As the car slowly drove up to his grandfather's house.
Looking from afar, they could see Jiang Chenghong standing there, waiting anxiously.
He paced back and forth incessantly, occasionally craning his neck to peer in the direction the car was approaching, looking as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.
As the car came to a steady stop, Jiang Chenghong immediately rushed forward.
Before the car door was fully open, he eagerly leaned toward the window, his eyes filled with anticipation and joy.
After the car door opened, Jiang Jianmin got out first.
His eyes were slightly red as he stared directly at Jiang Chenghong, who had been waiting impatiently at the entrance.
His voice slightly choked up as he said, "Second Uncle, I'm really sorry to have kept you waiting for so long."
Li Yan, who got out after him, also quickly called out to Jiang Chenghong, "Uncle!"
Hearing these two affectionate calls, Jiang Chenghong felt a warmth spread through his heart.
His throat felt blocked, making it difficult for him to speak for a moment.
His eyes instantly became moist, tears welling up and nearly spilling out.
His lips trembled slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but the words were stuck in his throat, blocked by the complex emotions in his heart.
Jiang Chenghong sped up his pace, walked forward, and tightly clasped Jiang Jianmin's hands with both of his own.
At this moment, the excitement in his heart was like a surging tide, instantly drowning out all words, so that all his emotions could only be conveyed through his facial expression.
"Jianmin, Yan'er, I finally welcomed you back. All these years you've been away, Second Uncle has always worried about you."
As he spoke, his voice was slightly choked, and tears unconsciously welled up in the corners of his eyes.
Hearing these words, Jiang Jianmin could no longer suppress the deep longing and guilt in his heart, and tears streamed down his face.
He suddenly embraced Jiang Chenghong, and the two men wept in each other's arms.
Jiang Chenghong gently patted Jiang Jianmin's back. That large hand, which should have been strong and firm, was now trembling slightly, like a flickering candle in the wind.
Every pat seemed to contain endless care and affection, as if he wanted to use this opportunity to make up for all the intimacy that had been missing over the years.
"Child, you've suffered being away all these years."
As Jiang Chenghong spoke, he gently stroked Jiang Jianmin's hair with his rough palm, his eyes full of heartache.
Jiang Jianmin slowly raised his head, looking at the haggard relative with graying temples before him, and the guilt in his heart deepened further.
When he saw Jiang Chenghong's slightly emaciated body, worn down by illness, his tears flowed uncontrollably like a burst dam.
"Second Uncle, it's my fault. I haven't returned for so many years and made you worry. How is your health? Has your condition improved at all?" Jiang Jianmin asked, his face full of worry.
Jiang Chenghong smiled with relief. Although his eyes were still red, he managed to force out a comforting smile.
"Good child, don't worry too much about Second Uncle. I feel great; those illnesses are nothing. Today is a joyous occasion; our family is finally reunited. Nothing else matters. As long as we are safe and sound and together as a family, that's better than anything!"
After speaking, Jiang Chenghong squinted slightly and cautiously glanced into the house.
Then, he slightly lowered his voice and spoke softly:
"Your dad, ah, didn't sleep soundly all last night! Since early this morning, he's been pacing back and forth inside the house. He just went out for a bit, but quickly turned around and went back in. He actually really wanted to come out and greet you, but he was too embarrassed..."
After his voice fell, Jiang Chenghong slowly released his grip on Jiang Jianmin's arm.
He then took a slightly unsteady step and walked towards Li Yan and Jiang Cheng, who were standing nearby.
Jiang Cheng smiled broadly, obediently opened his mouth, and loudly shouted, "Second Grandfather!"
Hearing this call, a kind and amiable smile immediately bloomed on Jiang Chenghong's face.
He extended his wrinkled, slightly trembling right hand and gently stroked Jiang Cheng's head, replying affectionately, "Oh dear, my good child, Li Yan, you've finally arrived!"
Li Yan, standing nearby, looked worried. She quickly stepped forward, tightly held Jiang Chenghong's hands, and inquired anxiously.
"Uncle, have you been taking your medication on time recently? Ever since Jianmin heard you were sick, he's been very distressed. He's constantly asking for different doctors' opinions..."
Jiang Chenghong smiled and nodded, replying in a calm and open-minded tone.
"I know you worry about me. I've been faithfully using the supplements and medicines you had people bring me during the holidays. For someone my age, I've long come to terms with matters of life and death. Besides, what doctor could be better than the one beside Big Brother? Now, being able to see you all return safely and have our family gathered together—that is the most precious thing to me!"
Seeing that Second Grandfather was overly emotional, his already slightly flushed cheeks now turned bright red, like a ripe apple.
Seeing this, Jiang Cheng quickly reached out and gently patted Second Grandfather's back, trying to help him calm down.
Although the healing card had already been used on Second Grandfather, Jiang Cheng could not truly relax until Second Grandfather had fully recovered.
Half a month had already passed since the healing card was used.
But it was obvious that the news of Second Grandfather's illness ultimately could not be concealed.
This showed that the healing card's repair effect on the illness was not instantaneous or immediate.
Looking at Second Grandfather, who wore a worried expression, Jiang Cheng couldn't help but frown and ask with deep concern.
"Second Grandfather, you must take your medicine properly. I haven't settled down and started a family yet. Last time when we ate hot pot together, didn't you say you were bored in retirement and wanted to look after children?"
Hearing Jiang Cheng's words, Jiang Chenghong immediately became extremely excited. He stared directly at Jiang Cheng with burning eyes and asked with a slightly trembling voice, "What? Are you planning to settle down and start a family?"