RIRW – Chapter 195

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This time, along with the two returning people, came the second aunt of the Chen family and also a business partner of Chen Zhisen.

Second Aunt came back specifically because of Zuo Dan’s matter.

After learning about Chen Zhisen’s daughter, the elderly Mr. and Mrs. Chen took it very seriously, but due to their advanced age, they couldn’t travel back and forth. Others also didn’t return to the country because Chen Zhisen had stopped them. So there hadn’t been any developments for the past year. This time, when Chen Pingping went to the US and reported that Chen Zhisen now had a stable and affectionate relationship with his biological daughter, Second Aunt also came along, representing the elders of the Chen family to meet the younger generation.

Unlike Second Uncle, who was a science-obsessed eccentric, Second Aunt was a very virtuous and elegant lady from a prestigious family. Over the years, although Chen Zhisen was the head of the Chen family and handled external affairs, matters at home were all managed by Second Aunt.

During Zuo Dan’s postpartum recovery, Second Aunt especially came into her room to see her.

After asking everyone else to leave, Second Aunt had a private conversation with Zuo Dan. “It’s rare that Old Five finally found his daughter. It’s truly a comfort in his later years. Watching him live all these years alone has broken the hearts of our entire family. You must be filial to your father. He really loves you. Back when some people questioned your parentage, Old Five fell out with them on the spot. He said, ‘As long as Huihui says she is, then she is.’ You can only be his biological daughter. Your grandparents, and all of us, listened to him. He said it, so we accepted it. Because our family owes him too much. We all admire and are grateful to your mother for being able to give birth to you under such circumstances—for leaving your father with his only bloodline. Dandan, in the family genealogy, your name is Chen Dan. You are the only bloodline of the fifth branch. Your child, Youlin, is also listed in the Chen family genealogy. This is the first time in the Chen family’s history that a grandson through a daughter has been added to the genealogy. It’s all because your father insisted.”

Zuo Dan had previously muttered to herself that other families at least did a blood test or DNA to confirm kinship. But her acknowledgment as a daughter had been just a single sentence, and the Chen family believed it completely. So it turned out that Chen Zhisen had indeed fought for her with the family.

Her father didn’t tell her anything, bearing it all alone. He truly didn’t want her to worry—he handled everything himself.

“Second Aunt, he is my father. Even if he had done nothing for me, I would still be filial to him. What’s more, he’s a good father, so I’ll treat him with all my heart. You don’t have to worry.”

Second Aunt smiled warmly. Old Five having a considerate child was a form of redemption for him.

Outside, Chen Zhisen was also meeting guests.

These guests had returned from the US together with Zuo Cong and the others.

“Old Five Chen, I heard from Pingping that you’ve become a grandfather. I came specially to take a look. Hope you don’t think I’m bothering you,” a middle-aged woman said while sitting in the guest room.

Holding Shen Youyou in his arms, Chen Zhisen smiled and said, “Of course not. I’m glad you came to see them. The domestic market is doing quite well. If you have any interest in import and export, we can have a good talk.”

Jiang Meifeng laughed, “I do have that in mind. I may stay a bit longer this time.”

Chen Zhisen nodded. “If you encounter any trouble here, feel free to reach out to Xiao Qiu. After all, we’re more familiar with things here.”

“I thought you’d let me come to you,” Jiang Meifeng said.

Chen Zhisen replied seriously, “I’m afraid not. I need to help my daughter with the baby. Now that we have a newborn, I can’t leave. You know, raising a child takes a lot of time and effort.”

Jiang Meifeng couldn’t help but laugh. “If our old friends in America knew that Old Five Chen was now at home taking care of a baby, they’d die laughing.”

“The joy of spoiling a grandchild—I’m enjoying it thoroughly,” Chen Zhisen said as he gently patted Shen Youyou’s little head and took a candy from his mouth. “No candy.”

Shen Youyou looked blankly at Grandpa, then reached out to hug his neck and kiss his face. The sugar from his mouth got all over Chen Zhisen’s face, and he hadn’t even realized it. Still trying to please him, he said, “Grandpa, eat candy. It’s sweet. It’s yummy.”

Chen Zhisen shook his head, laughing. “No.”

Shen Youyou: “……”

Jiang Meifeng smiled. “This child is truly adorable. Looks like you really know how to raise kids.”

“Just like his mother,” Chen Zhisen said.

Jiang Meifeng didn’t say anything more. When Second Aunt came out of the room, she chatted with Chen Zhisen for a bit more and then left the Shen household.

After all, this wasn’t the Chen residence. While Chen Zhisen could live with his daughter and son-in-law, others couldn’t do the same.

After the two guests left, Chen Pingping and Zuo Cong ran back into the room to see Shen Zhuzhu again. They had only been gone for less than a month, but now the family had a new adorable member—they couldn’t get enough of her.

Shen Youyou soon joined in. After wiggling his little bottom a couple of times, he leaned over the bed rail to look at his baby sister.

