Jiang Cheng nodded slightly, selling out his own father without the slightest hesitation.
Jiang Cheng said sincerely, "I only found out about this last time when Second Grandfather sent people to assist me. To be honest, I didn't even know you two existed before that..."
After speaking, Jiang Cheng asked again in confusion, "Grandfather, what exactly happened between you and my father?"
"Sigh, your father blames me, and he indeed should. I made his childhood very unhappy. Back then, I was young and headstrong, full of vigor, and focused on making a name for myself outside." After saying this, Great-Grandfather sadly adjusted his black-rimmed glasses, looking quite lonely.
He continued, "Moreover, I even implicated my family. But living in that era, it was truly a choice of necessity. At that time, China was in a period of development. As a leader, if I didn't lead by example and charge forward, how would those below me be willing to follow? Everything was for the sake of the big picture," Great-Grandfather said with deep emotion.
Seeing Jiang Cheng's look of utter confusion, Second Grandfather Jiang Chenghong, standing to the side, couldn't help but sigh and interject, "Sigh, you can't blame Big Brother for this, but you can't blame your father either. One can only say it was the cruel irony of fate..."
Before Jiang Chenghong could finish, Chen Ping came running in again in a hurry: "Report, Minister Chen requests an audience outside the door."
Upon hearing this, Great-Grandfather's lonely expression instantly vanished. He raised his hand slightly, signaling Chen Ping to bring the person in.
Jiang Cheng understood the hint and immediately put his doubts to the back of his mind, remaining quiet and making no further sound.
Not long after, a middle-aged man dressed in a sharp suit entered the room.
With steady steps and a respectful expression, he bowed deeply to Great-Grandfather and Jiang Chenghong, then spoke: "Old Master, Second Master, I have returned."
At this moment, Great-Grandfather also shed his previous kind demeanor. He expressionlessly patted the back of Jiang Cheng's hand and said softly to him, "Grandfather needs to attend to this guest. Go play by yourself for a while."
His words revealed a doting affection for Jiang Cheng, as if he were a child.
Jiang Cheng couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed, but at the same time, a warm current surged in his heart.
Although it was his first time spending time with his grandfathers, the feeling of being cared for by his elders made him feel very warm.
After speaking, Great-Grandfather said to the middle-aged man, "Sit. You just got back?"
The man sat on a chair and quickly replied, "Yes, I just submitted the recent work summary and immediately came here to report the situation to you."
Great-Grandfather nodded with satisfaction upon hearing this: "Pick some important news to tell me."
After glancing at Jiang Cheng out of the corner of his eye, the man continued, "After a series of negotiations, the remains of twenty more volunteer soldiers will be repatriated from South Korea next year."
Before he could finish his sentence, he glanced at Jiang Cheng to the side with some hesitation.
"He can hear these things. Speak."
With Great-Grandfather saying so, the man immediately continued, "Additionally, Northern No. 3 has been successfully developed. The plan is to conduct further tests before launching. Also..."
"That kid's achievements over the past few years are decent, and he's handled things well. He hasn't disappointed me; he's a ruthless character."
Upon hearing these words, the man's whole body trembled, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
He didn't dare to respond, quickly lowering his head and assuming a posture of utter reverence, listening intently.
This topic was far too sensitive. He knew the stakes involved; the slightest slip-up could bring about fatal consequences, so he didn't dare to interject easily.
Jiang Cheng played with his phone while occasionally glancing at his Great-Grandfather.
He saw a cigarette dangling from the old man's mouth. Amidst the swirling smoke, he continuously proposed solutions and specific requirements for various matters.
At this moment, Jiang Cheng deeply felt the invisible pressure brought by the powerful aura emanating from his grandfather.
It was a majesty unique to those in high positions.
However, the subsequent topics left Jiang Cheng greatly astonished.
The man spoke incessantly about various matters, the content of which was extremely detailed.
It not only involved various major events but even key decisions were reported without reservation.
What was even more surprising was that for some matters, he actually asked for Great-Grandfather's opinions and views in detail.
By all logic, Great-Grandfather had already retired, so how could he still...?
And he seemed to have such great influence that he could even sway the decision-making power of certain affairs?
Although he had heard some things about certain matters in China.
A full half-hour passed before the person reporting finally left.
As he departed, Jiang Cheng noticed the serious expression on his grandfather's face vanish instantly, replaced once again by that kind, amiable, and gentle look from before.
Noticing that Jiang Cheng had been fiddling with his phone the whole time, Great-Grandfather immediately spoke with a smile: "My dear grandson, did I keep you waiting too long?"
Jiang Cheng hurriedly put down his phone, shook his head, and asked curiously, "The candy is quite delicious. It feels different from the ones I buy outside; this White Rabbit Candy has a very pure milk flavor."
Jiang Chenghong, who was cracking melon seeds to the side, immediately chimed in: "This candy isn't the kind circulating on the market. It's specially made, all-natural, without any additives. However, the shelf life is short; it only lasts a day or two."
Jiang Cheng nodded upon hearing this.
No additives; no wonder it didn't taste like the flavor in his memory.
Jiang Cheng asked again with happy concern, "Grandfathers, how is your health?"
Great-Grandfather nodded at this: "Don't worry, my health is very good. I have regular check-ups every week. On the other hand, it's Chenghong who doesn't pay attention to maintenance when he's outside. He has quite a few underlying conditions, sigh..."
Jiang Chenghong burst into laughter upon hearing this: "Big Brother, don't be like that. I've been recuperating here with you lately, farming with you every day and such, and I've gotten much better. Look at me, I can even carry water now. These ailments of mine are all from being too indulgent in my youth. Dear grandson, don't follow my example. You must take care of your body so you'll be healthy when you're old. Alright?"
Jiang Cheng smiled and replied, "Second Grandfather, I understand. You must also take good care of your health."
Before this, Jiang Cheng had never thought he would have such thoughts after coming here.
Before arriving here, Jiang Cheng had always believed that by relying on the resources given by the system.