If he weren't his own flesh-and-blood grandson, he probably would never see such a gentle side of the old man in private.
"I'm not cold—feel for yourself, my palms are toasty." When Jiang Cheng… felt the warmth from Jiang Cheng's palms, Great-Grandfather's smile grew even brighter.
"Good. I was worried you couldn't handle the capital's weather. Young people should be like Huo-Wa—fear the cold no more—then I won't worry."
After helping Great-Grandfather settle into his chair…
Jiang Cheng replied, "Rest assured; Dad takes me for check-ups every year. I'm in top shape. What about you two—any discomfort?"
Great-Grandfather said briskly, "I'm hale and hearty—you saw me; I can still work the fields. No special illnesses. Him, though—popping pressure pills every day, sigh…"
Second Grandfather Jiang Chenghong, standing nearby, instantly objected.
"Big brother, don't sigh about me. The doctor says it's fine—just take the meds on time. You're the one whose organs are aging; you need the caution…"
"I'm eight years older, but I still outwork you. Look at you—you can't even hold a hoe steady."
Jiang Chenghong shot back, "Hey, who says I can't? Forgot who cleared the weeds for you yesterday?"
Watching the two old men bicker like kids, Jiang Cheng couldn't help chuckling.
To put Jiang Cheng at ease, Great-Grandfather summoned the resident medical team in the Courtyard House.
Per Jiang Cheng's request, records normally kept from outsiders were produced for his careful inspection.
Though everyone present was stunned, they knew which questions could be asked—and which could not.
As Jiang Cheng pored over the reports, the two old men watched him quietly, eyes full of relief.
In old age, the greetings of children and grandchildren matter more than ever.
After reviewing their past physicals…
and listening to the doctors' professional notes, Jiang Cheng finally had a true, full picture of the elders' health.
As they'd said, nothing critical, but with age, multiple organs had indeed begun to decline.
For example, blood-vessel aging could compromise circulation and cardiovascular health.
Long-term smoking had also left small nodules in the lungs that needed special care.
Fortunately, no serious hidden illnesses had been found.
Second Grandfather was in better shape: apart from hypertension, nothing abnormal.
After all, he was eight years younger, while Great-Grandfather had already reached the venerable age of ninety-one.
He examined the healing card's specific effects once more.
"[healing card]: Heals past bodily pain or illness, repairs organic defects. Single-use only. Host, choose with care."
After a few minutes' thought, Jiang Cheng applied the card directly to his grandfather.
"Ding! [healing card] used successfully!"
Special note: The card will slowly permeate and repair all bodily defects; during this period the user will feel nothing.
"Detected organ degeneration, lung nodules, vessel aging, cerebral decline—healing in progress…"
Reading the System prompt, Jiang Cheng was stunned again.
He had still underestimated the card's power.
Normally, without major disease or accident, people die simply of old age.
And the reason is organ aging.
If the card could reverse that, wouldn't Great-Grandfather's organs return to a younger state?
If originally the old man could live to ninety-six, under such heaven-defying repair he might gain several more years.
After all, centenarians aren't unheard of in this world.
After reading, Jiang Cheng instinctively glanced at Great-Grandfather, who was sipping the tonic soup he'd brought.
Seeing the old man's expression stay normal, Jiang Cheng relaxed.
Had there been any obvious sensation—as with previous cards—someone of Great-Grandfather's status would have raised an uproar.
Bathed in the two old men's affectionate care, Jiang Cheng polished off two big bowls of rice plus piles of dishes at lunch.
Before tea could be served, Chen Ping ushered in a middle-aged man in military uniform from outside.
Seeing Great-Grandfather head into the study again, Jiang Cheng asked, "Second Grandfather, last time I came it was the same—is he truly this busy every day?"
Second Grandfather shook his head. "Not every day, but these days are special—the meeting's tomorrow, so things are hectic…"
"Retired and still attending meetings?"
Jiang Chenghong laughed. "Of course not; your grandpa usually stays behind the scenes, but the big matters can't go wrong. Did you see the man who came out of the study?"
When Jiang Cheng nodded, Second Grandfather continued, "From now on he'll be the one attending the meetings."
Jiang Cheng instantly understood Jiang Chenghong's meaning.
Combining what he'd seen on his first visit with Second Grandfather's words…
Could Great-Grandfather really still influence these matters?