Chen Zhisen also came into the room to check on the baby, then sat down in a chair by the bed. “Did your Second Aunt say anything?”

Zuo Dan smiled. “No, just chatted about home stuff and told me to take good care of you. I didn’t even have the heart to tell her that you’ve always been the one taking care of me.”

Chen Zhisen shook his head, smiling. “Just being here for each other is the best kind of care. Your uncles and aunts are jealous of me now. Their children rarely come home. Even Pingping is always away. Only I get to live with my daughter.”

From the side, Chen Pingping interjected, “Uncle Five, you can’t say that about me. I came back for a great mission. The family didn’t trust you returning to China alone, so I came with you. Now that you have your daughter, you say I never come home to accompany the family—I’m so wronged.”

Zuo Dan couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

Chen Zhisen shook his head helplessly. “Okay, I was wrong. Pingping came for me. But Pingping, now you can go back home. Spend more time with your parents if you can.”

“…I think the domestic environment is great. I still have an important mission to accomplish,” Chen Pingping said, then reached out to tap Zuo Cong’s forehead. “Xiao Cong, what do you say? Isn’t Sister Pingping nurturing you?”

Zuo Cong nodded dumbly, “Yes. Sister Pingping’s knowledge in physics is excellent. It’s been a big help to me.”

Chen Pingping said proudly, “See? Someone still needs me.”

Zuo Dan squinted at the two of them.

That afternoon, Shen Youyou’s tutor came over, and Chen Zhisen brought him to see the teacher. Shen Yiming tagged along as well. Chen Pingping then kicked Zuo Cong out of the room to have a private talk with Zuo Dan.

Zuo Dan asked, “Why are you being so mysterious?”

“Shhh, I’m telling you a secret,” Chen Pingping said as she leaned in and sat on the edge of the bed. “Did you know? Besides Second Aunt, there was another guest today—someone who used to be a business partner of my Uncle Five.”

Zuo Dan nodded. “I know, wasn’t that already mentioned?”

Chen Pingping whispered, “That’s not all. We didn’t even know this woman had feelings for my Fifth Uncle before. She used to act like one of the guys, but once she found out about my Fifth Uncle’s situation in China, she came back with my Second Aunt on the same flight and even confided in her on the plane, hoping Second Aunt would help her.”

Zuo Dan was stunned. “My dad never mentioned this to me!”

“I figure my Fifth Uncle never thought of her that way. He’s a total workaholic abroad—if he’s not working, he’s just resting at home. He hardly socializes. But this woman clearly came prepared. Dandan, what do you think?”

“…It’s all a bit sudden. But if my dad agrees, I wouldn’t try to stop him. Everyone has the right to pursue their own happiness.”

Chen Pingping thought Dandan was too carefree. Getting a stepmother was a serious matter! “If your Fifth Uncle really gets together with someone else, wouldn’t you be upset? I’m telling you, if you have any thoughts on this, tell him. Don’t keep it to yourself. I have a feeling this woman will be staying in China for a while. Better to be safe than sorry.”

“If my dad needs someone to keep him company, I can’t stop that. Besides, he’s never been married his whole life. If he wants to now, we really shouldn’t stand in his way.” Zuo Dan was surprisingly open-minded. She had reconnected with Chen Zhisen in the hope that he could be happy in his later years. If he really wanted to start a family, she certainly wouldn’t stop him.

Hearing this, Chen Pingping felt like she was worrying for nothing—Zuo Dan really was open-hearted.

But it wasn’t that Zuo Dan was indifferent; she just didn’t feel she had the standing to interfere. She respected Chen Zhisen’s decisions in such matters.

Two days later, the new school term officially began. Shen Yiming helped Zuo Dan complete her registration and took another two weeks off.

Everyone else went back to school. Grandma was now busy attending dance rehearsals, having joined a senior citizens’ group. Aunt Zhang and the hired maternity nurse looked after the baby, and even Shen Youyou had started classes. Ironically, Zuo Dan, who had just given birth, was the most free at home. Fortunately, Chen Zhisen was home every day. He’d check in on the baby, then chat with her for a while. Zuo Dan thought of asking about that woman a couple of times, but ended up saying nothing. Some things were better left to unfold naturally.

Soon, the guest visited again—this time bringing a pile of gifts for Shen Zhuzhu and Shen Youyou. She explained that last time had been too abrupt and she hadn’t wanted to overshadow the second aunt from the Chen family. Now, she was making up for it.

Zuo Dan met her and found that she was completely different from her mother. Her mother, Li Hui, had been soft and gentle, while this woman had a certain straightforward sharpness about her.

After seeing the children, Jiang Meifeng smiled and said, “They look quite a bit like your father.”

“Yes, everyone says it’s that skipped-generation resemblance.” Zuo Dan smiled.

Chen Zhisen also chuckled. He hadn’t expected his granddaughter to resemble him.

