CXnovel Chapter 370 - 340: Father and Sons Talk
Chapter 370 - 340: Father and Sons Talk
Since the incident with Wang Miaomiao, Jiang Yan has been pondering repeatedly.
How to balance family and career? What is truly the most important thing in his life?
Actually, he doesn’t need to think or struggle too much; he already knows the answer.
The moment he learned about Wang Miaomiao’s accident, the sharp pain in his heart and the overwhelming despair made one thing clear.
He can’t live without her...
So, at the end of the summer vacation, just as the new semester was about to start, Jiang Yan called his two eldest sons for a father and sons talk that lasted for two hours.
This was the longest conversation they ever had as father and sons, and it played a crucial role in their future growth.
"Zihan, Zihui, do you have any questions or thoughts about your mother’s injury this time?" Jiang Yan looked at his two sons, who were already up to his shoulder. Although still youthful, he believed in their ability to grow up quickly because they were his legacy...
Jiang Zihan and Jiang Zihui exchanged a glance. The family hadn’t deliberately kept the event from them, nor had they explained it in detail, so they were only half-aware of the situation.
Now, since their dad had brought it up voluntarily, they quickly formed their own thoughts. They were growing up and disliked being treated as children, hidden from the truth.
"Dad, I want to know, has the mastermind behind hurting mom been caught?" Jiang Zihan, straightforward and impulsive, was someone who hated evil and couldn’t tolerate injustices.
Jiang Yan paused for a moment before speaking, "This is a state secret; I can’t tell you much. All I can say is that your mother’s case isn’t a simple personal vendetta; the intrigue behind it is too much and too complex. However, those directly involved, who should pay the price, have met justice, and your mom’s revenge has been fulfilled."
Jiang Yan didn’t explain too clearly, but he said as much as he could. Whether Jiang Zihan and Jiang Zihui understood or not, he didn’t worry too much.
Both Jiang Zihan and Jiang Zihui were smart enough to use their imagination to fill in the gaps left by their father’s incomplete explanation, causing their expressions to darken uniformly.
Directly involved? Fulfilled? Heh...
"Have you thought about what you want to do in the future? Or rather, what are your future aspirations? What kind of life do you want to live?"
Jiang Yan’s question sent the brothers into a moment of deep thought.
Jiang Yan, however, disregarded their reactions and continued with the purpose of his talk, "Your mom’s dream is to travel across the country, go abroad, enjoy the food and scenery around the world. But due to the nature of my work... her dreams have always been shelved."
"I feel very sorry for her, especially given her severe injury this time. Sigh... life is too fragile; unforeseen circumstances can happen at any time. The future is unpredictable, and your mother and I are aging; we don’t know when..."
Jiang Yan paused. Although he didn’t voice it out, the boys were all frightened.
"Dad, what nonsense are you talking about? Mom isn’t even forty, and you’re just over forty, right in your prime..." Jiang Zihan, distressed by Jiang Yan’s words, couldn’t help but interrupt.
Even though Jiang Zihui didn’t say anything, the tightly pursed lips and disapproving expression said it all.
In response, Jiang Yan simply smiled. The kids meant well, but the future is really unpredictable.
"So, I want to take your mom out to travel while we’re still young and able to walk around..."
"Huh?" Jiang Zihan and Jiang Zihui were both stunned, "Dad, what do you mean?"
"It’s exactly what you’re thinking." Jiang Yan nodded, "However, in my situation, I can’t just leave... It’s time for you to grow up and take on your responsibilities. In five years, the family burden will be passed on to you."
"But, Dad..." Jiang Zihan exclaimed, bewildered and unsure of how to respond, "We’re only fifteen, just got into high school..."
"Yes, I know. Your mom wants you to have a perfect, happy childhood, so she let you go to school systematically," Jiang Yan’s eyes shone with wisdom, "You’ve enjoyed it for so many years; you’re not kids anymore. It’s time to reign in your playful hearts... You’ve completed the high school curriculum, right? Spend a year consolidating it and take the college entrance exam next year, alright? Think about your mom..."
Both Jiang Zihan and Jiang Zihui rubbed their noses silently, unable to find words to respond.
They had indeed been holding back. With their abilities, taking the college entrance exam this year was more than enough, and Jiang Zihui had already been reading university textbooks in private.
Previously, there was no pressure, even some indulgence, but now suddenly given such a heavy responsibility, they weren’t afraid it would crush them.
But their dad’s words... thinking about their mom, neither of them could refuse.
Five years. They had to plan carefully.
Seeing their obedient faces, Jiang Yan was quite gratified; they were truly his sons.
He hadn’t meant to press them so hard, but no one expected so many things to happen. It all seemed meant to be...
With a goal set, the three of them started discussing without reservation.
"Then I’ll take the Political and Legal University exam next year." Jiang Zihui had already planned, wanting to pursue a political career, and had been reading law books privately.
Jiang Yan was very supportive of this and mentioned that he would give him tasks from time to time. Since his second son chose a political path, the network of resources he had would eventually be passed on to him, and it was time to let him get involved.
Jiang Zihan hadn’t thought as far ahead, nor had he any special plans. But since his brother chose politics, he decided on a military path. Unlike his brother’s complexities, he preferred the straightforwardness of being a soldier. Plus, he was interested in guns; after years of physical training with Jiang Yan, he was strong and fit. Several elders in the family said he was a good candidate for the military.
Before, he wasn’t particularly drawn to power, but his mom’s situation made him realize that without power, he couldn’t protect the ones he cared about.
He didn’t want to feel powerless again, like when his mom was in the hospital and he couldn’t do anything.
"Alright, I’ll call your uncle." Jiang Yan agreed without objection. Actually, Jiang Peng had already set his eyes on Jiang Zihan. Without a son of his own, he needed a successor for his power, and keeping an eye on his nephews was only natural.
Wang Miaomiao doesn’t know yet that her injury has completely changed the future trajectory of several family members.
All she has to do is leisurely enjoy the sunshine and live out her days happily.