On the way here, I suggested buying some high-end nutritional supplements, but Su Shenglin said there was no need, as he had plenty at home.
It turned out that he had prepared the old man's favorite treat in advance.
Then it's only right that I pay for it.
"No need, why are you making such a big deal out of it with me?" He handed me the brocade box and leaned in to joke, "If you insist on getting something in return, you know what I want."
He suddenly leaned closer, and my ears tightened, causing me to involuntarily tremble.
Turning to look at him, I understood, of course. My eyes darted shyly left and right. "Now?"
He raised an eyebrow. "If you're willing, that would be best."
I don't know why I suddenly became so bold. Seeing that there was no one around, I raised my chin and leaned closer.
He bent down to meet me without hesitation.
A kiss landed on his cheek.
"Thank you, Mr. Su, for being so thoughtful," I said with a smile.
He turned his head and suddenly kissed my lips again, saying, "That's more than enough."
"..." I blushed and glared at him reproachfully.
We continued walking forward.
“Grandpa lives alone in the small courtyard, which is quiet. There is a stream flowing through the courtyard from the back mountain. The old man likes to fish. It’s warm and sunny today, so he’s probably caught something again right now.”
Su Shenglin explained to me, pushed open the half-closed courtyard gate, and stepped inside.
He was right.
In the courtyard, by the stream, an elderly man with white hair was leaning back in a wicker chair, a blanket draped over his legs, reading a book while wearing reading glasses.
He had a fishing rod propped up at his feet, looking like he was fishing, but it also seemed like he was just fishing for fun, much like Jiang Taigong fishing—only those who are willing will take the bait.
Su Shenglin and I made eye contact. He tightened his grip on my hand, as if afraid I would run away, and we walked to the stream.
"Grandpa, I brought my girlfriend to see you," Su Shenglin said softly, his tone gentle and smiling.
Upon hearing the sound, Mr. Su sat up and turned his gaze from behind the book to us.
Although the old man's hair was gray, he looked to be in good spirits. When he looked at people, the dignified and profound look that came with the passage of time immediately inspired respect.
"Hello, Grandpa, I'm Jiang Wan."
Mr. Su smiled and said, "Jiang Wan, seeing is believing."
I quickly replied modestly, "Grandpa, you flatter me."
“You don’t need to be modest. I knew you more than ten years ago when I was stationed in Xuzhen with my troops… You were so young, and a girl, yet you were bold, meticulous, and fearless, saving Sheng Lin twice. He has always remembered you.”
As Mr. Su recounted the past, he lifted the blanket from his lap.
Su Shenglin immediately understood and stepped forward to help the old man.
"Back then, I brought Sheng Lin to your door to express my gratitude, but I only saw your parents, not you." The old man's stern face softened with a smile as he said this. "I heard you were scared and hid in your room, refusing to come out."
It's surprising that the old man, despite being in his eighties, still has such a clear mind.
I nodded repeatedly: "You have a good memory. I saw several people in military uniforms through the crack in the door, and I was really scared, so I didn't dare to go out. Grandma said you are a very kind person and sent a lot of gifts."
The old man smiled again and waved his hand dismissively, "Come on, let's go inside and sit down and chat."
Su Shenglin continued to support the old man, but didn't forget to turn back and smile at me, as if to say, "See, I told you the old man is easy to get along with and will like you."
At that moment, I thought the same thing and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
After entering the house, Su Shenglin took the brocade box from my hand: "Grandpa, this is a treasure that Jiang Wan specially found for you—a Southern Song Dynasty Longquan celadon sunflower-shaped plate. Where do you think it would be best to put it?"
My gaze inadvertently swept across the living room, and I saw that the openwork wall separating the main living room from the side hall was filled with countless antique porcelain pieces in its cubicles.
At first glance, it looks like a museum.
I was a little worried. Would the old man like the one I "given"?
"Hmm! This is a good item. Where did you get it?" The old man carefully took the treasure and looked at me curiously.
Suddenly, a thought struck me: I had seen similar antique porcelain pieces at an auction before. I quickly said, "We found them by chance at the auction. Sheng Lin said that Grandpa likes antiques, so we bought them."
"That's thoughtful of you."
My heart was pounding, and I glanced at Su Shenglin silently.
I think the old man definitely knows that this wasn't prepared by me.
The maid brought me tea, and I nodded my thanks.
After Su Shenglin helped the old man sit down, he immediately returned to my side and said in a low voice, "Sit down, don't be so reserved."
I glanced at him, my eyes filled with resentment.
It's hard to be completely uninhibited.
The room full of antique mahogany furniture alone gives one a strong sense of oppression.
Not to mention the old gentleman's illustrious military career, his distinguished achievements, and the imposing and menacing aura he had cultivated through experience.
"Miss Jiang, I heard that something happened in your family?" Mr. Su asked casually as he put down his teacup after taking a couple of sips of tea.
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