Chapter 60 – Meeting Grandfather
For the nth time, Xiao Fang tossed the property deeds into the glove compartment and slammed it shut to show his determination.
Fei Xiangnan frowned in dissatisfaction. “Didn’t you say not to do anything superficial? Why can’t I give them the property deeds!” This was so practical. And they were near the two elders’ home, making transportation more convenient than before. He could also arrange for a driver, so the two elders would never have to worry about travel again. But this proposal was decisively rejected by Xiao Fang.
Xiao Fang gave Fei Xiangnan a speechless look. “My grandfather doesn’t need these things. He’s an artist. He’s happy living in his own courtyard, tending to his flowers and plants, and painting a little. My grandmother is even less in need of it. She’s lived through hard times and can’t stand this kind of excessive luxury. You should just forget about these things. The two old folks don’t need this kind of great wealth.”
The car stopped at a red light. President Fei looked over with a very mournful expression.
Under the high pressure of President Fei’s stunning good looks, Xiao Fang shook his head firmly. “Don’t look at me, it’s impossible! The things in the back seat are enough.”
The back seat? Some supplements that added up to less than a hundred thousand, and a brush washer that he had bought at an auction and had been collecting dust in his study ever since? It sounded so shabby. Fei Xiangnan, who had never experienced giving ordinary gifts, was worried the whole way. Would he fail as a grandson-in-law because of these things?
Sitting beside him, Xiao Fang couldn’t help but twitch his lips. He absolutely had to stop President Fei’s idea of showing off his wealth. Otherwise, his grandfather, who already felt his daughter had married beneath her, would definitely not be happy about him and Fei Xiangnan.
“Xiangnan, how are you with memorizing the Chinese painting appreciation and Slender Gold calligraphy style appreciation I told you to learn?” Xiao Fang confirmed again and again. He had to have a cultured old husband!
Fei Xiangnan was still worried about the gifts and could only reply unhappily that he had memorized them.
Xiao Fang couldn’t care less. As long as he had memorized it, that was good enough!
After a four-hour drive, they finally arrived in the city where his maternal grandparents lived. It was a small city full of cultural heritage. Its development was not as fast as other cities, and many historical traces were well preserved. It was a true cultural city. Many old artists had settled here, and many young artists came in search of fame. As soon as they entered the city, the historical atmosphere was palpable. There were well-preserved bluestone paths, green rivers, and many courtyard-style houses with neat blue-gray stone and white walls. His grandfather’s home was one of them.
Although he had repeatedly said not to be too ostentatious, President Fei’s cheapest car was still worth at least five million. The moment the car parked, it stood out from the others, attracting the attention of many young people.
Xiao Fang got out wearing a mask, still not wanting too many people to recognize him. Fei Xiangnan carried the gifts in one hand and held Xiao Fang’s hand with the other as they entered one of the courtyard houses.
In the middle of the courtyard was a large fish tank. An old camphor tree grew in the corner, with a long bench under it. On the bench was a small fan. A gray-haired old lady was watering a small vegetable patch on the side with a watering can.
In his memory, his grandmother’s hair was still all black. Now, she couldn’t resist the passage of time. Xiao Fang felt a sense of intimacy just looking at her back. He quickened his pace, pulled down his mask, and excitedly called out, “Grandma.”
The old lady was clearly stunned for a moment, then turned around, her eyes sizing him up. She hadn’t seen him in almost ten years. The old lady felt that her grandson was only up to her shoulder, but now he had completely changed.
She hurriedly put down the watering can and came over with small, shuffling steps. “Oh my, is this my little maternal grandson?”
The old lady’s repeated confirmation made Xiao Fang feel extremely guilty. He reached out and hugged his grandmother, saying, “It’s me, Xiao Fang. I’m so sorry for not coming to see you all these years.”
This time, the old lady was completely sure. Her eyes couldn’t help but turn red. She hugged Xiao Fang back. “Oh, Grandma was afraid I wouldn’t get to see you before I go. How have you been all these years? Did your father and his illegitimate child bully you? You child, you never tell us about your situation. Your grandfather is always talking about you at home. If you didn’t come back this year, his old bones were going to take the train to see you alone.”
