Chapter 1070 I Won't

Wang Zhengdao sighed and said, “How could I not come to something like this? Our three families have been friends for generations, and Changyuan was like a little brother to me. Back in the day, he, your dad, your uncle, and I used to hang out together all the time, getting into all sorts of mischief.” He shook his head and went inside first.

Wang Jiancheng smiled at Qiao Rulong and said, “Has Grandpa Qiao arrived?”

Qiao Rulong replied, “He wasn’t feeling well today, the doctor told him to rest at home first. He’ll definitely come over later. What about Grandpa Wang?”

Wang Jiancheng said, “He’s already contacted Elder Ye and agreed to come over this evening to keep company.”

Qiao Rulong felt a heaviness in his heart. The three families were close, but it seemed that Elder Ye and his grandpa were emotionally closer. It looked like this time he truly had some opinions about his grandpa.

Qiao Rulong said, “I have other matters to attend to, I’ll be going for now, we’ll talk later.”

Wang Jiancheng asked in surprise, “You’re leaving already?”

Qiao Rulong glanced at Wang Jiancheng, understanding why he would say this. After all, Ye Changyuan was his former father-in-law, and whether due to that relationship or the old ties between the Qiao and Ye families, he should stay and help. Qiao Rulong said, “I’ll come back later.”

Wang Jiancheng nodded and watched Qiao Rulong leave before entering the Ye Family. Wang Zhengdao was holding hands with Ye Changquan, looking deeply saddened and empathetic.

Wang Jiancheng’s attention soon focused on Ye Qingya. Ye Qingya was obviously much more haggard, yet she evoked a feeling of tender affection and pity. In his heart, Ye Qingya was always so perfect.

Wang Jiancheng walked toward Ye Qingya, but she seemed not to see him and turned to walk into the mourning hall.

Xu Chunliang approached Wang Jiancheng. Wang Jiancheng was momentarily stunned, then realized that Xu Chunliang was Ye Changyuan’s godson, acting as a filial son today.

Xu Chunliang greeted, “President Wang is here.”

Wang Jiancheng nodded, withdrew his gaze from Ye Qingya’s back, shook hands with Xu Chunliang, and offered a few formulaic words of comfort. He didn’t believe that Xu Chunliang had strong feelings for Ye Changyuan.

Wang Zhengdao also came over and looked at Xu Chunliang saying, “Dr. Xu?”

Xu Chunliang said, “Mr. Wang can call me by my name.”

Wang Jiancheng gave his father a brief explanation of Xu Chunliang’s relationship with Ye Changyuan.

Wang Zhengdao grasped Xu Chunliang’s hand and said, “So, Changyuan was your godfather. Ah, heaven takes the best among us. Your godfather and I were like real brothers, and his misfortune truly saddens me. Chunliang, take good care of your godmother and the others. The Ye Family will rely on you in the future.”

Xu Chunliang always felt there was more to Wang Zhengdao’s words; even with Ye Changyuan gone, there was still Ye Changquan, so it wasn’t likely that an outsider like him would need to maintain the family presence. Perhaps Wang Zhengdao was just making polite conversation.

Xu Chunliang said, “Thank you, Mr. Wang.”

“Call me Uncle Wang, our families are like kin,” Wang Zhengdao patted Xu Chunliang’s hand, then went to talk to Lin Sijin, with Wang Jiancheng following along.

Ye Qingya waved at Xu Chunliang from a distance, and he walked over. It turned out Ye Qingya was worried about her grandfather’s condition and asked Xu Chunliang to check on him.

Since arriving, Xu Chunliang had been busy attending to guests and hadn’t had a chance to see Elder Ye.

When Xu Chunliang knocked and entered Elder Ye’s room, Elder Ye remained seated upright. The photo album on the table had been put away, and through the window, he could see the situation in the courtyard.

“Chunliang is here!” Elder Ye’s voice carried a trace of comfort.

Xu Chunliang came behind Elder Ye, gently placing his hands on the old man’s shoulders. Elder Ye raised his right hand and lightly patted Xu Chunliang’s left hand: “You’ve worked hard.”

“Grandpa, you need to take care of your health.”

Elder Ye said, “I won’t collapse. Indeed, everyone eventually faces this day, but emotionally, it’s hard to accept when the old must see the young go.”

Xu Chunliang said, “I took it upon myself to bring godfather’s body back to the Capital City.” He was very aware that being in his position within the Ye Family, this could cause some issues.

Elder Ye said, “Very good! He was not only a cadre of the Disaster Reduction Committee but also my son.”

Elder Ye turned to Xu Chunliang and said, “Chunliang, these days will be hard on you.”

Xu Chunliang said, “It’s my duty.”

Elder Ye said, “Bring your godmother up, I have some things I want to say to her alone.”

Xu Chunliang went to find Lin Sijin, who immediately went over.

Secretary Zhou and his wife arrived at the Ye Family that same evening. Secretary Zhou looked at the portrait of his old partner and superior, his eyes brimming with tears. Besides mourning Ye Changyuan’s death, he also felt some regret; if it hadn’t been for the Eastern Capital subway collapse that affected Ye Changyuan, he wouldn’t have been transferred to the Disaster Reduction Committee. If Ye Changyuan hadn’t gone there, this tragedy wouldn’t have occurred.

Xu Chunliang told Secretary Zhou not to be too sad. Secretary Zhou originally wanted to see Elder Ye, but hearing that he was too grief-stricken to receive visitors, he gave up the idea.

