Chen Jinzhao cared about too many things. His family, Yu Mengzhi, and his unfulfilled ambitions and ideals… If given the chance for eternal life, Chen Jinzhao might have run faster than anyone.
"Enough of that, let's have a good drink tonight. It's rare to find a true friend in life. I knew back then you'd achieve great things, and now it has come true," Su Xiao said with a hearty laugh. Chen Jinzhao chuckled, "Aren't you going to spend time with your wife?"
Su Xiao paused, then realized Chen Jinzhao was joking. "Haha…" "You were quite a straightforward young man back then. How have you learned such things now?" Chen Jinzhao replied, "People change, you know."
Su Xiao nodded. "To be honest, I've already spent time with your sister-in-law. Tonight, it's just about drinking. You're not getting cold feet, are you?" "How could I? When it comes to drinking, I've never been afraid of anyone," Chen Jinzhao laughed.
In the living room, Guo Meiyu had prepared food and drinks to entertain Chen Jinzhao. Su Xiao once again introduced Chen Jinzhao to his wife and daughter. Chen Jinzhao raised his glass and said, "Sister-in-law, and Yuqing, if you ever encounter any trouble in the future, you can always come to me. As long as it concerns you, I will spare no effort."
"Jinzhao is my good brother, you can trust him," Su Xiao added. Guo Meiyu nodded in agreement. Su Yuqing affectionately called him Uncle Chen, which delighted Chen Jinzhao.
"By the way, Jinzhao, when are you getting married? I'd like to attend your wedding if I can make it," Su Xiao said. Chen Jinzhao put down his wine glass. "Soon, probably in about six months. I'll invite Sister-in-law and Yuqing then, you must grace me with your presence." "Absolutely," Guo Meiyu replied.
Su Xiao fell silent for a moment, then sighed, "Alas, if it's six months from now, I might not be able to make it." This remark cast a silence over Guo Meiyu and Su Yuqing. Seeing their expressions, Chen Jinzhao quickly said, "It's okay, Brother Su. Your intentions are what matter. We'll drink the six-month-away wine tonight." Su Xiao laughed and clinked glasses with Chen Jinzhao again.
They drank for four hours, after which Chen Jinzhao claimed to be too drunk and lay on the sofa to rest. Su Xiao couldn't help but smile wryly, knowing that Chen Jinzhao didn't want to intrude on his family time. He offered his gratitude to Chen Jinzhao in his heart.
The next morning at five o'clock. Su Xiao prepared to leave under the cover of darkness to avoid being discovered. If his plan were to be exposed, all his efforts would be in vain. Guo Meiyu and Su Yuqing did not cry. They both knew that tears now might create a sense of attachment for Su Xiao. They couldn't help him, so their only recourse was not to burden him.
Chen Jinzhao had also woken up early and left Su Xiao's home with him. Seeing Guo Meiyu wanting to escort them to the community gate, Chen Jinzhao spoke on Su Xiao's behalf, "Sister-in-law, once we're past this door, we're strangers. Please stop here." Guo Meiyu froze, then numbly replied, "Mm."
Su Yuqing called out "Dad." Su Xiao wanted to hug his daughter, but Guo Meiyu stepped between them. "Hurry up, it's almost dawn. Yuqing and I will wait for you at home. We'll wait for your triumphant return, for you to become our great hero." "Alright!" Su Xiao's eyes reddened. He took one last look at them and turned to leave resolutely.
Guo Meiyu stood by the window, watching them leave the community, then choked out to her daughter, "Your father is not a traitor. He is a great hero!" At the community gate. Chen Jinzhao saw Su Xiao hesitate, "Aren't you going to look back?" Su Xiao's body trembled, then he shook his head, "Forget it, no more looking. I've never feared anything in this life, except for seeing their eyes."
"Got a cigarette? Give me one." Chen Jinzhao handed him a Baisha cigarette. Su Xiao smiled, "I didn't expect you to still enjoy this. I thought you'd be smoking special reserved cigarettes after becoming a general. You haven't forgotten your roots." "Nor have you," Chen Jinzhao replied. They stood at the community gate and smoked a cigarette. Su Xiao then said, "This is as far as I go. I wonder when we'll meet again." Chen Jinzhao wanted to escort him further, but Su Xiao refused.
"Brother Su, I wish you smooth sailing." Su Xiao reciprocated, "This journey takes us far and wide. May we meet again on our return. To spill our blood, to shed our sweat, what glorious sons of China are we!" "Farewell!" Chen Jinzhao watched Su Xiao's figure disappear into the night. When would they meet again after this parting?
He stood at the community gate for a while, then glanced back at the lit window of Su Xiao's home. With a sigh, Chen Jinzhao also left the area. That afternoon. Chen Jinzhao, Yu Mengzhi, and Xu Jinsong had arrived at Fengtian International Airport. With the Lunar New Year approaching, it was time to return to the capital and prepare. As for Xu Jinsong, he insisted on staying by Chen Jinzhao's side, claiming it was voluntary. Chen Jinzhao couldn't refuse him and let it be.
By the time the three arrived in the capital, it was already evening. Yu Wendong and Li Zhiqing had specifically come to greet them. They had intended to take Chen Jinzhao back to the Li family, but Chen Jinzhao felt it wasn't appropriate at this stage and politely declined their offer. Yu Wendong then took them to a hotel for dinner.
After dinner, Li Zhiqing invited them again. Yu Wendong quickly said, "There's no rush with this matter. Let them rest first. I heard there have been many significant events in Fengtian. Besides, the Spring Festival is just around the corner, and Chen Jinzhao will be coming to propose then. Are you afraid he'll slip away?" Li Zhiqing had no choice but to let it go.
"I'm just concerned about them. But the old man is still handling military affairs in Fengtian and won't be back for a few days. Bringing Jinzhao home now is indeed not appropriate. I was too hasty," Li Zhiqing added. Yu Wendong suddenly remembered something and said to Chen Jinzhao, "Ah yes, I forgot to tell you. Qin Fengwu and Li Tian Ce are both in the capital. They've been secretly recruiting forces these days, so they might visit you one after another." "My point is, even if you don't conspire with Li Tian Ce, don't join Qin Fengwu. Of course, the decision is yours."
"I know what I'm doing. Please rest assured, Uncle Yu," Chen Jinzhao replied. However, Yu Wendong's reminder did make Chen Jinzhao vigilant. With the accelerating downfall of the Wu family, the conflict between Qin Fengwu and Li Tian Ce had entered its most intense phase. Perhaps a decisive battle would occur within five years. This day had come sooner than Chen Jinzhao had anticipated, and it was time for him to make some preparations.
Through the experiences of the past year, Chen Jinzhao had gradually come to understand certain things. If he wanted to achieve his grand ambitions, he must hold power in his hands. Both Li Tian Ce and Qin Fengwu's ideologies were vastly different from Chen Jinzhao's, which was why Chen Jinzhao remained neutral. He intended to be the fisherman who reaped the benefits.