A faint smile tugged at Shen Chong's lips as he chuckled, "The elders may simply be worried about your safety."
Jiang Jianmin's expression froze at those words, a flash of displeasure streaking through his eyes.
With a mix of helplessness and resentment, he said, "I only have one son—do they have to be so heartless, so eager…?"
Shen Chong was left speechless, feeling it was neither safe nor proper to reply.
He could only glance quickly at Jiang Jianmin through the rear-view mirror, force an awkward smile, and then grip the wheel with full attention.
Jiang Cheng likewise fell silent, unsure how to respond.
He knew he had no standing to judge the grievances of the older generation.
After hearing the stories his grandfather had told, he understood even more deeply the worries that haunted his father.
Even now, Jiang Cheng felt unable to abandon his own small loves for the sake of some greater good.
If he had been in his father's shoes, he might also have chosen to be an ordinary rich man, guarding his quiet life.
Li Yan, sensing the oppressive mood, hurried to say, "Come on, don't keep stressing yourself out."
Her attempt at comfort had no effect; the atmosphere in the car didn't lighten in the least.
Instead, it felt as if an invisible hand had clenched the air, making things even heavier and stifling.
Each of them was lost in private thoughts, no one willing to speak again.
They feared that careless words might touch that sensitive, fragile topic… Half an hour later, a black sedan rolled to a stop at the entrance of a slightly worn alley.
The moment it halted, several tall, broad-shouldered Bodyguards in crisp black suits stepped out of the red flag car behind.
Moving with practiced speed, they fanned out, scanning the surroundings for threats.
Once the car doors were shut, Jiang Cheng saw his father standing motionless at the alley mouth.
His gaze was deep and distant, fixed on the lane ahead, unmoving, as though held fast by memories.
It looked as if the past had seized him and would not let go.
Seeing the solemn look on his father's face, Jiang Cheng wisely stayed silent, not daring to disturb him.
Growing up, he had rarely seen his father look so sad—except once before, when his own curiosity about the older generation had plunged his father into gloom.
After a brief hesitation, Jiang Cheng stepped forward.
He raised a hand and gently patted his father's broad shoulder.
Feeling the touch, Jiang Jianmin came slowly back to himself.
He drew a long sigh, then turned his gaze to Jiang Cheng.
"This place," he explained, "I came here when I was young. It's the home of a schoolmate and close friend I grew up with. I haven't been here in more than a decade. Looking back, I was the same age you are now. How time flies…"
As he spoke, his once-strong voice grew low, as though weighed down by something unseen.
His eyes dropped slightly, a fleeting trace of loneliness flickering in their depths.
Li Yan, who had been watching quietly, couldn't hide the ache in her heart.
She slipped her hands gently around Jiang Jianmin's thinner arm, saying nothing.
Sensing her care, Jiang Jianmin lifted his other hand and softly patted hers, forcing a small smile to tell her not to worry.
After that brief warmth, memories seemed to flood back; a wry, helpless smile appeared on his face.
He sighed again and continued, "Back then, Old Qiu and I were inseparable—from primary school through middle school and high school, always in the same class. We spent every day together… But fate played a trick on us: we ended up at completely different universities and walked entirely separate paths. Sigh…"
Listening, Jiang Cheng nodded thoughtfully.
Then, as if struck by something important, he asked, "Since we're visiting Uncle Qiu, should we pick up some gifts?"
Hearing this, Shen Chong stepped briskly to the rear of the car.
He lifted the trunk lid carefully, moving with quiet respect so as not to make a sound.
"Young master, don't worry—I've already prepared the gifts."
Jiang Cheng glanced at Shen Chong; no wonder Second Grandfather had recommended him when he thought he was dying.
Jiang Jianmin drew several deep breaths to steady himself. "All right, let's go—bring everything."
Jiang Cheng took the tonic from Shen Chong and followed his father into the alley.
The lane was neither wide nor cramped; it curved invitingly ahead.
Soon they reached a bend, turned, and saw an old, rust-flecked iron gate.
It stood half-open.
Through the gap, a small Western-style villa was visible deep inside the courtyard.
The three-storey house exuded vintage charm; its style marked it as the home of a native Shanghainese.
It resembled Zhao Linger's house.
Jiang Jianmin stepped forward and pressed the doorbell.
That noon, Shanghai's outdoor temperature had plunged to ten degrees, and tonight it would fall below zero.
No sunlight reached the gate; a cold wind made Li Yan shiver.
Seeing her clutch her wool coat, Jiang Jianmin glanced over with concern.
He rang again; still no one came. He called toward the house.
As they waited anxiously, a bright, melodious voice rang out from the villa: "Coming!"
The sound made Jiang Cheng's heart jump; he looked quickly inside.
The gate swung open, revealing a girl.
She wore a simple white sweater and dark-blue jeans.
Her glossy black hair was loosely tied back, a few strands brushing her pale cheeks and making her eyes seem even brighter.
When he saw who it was, Jiang Cheng's eyes widened in surprise.
At the same instant, surprise filled the girl's eyes as well.
Yesterday's awkward "Second Dog" scene flashed through both their minds.
She had realized at the airport that this visitor was no ordinary person, and now she didn't know how to greet Jiang Jianmin and Li Yan.
Qiu Yihe flustered, barely managing, "H-hello…?"
In contrast, though Li Yan and Jiang Jianmin were also startled, they composed themselves at once.
Their gazes turned gentle and kindly.
Jiang Jianmin noticed that the Little Girl's features closely resembled those of his long-lost friend.
Smiling, he asked, "Hello, is Mr. Qiu Zheng at home?"
Realizing they had come to see her father, Qiu Yihe looked relieved; her tense nerves relaxed.
Since her dad had retired from the army, visitors came often, so she was used to it.
Seeing Jiang Cheng's odd smile, she shot him a quick glance.
Then she nodded and said warmly, "Yes, please come in."