PS: Some content from Chapter 1289 onward has been modified. Please re-read it. Thank you.
Speaking to this point, Jiang Jianmin lowered his head and smiled a self-deprecating smile.
"But now, finding myself in this very situation, I understand the necessity of the youth eventually becoming the dragon-slayer. The reason for thinking ten steps ahead with each move is not only about grasping and balancing the center of power, but also a form of self-protection."
Jiang Cheng nodded in understanding.
It's often said that the business world is like a battlefield, where a single misstep can lead to the ruin of a family.
How much more so is the struggle for power that someone like my grandfather was involved in.
Since graduating from university and stepping into society, my grandfather hacked his way through thorns and brambles, overcoming countless hardships and dangers, before gradually ascending to the peak of his life.
The path to get there took him over forty years.
In those forty-plus years, if he had taken a single wrong step, it would have been absolutely impossible to reach his current heights.
After reaching the peak, it took him nearly 25 more years to maintain the Jiang Family's honor.
Over these sixty-odd years, without formidable intellect and tactics, the Jiang Family would likely have declined long ago.
"Dad, you do what's appropriate for your position. Don't burden yourself psychologically. As you just said, this is also a good thing for Uncle Qiu. It might very well be the fulfillment of his own wishes," Jiang Cheng comforted.
Jiang Jianmin gave a slight nod, his eyes flickering as if concealing endless thoughts.
That strand of complex emotion lingered in his tone like a haze of smoke.
"Yes, your Uncle Qiu might feel the same way inside right now... I truly still regard him as my best brother. It's just that now, our brotherly bond is mixed with other elements. After we parted, your Uncle Qiu didn't specifically seek me out. It wasn't until now, after the incident, that he's been using various channels to inquire about me."
His own father had been away from the turmoil for over a decade.
To face so many things so suddenly and still remain unflustered was no simple feat.
If he hadn't brought it up himself today,
how would Jiang Cheng have guessed that beneath the surface of their bittersweet, cherished reunion, his father and Qiu Zheng still harbored this layer of calculation?
Sensing a trace of disappointment in his father's words,
Jiang Cheng offered comfort.
"Uncle Qiu wants to find a reliable backer for Qiu Yihe. Knowing many things about your past, he knew that if he took the initiative to find you, you would definitely appear."
Jiang Jianmin took over the conversation. After a long sigh, his tone carried a hint of helplessness as he said,
"Exactly. He knows I won't do anything to him and will certainly help him. Before your Uncle Qiu got into trouble, he still had his uncle to rely on. But now, in his condition, if something happens to his uncle in the Qiu Family, what can he give Xiao He besides the title of 'Family of a First-Class Meritorious Service'? This way, each generation will only be worse than the last."
After a brief silence, Jiang Cheng asked, "In that case, what kind of work do you plan to arrange for Uncle Qiu?"
Jiang Jianmin thought for a moment, then slowly replied.
"He's so skilled at flying. Even if he can't teach practical classes, he can give theory lessons to some cadets. Your grandfather will arrange for someone to take care of him 24/7, to help him."
Jiang Cheng understood perfectly well that this so-called "care" was something Qiu Zheng willingly accepted.
Ultimately, this was the choice he made by actively pledging his allegiance to the Jiang Family.
"What about Qiu Yihe?" Jiang Cheng immediately followed up.
Jiang Jianmin gave a slight smile, his words seeming to contain a deeper meaning.
"The implication in your grandfather's words earlier was to arrange a job for her in the capital. However, that child is still too young, her thinking hasn't matured yet. Let her be for now. First, promote your Uncle Qiu. Having her father in a higher position will also be a boost for her."
Hearing this, Jiang Cheng didn't intend to delve deeper into the topic.
After all, he knew his father too well.
The reason Jiang Jianmin brought this matter up was simply because he wanted someone to confide in.
In reality, his father had always treated Qiu Zheng with genuine sincerity.
Jiang Cheng took a deep breath, fully enjoying the fresh air in the garden.
He remarked with feeling, "They say the capital's smog is severe, but I find the air here much fresher than in Shanghai."
The corners of Jiang Jianmin's mouth lifted slightly, revealing a faint smile as he said softly.
