After hearing this, Great-Grandfather and Jiang Jianmin exchanged a look; both believed Jiang Chenghong was only trying to set their minds at ease.
For so many years, Jiang Chenghong had always reported the good news and kept the bad to himself.
Yet the same words struck Jiang Cheng like a clap of thunder, bringing him genuine, joyful surprise.
Jiang Jianmin patted Jiang Cheng's shoulder and quietly instructed, "While I'm away, come back often and keep an eye on your grandfathers."
Jiang Cheng nodded eagerly in agreement.
At the same time, however, a puzzled frown crept across his face.
From what his grandfather had just said, didn't it mean his father would stay hidden?
In that case, would he himself still have to take over Jiangtai Building Materials?
Jiang Cheng stared at his father, baffled. "Dad, are you going back to Chengdu after New Year?"
His father slowly shook his head, and Great-Grandfather hastened to explain.
"Your dad won't be returning to Chengdu; he's off to somewhere else."
Jiang Cheng's curiosity flared. "So where exactly is he going?"
Jianmin answered, "I'm heading to Tibet. You don't need to come along. As for your mother, I haven't told her yet; given her health, she probably couldn't handle the altitude, so I'll leave her in the capital for now."
Jiang Cheng's brows snapped together at once.
Worried, he pressed, "Tibet? That's the high plateau, Dad—can your body take it?"
Jianmin gave a light pat to his son's shoulder, his face showing he understood the concern.
"Relax, I'm still strong as an ox."
Though the words sounded easy, Jiang Cheng remained uneasy.
After all, even a short tourist trip to those heights leaves many gasping from lack of oxygen.
And his father would be working there.
His mother had the wishing card; barring sudden accidents, her body would stay free of major illness and she would live out her years in peace.
Meanwhile, Great-Grandfather and Second Grandfather each held a "Healing" card.
Even in the short term, their lives were protected.
But his father had nothing—thinking of this, Jiang Cheng felt they'd decided too hastily.
Alas, in this world no choice is ever perfect.
Great-Grandfather, watching Jiang Cheng's face, reached out and gently smoothed his hair.
"Good boy, don't worry. I'll send the best medical team with your father; he'll be fine."
Even so, Jiang Cheng's heart refused to settle.
Flesh and blood are no match for natural or man-made disasters.
In recent years that region had suffered one calamity after another.
Earthquakes came frequently, snow disasters grew fiercer, and last year the news had reported a large-scale clash with the neighboring country.
In the end live ammunition had been shipped in.
The stand-off lasted more than two months.
The reports never made huge headlines,
yet between the lines they told countless unsung, tragic stories.
In that confrontation, brave heroes like Qiu Zheng were many.
Some were gravely wounded, some gave their lives, defending the nation's frontiers with blood.
Border disputes and maritime demarcation battles have never ceased.
Yet ordinary folk, safe in the country's embrace, live their days in calm, barely aware of those fierce clashes.
Now his father was going there—how could Jiang Cheng not worry?
Just as he was about to ask more, Chen Ping hurried in.
"Sir, Minister Chen is here," Chen Ping announced respectfully.
Great-Grandfather turned with a smile. "Good grandson, amuse yourself for a while; I need to talk in the study."
He looked tenderly at Jiang Chenghong. "You go rest; you were up early this morning—take care of yourself."
Jiang Chenghong answered at once, "All right, big brother, I'll do that."
Then Great-Grandfather added, "Jianmin, come with me."
Jianmin stood up without a word.
When the two left, Jiang Chenghong couldn't stifle a huge yawn.
Rubbing his eyes, he laughed, "I was too happy to sleep last night—now I'm really sleepy…"
Jiang Cheng quickly rose and carefully helped him from his chair.
"Let me help you to bed. Great-Grandfather's as busy as ever?"
"Exactly. He's always on the run. Still, being too capable can be a nuisance…" He shook his head wryly.
Jiang Cheng chuckled.
"Second Grandfather, is Minister Chen the one I met the first time I came here?"
After a moment Jiang Chenghong nodded. "Yes, that's him."
Jiang Cheng frowned. "From what I heard, Great-Grandfather isn't powerless—so why are my uncles only university presidents?"
Second Grandfather smiled kindly.
"Silly boy, power brings resistance. At your age, don't bother with such puzzles. Just play, enjoy life, and leave these headaches to us old fellows."