From what he knew of his father, the man had always been in excellent health.
Ever since he was a child, Jiang Jianming had placed great importance on regular medical check-ups.
Every year, without fail, he would take Jiang Cheng and his mother to the hospital for a full physical.
He even paid out of pocket for screening against every major disease.
Jiang Cheng remembered how much he'd hated it as a kid—needles every single time.
Even if he protested, the two of them would still carry him off for the tests without batting an eye.
Only after he grew up did Jiang Cheng understand why they cared so much.
Just as he felt now—he only wanted everyone close to him to stay healthy.
This year's family reports again showed every indicator for his parents well within the normal range.
So for Jiang Jianming, the card he now held wasn't of much use.
After all, he currently had no ailment that needed treatment or healing.
His paternal grandfather and Second-Grandpa, however, were both advanced in years; the card would suit either of them perfectly.
Yet he still had to weigh which one to use it on.
Jiang Cheng sighed—clearly he needed to show more care to the women in his life.
"If only I could get another wish-granting card…" After leaving the Ferris wheel they picked a random roadside restaurant for dinner.
It was already past ten when he saw Huang Yuqi home.
The day had worn them out; Jiang Cheng collapsed into bed the moment he got back.
The next morning he texted Chen Ping the moment he woke up.
Soon Chen Ping's car pulled up outside the Courtyard House.
As Jiang Cheng had requested, he again drove the discreet black business van.
Twenty minutes later the car stopped at Great-Grandfather's residence.
White clouds drifted across the sky; sunlight filtered through the leaves and scattered dappled shadows on the ground.
Big red lanterns hung high at the gate of the Courtyard House, giving a festive glow.
After a few days away, Jiang Cheng noticed the plants in the yard had all been carefully replaced—probably because the year was nearly over.
New Year's Eve was almost here; though they celebrated the Lunar New Year, the Gregorian calendar still offered plenty of events.
Passing through the second gate, Jiang Cheng found only Second-Grandpa in the parlour.
He sat in an ornate armchair, a book in hand, reading with complete focus.
"Second-Grandpa!"
Jiang Cheng called out.
Hearing the voice, Jiang Chenghong stood up happily.
"Haha, good boy, you're here—come sit, it's freezing outside."
Jiang Cheng set the tonic soup he'd brought on the table, glanced around, and asked, "Where's Great-Grandpa?"
Jiang Chenghong looked toward the study and answered, "Your grand-uncle is handling some affairs in there."
"Great-Grandpa's working again?"
"Indeed—tomorrow's the twenty-fifth." Jiang Chenghong replied, eyes drifting to what Jiang Cheng had brought.
Though he'd seen every luxury, he still looked genuinely delighted by anything his grandson carried in.
"December twenty-fifth—so, Christmas?"
Jiang Chenghong chuckled and gave him a light swat. "Silly boy, all you remember is Christmas."
The moment the words left Jiang Chenghong, Jiang Cheng's gaze shifted toward the study.
Just then a man in a dark-grey Zhongshan suit stepped slowly out of the study.
A casual glance made Jiang Cheng's eyes go wide.
That face was anything but unfamiliar to him.
The man's gaze met theirs at the same instant.
In a flash a powerful aura rolled over him, pressing down like a heavy weight.
The sharp pressure vanished as quickly as it came, yet Jiang Cheng had felt the full force of a superior's dominance.
Surprise flickered across the man's face when he saw Jiang Cheng, then a gentle smile appeared.
He didn't approach; he simply nodded at Jiang Cheng, greeted Jiang Chenghong, and said, "Old master, my task is done. I must be off—still have work. I'll come another day for tea."
Jiang Chenghong stayed where he was and nodded. "Very well, very well."
As the man disappeared round the corner of the Courtyard House, Jiang Cheng's shock was hard to hide.
Countless questions surged through his mind…
The feeling was simply surreal.
"But why is he here?"
Once the visitor had left, Great-Grandfather slowly emerged from the study as well.
Jiang Cheng quickly smoothed his expression, broke into a bright smile, and called, "Great-Grandpa!"
The old man's stern face lit up the instant he saw his great-grandson.
"Good boy, you're here!"
As Jiang Cheng stepped closer, Great-Grandpa clasped his hand and asked with concern, "Did you dress warmly? It's been so cold these days."
Like Second-Grandpa, the first thing Great-Grandpa asked was whether he felt cold.
Jiang Cheng suddenly understood the saying: "There's cold, and then there's Grandma-thinks-you're-cold."
Seems it isn't just grandmas—grandpas are the same.
Looking at the kindly old man before him, Jiang Cheng's thoughts drifted for a moment…