Hanging up the phone, Grandpa Sang turned and walked briskly outside, his steps quicker than usual. "I'm going to the office to ask for leave."
Grandma Sang also hurried into the inner room, muttering, "I need to prepare as well..." at least add more to the betrothal gifts.
In Qingshan County, after ending the call with his grandparents, Sheng Zexi paid the bill and turned to leave without hesitation. As for calling his dad to share the good news? Better not. He feared one call from him might just cause the old man to spit blood in anger.
Besides, that old man wouldn't be thinking about him.
In fact, this time, Sheng Zexi really got it wrong. The old man at his home — no, to be more precise, his father Sheng Xinhao was thinking about him.
At the Beijing Mansion, in a three-story little villa, Sheng Xinhao, dressed in casual clothes, was reading a newspaper in the living room.
He usually wore a military uniform for work, and even in casual attire, he exuded authority and a solemn aura. With his legs crossed and holding a newspaper, even the housekeeper passing by treaded lightly, not daring to make any noise, for fear of disturbing him.
However, an elegant woman in a cheongsam came out of the kitchen, carrying two cups of tea. She sat down gracefully, placing one cup on the table in front of the man.
"Honey, have some tea." The woman's voice was soft, pleasant, and melodious.
The newspaper slowly folded down, revealing the man's face behind it. The man appeared to be over forty, with still thick hair, deep-set features, and healthy brown skin. His brow seemed to have wrinkles, as if often furrowed, exuding seriousness.
If Gu Jia Ning were here, they would see that Sheng Zexi resembled Sheng Xinhao about fifty to sixty percent. While Sheng Zexi's eyes were sharp and rebellious, Sheng Xinhao, perhaps from being in a position of power for years, carried an air of authority and unapproachability in both demeanor and expression.
Even in his advancing years, Sheng Xinhao was handsome, and with his current status, it was no surprise that when he decided to remarry, numerous young women flocked towards him, many even being virgins.
Fang Wanrong was one of them. Back then, she was the head of an art troupe and a rising singer.
Ultimately, Fang Wanrong, a widow, succeeded with her tactics, marrying into the Sheng family with her daughter, Fang Manping, becoming the high-status wife of Sheng Xinhao. A year into their marriage, she gave birth to their son, Sheng Zeyu, who is now nine years old.
Sheng Xinhao set down the folded newspaper, picked up the tea, and took a sip.
Beside him, Fang Wanrong talked about their son in elementary school, saying he had topped his grade in the exams again.
Sheng Xinhao, who rarely had a day off, was in a good mood today. Hearing his wife talk about their youngest son, whom he adored, he nodded, "A Yu is smart and sensible, thanks to your good upbringing."
Fang Wanrong replied with a smile, "Oh, it's because A Yu takes after his dad. This time, after getting first, I asked him what reward he wanted. Can you guess what he asked for?"
Without waiting for her husband's answer, Fang Wanrong continued, still smiling, "He said he wanted money because your birthday is coming up soon, and he wants to save money to buy you a birthday gift."
Sheng Xinhao's brows relaxed slightly, and the satisfaction in his eyes deepened, "A Yu is a filial child."
Speaking of filial children, naturally, there are unfilial ones as well.
Sheng Xinhao's expression darkened slightly, "Has that rascal called recently?"
Fang Wanrong knew exactly who Sheng Xinhao was referring to. Her gaze flickered slightly, and she replied somewhat ambiguously, "I haven't received any calls when I've been home, but perhaps someone else has picked up while I was out."
Sheng Xinhao snorted coldly, placing the teacup on the table with a bang, startling Fang Manping, who had just entered.
Fang Manping, confused, looked towards her mother.
Fang Wanrong gave her a reassuring look, signaling her to sit down.
Fang Manping glanced subtly at her seemingly angry stepfather and sat down quietly.
Sheng Xinhao noticed his stepdaughter but didn't acknowledge her, still angry.
"Don't cover for him. I think he's just turned rebellious, doesn't want this family anymore. If I had known earlier, I wouldn't have let him join the army."
At this point, Fang Manping also realized they were talking about Sheng Zexi.
"Let alone my birthday, soon he'll probably forget who his father even is." Thinking of his often-defying eldest son, Sheng Xinhao burned with anger and began to cough.
Fang Wanrong hurried over to soothe him, handed him the teacup, urging him to drink more.
"Why get so angry? Don't harm your health." Fang Wanrong's beautiful face was filled with worry.
Only after drinking the tea did Sheng Xinhao recover slightly, patting his wife's hand to comfort her.
"By the way, I asked you to find a suitable match for that rascal recently. How's that going?"
Although Fang Manping kept her head down, sorting out things in her bag, her ears were perked up, listening to her mother and stepfather's conversation.
Fang Wanrong looked somewhat hesitant, "I'm looking, but as you know, Ze Xi's temperament has offended quite a few people in the mansion, making it challenging to find a match. But don't worry, I'll do my best to find someone soon."
"However, you also know my status — Ze Xi has always had a grievance against me. I'm just afraid he won't like whoever I find."
Sheng Xinhao was also aware that since his remarriage, his once-smart and sensible eldest son had changed.
He had become unruly and rebellious, from being the praised prodigy in the mansion to looking like a delinquent rascal. If he could scowl at his father, how much more so at his stepmother, for whom he had greater objections.
Sheng Xinhao couldn't understand why Sheng Zexi became like this. Was it because he remarried?
But Sang Yuwan passed away early, and he was still young, in a high position; it was reasonable for him to remarry. How was it wrong? Besides, even if he didn't want to remarry, the organization would arrange introductions.
Wanrong was good. After marrying, she not only bore him a younger son but also constantly spoke kindly and cared for that rascal. Why couldn't the rascal appreciate it?
They almost became estranged. After joining the military, during festivals, he didn't even come home.
Sheng Xinhao calculated the time; it had been more than half a year since he last saw him.
The last time was during Sang Yuwan's memorial day when the boy returned to pay respects.
However, he left after that, without even bidding farewell to his father.
Sheng Xinhao put his hand over Fang Wanrong's, gently patting it to console her, "I've wronged you."
Fang Wanrong's eyes reddened, and she shook her head, "As long as you understand me, I don't care how others misunderstand me."
Her words tugged at Sheng Xinhao's heart, increasing his dissatisfaction with Sheng Zexi.
Yet, despite the discontent, that was his eldest son, and even now, he had high hopes for him.
Especially since he and Sang Yuwan once shared genuine feelings.
Perhaps, once married, the boy's character might be straightened out.