“No, I’m sorry, Grandma. I was ignorant before. How is your health now, Grandma?” Xiao Fang let go and looked at his grandmother. Seeing her in good spirits, he also relaxed.
The little old lady was overjoyed to see her grandson for the first time in so many years and kept saying she was fine. But the next moment, she noticed Xiao Fang’s obviously protruding belly.
“Fangfang, you are?” Grandma looked at Xiao Fang’s belly in astonishment. She clearly remembered that her grandson was not a third gender. And the man next to him was? Grandma looked over inquisitively. Fei Xiangnan’s handsome face was full of proper etiquette. Seeing the old lady’s gaze, he spoke politely.
“Hello, Grandma. I am Xiao Fang’s husband, Fei Xiangnan. I’m sorry for only coming to see you now.” Fei Xiangnan bowed slightly, his polite demeanor making it impossible to dislike him.
Grandma still looked like she couldn’t react. Xiao Fang immediately acted as a mediator, taking his grandmother’s hand and leading her inside to explain the situation.
Around eleven o’clock, his grandfather came in from the main gate carrying half a kilogram of pork.
“Old woman, the butcher gave me half a kilogram of pork today. It was just slaughtered, very fresh!” His voice was full of energy. When he walked into the main living room, his voice completely died down.
Xiao Fang, who had just finished talking with his grandmother, stood up again. He was always a little afraid of his grandfather. After all, not coming back for ten years was very unfilial.
“Grandfather, I’m back.” Xiao Fang nervously rubbed his hands. The next second, his hand was held by another large hand. Fei Xiangnan, who was beside him, also stood up and called out “Grandfather” in a deep, polite voice.
Xiao Fang, a child, and a husband. He had come back with three bombshells. Grandfather almost fell over, a bellyful of words stuck in his throat.
Grandma stood up understandingly and took the pork from her husband’s hand, chiding, “Why are you speechless now? This is Xiao Fang. You talked about him for so long when he was away. It turns out Fangfang is a hidden third gender. This is his partner, named Xiangnan, Fei Xiangnan. You’ve seen this name in the newspaper, right? The child is quite nice. I think he’s an honest person. Fangfang is almost nine months pregnant now and just wanted to come back to see us.” Grandma’s face was beaming with joy.
In just an hour, Grandma’s heart had been completely captured by Fei Xiangnan. He was ambitious, humble, polite, and respected his elders. Few elders would dislike someone like that.
Grandfather’s lips trembled. Looking at his child who was about to have the next generation, he couldn’t bring himself to say any scolding words. In the end, his heart was full of reluctance. He stepped forward and patted Xiao Fang’s head, not asking any more questions, only saying, “It’s good that you’re back, it’s good that you’re back.”
Xiao Fang’s eyes immediately turned red. Were all parents like this? Selflessly devoted, willing to forgive their children’s willfulness.
“Grandfather, I’m sorry. I was… particularly ignorant before, and I didn’t come home,” Xiao Fang said with great guilt.
Grandfather showed a loving smile. “Aren’t you sensible now? If you were ignorant before, just be a little more sensible now. Grandfather’s body is still good, and I can accompany you for a while longer. Don’t worry.”
This time, Xiao Fang couldn’t control himself anymore and hugged his grandparents, crying. The three of them talked for a long time before their emotions calmed down. It was almost noon, and Grandma immediately went to prepare lunch. Grandfather didn’t stay idle either. Towards Fei Xiangnan, his attitude was not as good as it was towards Xiao Fang. With a stern face, he invited Fei Xiangnan into the study. Xiao Fang nervously wanted to go and see, but was shooed away by his grandfather. Bored, he could only fiddle with the flowers and plants his grandfather had planted. The plum blossoms were in bloom this season, and Xiao Fang poked at the petals with his fingers, trying to use his mind to hear what they were saying.
The result was, he couldn’t hear anything at all.
***
Grandfather’s study was filled with a scholarly atmosphere. On the walls hung his Chinese paintings from various periods. Grandfather’s works were mainly in the freehand brushwork style, and most of the paintings on the wall were freehand landscapes. As a famous old artist, these paintings could cause a considerable stir if they were taken out. But now that his grandfather was old, he no longer pursued such fame and fortune, only keeping them for himself or giving a few to some old friends.
