Qiao Yuanjiang did not speak, believing in his heart that his brother must hate their father.
Elder Qiao, after a moment, said, "He's always hated me."
"Dad, so many years have passed, you don't have to always keep it on your mind."
"He left so many years ago, and I don't even know if he's dead or alive. How can I, as a father, not keep it on my mind?"
Qiao Yuanjiang said, "Dad, some things cannot be forced."
Elder Qiao pursed his lips, "I'm tired!"
Qiao Yuanjiang quickly got up to say goodbye.
Elder Qiao's heart was torn by several complex emotions, including the sadness over his grandson's accident and complete disappointment with his eldest son, Qiao Yuanjiang. He had long seen that Qiao Yuanjiang was not competent and lacked political wisdom. But after working in the system for so many years, even if he couldn't handle big matters, he should at least be able to see the stakes clearly. Yet this time, Elder Qiao was utterly disappointed.
