Lunch lasted from the afternoon until four o'clock.
Shen Jingyu arranged for the Su family to be sent off before personally taking his father and Su Xing to the Shen family home. Along the way, Shen Huai finally found the time to communicate with his daughter-in-law.
"Xing, I've heard that over the years, you've been taking care of Jingyu. On behalf of your mother, I want to apologize and thank you!" Shen Huai's words were directed at Su Xing but also meant for his own son.
"Your mother is actually a very gentle woman. She loves me deeply, but in doing so, she has neglected our family. I only hope that you both can live the rest of your lives without too many regrets and enjoy it fully."
Shen Jingyu tightened his grip on the steering wheel. Ever since he had entrusted his heart to Su Xing, he could understand Auntie's feelings at that moment. Now, he could also comprehend his father's sentiments; the mission was finally over, and he should spend the rest of his life cherishing memories with Auntie.
"Dad, I used to blame Mom because I cared more about Jingyu," he admitted. "But before he passed away, we talked a lot. I could understand him, but I could never become him. If it were me, I would say that now I have a child in my belly, and I would love just as much for our child."
Life experiences are different; perhaps it's truly impossible to empathize completely. But one thing I can be sure of is that Mom really loved you! She told me so many times."
Su Xing shared details about her interactions with her mother-in-law with Shen Huai. Without exception, Shen Huai listened intently.
Su Xing had long noticed that this man carried a certain melancholic aura; it was undeniable that they were indeed father and son!
In the back seat, Su Xing watched the two figures in front of her, feeling the bond of father and son between them.
She said a lot, but the most important point she saved for last: "Mom held on for so long; in a sense, she was willing to live under the same sky as you."
"You both wanted to show each other your best sides but overlooked that every aspect of love should be about acceptance and tolerance."
Su Xing didn't elaborate further, but both men felt a significant impact from her words.
His mother once said that she hoped he would live, no matter what kind of person he became; she just wanted him to be alive.
The air was filled with a moment of tranquility as the car drove along Shen Guan Shan Road. The shadows of the trees grew denser, and the sky darkened, mirroring the heavy atmosphere between them.
Suddenly, Shen Huai seemed to snap out of his thoughts. He looked at his daughter-in-law with a serious expression and declared, "Dad would never commit suicide! And I don’t have a habit of writing farewell letters! Aren’t you afraid?"
Xiao Yu inherited that trait from her mother, who was always melancholic in her youth, singing songs of pure love and longing.
"I’m actually quite surprised he managed to write over a hundred farewell letters and still held on for so long," Su Xing remarked. "Is this how you show politeness? You’re talking about your own daughter-in-law and son! Their personality flaws are not your fault!"
Shen Jingyu helplessly drove the car to the top of the mountain.
The Shen family gathered together; even the younger uncle and aunt had come to the old house for dinner recently, not for any particular reason but simply for the sake of warmth.
In the past, their atmosphere had been too oppressive, and family reunions always reminded them of those who were missing. Now that this important figure had arrived, even in his absence, everyone could find joy.
When the three of them entered the house, the atmosphere inside was already lively.
"Big brother, you’re here?! Come on, brother-in-law! Big brother can’t drink; let’s drink for him! Cheers! We won’t stop until we’re drunk! So happy! Really damn happy!"
Shen Huai Min was undoubtedly drunk, showing none of the demeanor expected from a leader.
Gu Zheng observed that his mood was also quite good. The past few days had been busy with tasks assigned to his son and those two kids from Rong Xigu. Now he finally had a break to relax!
For the Shen family to unwind together was the best welcome for Shen Huai.
"Have you met with the in-laws? Did you discuss anything? The two families should formally meet since the kids have already gotten their marriage certificate. Pick a date; as their father, you should help organize a wedding for them!"
Shen Huai replied, "Dad, are you worried about me being idle? Do you want to find something for me to do? Don’t you care if my body can handle this kind of workload?"
Shen Zhengxin certainly understood his son's situation but also believed that keeping him occupied would prevent him from dwelling on certain thoughts about a woman that could lead him into depression.
"I’ll do my best to help organize everything! It all depends on what the kids like!" Shen Huai knew he wouldn’t be much help but still agreed.
After all, making his elderly father and Auntie happy was his last wish in this life.
Shen Jingyu seized the right moment to speak up, "Dad, if you’re feeling well lately, could you help me manage the company a bit? My wife isn’t in good health right now."
Shen Huai retorted, "After so many years without seeing my son, can I not scold you? How can you have so many assistants who are just sitting around doing nothing? How did you become such a big boss?" He exposed his son's shortcomings without holding back.
"Don’t think about finding someone to do it for me! I want to take a break! My health isn’t back yet! How am I supposed to take care of your children in the future?"
It was clear that Shen Huai was emotional about this. The whole family burst into laughter, as if all their worries were slowly dissipating.
Aunt Shen Huairou was particularly concerned about Su Xing's health. As soon as he arrived, she rushed to give him a physical check-up.
Shen Huairou could also feel pulses, and upon checking, she found that both children’s pulses were much stronger than yesterday!
She nodded in satisfaction and surprise, "Not bad! Not bad! You really did encounter a miraculous doctor!"
Yesterday, Shen Huairou had pulled her elder brother aside to check on his condition. The conclusion was that without that miraculous doctor’s help, he wouldn’t have made it through.
Thus, Zhu Man truly deserved to be called their family’s benefactor!
So when those two drunken men got up from the table, they immediately sought out Shen Jingyu.
"Jing Yu! That little girl Zhu Man is our great benefactor! We must do everything we can to support her!"
"We want to help! Our whole family will use all our strength to back her up!"
"If there’s anything you need, just tell your uncle! In our country, your uncle can find a way! If he can’t find a way, there’s always your grandfather!"
Shen Zhengxin tapped his cane lightly and added, "Some things shouldn’t be said too openly; it’s basic etiquette for onlookers!"
After drinking a couple of shots of liquor, Gu Zheng reminded him, "You might forget who you are after too much to drink."
Then he added, "Uncle’s abilities are limited and might not match yours! But our benefactor deserves our support; we have some standing in this matter."
Shen Lao had nothing more to say. He stood up and left. The kids were right, but he couldn’t listen too much or he’d end up scolding them—nobody wanted to deal with that kind of trouble!
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