"This place is quite extraordinary. Its magnetic field is very special. Without specific markers to guide you, it's extremely easy to get lost once you enter. Moreover, if you go up a little further, even a compass will stop working, and electronic devices will be interfered with."
Hearing this, a flash of astonishment crossed Jiang Cheng's face. He widened his eyes and asked incredulously, "Is what you're saying true?"
Jiang Jianmin nodded affirmatively.
"You must have heard of the Bermuda Triangle."
Jiang Cheng replied, "The Bermuda Triangle in the North Atlantic is a paradise for many explorers, and of course, a nightmare. It's said few return safely."
"Mm, there are many places in the world with abnormal magnetic fields. The Bermuda Triangle is one of them. There's also Shennongjia in our country; that place also has a special magnetic field, and entering it is very prone to accidents. There's a special magnetic field area in Wawu Mountain in Sichuan, known as 'China's Bermuda.' Although this garden's magnetic field isn't as strong as those, because of this, it's actually quite suitable for living."
After hearing this, Jiang Cheng looked around his surroundings with a face full of surprise.
No wonder it felt different from other places last time he came.
"I never imagined the capital had a place like this too."
Jiang Jianmin pulled out his phone from his pants pocket, glanced at it casually, and then immediately said, "Oh, your mom sent a message saying she's back already. Let's hurry home then..."
Jiang Cheng obediently nodded and then followed his father, Jiang Jianmin, stepping onto another small path leading down the mountain.
"Oh, right, there's also a good place in the capital called Yuquan Mountain. When your mom has some free time, have her take you there for a look."
"Yuquan Mountain? That name sounds quite familiar."
Seeing Jiang Cheng's interest, Jiang Jianmin began patiently explaining to him.
"Yes, Yuquan Mountain is no ordinary place. It's one of the famous forbidden zones in the capital. The mountain preserves many very important historical relics. If you want to deeply understand the long history and culture of our Chinese nation, visiting there is definitely worthwhile. And the scenery is quite nice too."
After listening, Jiang Cheng asked with confusion, "This is the first time I've heard of a 'forbidden zone' like this."
"That's right, ordinary people can't enter that place. I lived there as a child before moving here later. It's not only a geomantic treasure of the capital; during the Liao and Jin dynasties, it was an imperial traveling palace. It remained an imperial garden through several subsequent dynasties. Sixteen garden scenes were built within. Emperor Qianlong even bestowed the name 'Number One Spring Under Heaven' upon the mountain spring water there."
Hearing this, Jiang Cheng said with a touch of anticipation, "Then I must find some time to properly appreciate this legendary spring!"
Although the descent was relatively easier, due to Jiang Jianmin's long lack of exercise, he was still slightly out of breath.
Catching his breath, he continued, "If you want to see the spring, you'll be greatly disappointed. I remember when I was a child, many of the spring openings on Yuquan Mountain still flowed with clear, sweet water. But now, with the capital's groundwater level dropping sharply, many springs have already dried up..."
"Ah?..."
"It's just what I've heard; I haven't been to see for myself. But the water flow is very low, not like before. Under the effects of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in recent years, I've heard the water level has risen quite a bit. In a few more years, it should recover somewhat."
Jiang Cheng supported Jiang Jianmin. "If that place is so good, why did we move?"
Jiang Jianmin chuckled. "Silly child, your grandfather has retired and is in good health. Isn't moving here for retirement good? This place is no worse than that one. That area is now the residential zone for high-ranking officials, a military restricted zone. Why would we go in there?"
Jiang Cheng instantly understood Jiang Jianmin's meaning.
Living inside, his grandfather would probably be in a situation similar to Qiu Zheng's current state... For two consecutive days, Jiang Cheng didn't leave the house.
He spent the time at home with his two grandfathers, preparing New Year's goods.
The New Year's goods in the capital were quite different from those in Chengdu.
There were all kinds of pastries, like ox-tongue cakes, hawthorn pastry crusts, and such.
There were even menus for spiced beef and spiced pork knuckles.
And an even greater variety of preserved fruits.
One could say, even before the New Year arrived, Jiang Cheng had been fed a bellyful of New Year's treats by his two grandfathers.
As night gradually fell and the city lights began to glow,
Jiang Cheng drove the dark nights sound conspicuously towards the Dance Academy.
Previously, his father had constantly instilled in him the idea of keeping a low profile.
