Can our promise still be fulfilled?

Zhang Zhentian and Xia Jing both know that some things cannot just drift away with the wind in the eyes of their father.

Deep down, they both understand the all the hurt they have brought upon their family will not simply be forgotten. Everyone has their own memories, some of which may be deeply ingrained for a lifetime.

"Dad, I have sincerely apologized to you countless times for the hurt and pain I caused you. Time and again, I have sacrificed a lot for you, but I don’t know what to do to make you forgive me. You let me back into this family, whether it’s out of genuine sincerity or for other reasons. But do you know sometimes my heart is gravely wounded from continuously giving and yet seeing you live so exhausted? I also feel heartbroken, and I too wish to share some of your pain, to ease your burden a little!"

But when you cannot even offer me the most basic trust, how can I live peacefully in such a family? I am human too, and I wish for my family to live happily and joyfully. I hope each one in the family can be safe!

I realize I was the one who cast away the century-old prestige of the family. I understand the significance my actions have on the family and reputation over the years. Everyone must be saying I am unkind and unfilial, abandoning my family and the interests of the entire family. But do you know? I never wanted these things to happen to us, nor do I wish to stay quietly in this family.

What I want is beyond your comprehension, you don’t even know what I truly desire. You keep telling me the pain I have brought upon myself, do you understand?"

"Do you really believe, deep down, that the fault ultimately lies with me, your father, that I shouldn’t have shut you out? Back then, was it me who forced you to leave this family at knifepoint, making you vow never to return?

Why can you forget everything you did yourself, and pretend what you did to him never happened? But I am your father, I can never forget that you are my child. The mistakes you made are ones I, as your father, certainly have to remember in my heart. I must remind myself time and again how I raised you to become like this!

A father’s fault lies in not teaching. You have become what you are today, all the blame falls upon me for not adequately guiding you. That, you know, the more people claim, is what made me fail to educate you, causing you to be the person you are now. All the pressures of public opinion are piled on me, while you can still live the life you desire effortlessly!

You want to return to this home, how much do I hope that you can safely live the life you wish for? I have already forgiven you; letting you return shows that deep down, as your father, I never intended to completely cast you out of this home. Do you still not understand my heartfelt intentions? Isn’t everything I’ve done still not for this family, for the lasting prosperity of our lineage?

Who among you has ever understood my own sincere intentions? Who among you has comprehended what my actions have truly meant? All you think is that what I’ve done has hurt you, but do you know, how could I ever have intended to harm you with these things? Have you never thought? You always assume all is my wrongdoing, but do you know how painful it is deep within me?"

With his father’s words, Zhang Zhentian lowered his head, feeling that every word his father spoke was true. He realized all his actions were wrong, regardless of their extent, his father still forgave him unconditionally. Now, why did he come back to this home and argue with his father? What was the reason?

Through hardships and desperate measures, he returned to this home, almost losing his life. Only then did he exchange it for the peaceful life he has now. Why doesn’t he cherish it, instead of allowing such humble matters to cause his father distress over his actions, to lament over his words? Is he truly such a failure as a son?

No one knows what Zhang Zhentian’s thoughts are deep inside. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Only he knows his inner world is not calm. He is far from peaceful, not knowing what kind of life he ultimately wants. He just wants peace and happiness, yet what he repeatedly encounters is sorrowful pain, causing his family to grieve time and again because of his decisions. Why can he never make the right choices, allowing everyone to follow him happily through life’s journey?

"Dad, I know you have no way to forgive me now or understand me, but I hope you can believe that I will never again commit the same mistakes I did before. I just wish to stay in this family and be with you peacefully. No matter what kind of person I once was or what wrongs I committed that made you so sad, this time you chose to forgive me, and you won’t regret it.

If I have spoken these words myself, I will certainly fulfill them. I once said, I would use my utmost effort to make it up to you. Then rest assured, regardless, I will protect you, even if it means sacrificing my life for your joy and happiness. I just hope everyone can lead a happy and joyful life. In the future, let us not argue over small matters, as that will only bring endless unrest between us. I also don’t want the household to be constantly in turmoil as such a life is truly not what we desire!"

Old Master Zhang knows that his son’s words now are sincerely spoken. He equally doesn’t want this house to live in constant commotion, as such a life is truly what he desires. Wouldn’t it be better to genuinely forgive his child from the heart, welcoming him back into the household, making it a joyful and blissful matter for both himself and his son?

If loving so deeply yet bad, how could one bear to cast you aside? Life is yet filled with your presence, as long as you can smile brightly, I feel everything is worthwhile!