bookrandom Chapter 820 Why Do You Always Reject Him?
Chapter 820 Why Do You Always Reject Him?
In Jingyuan Community, a residential complex in the provincial capital, Secretary Li Yanshan's elegantly furnished home feels like a tranquil haven amidst the bustling city. The interior décor is simple yet elegant, with wooden furniture radiating a warm luster. Freehand landscape paintings on the walls add a touch of elegance. Sunlight filters through the sheer curtains, gently filtering into every corner of the living room, creating a tranquil and warm atmosphere.
That day, the arrival of Song Shijie, Jiang Chengyu, and Jiang Shuo seemed to breathe a fresh breath of life into the somewhat quiet space. Jiang Shuo, like a cheerful fawn, bounded through the living room, his clear laughter echoing throughout the room. Jiang Chengyu, with his elegant demeanor, walked side by side with Song Shijie, his every gesture exuding poise and composure. Song Shijie smiled, his eyes revealing his appreciation for the surroundings. Their arrival instantly imbued the room with a lively and warm atmosphere.
Song Shijie looked around, but the old man was nowhere to be seen. A hint of doubt crept into his heart. After speaking with Li Yanshan, he learned that Secretary Li's sister had taken the old man to the hospital for a checkup. Considering his advanced age and the extensive medical examination, he likely stayed at his sister's house and wouldn't return. Upon learning this, Song Shijie couldn't help but sigh in emotion. He shook his head slightly and said slowly, "They say daughters are the sweetest companions of their parents, and it's truly true. Daughters are thoughtful and considerate, and they truly take a lot less worry out of us sons." His thoughts drifted to Mu Xiaoji. Mu Xiaoji's often arbitrary and dictatorial behavior often made his father unpredictable and even more fraught. For example, Mu Xiaoji, despite his family's objections, insisted on participating in a high-risk medical project, which ultimately landed him in trouble and left the entire family worried.
At that moment, Li Yanshan heard Song Shijie's sentiments, and his thoughts drifted away. Mu Xiaoji's face appeared in his mind. Remembering that Mu Xiaoji had recently traveled abroad for a heart-lung transplant, and must have returned home to recuperate, he couldn't help but feel concerned. He asked, "Mr. Song, it's been a while since Mu Xiaoji returned from his heart-lung transplant abroad. I wonder how he's recovering now?"
Song Shijie sighed softly, a complex expression crossing his face, one of relief and a hint of unspeakable loss. He slowly said, "Alas, Secretary Li, although I'm his biological father, I wasn't able to participate in his upbringing. Perhaps because of this, his feelings for the parents who raised him are far deeper than for me, his biological father." Recalling his interactions with Mu Xiaoji, Song Shijie felt helpless. Every time he tried to get close to his son, Mu Xiaoji was always polite and distant, making him feel like there was an invisible wall between them.
Jiang Chengyu listened quietly. He frowned slightly when he heard this. His eyes revealed understanding and protection for Mu Xiaoji. He hurriedly said, "Uncle Song, don't take it too seriously. Xiaoji has a broad mind and is kind-hearted. He treats all the elderly people equally. In his heart, there is actually no distinction between close and distant relatives. The reason why he is worried about things over there is entirely because of his strong sense of responsibility." Jiang Chengyu thought of Mu Xiaoji's busy figure in the hospital. He treated every patient wholeheartedly and never complained even when he was unwell.
Jiang Shuo listened to Jiang Chengyu's understanding and evaluation of his father. The emotions that had been pent up in his heart for the past few days suddenly erupted like a tinderbox. His little face flushed red, and his eyes flashed with a mixture of resentment and grievance. He looked straight at Jiang Chengyu and couldn't help but blurt out: "Then why do you always reject him? Why did he leave? Don't you know at all?" Jiang Shuo thought of his father's lonely back when he left, and his heart ached. These days, he saw his father always silently endure the pain alone, while Jiang Chengyu seemed indifferent, which made him full of resentment towards Jiang Chengyu.
Jiang Chengyu was momentarily speechless at Jiang Shuo's sudden questioning. He opened his mouth, but only uttered a single word: "I..." A flicker of panic and bewilderment flashed across his eyes, as if Jiang Shuo's words had struck a deep, painful nerve, and for a moment, he didn't know how to respond. He recalled the complicated past between him and Mu Xiaoji, feeling a mixture of emotions. They had once had good times, but since when, unbeknownst to him, a rift had slowly grown between them.
Seeing Jiang Shuo's obvious anger and dissatisfaction with Jiang Chengyu, Song Shijie felt that discussing such family matters in Secretary Li's home was inappropriate. He knew that the occasion demanded proper etiquette and propriety. If Jiang Shuo continued to question, the situation would likely become awkward. So, he quickly and gently stopped him, saying, "Stinky baby, Daddy's leaving now. Let's go home and talk it over calmly with Little Daddy, okay? And now, Grandpa and Grandma Li are here. It's a rare visit for us, and we can't let these things ruin everyone's fun. You've always been a sensible and good child. You must understand what Grandpa means, right?" As Song Shijie spoke, he gently stroked Jiang Shuo's head, his eyes full of love and comfort, trying to calm Jiang Shuo's anger.
After hearing what his grandfather said, Jiang Shuo nodded sensibly, although he still felt unwilling, and whispered, "Okay, Grandpa." However, there was still a hint of stubbornness in his eyes.
