After asking about Yanchen, Lin Xinyan inquired about Wen Xiaoji’s son. “Why didn’t we see Zinuo at the table just now?”
“Sigh.” To him, it would have been better if his son weren’t mentioned. “When he wasn’t willing to join the army, he insisted on doing whatever he fancied. But up to now, I’ve not seen him produce any concrete results. He must have been spoiled by his Mom.”
“Is he not your son too?” Chen Shihan heard Wen Xiaoji’s remarks just as she entered with a plate of fruits. She couldn’t help but retort, “It’s all my fault but did you do anything to help?”
“Wasn’t I busy with work?” Wen Xiaoji rebutted meekly.
“You ignored him because you were busy and yet you complain that I spoil him. It’s hard being in my place.” Chen Shihan put the plate of fruits down on the table. Looking at Lin Xinyan, she explained with a smile, “Zinuo is just as rebellious as Xiaoji was when he was young. They’re both unwilling to accept the path their parents laid out for them. Instead, they enjoy finding their own way.”
Lin Xinyan laughed. “Sons usually take after their fathers.”
Wen Xiaoji was speechless as he was indeed at constant loggerheads with his father when he was young.
“It’s in the genes. His character has been inherited by his son,” Chen Shihan asserted.
“By the way, there’s something I would like to discuss with you,” Chen Shihan suggested as she looked at Lin Xinyan.
Lin Xinyan nodded.
“Let’s talk about it outside.” Chen Shihan walked over and both of them headed out.
Once the study room’s door was closed, Lin Xinyan asked, “What is it?”
“Erm, since Jiawen is getting married, should I be preparing one or two presents? Also, what should I get?” Chen Shihan kept in touch with Shen Peichuan in recent years although it was mostly because of Zong Jinghao. Now that their daughter was getting married, she wondered if she should also prepare a gift for them.
As for Zhuang Jiawen, it went without saying that a gift was obligated. However, she pondered on what she should get for Shen Xinyao.
“One will do.” Lin Xinyan couldn’t care less about such matters.
“That won’t do.” Chen Shihan felt that two presents were appropriate. After all, she knew both the groom and the bride’s families.
Lin Xinyan smiled. “Based on what you’re saying, even I have to prepare a gift for Sang Yu because her daughter is getting married?”
Chen Shihan laughed. “That seems to be the case. They too are obligated to get you a gift because your son is getting married.”
“Wouldn’t it be a mess later?” Lin Xinyan poured a glass of water to drink.
In the study.
Wen Xiaoji wanted to go out too. “Why don’t we go for a walk?”
It was better with Lin Xinyan around as he felt less guilty. To face Zong Jinghao alone was a stressful situation despite his advanced age.
Zong Jinghao went straight to the point. “Tell me, what happened?”
Wen Xiaoji continued to play dumb. “What are you getting at? I don’t understand.”
“Is Yanchen in some sort of danger?” Zong Jinghao stood up and approached Wen Xiaoji. “Of course I hope my son is safe. But I still want to know the truth so please don’t hide it from me.”
Wen Xiaoji had no choice. “I’m just don’t want you to worry. Given Yanxi’s matter had just blown over, I didn’t even know how to tell you.”
Zong Jinghao’s expression tensed up briefly. Despite being concerned for his son, he kept his composure. “Go ahead, I’ll keep it to myself.”
He promised he wasn’t going to tell Lin Xinyan.
Wen Xiaoji pursed his lips. “During his mission, he tried to save his comrade…”
He didn’t dare continue.
Zong Jinghao closed his eyes and tried his best to suppress his emotions. He prodded in a deep voice, “Go on!”