Even though he had temporarily memorized those appreciation points, Fei Xiangnan couldn’t appreciate them for what they were at the moment. He was only attracted by a full-sized work in the center.
It was a freehand Chinese ink wash figure painting. A woman in a long red dress with a long ponytail was bending over to help a six-month-old baby learn to walk. The baby had a cute little bald head and smiled, revealing only two small front teeth. He was wearing a pair of blue-striped shorts. The whole picture looked very warm.
Grandfather’s gaze shifted over, his eyes filled with nothing but tenderness. “I painted this when Xiao Fang was six months old and learning to walk. Xiao Fang’s mother was always in poor health, and my wife and I had always carefully raised her. But she shouldn’t have fallen for Xiao Fang’s father. Seven years into their marriage, he had an affair. Unable to bear the blow, my daughter passed away just like that. From then on, we cut all ties with the Xiao family. Xiao Fang was rebellious as a child, feeling that everyone was responsible for his mother’s death. He was also ashamed to face us, which made him particularly rebellious. We could understand all this and didn’t force the child. But regarding marriage, my only requirement is loyalty. If Xiao Fang’s marriage encounters the same situation as his mother’s, I will fight him to the end, even if I have to risk my old bones!” Grandfather had a laid-back personality, but he also had his bottom line.
Fei Xiangnan certainly understood the meaning of these words. He said firmly, “Grandfather, rest assured. I, Fei Xiangnan, will only love Xiao Fang for the rest of my life.”
Grandfather looked at him doubtfully. “I know your name. Your family is well-off. In this day and age, the more money you have, the more it blinds your eyes. Now that he’s pregnant, you say this, but what about in the future? Xiao Fang is not outstanding, and he’s even a bit willful. Can you be sure you’ll still stand your ground?” Old people always have many worries about their children, wanting to consider everything.
Fei Xiangnan never hid his promises. He spoke directly, “Grandfather, you should know about my family. To be honest, there’s not much family affection to speak of. So I can better understand the importance and completeness of a family. Xiao Fang has many small flaws, but he is willing to treat me with all his heart and won’t look at me with biased eyes. And I am willing to walk with him and our child forever. Marriage, for me, means I have someone I want to protect and guard, and I want to have a complete family with him, without letting him suffer any harm.” Fei Xiangnan looked directly into his grandfather’s eyes, his expression incredibly sincere.
Grandfather studied Fei Xiangnan deeply, trying to catch any trace of hypocrisy on his face, but he didn’t see a single crack.
“Sigh, can I believe you? At most, I can protect Xiao Fang for another ten or twenty years. If I’m gone, who else can protect him?” The old man’s eyes held regret and worry.
Fei Xiangnan completely understood. He stepped forward and took out his phone. “I have already made a will. If I encounter any misfortune or accident in the future, all my personal assets will go to Xiao Fang. I will use all my abilities to protect him. Grandfather, please rest assured.”
Grandfather looked at the phone, then at the man in front of him in disbelief. This was not the small fortune of Xiao Fang’s father. For an ordinary person, it would be more than enough for ten lifetimes.
“Grandfather, Xiangnan, it’s time for lunch. How about we come out and eat first?” Xiao Fang called out tentatively.
The gazes of the two people in the room both shifted over.
Grandfather finally sighed. “Go on, don’t let Xiao Fang worry outside. This child is clearly protecting you.” He said this with a hint of jealousy, as if his own child’s elbow was pointing outwards, and with a sense of helplessness.
Fei Xiangnan nodded and immediately ran to open the door. Xiao Fang, outside the door, looked at him with a grin, mouthing the words, “How did it go?”
Fei Xiangnan returned a reassuring smile. His gaze swept over Xiao Fang’s hands and finally stopped on them. His face turned cold. “Did you just go play in the mud?”
Xiao Fang looked up at the sky innocently. Just… a little pinch.
Fei Xiangnan sighed, took Xiao Fang to the faucet in the courtyard, and carefully washed his little paws.
Watching all this, Grandfather prayed that he hadn’t been wrong this time. If there was such a person to protect Xiao Fang for a lifetime, how wonderful that would be.