Some people can only look at the ground; lifting their heads only reveals faces that make one unwilling to endure. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

How could Zhang Zhentian not understand the true meaning behind his son’s words? As a father, he knows his biological son best, yet he chose to say nothing, silently accepting every word his child said to him. He humbly accepted it, hoping sincerely that his child could forgive him and allow him to be at home, only then could he truly let go of the burden within his heart, and he felt his guilt wasn’t so profound.

Back then, he abandoned his entire family and clan for his selfish desires, leaving his father to endure so many hardships, while he, as a son, was living his own life happily outside. What face does he have to demand? Why should his father have so much love for him? Why cause his family to cry repeatedly over his actions, while he remains indifferent?

Zhang Zhentian knows that no one in the world is stone-hearted. Everyone is inherently frail. If someone becomes stone-hearted, it only indicates they have suffered too much and endured too many blows, making them become like a hedgehog, defensive to protect themselves from harm. Perhaps only such a person can live happily in the end, free from others’ harm; but who knows, even if they feel no hurt from others, they are still lonely inside. With no harm, there are no friends, and they lead a solitary life with nothing gained in the end.

"My child, I know what you mean by the things you say. As a father, there’s nothing I understand more than my own child. All you say is just to keep us at home to accompany your grandfather, to let your grandfather live a happy life. I know you are a filial and good child—we’ve been watching your every move, yet we’ve never interfered, because we believe that every decision you make is right. Your eyes, as bright as your grandfather’s, ensure that your decisions have no mistakes, and you can achieve in life as in your career!

Once, abandoning you all caused irreparable harm, but your ability to forgive me brings real joy and contentment to me. I haven’t many demands; as long as my family can be by my side, it’s enough for me. I haven’t often faced such things in life, living happily under others’ protection. Such a life isn’t remarkable to me, but to you, it’s seen as pitiful.

Child, I must admit, no one can understand the hardships your father has endured these past years. You may think I’m lying, but have you considered why I say these things to you and not to others? Because I believe my own son won’t take them as a joke. I’ve never shared such experiences with anyone, not even your mom, she’s unaware of the torment I’ve been through. I continuously tormented myself, not believing I’d ultimately abandon you all!"

"Do you think saying this now has any significance? What meaning does it hold? Saying such things must make you feel no remorse, right? You tell me you never intended for these outcomes, but you made these choices then, so why say such words today? Speaking like this only invites disdain. I ask you, what was the reason behind your departure then? But leaving is leaving, abandoning your kin is unforgivable. Why should others forgive your repeated mistakes? Must others continually endure your harm?

Now that I’ve promised to forgive you truly, no matter what, I won’t say anything to make you look bad, but hope you won’t test my limits. Everyone’s patience has a threshold. When it’s exhausted, where’s the incentive to live happily? I realize my words might be harsh, and you might see them as bullying, but have you reflected on what you’ve done over the years? Do you feel you’ve justified your actions, received happiness and all you wanted, or truly found what you desired over these years?

Everything you’ve done remains as selfish as before, prioritizing personal gain over family, discarding all relatives and friends. Perhaps people like you can’t understand what true heartache is, masking every expression. But I choose to believe in my grandfather. I believe in him, because I want to give him a happy old age, hoping for his son and daughter-in-law to return home. No matter how unwilling I am, I’ll bring you back, to repay him for raising me, for his teachings. I’ve never forgotten his teachings, keeping them in my heart. Because of my grandfather, I’ve achieved success; I believe you will too. Eventually, you will realize your mistakes and want to return to live a steady life with us, as a family. But I hope you won’t interfere with our original decisions!"

From today on, let me be a cunning fox, spending half my youth understanding the truths of life!