After saying that, Great-Grandfather let out a deep sigh, a heavy sound that seemed to carry the vicissitudes and helplessness of the years.
"Your Qiu Family used to focus all their attention on your older brothers. Back then, they were too respectful of your decision to become a pilot. I said that since you liked being a pilot, I would arrange a position for you after a few years of experience, but I didn't expect..."
At this point, Great-Grandfather's voice choked up slightly. He paused for a moment, trying hard to calm his emotions.
"Uncle Jiang, please don't be sad. This is all my fate. When I chose this path, it was entirely out of my inner passion and belief. Moreover, it was a decision I made myself, and I have no regrets. There is no home without a country. If the country needs me, even if I have to give up everything, including my life, I will step forward without hesitation!"
Qiu Zheng's firm words echoed in the air, ringing out like a solemn vow.
Beside him, Qiu Yihe glanced at her father.
Qiu Zheng had said before that no matter how much he regretted it in his heart...
He must never show such thoughts to the outside world.
Thinking of this, Qiu Yihe could only silently adjust her expression to match her father's.
Hearing this, Great-Grandfather slowly shook his head, tears welling in his eyes as he sighed deeply once more.
"Child, when I was young, my thoughts were actually the same as yours. When I was fifty-one, Jianming had just been born. At that time, some of Jianmin's older brothers had already started their own families and businesses, while others had just finished their university studies."
Recalling the past, Great-Grandfather's eyes softened.
"At that time, I held an important position in the Magic City and was as busy as a spinning top all day long, with no time to attend to family matters. So, Jianmin was basically raised by his older brothers. They acted as both brothers and took on the responsibilities of a father; it really wasn't easy."
"When he first arrived in The Capital, he wasn't used to it at all. Fortunately, you often came over to play with him. Although you two were mischievous and caused a lot of trouble, every time I finished work and saw you two doing homework or playing together, it warmed my heart..."
Hearing this, Qiu Zheng and Jiang Jianmin slowly raised their heads, their eyes meeting with a look full of memories.
"Yeah, when we were little, we always complained that our brothers were too strict with us. Thinking back now, I only feel gratitude."
"Seeing you like this now reminds me of them. You were all children I watched grow up, and now that things have turned out like this, I truly feel pained..."
Seeing this, Qiu Zheng quickly comforted him, "Uncle Jiang, please don't think that way. Everything we've experienced is our duty and obligation as soldiers. Since we chose this path, we can only walk it without regrets."
After a long sigh, Great-Grandfather seemed to calm down a bit.
Then, he turned his gaze to Qiu Yihe, who had been silent, and asked, "Then what are the arrangements for Xiao He now?"
Hearing this question, Qiu Zheng shook his head slightly and replied, "Her? She's currently working as a police officer over in the Magic City."
Hearing this, Great-Grandfather couldn't help but frown slightly and said worriedly.
"Sigh... in the Qiu Family, she's the only one left now!"
By the time they saw Qiu Zheng off, the clock was already pointing towards the afternoon.
It was midday, and the warm, lazy sunlight was like a golden veil draped over the ground.
Jiang Jianmin turned to look at Jiang Cheng and spoke softly, "Come take a walk with me in the gardens out back."
Jiang Cheng nodded in agreement and immediately followed behind Jiang Jianmin.
As the father and son walked slowly.
About a few meters behind them, four or five plainclothes security personnel followed closely.
After glancing back casually at the security personnel.
Jiang Cheng's lips curled up slightly, and he said to Jiang Jianmin with a hint of teasing, "Old Jiang, you've really moved up in the world, haven't you..."
Hearing his son's banter, Jiang Jianmin raised his hand in mock anger.
He made a motion as if to swat Jiang Cheng, laughing and scolding, "You brat!"
Seeing this, Jiang Cheng tacitly tilted his body, pretending to dodge.
The two looked at each other and smiled, then continued walking forward.
After a few steps, Jiang Cheng suddenly remembered how Qiu Zheng had asked Jiang Jianmin where he was going to take office, and Jiang Jianmin had replied that it wasn't yet certain.
He couldn't help but ask curiously, "Dad, when Uncle Qiu asked where you were taking office, why did you say it wasn't certain yet? Are you not going there anymore?"
Hearing his son's question, Jiang Jianmin stopped walking.
He reached out his right hand and gently patted Jiang Cheng's shoulder, instructing him with a serious but gentle expression.
"Of course I'm going. But remember, don't tell anyone about this matter, not even your Uncle Qiu..."
Jiang Cheng nodded understandingly and replied, "I understand, Dad, don't worry."
After speaking, the father and son started walking again, heading deeper into the garden.
Seeing that Jiang Cheng understood the implications.
Jiang Jianmin nodded slightly and then spoke slowly.
"Your grandfather is right; the fewer people who know my specific identity, the less resistance I'll face."
Hearing this, Jiang Cheng's curiosity grew even stronger.
He asked impatiently, "I'm a bit curious, what kind of position will you have when you go to work?"
After all, both grandfathers had said that it was useless for his father to return to his original identity.
Following that logic, the prospects for the currently arranged position must be even higher.
Hearing this, Jiang Jianmin intentionally spread his hands and replied, "Naturally, I have to start from the grass-roots level..."
Hearing this, Jiang Cheng roasted him mercilessly.
"Give me a break, Dad. You think I'd believe that? If you're going to start striving from the grass-roots level at your age, you'd be better off being a CEO at my company."
Facing his son's teasing, Jiang Jianmin laughed and scolded again, "You brat, showing off every chance you get. Don't worry, your two grandfathers have been planning this step for over a decade. Another 'me' is already waiting for me over there..."
After hearing these words, a look of shock involuntarily appeared on Jiang Cheng's face.
So what does this mean??
A "civet cat for a prince" switch??
Hearing this, Jiang Cheng suddenly felt a chill down his spine.
He thought of the rumors from the Pretty Country.
That the CEO of Facebook is a robot, or that the Old Geezer sometimes uses a body double for appearances.
At the time, Jiang Cheng thought they were just rumors.
Thinking about it now, perhaps it wasn't impossible.
"Dad, your words have suddenly opened up a huge hole in my imagination. So... is the person standing in front of me really my original father?? It couldn't also be...?"