But after these few days under the double-layered doting of his two grandfathers, Jiang Cheng had long forgotten what the words 'low profile' meant.
Not long after, the speeding sports car quickly reached its destination—the Dance Academy.
Jiang Churan's rehearsal schedule during this period was exceptionally tight. Every day felt like a tightly wound clockwork, not daring to stop for a moment.
She could only spare a little over an hour for a meal to meet with Jiang Cheng.
The car slowly stopped at the school's back gate.
Seeing Jiang Cheng get out of the car,
Jiang Churan's heart couldn't help but pound.
With a hint of shyness, she reached out and gently hooked her arm through Jiang Cheng's.
Tilting her head up slightly, her large, bright eyes looked at Jiang Cheng.
She asked softly, "Um... can you eat things like spicy hot pot?"
Jiang Cheng nodded naturally. "Why not? You danced for a long time today; you look very tired."
Jiang Churan was wearing a loose, comfortable practice outfit, casually draped with a thin jacket over it.
Her originally silky, lustrous hair was hastily tied up into a cute, round bun.
Honestly, with a different face, this outfit might not look good.
But for the naturally beautiful Jiang Churan, it had a unique charm.
It just proved the saying: with looks, you can be willful!
Jiang Churan let out a long sigh, then said to Jiang Cheng in a soft, gentle voice, "Yes, I got up at eight in the morning to start practicing and have been at it until now, only resting for an hour at noon."
As soon as she finished speaking, Jiang Churan suddenly stopped walking.
She turned around, her beautiful eyes gazing sincerely at Jiang Cheng, and said word by word, "Really, thank you so much, Jiang Cheng."
Hearing this, Jiang Cheng tilted his head slightly, not quite understanding.
Seeing Jiang Cheng's puzzled look, Jiang Churan smiled and replied, "Teacher Gao has already told me. Originally, our program was still pending. Because of you, it's been confirmed now. Thank you."
With the Spring Festival approaching, one would expect the Dance Academy to be sparsely populated.
But contrary to expectations, the campus was still bustling with people coming and going.
People hurried along, either carrying dance bags towards rehearsal studios or discussing upcoming holiday plans in small groups.
Stopping like this, passing students couldn't help but glance at them a few more times.
Jiang Churan was somewhat famous within the Dance Academy.
She not only possessed snow-white skin and a stunningly beautiful appearance
but also had impressive, refined dance skills.
Thus, she became an object of envy for many students.
Although in the dance world, one cannot succeed by relying on looks alone.
Just like students studying at the Shanghai Theatre Academy.
Often, students with exceptionally beautiful faces during their school years
might not perform as well as their plain-looking but exceptionally talented classmates when they truly step into society to make their way.
However, possessing both a stunning appearance and solid foundational skills undoubtedly means taking a firm step on the path to success.
Seeing Jiang Churan actively linking arms with a Handsome Guy,
although everyone was accustomed to such sights, they couldn't help but whisper and take a few extra glances.
Seeing Jiang Churan place such importance on a matter involving just a few minutes as a background performer,
Jiang Cheng immediately shed his previously playful, nonchalant demeanor, revealing a look of sincerity and concern instead.
He raised his hand and gently stroked Jiang Churan's head, saying slowly, "What's there to thank? If you want, I can arrange better opportunities for you."
Hearing this, Jiang Churan shook her head without hesitation, responding softly, "This is already very good. This is my first time performing on TV. If you arranged some particularly prominent stage for me, I think the pressure would be huge, and I'd be afraid of not dancing well. Something like this, dancing in the background, this kind of opportunity to gain stage experience is just right. I'm already very satisfied."
Suppressing the urge to kiss her outside, Jiang Cheng reached out and stroked Jiang Churan's hair.
"Alright, enough thanks. Let's go quickly. Time is short; let's hurry and eat."
Hearing Jiang Cheng's words, a sweet smile instantly bloomed on Jiang Churan's lovely face.
Arriving at the roadside spicy hot pot shop, Jiang Cheng immediately noticed that Xu Yan was also there.
To be honest, Jiang Cheng was still somewhat wary of Xu Yan.
After all, the best friend test had just happened a few days ago.
And Jiang Cheng found that he really did seem to have some difficulty controlling himself.
After all, he hadn't truly 'won over' Jiang Churan yet.