Seeing the way Chen Zhisen doted on the child, Jiang Meifeng’s gaze flickered. Then she turned to Zuo Dan. “Your father’s had a hard life. Being alone can be very lonely. I’m happy to see him living with you now. But overseas, young people usually don’t like living with their elders. I wonder if it’s the same here in China? I just think, when someone gets older, they really need a companion. What do you think?”

How was she supposed to answer that? Zuo Dan froze.

Chen Zhisen frowned. “Ms. Jiang, let’s talk outside. Dandan’s still recovering and needs rest.”

Jiang Meifeng glanced at him, hesitated, then stood up and followed him out.

Chen Zhisen told Zuo Dan, “Get some good rest. Don’t overthink things.”

Then he left the room.

Outside, Jiang Meifeng waited in the courtyard for Chen Zhisen. When he headed into the reception room, she followed.

Before she could even speak, Chen Zhisen said sternly, “You shouldn’t have spoken to my daughter like that.”

Jiang Meifeng took a deep breath. “I was just trying to test her reaction. Chen Zhisen, do you really never plan to marry? You once said you had someone in China, but she’s already married. You’re still single. You deserve to seek happiness.”

Chen Zhisen replied seriously, “I am happy.”

Jiang Meifeng felt a pang of bitterness. After all these years, Chen Zhisen had always kept people at arm’s length. The moment someone brought up feelings, even friendship was off the table.

She had seen so many women be shut out after confessing to him, which was why she had kept her feelings hidden all these years, waiting for him to return to China. No matter how long it took, she was willing. She’d never forgotten the day, years ago, when she saw the young Chen Zhisen leaning on a cane, standing outside the chamber of commerce, waiting for days just to meet a Chinese businessman for a deal. From that moment, she knew—if she were to choose a partner, it would be someone like him.

When she finally got her chance and returned to China after a year of preparation, she hadn’t expected such a resolute rejection.

“I know I’m a widow and don’t deserve you. But I truly hope to spend the rest of my life with you. Chen Zhisen, I hope you’ll seriously consider it. I don’t have any children. I would treat yours as my own.”

Chen Zhisen shook his head. “I’m doing well now. I have no such intentions. If you came back to China for this, then I take back my suggestion for you to settle down here.”

“She’s already married…” Jiang Meifeng hadn’t expected him to be this unyielding.

Chen Zhisen simply said, “I have a daughter.”

Jiang Meifeng forced back her tears, took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. “I see… Chen Zhisen, you really are the same devoted man you’ve always been.”

“I’m not devoted,” Chen Zhisen said. “As a child, I loved my mother. As a man, I loved my partner. Now, I love my daughter. And in the future, I’ll love my granddaughter. I’ve already given all my love to them. So, Ms. Jiang, please don’t hold any further thoughts about me. I’ve never liked dragging these things out. I’m sorry, but we can’t stay in touch anymore. What you said earlier might make my daughter think I’m trying to find her a stepmother. I need to go talk to her.”

Jiang Meifeng had come prepared but left disappointed. The end came before anything could even begin. She remembered what Second Aunt had said on the plane: “Once Zhisen makes a decision, no one can change his mind. Even I can’t help.”

Yes, once he decided not to find a partner, he truly wouldn’t. As she left, Jiang Meifeng couldn’t hold back her tears.

After sending her off, Chen Zhisen went to Zuo Dan’s room.

When she saw him come in, afraid he might feel awkward, she took the initiative to say, “Dad, honestly, I’m fine with all of this. As long as you’re happy, that’s what matters. Don’t hold yourself back because of me.”

Chen Zhisen walked over, gently rocked the cradle, looked at the baby inside, and smiled. Then he sat down beside Zuo Dan. “It’s not like what you think. I don’t have any intentions like that. I told you, now that I have you all, I’m already content. And at my age, I’m not suited for romance anymore.”

“…You’re still very young…”

“But I’ve already experienced everything I needed to. Dandan, do you know how many kinds of love a person goes through in life?”

Zuo Dan didn’t know why he asked but answered honestly, “Family love, friendship, and romantic love.”

Chen Zhisen nodded with a smile. “I have a loving family and a wonderful daughter. I’ve made friends all over, and even some I’d stake my life on. I’ve experienced a beautiful love with your mother. I don’t lack anything. Now all I want is to protect what I have and cherish what I’ve lost. Besides, loving someone doesn’t always mean being with them…”

Zuo Dan had never thought of it that way before. But when she imagined herself and Shen Yiming… maybe she wouldn’t find someone else either.

“Dad, I understand now. I guess I’ll keep shamelessly relying on you. Shen Youyou and Shen Zhuzhu are counting on you.”

Chen Zhisen smiled dotingly and nodded. “Alright.”

A few days later, Chen Pingping secretly updated Zuo Dan—the woman who had come chasing after him had already gone back to the U.S. She didn’t even wait for Second Aunt. Clearly, she’d hit a wall.

Zuo Dan gave a serious lecture: “Pingping, adult relationships are none of your business. Worry about your own—when are you going to find someone? Don’t make my dad worry about you instead.”

Chen Pingping: “…”

All that worrying for nothing!