Gong Zhijing said with a cheerful smile, "This morning, the director of a parent-child program called me. That program is called 'Me and My Super Dad.' I've signed you and your two sons up for it, this summer!"
Ling Yuchen's face darkened, utterly speechless. He knew nothing good would come of it! Why participate in some parent-child show instead of enjoying a proper holiday?
Gong Zhijing looked at him expectantly. Seeing his dark expression, she immediately softened her tone. "If you don't want to go, I'll call the director and say you're not going. I just wanted you to relax with the boys..." Her voice was as pitiful as it could be.
Ling Yuchen immediately felt his heart soften; he had no way to refuse her. "I didn't say I wouldn't go, it's just that..." Ling Yuchen wanted to find some excuses, but before he could finish, Gong Zhijing excitedly interjected, "So you'll go? I knew you would."
Looking at her happy face, Ling Yuchen couldn't utter the words of refusal that were on his tongue. This silly wife of his was truly endearingly foolish. What kind of CEO participates in a variety parent-child show? But as long as she was happy, it was fine. If he took the two boys away, she could also get some rest.
The matter was settled.
The clueless Ling Lejing sat on the floor, not understanding what his parents were talking about. Meanwhile, Gong Lexun, far away at the Shushun Mausoleum, was completely unaware. He was practicing military boxing with seven or eight soldiers under Gong Ye's instruction. Despite his young age, he was already proficient. His little face was tightly set, his eyes full of determination, exuding a cool aura from within. Even though sweat streamed down his forehead, he showed no signs of slacking, demonstrating his firm resolve.
Gong Ye looked at his grandson with deep affection. Only such a resolute young man could inherit the glory of the Gong family. Of course, these expectations were based on Gong Lexun's interest in this path. When Gong Zhijing gave birth to her second child, a boy, both the Ling and Gong families were overjoyed. Gong Ye was also happy, but he didn't intend for him to take the Gong surname. He knew the elders of the Ling family had long anticipated a great-grandchild. However, to his surprise, his daughter told him as soon as she was out of the delivery room that if it was a boy, he was to take the Gong surname, becoming the first grandchild of the Gong family. This greatly pleased Gong Ye, and the Ling family members raised no objections. Fortunately, Gong Zhijing's second and third children were delivered naturally, though neither was breastfed.
Now, with a complete life, both the Ling and Gong families had descendants, bringing them hope and anticipation. The relationship between the two families had also become increasingly harmonious. In two days, it would be Ling Lejing's third birthday, and both families would surely have a grand reunion.
With these thoughts, Gong Ye, in good spirits, announced to everyone, "Alright, that's all for today. Everyone can disperse!" Although the soldiers hadn't had enough practice, they knew that Gong Ye's training sessions were purely based on his mood, so none dared to make any requests. Over the years, the soldiers who had passed through here, while not all becoming great figures, had at least seen significant improvement.
After the others left, Gong Lexun walked up to Gong Ye and asked, "Grandpa, why did we stop?"
Gong Ye patted his head, his eyes full of affection. "Come, Grandpa will take you to barbecue meat!"
"Yay!" Gong Lexun jumped a few times excitedly, his eyes brimming with enthusiasm and admiration, completely devoid of the cold demeanor he had just shown. He loved going barbecue with his grandfather the most. This barbecue wasn't just about grilling meat; what made it even more interesting was hunting.
The Shushun Mausoleum was located on the outskirts of the capital, surrounded by barren mountains. The mountains were home to various wild pheasants, wild boars, and rabbits. At night, they would hunt with guns, eating whatever they caught. Sometimes, if they were lucky enough to find a rabbit warren or a pheasant nest, they would have a feast. This was a secret between Gong Ye and Gong Lexun, known to no one else. The sound of gunshots here was not unusual, as everyone in the capital knew Gong Ye lived here and that soldiers were trained here. Due to the special location and the guarded roads leading here, ordinary people couldn't easily enter. The higher authorities were thrilled that Gong Ye provided free soldier training, so they would never allow anyone to disturb them.
The night was as dark as water. In the deep mountains, only the chirping of unknown insects rose and fell, the wind rustling through the leaves, the moon appearing and disappearing, and dark clouds drifting with the wind. Gong Ye and Gong Lexun hid in a high yet concealed spot, quietly waiting for prey. This was their usual spot for waiting for prey. Since Gong Ye hunted for sustenance almost every month, over time, more bait was placed here, and leftover bones, meat, and blood were often discarded here. This attracted animals, as most animals eat carrion, but it also made the area stink terribly. This was also a form of training, as missions often involved enduring all sorts of harsh environments.
The two of them lay on the ground, even their breathing softened. Gong Ye held his gun, his breathing steady, his sharp eyes particularly piercing in the darkness. The oppressive heat, the chirping of insects, the flickering moonlight, and the faint, elusive stench in the air. These were not things a child could easily endure. In today's society, a seven-year-old child was like a flower in a greenhouse. Yet, Gong Lexun was accustomed to this harsh environment, his face unperturbed. They would stay there for hours, sometimes a whole night, and he would never fall asleep, always waiting for prey to appear. Some things were simply innate talent.
Fortunately, they didn't have to wait long this time before a prey took the bait. It was a plump wild boar, its long tusks particularly striking in the dark. Gong Lexun immediately held his breath, his eyes fixed on the prey, his small fists clenched tightly, waiting for the prey to be taken down.
As Gong Ye anticipated, he slowly pulled the trigger. With a loud "bang," the wild boar fell to the ground, killed with a single shot. Gong Ye's marksmanship was precise, almost always hitting the target. Of course, this involved technique. Wild boar skin was thick and tough; if a single shot didn't kill it, the animal might go berserk, which would be troublesome. Gong Ye would either hit its heart or, from the area behind its ear, strike a vital part of its brain, instantly rendering it unconscious.
Only when the wild boar remained motionless for a long time, confirming it was dead, did Gong Lexun begin to cheer. "Grandpa, you're amazing! Yay, roast pork time!!" Children are still children, after all, he was only seven years old. His clear laughter echoed in the night.
Gong Ye smiled and tossed the gun to him. "Hold this, let's go back and butcher the pig, skin it, and have roast meat!!" Sliding down the slope, Gong Ye single-handedly carried the several-hundred-pound boar. The grandfather and grandson walked back excitedly, one after the other.