Tawan poured two cups of tea. He placed one in front of Jiang Mohan and drank from the other. After putting the teacup down, he related, “When I was eight, my Grandpa gave me replica pistol. I liked it very much and it became my favorite toy. However, I lost it by accident after some time and couldn’t find it no matter how hard I tried. Until one day, I saw another kid holding it. He too treasured it as his favorite toy. From that moment on, I knew I had lost it and it wasn’t coming back to me. With that realization, I learned how to let go.”
He looked up at Jiang Mohan. “Do you think I should ask the child for the gun back? Or should I just let it go?”
Jiang Mohan’s expression was cool. “If I were you, I would ask the gun which owner it preferred.”
“But I feel that since I’ve lost it, I no longer deserve to own it. What do you think?”
Tawan leaned in, “Why did I lose it? Because I didn’t have the ability to protect it. Hence, it left me.”
“In that case, what made you so sure that the new owner wouldn’t lose it?” Jiang Mohan stared intently at him. “Mr. Thitipoom, can I ask you a question?”
“Go ahead.”
“How long have you owned the gun?”
“Eight till twelve years old. Four years.”
“Four years? If the gun had a soul and feelings, how long do you think it would take to forget its previous owner?” Jiang Mohan looked at Tawan. “Do you know how long I have known my ex-wife?”
Before Tawan could answer, he replied, “I was just nine the first time I met her.”
He had never forgotten the impression he had of her then.
Tawan was silent.
Jiang Mohan had never lowered himself in front of anyone else before. Regardless of the circumstances, he never begged anyone. He asserted to Tawan, “I don’t know what kind of family you grew up in. But, I just want to tell you that she taught me how to love. Perhaps, you may not understand what it feels like.”
Tawan quipped, “But you hurt her.”
“That’s why I want to make it up to her.”
“Do you think that’s what she wants?” Tawan stood up. “She will stay in the country until her brother’s wedding is over. During this period, if she still loves you or if you manage to win her heart, I will give her my blessings. However, if she refuses to return to your side, I will do my best to win her heart.”
With that, Tawan took his leave.
However, Jiang Mohan remained motionless.
Meanwhile, Zong Yanxi had just returned home. Everyone was still awake and gathered in the living hall.
“It’s pretty late,” Qin Ya remarked when she saw Zong Yanxi.
“Yanxi went to meet a friend,” Before Zong Yanxi could reply, Shen Xinyao pre-empted her.
Zong Yanxi smiled as she walked past. “Looks like no one is sleeping yet.”
“Come with me.” Zong Jinghao stood up and headed to the study.
Zong Yanxi greeted him and followed. After they entered the study, Zong Jinghao got her to close the door behind her.
“Dad, what do you want to talk to me about?” Zong Yanxi approached.
“Have you heard about the company called Luoda?” Zong Jinghao sat at his desk and handed her some documents.
Zong Yanxi shook her head.
“Take a look at the documents,” Zong Jinghao instructed.
Zong Yanxi quickly skimmed through. “Is it a Thai company?”
“Mmm-hmm.” Zong Jinghao looked at his daughter. “Once your brother’s wedding is over, your Mom and I will head back there. I want you to stay by our side so I found you a job.”
Zong Yanxi wanted to be near her parents so that she could take care of them. Hence, she nodded. “I’ll take it.”
She readily agreed before even asking what the role was.
“Don’t you have any other questions for me?” Zong Jinghao looked at her.
Zong Yanxi circled the table towards him and hugged his neck from behind. She teased in a childish tone, “You’re not going to trick me, are you?”
Zong Jinghao patted her hands. Even though he was her father, he knew he could no longer lecture her as if she was still a child. She was now a full-grown adult who had been through a marriage. Hence, he had to be more mindful of how he wanted to express himself.
However, he believed that she had matured after what had happened.
“Your Mom is in the room. You should go see her.” Zong Yanxi pleaded in a childish tone, “Come with me.”
“What are you afraid of? She doesn’t bite,” Zong Jinghao teased. “I’m not afraid, I just want you to come along. Don’t you miss me after not seeing me for a year?” In her father’s eyes, Zong Yanxi would always be a child.
Zong Jinghao pretended to be stern. “How old are you to still be acting like a child?”
“Your child.”
Zong Jinghao was speechless.
After that, both of them entered the room together and saw Lin Xinyan busy writing. A mischievous idea came to Zong Yanxi’s mind as she shushed Zong Jinghao. She then crept up behind Lin Xinyan and looked over her shoulder to see what she was writing.
As her son was getting married, there were a lot of things she needed to prepare for them. Hence, she was making a list so that she wouldn’t forget when the time came.
“Wow, you’re being very generous,” Zong Yanxi’s exclaimed when she saw Lin Xinyan’s gift list. “Are you planning to spend all your money on your youngest son? What about your eldest son?”