At this time, Li Yanshan noticed the subtle change in the atmosphere and hurriedly tried to smooth things over with a smile: "Things between children are like this sometimes. Quarreling can also enhance feelings. Come, let's not stand, sit down and try the tea my wife made." As he said that, he led everyone to the sofa and sat down.
Zhai Chunxia came over with the brewed tea and said with a smile, "Everyone, please try it! This is freshly picked this year, and it tastes very good." Everyone thanked her and took a sip from their cups. The fragrance of the tea filled the air, instantly easing the tense atmosphere.
Jiang Chengyu put down his teacup and tried to change the subject, saying, "Secretary Li, the layout here is truly unique. Every detail reveals elegant taste." Li Yanshan smiled and replied, "Haha, thank you for the compliment. I just arranged it casually. I'm sorry to have made such a fuss."
Song Shijie also said: "Secretary Li is too modest. This arrangement may seem casual, but it actually contains a profound cultural heritage and is pleasing to the eye." Everyone started chatting about topics such as the decoration, calligraphy and painting in the house, and the atmosphere gradually became relaxed and pleasant.
However, Jiang Shuo's mind still couldn't completely shift away from his father's affairs. He sat on the sofa, secretly glancing at Jiang Chengyu from time to time, thinking in his heart how to make Jiang Chengyu understand his father's feelings. He thought of how his father had sacrificed so much for Jiang Chengyu, but now he ended up like this, and he felt indignant.
During the conversation, Jiang Shuo couldn't help but secretly glance at Jiang Chengyu again. He noticed that although Jiang Chengyu seemed to be chatting happily with everyone, a hint of loneliness occasionally flashed in his eyes. Jiang Shuo's heart moved. Could it be that Jiang Chengyu was also sad about his father's departure? But he just didn't want to show it?
As time went by, the sky gradually darkened. Song Shijie looked at the time, stood up and said, "Secretary Li, it's getting late, we should say goodbye, sorry to bother you today." Li Yanshan quickly stood up and tried to persuade him to stay: "Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Let's have dinner here and have a good time together." Song Shijie smiled and declined: "No, no, I've already troubled you a lot today. We can get together again some other time if there is a chance."
Jiang Chengyu and Jiang Shuo also stood up and said goodbye to Li Yanshan and Zhai Chunxia. Jiang Shuo said politely, "Grandpa Li, Grandma, it's a pleasure to visit you today. We'll come see you next time." Zhai Chunxia smiled and replied, "Okay, little darling, come visit often when you're free."
As they walked out of Li Yanshan's house, darkness had already enveloped the entire neighborhood. Streetlights emitted a soft glow, illuminating the path ahead. Jiang Shuo remained silent the entire way, still thinking about his father and Jiang Chengyu.
After getting in the car, Jiang Chengyu sat in the driver's seat and started the car. The atmosphere in the car was a bit dull, with only the slight roar of the car as it drove. Song Shijie looked at Jiang Shuo's depressed look and whispered to comfort him, "Don't think too much, my dear. When we get home, we will have a good talk with our little daddy and we will definitely make things clear." Jiang Shuo nodded softly, but did not speak.
As the car drove along the city streets, Jiang Chengyu's thoughts drifted back to the little moments of his acquaintance with Mu Xiaoji. He recalled Mu Xiaoji's warm smile and clear eyes when they first met, when there was trust and dependence between them. Later, for some unknown reason, as certain events unfolded, their relationship became increasingly complicated. He knew that his attitude towards Mu Xiaoji was sometimes cold, but whenever he saw the hurt look in her eyes, his heart ached.
Jiang Shuo looked at Jiang Chengyu's profile as he focused on driving, and finally couldn't help but speak: "Little Daddy, do you really not understand why Dad left? Dad loves you so much and has done so much for you, but you are always so cold to him." Jiang Chengyu was shocked when he heard Jiang Shuo's words, and his grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. He was silent for a while, and then slowly said: "Stinky baby, some things are not as simple as you see. I... I actually have my own difficulties."
Jiang Shuo looked at Jiang Chengyu doubtfully and asked, "What's the hardship? Is it more important than Daddy's feelings?" Jiang Chengyu took a deep breath and said, "Stinky baby, I once did something that made Xiaoji sad. I thought time would make him forget the hurt, but I didn't expect it to make us grow further apart. I... I don't know how to face him."
Song Shijie listened to their conversation from the side, feeling a surge of emotion. He said, "Cheng Yu, relationships are like this sometimes. Once you've missed it, it's hard to get it back. Since you know your problem, you should face it bravely and resolve it. Xiaoji is a very loyal child. I believe that as long as you communicate with him sincerely, he will understand you."
Jiang Chengyu nodded silently and secretly made up his mind to find an opportunity to have a good talk with Mu Xiaoji and resolve the knot between them.
The car continued to drive through the night, moonlight streaming through the windows, reflecting the varying expressions of the three people inside. Jiang Shuo's eyes were filled with anticipation, hoping his father and his young father would reconcile; Jiang Chengyu's gaze was filled with determination, ready to face his own emotional struggles. Song Shijie watched them, silently praying for a swift family reunion, resolving any misunderstandings. On this quiet night, they all held onto hopes for the future as they drove towards home.