Not needing Secretary Zhou’s help here, Xu Chunliang suggested he rest first. Secretary Zhou stated he would stay in the Capital City for the next few days, leaving only after attending the memorial service.

While they were speaking, a significant figure arrived. Elder Wang came over, accompanied by his grandson, Wang Jianming.

Xu Chunliang did not expect Wang Jianming to come to the Capital City specifically for condolences, proving that the relationship between the two families was indeed as close as outsiders had heard.

After paying respects at the mourning hall, Elder Wang went directly to see Elder Ye. Wang Jianming did not go upstairs; he greeted Secretary Zhou and then said to Xu Chunliang, “Xiaoxu, you’ve been here the whole time.”

Xu Chunliang briefly reported the sequence of events.

Wang Jianming was quite moved. Who says there are no risks within the system? During a disaster, true party cadres rush to the forefront, and instances of sacrificing one’s life in the line of duty happen often.

Wang Jianming told Xu Chunliang that he must return to Dongzhou tonight and cannot attend the memorial service. He asked Xu Chunliang to stay a while longer to accompany Elder Ye, and as for the Infectious Disease Hospital, he would have someone informed. Secretary Wang’s words were essentially granting Xu Chunliang an official leave. Although Xu Chunliang felt it wasn’t necessary, he couldn’t refuse Secretary Wang’s goodwill.

Wang Jiancheng had also stayed around today and came over to greet Wang Jianming.

Wang Jianming asked Wang Jiancheng to help Xu Chunliang over the next few days, given that he is a native of the Capital City and has much broader connections than Xu Chunliang.

Qiao Rulong also came over after completing his tasks. Actually, he went back to report the situation to his grandfather, and he wasn’t alone this time; his uncle Qiao Yuanjiang, aunt Qiao Yuanhong, and Qiao Yuanlan and his spouse also accompanied him.

The Wang Family virtually mobilized everyone, so the Qiao Family certainly couldn’t lag behind. Regardless of what the Ye Family thought, the Qiao Family must maintain appearances so that no one could gossip.

Xu Chunliang returned to the mourning hall and kneeled beside Ye Qingya, whispering, “Sister Qingya, you should go rest for a while. I’ll manage things here.”

Ye Qingya shook her head as tears fell again, sobbing, “I still can’t accept it; I always feel my father is still alive.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Sister Qingya, don’t be sad. You still have your grandfather, mom, and me.”

Ye Qingya looked at him and nodded tearfully.

The three siblings of the Qiao Family came to the mourning hall to bow and pay their respects.

Xu Chunliang went to light the spirit money. The Qiao siblings were somewhat surprised to see him there in such a capacity; they were unaware of Xu Chunliang’s relationship with the Ye Family.

After the Qiao siblings left, Qiao Rulong entered the mourning hall alone. He kneeled before Ye Changyuan’s portrait and respectfully performed a kowtow ceremony.

Although many came to pay respects today, not many performed the kowtow ceremony. Qiao Rulong made this decision after some inner hesitation. These three bows signified the complete severance of his relationship with the Ye Family. He thought of his worried grandfather, who still hadn’t decided when to show up. He didn’t think the Qiao Family was responsible for Ye Changyuan’s death; none of the Qiao Family wanted this tragedy to happen.

Elder Wang sat on the sofa, leaning on his cane, gazing sympathetically at his old friend.

Elder Ye said, “Your legs are inconvenienced; you shouldn’t have come.”

Elder Wang replied, “I don’t feel at ease leaving you alone.”

Elder Ye said, “What’s there to worry about? What haven’t I experienced in my life? I can endure it.”

Elder Wang sighed deeply, “You, more stubborn than anyone, value face above all else, are too strong-willed, and don’t know how to keep up with the times.”

Elder Ye said, “Old habits are hard to change; I’m already neck-deep in the grave. Will keeping up with the times bring Changyuan back?”

Elder Wang’s cane thudded lightly on the floor, “Just a word from you could have resolved his issue; he didn’t need to go to the Disaster Reduction Committee.”

Elder Ye said, “I felt things were too smooth for him, and a little setback wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I never thought…”

Elder Wang said, “The higher-ups are attaching great importance to Changyuan’s sacrifice; the funeral arrangements are of the highest standard.”

Elder Ye said, “Now that he’s gone, a fair evaluation is all that matters; nothing else is important.”

Elder Wang said, “Old Qiao hasn’t come, has he?”

Elder Ye said, “Perhaps he’s been delayed by something.”

Elder Wang said, “We three have known each other for so many years, shared happiness and hardship, supported each other through numerous tests. We each know the other’s character.”

Elder Ye said, “Growing old, you’re right, I don’t know how to keep up with the times.”

Elder Wang patted Elder Ye’s knee, “Of the three of us, I’m the oldest. Initially, I wanted to form a union with you, but you chose the Qiao Family. Rulong indeed surpasses our Jiancheng.”

Elder Ye said, “It’s in the past; let it be.”

Elder Wang said, “Fate mocks us. I lost a son first, then Old Qiao lost one, and now you…” He let out a long sigh, “Old friend, I understand how you feel.”

Elder Ye said, “If I could, I would trade myself for him.”

“Who wouldn’t?” Elder Wang looked up at the pitch-black view outside the window, “Sometimes I think, we helped our children choose this path. If it weren’t for us, they might still be living healthy lives.”

Elder Ye said, “Old Wang, do you think a person’s beliefs can change?”

Elder Wang furrowed his brow, remained silent for a long time, and slowly shook his head, “No!”

A resolute light shone in Elder Ye’s eyes, “Nor will I!”