The three people quickly walked into a study room used for work.
The room's style was grand and antique, completely opposite to modern minimalist aesthetics.
Not only were there various literary curios and decorations, but there were also some calligraphy and paintings that looked very old.
After Jiang Cheng looked around, he shifted his gaze to the desktop.
On the desk, neatly arranged, were a fountain pen, several books, and a few simple photo frames made of red sandalwood.
Jiang Cheng curiously examined the photos displayed on them.
He found that he recognized two people in the photos: himself and his Second Grandfather.
As for the other people, he didn't recognize them at all.
Just as he was pondering, Great-Grandfather spoke, "When Mingsheng Group was founded, it was still a turbulent period. Oh, and I am also someone who lived through the tumultuous years of Huangpupu. I was like you; I was attending university in Modu back then. It truly was a good time."
Hearing this, Jiang Cheng couldn't help but feel surprised, "You actually attended university in Modu too?"
Seeing Jiang Cheng's wide eyes and expression of disbelief.
Second Grandfather Jiang Chenghong saw this and quickly added, "Yes, Big Brother loved reading since he was young. The university he attended back then was much more famous than your current school."
When mentioning this past event, Great-Grandfather's face involuntarily showed a deep sense of attachment and nostalgia.
As if passing through a tunnel of time, he returned to those vibrant and youthful years.
He said emotionally, "I wasn't even 18 then, exactly your age now, full of youthful vigor, dedicated to serving the nation. I joined the movement despite your grandfather's opposition. Because of this, for a long time, I lived under an assumed name, afraid for others to know my true family situation, lest I implicate my family."
Second Grandfather immediately followed, "Yes, back then, your grandfather always nagged me not to be like Big Brother, but to stay home honestly, run the business, and just live peacefully."
"Although he scolded him verbally, he still cared about Big Brother deep down. Every time he earned some money, he would try every means to have someone bring it to Big Brother, who was in Modu, worried that he might suffer, be exhausted, or lack food and clothing there."
After hearing this, Great-Grandfather's eyes grew moist again, and he sighed.
"Alas, I've spent my whole life rushing around and working hard. The time I spent with my family was too little. I truly let them down. By the time I could finally relax a bit, Father was gone..."
"And you too. Mingsheng Group has clearly grown so enormous, yet we still have to hide our identities outside and dare not easily expose who we are."
Second Grandfather quickly comforted him, "Big Brother, no one blames you. The reason Mingsheng Group was able to rise so quickly and continuously expand its scale is entirely due to your efforts behind the scenes and your connections."
"Besides, I've benefited greatly over the years! Even if others don't know you are my Big Brother, so what? Seeing so much of the world and learning so much with your help is already enough."
"You are a historical hero. After society stabilized, you focused on the economy. All of us who engage in foreign trade and business are grateful to you."
"Think back then, when I followed Dad to start a business, how bad the environment was! It was only because of your efforts that everyone was given a stable era, allowing most people to eat their fill. Everyone respects and loves you."
Great-Grandfather shook his head, "I have no regrets regarding the era, but I failed in my duties to this family. That is absolutely true. They say that predecessors plant the trees for descendants to enjoy the shade. I was too stubborn before. If I had been a little more selfish, perhaps I would have grandchildren running around my knees now, wouldn't I? Why else would Jiang Cheng be all alone without any siblings?"
Watching Great-Grandfather and Second Grandfather embrace each other's shoulders and reminisce, a strange feeling arose again in Jiang Cheng's heart.
Although most people in the sixties and seventies didn't live well.
However, people of that era, compared to the younger generation of our time, valued relationships more and possessed a greater sense of the big picture.
Otherwise, how could so many heroes of that era have emerged?
Great-Grandfather sighed, then immediately picked up a photo frame, "Look, this is your Dad. Doesn't he look adorable?"
Seeing this, Jiang Cheng took the photo frame from Great-Grandfather. He saw his own father holding a very realistic toy gun, smiling mischievously at the camera.
"I really didn't expect Dad to look like this when he was little!" Jiang Cheng exclaimed emotionally.
"Exactly! I always said he was especially cute when he was a child, but unfortunately, I didn't have much time to spend with him then. Time flies; in the blink of an eye, he reached the age I was back then, and I've grown old, and a generation gap has formed between us."
Great-Grandfather's tone revealed a hint of helplessness and regret.
After listening to all this, Jiang Cheng had generally figured out the reason for the poor relationship between Great-Grandfather and his father.
Before coming here, he had thought the reason his father ran away from home and refused to return was due to a romantic relationship.
However, from the moment they met until now, the two elders haven't mentioned a single word about the relationship between the two of them. Instead, they have constantly discussed his father's brothers and the entire family.
This phenomenon indicated that the situation was probably not as simple as Jiang Cheng had previously thought.
"Great-Grandfather, why exactly won't my Dad come back?"
Seeing Jiang Cheng ask so directly, Great-Grandfather chose not to hide anything.
He immediately picked up a photo from the side and said to Jiang Cheng, "You will know these things sooner or later. Look, the group of children in this picture are actually all your Dad's siblings."
Hearing this, Jiang Cheng's heart sank.
He carefully scrutinized the photo and found that the children in the picture were of various ages, but upon closer inspection, there were indeed some similarities in their appearances.
"I really didn't expect my Dad to have so many siblings! I've never heard him mention it..." Jiang Cheng said in surprise.
As soon as he finished speaking, Great-Grandfather sighed deeply and said with a slight choke, "Yes... Alas, more than ten years ago, they left this world one after another, going to the other side to keep your Grandfather and Grandmother company."
Hearing these words, Jiang Cheng's brows furrowed involuntarily.
It seemed his earlier suspicions were correct.
No wonder everyone always said that he was now the only surviving grandson of the Jiang Family.