If you wish for a life without regrets, you must strive diligently to prevent your life from becoming dull.

Zhang Zhentian heard Zhang Ni’s question, and he didn’t know how to answer.

Over the years, he knew he had wronged his grandson. Had he not stubbornly chosen to leave this family back then, how could every member of this family have ended up like this? 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

This outcome can’t be blamed on anyone else; it’s entirely the consequence of his own actions. Who hasn’t taken a wrong path?

But the mistakes he made are too deep, and there is no way to make up for them. He once genuinely wanted to be part of this family but didn’t know for what reason he eventually decided to leave. He was really too immature before, abandoning everyone in the family, hurting the relatives who loved him deeply, time and again.

"Child, I’m sorry. Grandfather didn’t know back then, making a decision that hurt you. I hope you can forgive me, okay? You weren’t intentional either. If time could rewind, Grandfather would definitely choose to stay, to come back and take care of you, letting you receive the love from your grandparents since birth. But in the end, we didn’t give you any love. Maybe you think we don’t love you at all.

But do you know, your grandparents really adore you. They silently observe every move you make. We know why you’re undergoing such grueling training, though we never say it. But every action of yours is watched by your grandparents. We see the injuries you suffer from training, and do you know how much it pains us? But due to our relationship with your parents back then, we found it really inconvenient to come see you. We hope you can forgive us..."

Zhang Ni never expected his grandfather would speak to him so humbly, and he felt conflicted inside. Though he resented his grandparents for not being there for him, as he watched other children with their grandparents, the loneliness he felt was immense.

Gradually, he became numb, not knowing what he wanted from life. Seeing other kids happy with their grandparents, he felt proud of his own maturity at such a young age. But recalling the hurtful things he once said, what are they, after all? Just trivial troubles along the way.

"I really want to ask, why didn’t my grandparents stay by my side? It’s not something I can forgive easily. Maybe you don’t know, whenever I went out to play, seeing other kids holding their grandparents’ hands, I envied them so much. I wished my grandparents could treat me the same way. But each time I returned home, besides my parents, only my great grandfather, who treated me best, was there. My grandparents seemed to be enjoying themselves somewhere out in the world. I prayed time and again for them to return, even just to see me once.

But repeatedly, I came home to disappointment; my grandparents were never there waiting for me. I don’t even know what they look like, so seeing you both standing here today feels strange, yet familiar. I don’t understand this feeling. I know maybe you once left because you had no choice, but did you ever think about coming back to be with us? Whether it’s my parents or great grandfather, or even myself, we all wish for your presence. Why do you always prioritize your own happiness outside, ignoring the feelings of your relatives?

Even without saying, I know these years you haven’t been happy outside, nor satisfied. For in this world, the greatest joy is having one’s family by their side. A perfect life is one accompanied by one’s kin. I may be young, but I understand some of these principles. I know some things should be done and some shouldn’t; some actions cannot be undone once taken. You abandoned us, this whole family, this whole clan, and the responsibilities as family heirs. Have you thought about the despair felt at that moment? He hoped dearly for you to live happily within this family, fighting hard to give you a worry-free life, yet your decision broke his heart. He’s old now, hair white, and looking at his face and hair pains me and brings sorrow.

His own son is not by his side, yet waits time and again for you to come home, only to end in disappointment each time. His heart carries such grief, while none of you have considered his feelings, always selfishly doing what you wished. Do your hearts truly regard him as family? Family isn’t treated this way, for such treatment only leaves family scarred and hurt, eventually losing them!"

"Child, I’m sorry. It’s the grandparents’ mistake. You understand these principles, yet why don’t we? Perhaps we were too obsessed and partial, leading to this ending. I’m truly sorry, so sorry. You’ve suffered grievances all these years; can you forgive your grandparents? If you can, we are willing to stay here forever, to care for you and make up for what we’ve owed you, so you can live happily..."

The happiest life is one where your family can be as joyful as you!