Hanging up the telephone, Grandfather Sang turned and quickly walked out, his steps much lighter than usual. "I'm going to the office to ask for leave."
Grandmother Sang also hurried into the inner room, muttering, "I have to prepare..." at least add more betrothal gifts.
In Qingshan County, after ending the call with his grandparents, Sheng Ze Xi paid and turned to leave without hesitation. As for calling his father to share the good news? He'd rather not. He was afraid that one phone call would make the man spit blood from anger.
Besides, the old man wouldn't care about him.
In fact, this time, Sheng Ze Xi was truly wrong. His old man, or rather, his father, Sheng Xin Hao, was thinking of him.
In the Beijing Compound, in a three-story villa, Sheng Xin Hao, dressed in casual clothes, was reading a newspaper in the living room.
Usually, he wore a military uniform for work. Even now in casual clothes, his inherent authority and solemn aura were undeniable. His legs were crossed, his hands holding the newspaper. The maid who passed by lightened her footsteps, not daring to make a sound, afraid of disturbing the master.
A beautiful woman in a cheongsam emerged from the kitchen, carrying two cups of tea. She sat down gracefully, placing one cup on the man's desk.
"Husband, have some tea," the beautiful woman said softly, her voice sweet and melodious.
The newspaper slowly closed, revealing the man's face. He looked over forty, his hair still thick, his features deep-set, his skin a healthy tan. There seemed to be wrinkles between his brows, as if they were often furrowed, conveying seriousness.
If Gu Jia Ning were here, she would see that Sheng Ze Xi and Sheng Xin Hao shared about five or six similar facial features. It's just that Sheng Ze Xi was younger, his brows and eyes sharp and arrogant, while Sheng Xin Hao, perhaps due to years in a position of power, both in demeanor and expression, exuded authority and an unapproachable air.
Even in his old age, Sheng Xin Hao was handsome. Add to that his current status and position, otherwise, when he planned to remarry, so many young women wouldn't have flocked to him, many of them unmarried girls.
And Fang Wanrong was one of them. At that time, she was the regimental commander of the art troupe, a rising singing star.
Ultimately, Fang Wanrong, a widow, successfully used her means to bring her daughter, Fang Manping, into the Sheng Family, becoming the wife of the high-ranking Sheng Xin Hao. A year after marrying him, she successfully gave birth to her son, Sheng Ze Yu, who is now 9 years old.
Sheng Xin Hao put down the closed newspaper and picked up his tea, taking a sip.
Fang Wanrong talked about her son, who was in elementary school, saying that he had again received first place in his class in the exam.
Sheng Xin Hao, who had a rare day off, was in a good mood. Hearing his wife talk about his youngest son, he, who already doted on his youngest son, nodded. "A Yu is a clever and sensible child. You've raised him well."
Fang Wanrong replied with a smile, "Oh, no, it's because our A Yu takes after his father. This A Yu, he got first place this time, and I asked him what reward he wanted. Husband, guess what he wants?"
Before her husband could answer, Fang Wanrong continued, laughing. "He said he wants money, saying that it's Father's birthday soon, and he wants to save money to buy a birthday gift for Father."
Sheng Xin Hao's brows and eyes relaxed slightly, the satisfaction in his eyes even greater. "A Yu is a filial child."
Speaking of filial children, there are naturally unfilial children.
Sheng Xin Hao's face darkened slightly. "Lately, has that brat called?"
Fang Wanrong naturally knew who Sheng Xin Hao was referring to. Her eyes flickered, and she was somewhat evasive. "When I was home, I didn't receive a call. But if he did call, maybe someone else answered."
Sheng Xin Hao coldly snorted. The teacup was placed on the table, making a bang that startled Fang Manping, who had just entered.
Fang Manping didn't understand, and looked at her mother.
Fang Wanrong gave her a reassuring look, gesturing for her to sit down.
Fang Manping glanced discreetly at her seemingly angry stepfather and sat down silently.
Sheng Xin Hao saw his stepdaughter, but in his anger, he didn't acknowledge her.
"Don't cover for him. I think he's gone against the heavens and doesn't want this family anymore. I knew I shouldn't have let him join the army."
At this point, Fang Manping also realized that they were talking about Sheng Ze Xi.
"Forget my birthday, soon he'll probably forget who his father is." Recalling his eldest son who always defied him, Sheng Xin Hao was furious, and began to cough.
Fang Wanrong quickly went to help him pat his back, and handed him the teacup, urging him to drink more tea.
"Why are you getting so angry? Don't get yourself sick," Fang Wanrong said, worry evident on her beautiful face.
Sheng Xin Hao calmed down after drinking the tea, patted his wife's hand to comfort her.
"By the way, I've asked you to find a suitable partner for that brat. How's it going?"
Although Fang Manping was lowering her head, organizing the things in her bag, her ears perked up, listening to her mother and stepfather's conversation.
Fang Wanrong hesitated. "I've been looking, but as you know, Ze Xi's personality... he offended quite a few people in the compound before. Now it's not so easy to find him a match. But don't worry, I'll find one soon."
"However, you also know my status. Ze Xi has always had objections to me. I'm afraid he won't like the person I find."
Sheng Xin Hao also knew that since his remarriage, his usually clever and sensible eldest son had changed.
He became arrogant and rebellious, even changing from the gifted prodigy praised by everyone in the compound into a hooligan-like brat, glaring at his own father, let alone his stepmother, whom he disliked even more.
Sheng Xin Hao didn't understand why Sheng Ze Xi was like this. Was it because of his remarriage?
But Sang Yu Wan passed away early, still young, and in a high position. His remarriage was reasonable; what was wrong with it? Besides, even if he didn't plan to remarry, the organization would have introduced someone to him.
Wanrong is a good woman. After marrying him, she not only gave birth to a younger son, but also constantly spoke well of that brat and took care of him. Why wouldn't that brat appreciate it?
He almost fell out with him. After joining the army, he didn't even return home during holidays.
Sheng Xin Hao calculated the time, it had been over half a year since he last saw him.
The last time they met was on Sang Yu Wan's memorial day; the boy came back to pay his respects.
But he left after the memorial service, without even saying goodbye to his father.
Sheng Xin Hao put his hand on Fang Wanrong's hand and gently patted it for comfort. "You've been wronged."
Fang Wanrong's eyes were red, and she shook her head. "As long as you understand me, I don't care what others think of me."
Her words made Sheng Xin Hao feel even more distressed, and he became even more dissatisfied with Sheng Ze Xi.
But no matter how dissatisfied he was, he was still his eldest son, and even now, he still held high hopes for him.
Especially since he and Sang Yu Wan had a true love.
Perhaps, after he gets married, the boy's personality will change.
"