Looking at the familiar plants and trees, Chen Fan's expression was filled with emotion.
"Is Xing'er here?" Chen Fan asked.
"No, she hasn't lived here for a long time and rarely comes back," Grandpa Fu said with a smile. "However, your and Miss Xing'er's rooms have been kept, and your belongings haven't been touched."
Chen Fan chuckled and walked to the backyard.
At the backyard entrance, Grandpa Chen, full of spirit, stood there. Upon seeing Chen Fan, he immediately berated him, "You brat, you finally know to come back. I thought this old bone of mine wouldn't live to see the day you returned."
"Grandpa!" Chen Fan's eyes welled up with tears as he respectfully called out.
"Speak, how long are you staying this time?" the old man retorted with a roll of his eyes.
Chen Fan replied, "I won't be leaving the capital for now."
The old man was a little surprised, then nodded. "Good, good. Let those who want to see our Chen family's downfall witness how much stronger our Chen family's prodigy is than the good-for-nothings in their families!"
Chen Fan chuckled and stepped forward to support his grandfather.
The old man, a veteran with a high position and great authority, had always been extremely strict with his children and grandchildren, and Chen Fan was no exception. He rarely showed a pleasant expression.
Only Chen Xing'er was particularly favored.
However, the old man's demeanor was just on the surface; his care and concern for Chen Fan had never diminished.
Walking into the house and settling down, the old man immediately said, "A'Fu, notify that girl Xing'er to come back. Prepare a few dishes for lunch. The prodigy likes fish the most, so make a braised salmon."
"Also, fetch the hundred-year-old 'Zhuangyuan Chun' wine from my collection, and I'll have a couple of drinks with the prodigy."
Chen Fan smiled, "Grandpa, that's the wine you've always been reluctant to drink. Are you willing to bring it out today?"
"Our Chen family's prodigy has returned, so we must celebrate," the old man said with a smile. "If I didn't know you didn't get along with others and didn't like it, I would have invited all our relatives and children to introduce my grandson properly."
The God of War in the military, the titan of commerce, the master of martial arts – each of Chen Fan's identities was the old man's pride. He wished he could let the whole world know.
Chen Fan shook his head. "I'm afraid many people won't like me!"
"Why should they like you?" the old man retorted, giving him a look. "It's enough for them to know that the Chen family has a prodigy."
Chen Fan shook his head. He had no interest in such matters. "I only have one identity now, and that is a member of the Chen family."
The old man smiled. "You know what I'm most proud of about you."
Having spent his life in the military, what the old man valued most was undoubtedly Chen Fan's identity as the Undefeated Heavenly King, the Nation-Guarding God of War, and the invincible commander who bore the weight of a nation single-handedly.
After a moment of silence, Chen Fan said in a deep voice, "Grandpa, I've returned this time because I want to thoroughly resolve what happened three years ago."
Upon hearing this, the old man's smile faded. He gazed at Chen Fan, remaining silent for a long time.
Chen Fan did not urge him.
"Do you know how much resistance you'll face?" the old man asked, taking a sip of tea with a grave expression. "Some things, even with your current status, are not easy to accomplish. This world is far more complicated than most people realize."
"Even the greatest clans, seemingly at the pinnacle, have many reservations!"
Chen Fan nodded. "I know, of course."
"Have you thought it through?" the old man asked again.
Chen Fan nodded heavily. "I've thought it through!"
"Then go ahead and do it," the old man sighed and said, "The Chen family will stand with you, no matter when. It was the same three years ago, and it will be the same three years from now."
The old man's eyes held the wisdom and weariness of having seen through the world. "My body is still strong enough, and I can still support you. In a few more years, I won't be able to."
"It's easy to blend in with the dust, but difficult to remain true to one's original aspirations!"
A warmth flowed through Chen Fan's heart.
Perhaps the old man had been demanding and extremely strict with him back then, but his expectations for him had never changed.
When his father disappeared, many in the Chen family coveted the position of heir, constantly belittling him to elevate themselves. Yet, the old man had always believed he could shoulder everything!
His rise to become the Undefeated Heavenly King and the invincible military soul was also influenced by the old man... an influence that determined his starting point in the military.
Otherwise, no matter how brilliant he was at his age, he would have had to endure trials and gain sufficient qualifications...
As grandfather and grandson spoke, time passed quickly.
Half an hour later, a graceful figure rushed into the room.
Still catching her breath as she entered, the newcomer glared at Chen Fan.
"Chen prodigy!" Chen Xing'er stood with her hands on her hips, her eyebrows furrowed, and said indignantly, "You actually decided to come back? Didn't you deny being the Chen prodigy?"
Chen Fan smiled. "I suddenly remembered my other identity, so I came back!"
"You..." Chen Xing'er was fuming and immediately grabbed Chen Fan's waist, pinching him hard.
Chen Fan winced and slapped away Chen Xing'er's hand, saying, "Enough, Xing'er, don't be so disrespectful."
"You lied to me first, so you should keep pretending!" Chen Fan said helplessly.
"Alright, Xing'er," Grandpa Chen said with a smile. "It wasn't easy for your brother to come back, so don't make a fuss!"
"Grandpa, you too, you helped him lie to me." Chen Xing'er was not polite to her grandfather and complained.
The old man chuckled sheepishly.
"Tell me, how many days are you staying this time?" Chen Xing'er asked Chen Fan, though she was actually very happy.
"I'm not leaving for now, and I might stay for quite some time," Chen Fan replied.
Only then did Chen Xing'er show a smile and huff, "At least you have some conscience."
"The prodigy is back, Xing'er, you should come back and live here too," the old man said.
Chen Xing'er shook her head. "Grandpa, I don't want to live here. Chen prodigy, why don't you live in my place?"
The old man frowned and said displeasedly, "What, you dislike your grandfather?"
"No, Grandpa, how could I dislike you?" Chen Xing'er said. "It's just that I'm tired of seeing this and that relative and having to put on a smile. Chen prodigy doesn't like it either, does he?"
Chen Fan nodded. "Grandpa, I'll stay at Xing'er's place."
For a clan like the Chen family, even though the old man hadn't received many visitors in the past three years, many people still came to seek an audience.
Moreover, Chen Fan wasn't particularly fond of those relatives, like the families of his two aunts.
These relatives had played a significant role in his early departure from the family to join the army.
Although Grandpa Chen unconditionally supported his siblings, he still had to consider various factors. As he aged, he also had to delegate some of the Chen family's power and assets for management.
This led to many conflicts within the prominent families, which was why Chen Fan had left home to join the army at a young age.
"Fine." The old man knew that many unpleasant matters were unavoidable and said, "You two must visit this old man often."
"Don't worry, Grandpa," Chen Xing'er said with great excitement and joy. "Not only will I come to pay my respects every morning and evening, but I'll also come every other day to have meals. Grandpa, you can't be stingy; give me ten or eight of those precious treasures you've collected."
"You little girl!" Grandpa Chen said, caught between laughter and tears, but inwardly he was extremely happy.
For many years, he hadn't felt this happy.
At this moment, the old housekeeper entered to announce that lunch was ready.
Thus, the siblings accompanied the old man for a few drinks, a scene of warmth and harmony.