn't bear to see him struggling alone, so they asked Yan Kongqing to stay and help.
Although they had mentioned in the morning that the old house would be mortgaged, the years of friendship still existed, and the final result of the negotiation was a very favorable price based on family loyalty. The two brothers paid for the deed to the old house, and they would continue to live there.
They say they are a family, but in the end, isn’t it still the old man who is left here alone?
This "formality" also cost a lot of money. Yan Nanxing saw stars and couldn't help thinking about how long he would have to work to make up for the money he spent today.
Yan Kongqing comforted him: "It's okay, money is just a thing outside of our body for us."
Yan Nanxing sneered.
Nonsense, do people who don’t make money know how hard it is to make money? Most of the expenses spent by Yan Kongqing are also supported by him!
He really couldn't figure it out, and didn't want to calculate it anymore. Yan Nanxing sighed deeply: "If I had known that I would be tied to this house one day, I would have gone home more often."
"Actually, you can move back and sell the house in Xinhai," Yan Kongqing opened his eyes and started giving stupid advice.
"Sure, if I'm going to sell it, I'll sell your place too." Yan Nanxing chuckled. To him, a house was just a place to live. It didn't matter where it was. "I bought it anyway, and the property is in my hands. Once I get my money back, I'll just move to Nan Fei's place and live there for free."
"No." Yan Kongqing frowned. He didn't expect that a joke would hit him. "I still have a lot of information over there."
The two brothers argued with each other and neither of them gained the upper hand, but this did remind Yan Nanxing that it was almost time to go back to Nan Fei.
The vacation that was squeezed out after a period of intensive work must not be wasted.
When I turned on my phone, Nan Fei, who had also been busy all day, sent me a caring message, asking about Mr. Yan's health.
The day before, Yan Nanxing's face turned pale before he left, and he had to catch the plane without stopping, which really scared him.
Yan Nanxing promptly reported his safety, and while pulling Yan Kongqing, he turned around and asked him, "I'm going back to Xinhai. Do you want to go with me or stay here with Grandpa?"
"Let's go together." Yan Kongqing stood up, "You don't even plan to stay, and I'm not that close to him."
Such cold words, but it is true.
Yan Kongqing even said coldly that his excuse for going home was to attend a funeral.
Yan Nanxing: "...Don't blame Grandpa for not liking you."
"It was just a verbal statement, and I couldn't ask for leave without this reason." Yan Kongqing smiled rarely. "If you really count, the old man has used this as an excuse in front of me no less than five times."
...For the sake of merit, it's better not to ask him about the specific excuse for his leave.
After being busy for such a long time, it was already early morning when they arrived at Xinhai. Considering the distance, Yan Nanxing planned to let his good brother stay overnight.
Unexpectedly, as soon as the key was inserted into the door hole, it opened directly from the inside.
So the people inside and outside the door were caught off guard and slapped in the face.
Nan Fei was wearing pajamas and stared at them: "Why are you back?"
Yan Nanxing was also surprised: "Isn't this our home? Can't I come back?"
Nan Fei is different here. The next tour is in the vicinity of Xinhai, and there is still one day left. It is only natural for him to come back and take a short rest.
"Well, since you didn't say it on WeChat, I thought you would stay for another day." After saying this briefly, Nan Fei's gaze naturally turned to the man who was arm in arm with Yan Nanxing.
The man was tall and straight, wearing a pair of square-framed glasses. He was also very handsome, and his clothes were simple and slim-fitting. His hair was slightly longer than his shoulders and was tied into a small braid at the end.
She also has a very beautiful appearance, but compared with Yan Nanxing, she seems a little more distant and lacks affinity, making people dare only watch her from afar and not approach her.
Nan Fei looked up and down at the intimate gestures between the two, finding it quite pleasing to the eye: "Who is this?"
"Oh, right. I haven't introduced you yet. Mainly because I didn't expect you to meet in an occasion like this." Yan Nanxing lowered his hand from Yan Kongqing's shoulder and patted his arm. "The one I've told you about many times, the research cousin."
Nan Fei suddenly realized: "Yan Kongqing, huh? I've heard of your great name for a long time, and now I finally get to meet you in person."
Yan Kongqing nodded: "I know you."
Yan Nanxing said as if it was a matter of course: "If you spend more time on the internet, you will definitely know Nan Fei."
"It's mainly because I've heard Yan Nanxing mention you too many times. He's very long-winded, but after looking up information, I understand a lot." Yan Kongqing thought about it and finally couldn't help but said, "But he's still very long-winded."
As soon as the words fell, Yan Nanxing pulled the person back with a forced smile and walked in. He then stuffed the key to the opposite door into Yan Kongqing's hand and said, "Go sleep across the street. You're not welcome here."
Before Nan Fei could react, the door slammed shut from the inside.
"Hey, I haven't even chatted with him much." Nan Fei was a little amused. "I didn't say anything, so why do you dislike him so much?"
"What do you want to see? If you can't speak, you don't have to say anything." Yan Nanxing complained a little, "You don't give me any face. Am I that kind of person? This is pure rumor."
Being described as love-brained doesn't sound like a good compliment, but Nan Fei was actually very happy to hear it: "So you've mentioned me to him so many times?"
"No." Yan Nanxing subconsciously denied it, but when he turned around and met Nan Fei's sparkling eyes, he felt that he had said too much and felt a little annoyed. "Not a few times... But I have to mention that I have a boyfriend. After all, he is an acquaintance that I interact with frequently."
Nan Fei smiled: "Okay, I know you like me."
Hearing these words made people feel a little hot. Yan Nanxing reached out and pinched Nan Fei's face, then couldn't help but kiss her.
The kiss didn't last long. It was simply an expression of longing. After a gentle and tender moment, Yan Nanxing contentedly held her in his arms and whispered in her ear, "I'm so sorry for leaving you there yesterday."
"It's okay." Nan Fei responded promptly, "Knowing that Grandpa Yan is fine is more important than anything else. Now my grandfather can rest assured."
The mood of both of them relaxed, and the temperature inevitably rose a little at this time.
"Now that everything's fine..." Yan Nanxing smiled somewhat ambiguously. He pulled away slightly and stroked Nan Fei's face. "Can we make up for the second half of the storyline that we couldn't finish yesterday?"
"Today's workload isn't as heavy as a concert, is it?"
Nan Fei immediately understood what he was saying and her eyes widened: "I'm not wearing any makeup today."
"It doesn't matter. Having people in my hands is more important than anything else."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
