Originally, I thought the world outside the window was so beautiful, hoping to take one last look before I shed tears.

"Grandma, do you really know how we feel deep inside? If back then you had chosen to acknowledge us openly instead of denying us, wouldn’t the outcome have been different? All the endings would have been different. I’m not someone with a heart of stone; I could never drive you out of the house and never let you come back.

But I’ve never understood what you were thinking when you abandoned my father, leaving him all alone. If it weren’t for great-grandfather, he would have starved to death long ago, and I wouldn’t exist.

Grandpa, Grandma, you really should consider different perspectives sometimes. Because of your resolute departure back then, how many people who loved you deeply were hurt? Have you ever thought about the pain your leaving would cause them if they truly loved you? All those you hurt were the ones who sincerely loved you. Yet, when you made those decisions, did you consider their feelings? They had to silently endure the pain you caused them again and again, powerless because they didn’t know how to communicate with you!

Every time someone tries to communicate with you, you choose to avoid it. What is the result of your avoidance? Ultimately, you lose your family, causing them pain over and over. You might be living carefree outside, but what about those family members? They’re at home thinking of you every day, wondering why you refuse to stay by their side. Why did you leave? How are you living outside? Is it as happy as it would have been if you were home, with meals and comforts at your beck and call?

Love, maybe all these things seem insignificant in your eyes, but they’re vital in their eyes because you’re family. They want you to be happy and joyful. As parents, how could they be happy knowing you live in pain every day?

Poor are the hearts of parents all over the world; they’ve sacrificed everything for their children, losing all of their freedom. Yet, for your freedom, you abandoned your children. I really don’t know what sets you apart from those parents; both are parents with children, but why do you treat your family so differently?"

"Child, you keep saying we avoided responsibility. I admit we avoided the duties of being parents. We also discussed the filial piety we owe our own father. But what have you done now? Talking to us like that? Haven’t you avoided anything? Did none of those people ever think of living happily with us? And you tell us these things, do your parents know? Would they approve of you standing here today, saying this to us? You’re questioning our sincere determination to be part of this family. Since you choose not to trust us, why plead for us and then subject us to your criticism again?"

"Grandpa, Grandma, have you really overthought? Did you really think I sincerely wanted you to come back? I chose to speak up for my father because I didn’t want to embarrass my parents. I know deep down he wants to forgive you. I know what I’m doing is just going with the flow. Do you really think I can’t see that? His pride has always held him back; he needs a way out, and for the happiness of my family, I have to set aside my views for the greater good. If I were so selfish to not speak for you, would you be here debating with me right now?

I used to not understand what gratitude was, but now I know. Gratitude means sincerely appreciating the benefits others bring us, genuinely thanking those who help us. Are you truly grateful to me? Why does it feel like you’re bargaining with me?

Let me tell you, no matter if you return to this family, or what you’ll ultimately become, no matter if you’re willing to stay for life—

I can confidently say, with my efforts, I’ve reached this point, and one day I’ll surpass my father through my hard work. I’ll become a unique force in this world. All those who wronged me will pay the price, but I haven’t done so yet because I can’t bear it. I can’t bear to see my father hurt because of my revenge against you. After all, you’re the ones who gave me life. If you hadn’t given birth to him, I wouldn’t exist. Instead, I’m thankful you gave me a complete father. He brought me life and has fulfilled all the responsibilities a father should.

I’m genuinely delighted to have such a father. Don’t you think my life is truly happy and worth living? Whose father could compare to mine? He became strong through his own efforts, and I can do the same.

Maybe deep down, you think what you’ve achieved, others might not be able to. But you’ve forgotten each member of the Zhang Family is resilient, with firm determination, reaching life’s end through their efforts—I’ll be life’s ultimate winner. I won’t let myself fail, nor let you look down on me. I’ll ensure those who abandoned me will pay a painful price before I rest. Why should I let you step over me? This isn’t about avoiding responsibility, nor avoiding acknowledging you; I intend to prove through my actions how foolish your past decisions were!

I sincerely treated you as family, yet you chose to leave me. I sincerely hoped for your return to my side, but you chose to stand before me and not acknowledge me. You’ve been so heartless time and again; why should I show compassion and loyalty to you?"

I once thought this would be the final memory. My apology for you is frozen on my lips. I truly don’t know what happened between us to lead to this point!