As he left, Zhan Bei Jue remained silent.
The children rushed forward to greet their uncle. Jiang Nan Fang gave him a brief overview of the situation, and Hu Jia Sheng learned that the old man had suffered another stroke.
Having suffered two strokes in one year, he had avoided paralysis the first time, but this time it was uncertain.
It was also highly likely that his mental faculties would be impaired in the future.
Hearing this, Hu Jia Sheng's heart grew heavy.
The hospital at midnight was eerily quiet. The children were perceptive; seeing the adults' somber expressions, they sat quietly beside them.
After more than an hour, the old man was finally pushed out of the emergency room.
The doctor said they only needed one person to stay, and the others could go back, as he had not yet regained consciousness, and having so many people there was useless.
Zhan Bei Jue asked Teacher Jiang to take the children back, mentioning that bodyguards were waiting downstairs. However, Hu Jia Sheng remained worried.
"If she's alone with so many children and something happens, I can stay here. You should escort her back."
Zhan Bei Jue thought for a moment. "Alright, I'll take them back and then come back. Thank you for keeping an eye on things for a while."
As expected, he quickly returned after taking them home.
Neither of the brothers was good at expressing their emotions, and despite their inner turmoil, neither spoke first.
Sitting on either side of the old man's bed, they stayed until dawn, when the old man finally woke up.
Feeling his hand move, the brothers stood up together and leaned forward to look at him.
The old man first looked at Hu Jia Sheng, then at Zhan Bei Jue.
"Just the two of you? Nan Fang didn't come?"
Zhan Bei Jue explained, "She came last night. Seeing that you were sleeping soundly, and it wasn't feasible for the children to stay up all night, she took them back."
The old man nodded. "That's good. There's no need to trouble the whole family for an old man like me."
"Grandpa, what are you talking about?"
The old man interrupted Zhan Bei Jue. "We're all family, no need for empty words."
"Seeing you and Nan Fang reconcile, and her carrying your child, I am truly happy."
"You've taken every step steadily and securely. I am now completely at ease with you. However, Ah Sheng..."
The old man looked at Hu Jia Sheng again, his nose suddenly stinging, his eyes reddening, and his voice choked with emotion.
Startled, Zhan Bei Jue and Hu Jia Sheng each took one of his hands.
"Grandpa, speak slowly. Don't get agitated. The doctor said you can't have any strong emotional fluctuations. We're all doing well, and we'll always be by your side. Don't be sad."
"I'm not sad for myself, but for you, my children."
The old man sighed. "My life has been one of integrity and openness. My affections have been unwavering."
"Your grandmother passed away early. To be honest, many women tried to get close to me, but I disdained them. Who knew I would have your troublesome father!"
"Because of your father, you both have emotional deficiencies. I understand. Ah Jue was better off, having his mother with him in his youth, but Ah Sheng..."
Hu Jia Sheng was also touched. "Don't I have you?"
"You put aside the huge responsibility of the group and focused solely on me. I received even better treatment than Ah Jue."
The old man shook his head, continuing to choke back tears.
"Don't say comforting words to me. I know whether I owe you or not. I also know why you haven't settled down yet."
"Ah Sheng, I was strict with you since childhood. Did you ever resent me?"
"Never, Grandpa. I know you always did what was best for me."
"No, not entirely for your own good. I was ambitious when I was young and wanted my descendants to be outstanding. So, I constantly pushed you, wanting you to be a dragon among men. A significant part of that was for my own reputation."
"I pushed you so hard that you became depressed. Although I didn't say anything, I felt heartbroken."
Hu Jia Sheng patted his shoulder, signaling him to stop.
"It's been so long, and I've long since recovered. It was also my own lack of resilience."
The old man squeezed his hand back. "Child, I can't say sentimental things usually. Now that I'm nearing the end, if I don't say them, I won't have another chance. So, I must say them. Don't interrupt me."
"I'm sorry, I didn't give you a good reception when you returned. I knew you were wronged at the real estate company but didn't stand up for you..."
"Grandpa, adults need to take responsibility for their actions. I made my own mistakes and should bear the consequences. Why are you blaming yourself for this too?"
"I'm very happy that you think this way and don't resent Ah Jue. Your generation is small in number. It's just the two of you in our family. I truly don't want to see any drama of brothers turning against each other or flesh and blood fighting."
The brothers reacted in unison, assuring him, "We won't, Grandpa!"
"Ah Jue's mother was also a strong woman. She educated him strictly from a young age. Ah Jue, like you, never experienced fatherly love, so he's not good at expressing himself. But I know both of you have good hearts."
"You are both highly educated and sensible people. Therefore, I hope your promises are sincere."
The two brothers spoke in unison again, "They are sincere, Grandpa!"
"It's not that I'm being bossy or using my age to pressure you because I'm dying, but building an empire is not easy, and defending it is even harder..."
"I have made a will, dividing the shares of the Zhan Corporation and all my real estate and funds equally. Call the lawyer over. You will sign in front of me and sign a letter of guarantee."
"From now on, anyone who instigates trouble without reason will forfeit their right to inherit the family fortune."
The old man spoke as if he were arranging his funeral, causing concern.
Zhan Bei Jue comforted him, "Grandpa, the doctor said your condition is not serious. Why are you talking as if you're arranging your funeral?"
The old man said, "I know my own body. Even if I don't die today, I will eventually. The necessary procedures must be done sooner or later. Don't argue with me."
Zhan Bei Jue had no choice but to call the lawyer.
While waiting for the lawyer to arrive, the old man continued to nag Hu Jia Sheng.
"You're 32, not young. I didn't dare to speak to you or put pressure on you before, but if I close my eyes without seeing you married and established..."
"If you have a girl you like, tell Grandpa. Our family doesn't look at background, race, religion, or even gender. I will fulfill your wish."
Hu Jia Sheng understood his concern, but at the moment, he truly had no one he liked and wanted to marry.
He couldn't just grab someone just because the old man wanted to leave without regrets.
"Grandpa, I understand what you mean. But I haven't met anyone suitable yet."
"Then can you promise me you'll put some effort into it? Don't always refuse when others introduce someone to you. When I was your age, your father was already in elementary school. When your father was your age, you two brothers had already been born."