He had long since left his worries behind.
After all, money was no longer an issue for him.
Even if he splurged wildly, a steady stream of income backed him every second.
Yet now, looking at the two white-haired elders before him,
Jiang Cheng realized he still needed to keep striving.
Because even someone as powerful as his own grandfather
was powerless before life and death.
So even setting aside economic motives, he had to hunt for more chances to obtain cards like the wishing card.
Frankly, when he'd first obtained the wishing card, he'd never considered Great-Grandfather or Second Grandfather for it.
Back then Jiang Cheng hadn't even known what they looked like, let alone formed any deep impression.
From first steps to first words, learning to read and write—every milestone of Jiang Cheng's life had been shared with his parents.
So when a choice had to be made, the people he loved and treasured most naturally came to mind first.
Besides his parents, no one else had entered his thoughts at the time.
If the clock were wound back and everything began anew, the outcome would probably stay the same.
Human nature is simply like that: we protect those dearest to us before anyone else.
Only after their safety is secured do we turn to those of lesser, and then still lesser, importance.
Jiang Cheng's concern for the two old men was deeply gratifying to them.
At this moment their faces beamed with blissful smiles, warm as a spring sun.
'By the way, are you cold? Should I have a few more braziers brought in?' Great-Grandfather asked solicitously.
In one corner of the reception room several braziers already glowed, thin wisps of smoke curling upward.
Jiang Cheng gave a slight shake of the head. 'No need. You just felt my hands—they're quite warm.'
'Well, the capital's climate isn't as mild as Shanghai's. It's already December and the temperature keeps dropping. Take care to stay warm. Speaking of Shanghai, are you settling in well there with your studies?' Great-Grandfather continued.
When school was mentioned, Jiang Cheng felt no need to hide anything.
He knew his movements couldn't be concealed from them, so there was nothing to hide.
He answered honestly: 'Actually I spend very little time on campus; I live off-site. But overall I'm used to it. You two must already know that.'
The moment Jiang Cheng finished, the elders' expressions turned slightly awkward.
'Don't blame your grandpa; I just wanted to know how you're doing. If you don't want to attend classes, then don't. If the coursework bores you, skip it. Everyone has his strengths; we don't need to compare ourselves to those prodigies.'
'Besides, the major you picked is pretty useless anyway—good for nothing but making money. And right now you're doing rather well in business. Achieving all this without relying on family connections is already impressive.'
After Great-Grandfather spoke, Second Grandfather Jiang Chenghong chimed in:
'Exactly. It's not like you'll be building planes or cannons or doing research after graduation, so it's irrelevant. And as for money, you needn't worry—Mingsheng Group will be yours sooner or later. If you're willing, I can step down right now and enjoy a quiet life here with my big brother.'
In an ordinary family this would be the cue for a long, earnest lecture.
Yet before Jiang Cheng could offer a single excuse, the two old men had already supplied every justification for slacking off.
Jiang Cheng felt a twinge of embarrassment and instinctively rubbed his nose.
'Great-Grandfather, when I joined Military Training you told me to take charge of boiling water, didn't you?' Jiang Cheng asked quizzically.
At his words Great-Grandfather started, remained silent for two seconds, then nodded a little sheepishly.
'So you noticed. I know spoiling you like that isn't right, but our Jiang Family now has only you as the single sprout, and I'm getting old. I can't bear to see you suffer even the tiniest hardship… Sigh, your dad even called to scold me about it.'
Listening, Jiang Cheng was stunned.
He'd never imagined that not only did Great-Grandfather know every detail of his school life, but even his father was informed.
Did that leave him any privacy at all?
Seeing Jiang Cheng's odd expression, Great-Grandfather hastily explained:
'Don't overthink it. We certainly don't watch you every second. Public security here is excellent; as long as you stay in the country you're safe. And I've repeatedly ordered that your real identity be kept strictly confidential.'
'So relax and do whatever you normally do, as if nothing happened. Once you're abroad I'll naturally have people quietly watching over you.'
At that, a weight lifted from Jiang Cheng's heart.
Imagine the cringe of taking different girls out every day while under surveillance and having to report back to the family—unthinkable.
Jiang Chenghong interjected: 'Snow will start falling any moment. You've probably never seen it, right? When it snows, this courtyard becomes a painting! And near Tiananmen the scenery is even more spectacular—truly a sight of its own!'
Jiang Cheng gave a slight nod. 'Yes, my parents often took me traveling in the south when I was small; this is my first time up north. When the plane landed I could feel the climate and even the buildings are quite different from the south.'
'Since this is your first visit, come—let me show you around. Our Courtyard House is the most typical style of residence in the capital. I even opened a small vegetable plot out back the other day, planted some melons and greens. Let's go take a look.'
Great-Grandfather said eagerly, then led Jiang Cheng toward the rear main house without delay.
The three of them crossed the courtyard and arrived at the backyard.
The Courtyard House before them was on a grand scale, clearly occupying a large area.
Especially the backyard—immensely spacious, with a long stretch separating it from the rear covered house.