How many moments of precious time has each person wasted in their life?

"Wait a minute, can you tell Grandpa who exactly asked you to come and ask about Grandpa and Grandma tonight? If it was your father, then go back and tell him that if he doesn’t believe every word we say, then don’t ask us any reason again. If it was your great-grandfather who chose to let you ask us, then please convey to him as well that some things cannot be explained in a few words, and it’s best not to stubbornly hold onto this issue repeatedly without letting go. Holding onto this again and again doesn’t do any good."

Child, judging from your attitude, I can see that no matter what I and your Grandma do, you feel we’re not part of your family, because our actions have truly disappointed you a bit. But do you know how much effort we’ve put in over the years to return to this family? Maybe others can’t see it at all, but can’t you? Do you not understand what we truly want? We’ve paid so much time and again, for what? Are we paying such heavy prices again and again just to be hurt by you repeatedly?

I know we did something to let you down in the past, but by now I have repented, and I have paid a heavy price for every wrong I committed. Why do you still hold onto this matter?

Just like you said, you want to live a stable and peaceful life. Do you think I don’t want that? I am also human, I also have emotions, I have desires, I also have the intention to contribute to my family. Have you ever considered how I feel?

If you were repeatedly hurt like this, if you were repeatedly told these things by others, if you faced suspicion time and time again from your own family who don’t believe anything you say, how would you feel? Would you feel good inside?

Can’t we try to relate to each other by expressing our feelings? I know the things you said to us today were heartfelt truths, but what about us? Do you think we’re not suffering? Do you think our hearts haven’t been stirred at all?

You think we parents are too selfish. You think we grandparents don’t care about your feelings. But what about you? Did your actions and words ever consider our dignity? Time and again, you belittle our self-esteem. Do you really see our self-respect as insignificant? I also want a peaceful life, and I only want everyone to live happily. I want to bring happiness to everyone; I don’t want to leave you only with painful memories. Why do you have to destroy even this simple desire?

Child, regardless of what happens, the blood running in your veins is mine. Your father shares my blood; he is my own son, and you are his son, so doesn’t that mean our blood flows in you too? Why do you have such thoughts? Why do you think such ideas are right, and never consider if your thoughts are truly mistaken? The one who is hurt again and again is not you but me. I’m a part of this family. Do you really see us as family with your actions? Maybe you never have!"

Xia Jing knew that her husband was genuinely hurt this time. He always kept his emotions in check and never spoke with eyes brimming with tears. But the words he said today were all truths from his heart, sentiments he silently harbored for years without saying aloud, knowing even if spoken, it would make no difference. But now he chose to speak, indicating his heart still wanted a gamble with his family, a gamble with fate, to see what his family’s intentions truly are, to discover how they could regard him as part of the family rather than guarding against him time and again, for returning to such a home would hold no meaning.

"Zhentian, what’s wrong with you today? I know you’re upset, but you shouldn’t say such things to your own child. Don’t you know that saying these things will stir ideas in your child’s heart? He’s suffered too many grievances over the years and could only hold back until today when he finally expressed it all to us. It’s not easy for him to reveal his true feelings; how could you do something like this?"

"Grandma, actually Grandpa isn’t wrong, because everything he’s done truly is for the good of this family. Perhaps today I was a bit too emotional.

I didn’t consider what you could bear. I’ve been focused on what kind of life I want, but I forgot what you can endure. Over the years, every person in my family told me how you abandoned this family back then, so deep down I felt a bit of rejection towards you. But I didn’t realize my rejection could lead to this situation. If my words caused any misunderstanding, or if today’s actions made you misunderstand, then I sincerely apologize. I didn’t mean it!

But I’m still very grateful to you all. If not for you, I wouldn’t have had this chance to express my true feelings. These words have been buried inside me for so many years, accumulating with my growth day by day, never confided to anyone else, not even my own parents.

Because when I bring you up to them, there’s a hint of hesitation in their hearts. I know they’re also deeply hurt, so I can’t mention my Grandpa or Grandma in front of them, nor ask about your matters. But today, I’ve put all my innermost words into the open. I feel genuinely happy and relieved.

I never thought the day would come where I could live openly like this, where I could ask all my deep-seated questions openly. It feels truly liberating!"

I said I wouldn’t leave, that I would stay with you until we’re old. You once begged me not to leave, but still, I broke my promise to you!