Zhang Zhentian used to think that as long as he was alive, no matter how hard or tiring it might be, it wasn’t a big deal in his eyes. But now, seeing his child so haggard, he realized what he once considered tiring was just a different choice in life.

Even though Zhang Zhentian felt that living like this was still a bit exhausting, sometimes he found himself with no way to make choices. This path was one he resolutely chose back then, so now that he has chosen this road, what right or reason does he have to resent the harm others have caused him?

"Dad, no matter how tiring it is, this was a decision I made. Since I chose this path, I will keep moving forward step by step, no matter how hard it is ahead. You shouldn’t think I can’t keep living; you should believe in me. I can, I will make it to the end. I won’t give up easily."

Old Master Zhang knew from the start that his son was stubborn, but he never expected his son to stick to his decisions to such an extent.

If it were a few years ago, he might have felt proud of the decisions his son made. But now, times have changed, and many things haven’t turned out as he once wished. There was no way to let everything develop according to his imagination. All he could do now was ensure his child’s safety by his side. Yet, as a father, how could he let his child spend a lifetime only knowing this family and not having any other aspirations?

He also understood that the things he desired deep down weren’t easy to achieve. The mistakes he made had to bear consequences; no one could shield him forever. He had made far too many mistakes, ones that no one could understand or forgive.

He didn’t want much, only hoped for stability at home and a peaceful, happy life.

Despite everything, the family had endured too much pain and tears. He couldn’t pretend nothing had happened. The mistakes he’d made came with punishment. But why, now that his child encounters such issues, does he still worry as a father? Do parents really have to worry about their children always, putting aside their own joy and happiness?

"Child, I know the things you did once seemed painful and ugly to you. But as your father, no matter how many mistakes you made, I would forgive you unconditionally because you are my son. I’ve told you this countless times, but you never believed it!

As a father, how inadequate must I be to let you take everything upon yourself, again and again?

Do you think, deep down, that I’m an irresponsible father? I felt such pain, just wanting you back by my side. But these years, you weren’t around—I shouldn’t hate you, but I resent it. Why does a child I’ve raised with so much effort treat me this way? Was I not good to you, or didn’t fulfill my duties as a father?

Maybe you think now you’ve got what you wanted and can live contentedly and happily. But I can’t forget the pain you brought to each member of this family.

The pain can’t be forgotten. The tears and secret cries are known only to me. You haven’t felt that sorrow, nor can you understand the excruciating heartbreak it is. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

I know you genuinely want to return home, hoping to move past old mistakes. But I can’t.

Child, your return here brings me such joy. I’m not greedy. I know your underlying thoughts, but I want you to know, regardless, I am your father!"

Zhang Zhentian never thought his father saw him this way. How terrible a son was he to make his father think such things? Each mistake he’d made kept costing him, but why was his father still unwilling to face him directly? He always suspected hidden motives behind his return home.

It was only then he realized what it felt like to be irrationally suspected—it was awful. He once suspected others and wondered how painful it was for them, like when he doubted his wife—how desperate she must have felt. He gradually recalled all the pain he’d caused others. Can those wounds really vanish because of his compensatory words?

"Dad, if you think my return has ulterior motives, so be it. I have no regrets. A mistake must be owned. Everything I do at home might seem tiring to you, but so what? The path I chose must reach its end. If I give up halfway, I’m unworthy of being your son. You once poured all your heart into the company, even risking everything for my last retreat. But I didn’t cherish it and cut off all those retreats for myself, choosing a dead end before I returned home.

I know I’m not a good son. I know I’ve hurt and saddened you, but I promise that this time, I genuinely want to live with this family. I have no other motives. Living in this family is my happiness, yet I realized it too late. I regret it deeply!"

But what use is regret now? Who can you blame for your mistakes? No one denied you chances—it was you who abandoned everything!

No matter how hard or tiring it is, it doesn’t matter. But seeing his child like this, for the first time, he truly felt exhausted.