Standing Next To You-Chapter 403: I am sorry too

"If you return, I will not hold you responsible for the last incident. No one will speak of this matter again. It will become a thing of the past. I will also give you the position of second-in-command once Fei Hua Jiang succeeds as the successor. You and Fei Hua Jiang will lead the Fei family in the future, like the First Elder and I do. You have a bright future ahead with us, your family, as your support."

Head Master Fei tried to convince Fei Chuan with a tempting offer. He had actually considered making Fei Chuan Fei Hua Jiang’s right-hand man once before.

Fei Chuan showed so much talent when he was young. Although he did not shine as he once did, Head Master Fei knew that he still had immense potential and talent. Such talent would be a waste if it weren’t used for the family, and the position of second-in-command would be fitting for him.

Furthermore, this was Head Master Fei’s way of compensating Fei Chuan for all the years he had suffered in the countryside.

The second-in-command had almost the same authority as the Head Master, with only the Head Master above him.

It was not an exaggeration to say that in the Fei family, there were two decision-makers. The second-in-command could influence overall decisions by freely expressing his opinions to the Head Master, who, in turn, was expected to listen and consider his input. However, the final decision still rested with the Head Master.

The two positions needed to be harmonious, like Head Master Fei and the First Elder, in order for this system to work well.

Fei Min was also eyeing this position, as was the rest of the family.

The position of second-in-command was the reason why the rest of the Fei family members favored the first branch and Fei Hua Jiang. After all, if they couldn’t secure the top position, they could vie for the best alternative.

However, Fei Chuan was not tempted.

His gaze steady, he replied, "Thank you for the offer, but I must decline. The current state of the Fei family is not something I wish to assume responsibility for. Even if you offered me the position of heir, I would refuse."

Head Master Fei somewhat expected that he would decline, but hearing it from his own grandson’s mouth still left a bitter taste.

"Is it because we disappointed you? Internal conflicts and fights like this often happen in big families. But with the position I will give you, no one will dare to do anything to you again—"

"That’s not it." Fei Chuan shook his head, cutting him off. "The Fei family has no hope to recover or grow. If the roots and trunk are rotten, how can it grow or bear fruit? The best thing to do is to uproot it all and start anew."

Head Master Fei’s eyes twitched at Fei Chuan’s words.

Was he suggesting to overturn the entire family and destroy the system he had built?

This offense was too much to take in.

Head Master Fei took a deep breath and spoke in a heavy voice, "You are still too young to understand politics and how this world works, Fei Chuan. If you don’t accept my offer right now, you will regret it. As your grandfather, I can’t bear to watch you go down the wrong path."

Fei Chuan wasn’t fazed by his darkened expression. "I wonder who is truly walking the wrong path now."

Head Master Fei stared at him intently, but Fei Chuan held his ground, meeting his gaze without flinching.

Head Master Fei asked one last time, "Are you really not going to change your mind? I can give you more time."

"I came here with this decision in mind, and it won’t change," Fei Chuan replied, his voice unwavering.

Head Master Fei closed his eyes.

He had done his best. He tried to offer him a carrot, but Fei Chuan stubbornly chose the stick instead.

Fei Chuan would rather wander the unknown, unsafe path than return to the Fei family and walk the paved road his ancestors had prepared for him.

The First Elder had suggested making Fei Chuan come out of hiding, then seizing him by any means necessary. They would lock him in their territory under the guise of sending him abroad to study, forcing him to live the rest of his life in the mansion until he spilled the secrets.

But Head Master Fei felt that this plan was too despicable, using it to trap his own kin. So he tried to tempt Fei Chuan with a great offer to tie his loyalty to the Fei family, hoping to avoid worsening their relationship.

However, Fei Chuan could not be convinced.

If that was the case, then there was nothing he could do.

Head Master Fei opened his eyes. He gazed at Fei Chuan with complicated emotions.

"If you really won’t change your mind, then I have no choice but to do this. I am sorry, Fei Chuan."

He then let go of his cane, which landed on the ground with a ’thud.’ This action signaled his men from afar.

Fei Chuan calmly watched Head Master Fei. From the corner of his eye, he saw the men who had been awkwardly playing with balloons earlier running towards them. Vans parked in several corners opened, and several men in suits emerged, surrounding the entire park.

Fei Chuan remained composed, unfazed by the guards surrounding him.

He lightly smiled at Head Master Fei, but there was no warmth in his face or tone. "...I am sorry too, Fei Yangguang."

Head Master Fei: ?

He was stunned to hear his own name from Fei Chuan’s lips. This was the first time his name had been called boldly by a descendant.

...But what was he sorry for?

However, his question was soon answered.

The atmosphere in the park shifted abruptly. The young men and women, teenagers, and couples who had been leisurely enjoying their time suddenly changed their demeanor.

They discarded their acts and swiftly surrounded the people Head Master Fei had summoned, ready to take them down at any moment.