For several years, he hadn't found an opportunity to help the Su family.
The Su family's life seemed to be going well, and at times, it even seemed better than his own, despite his leadership position.
It was only after the Su family arrived in the capital and were suppressed by the Zhou and Wan families that he offered a little help.
Yes, it was indeed just a little help.
He was in a different industry and couldn't directly deal with those two families.
By the time he figured out a way to intervene, the Zhou and Wan families had already been dealt with.
This showed that the Su family was not as dependent as outsiders thought, having no backing in the capital.
In fact, even he didn't know what background the Su family truly possessed in the capital.
But one thing was certain: the Su family would not be easily bullied!
Now, this brat Xiao Yuan was slandering their family in front of the elder brother and sister-in-law of the Su family.
This foolish Xiao Yuan must be projecting his own thoughts onto the Su family, imagining them to be like that.
"Elder brother, sister-in-law, please don't be angry because of this foolish boy's words." Dong Yuanzhong, uncharacteristically, lowered his tone and apologized profusely.
Dong Yuanzhong wanted to say that this kid was talking nonsense and it wasn't his intention.
But then he thought, Xiao Yuan was someone he brought along. Even if he claimed it had nothing to do with him now, would the Su family believe him?
Fan Shufang hurried over and stood beside Grandma Su, whispering, "Sister-in-law, this is truly not our intention as a couple. We sincerely treat you as family."
This was the truth; she genuinely wanted to interact with the Su family as relatives, and even wanted to treat the Su family's children as her own.
But in a short time, everything was ruined!
Grandma Su didn't reply, nor did she even look at Fan Shufang.
Her gaze was fixed on Grandpa Su.
On the surface, Grandma Su managed the household, but when it came to important matters, Grandpa Su made the final decision.
Grandma Su believed Fan Shufang; she considered herself a good judge of character.
However, what this child named Xiao Yuan had said was truly unpleasant.
Perhaps what Xiao Yuan said was the true thought of most people.
Her old man was kind-hearted; throughout his life, he had helped countless people and had never been accused like this.
Her old man must be feeling bad, right?
Grandpa Su looked at Dong Yuanzhong with a calm expression.
His gaze made Dong Yuanzhong increasingly uncomfortable.
"Sir, the two families are not well-matched, so they shouldn't associate, let alone be close!"
Since ancient times, it wasn't just marriage that required matching backgrounds, but other associations as well.
"You are a leader, and we are common folk. It would be best for our families to keep their distance in the future!"
Grandpa Su finally spoke the words Dong Yuanzhong least wanted to hear, in the coldest tone.
Dong Yuanzhong felt as if thunderbolts were striking him.
For so many years, Grandpa Su, or rather, the Su family, had always been the warmest presence in his heart!
Especially during those years on the battlefield, he had survived by constantly remembering this life-saving kindness.
But now, this sentiment was being slandered to such an extent by a boy who knew nothing.
Dong Yuanzhong quickly reached out and grasped Grandpa Su's hand, his eyes filled with tears.
"Elder brother, in my heart, you are my own brother. You can't abandon me as your brother!"
After saying this, Dong Yuanzhong actually cried.
Xiao Yuan was stunned. What was going on?
Were the Su family members so important to the leader?
No, if they were so important, why hadn't the leader visited this family before?
He hadn't even sent gifts?
"Sister-in-law, we are new here and don't know the exact situation in the capital, which is why we haven't visited you recently. We were also afraid of bringing you any risk!"
Fan Shufang's words were subtle, but everyone present was intelligent and understood.
After all these years, what kind of "ghosts and monsters" hadn't appeared?
Although Dong Yuanzhong had returned, it was likely not a peaceful time.
Keeping their distance was also a form of protection.
Grandma Su couldn't help but sigh.
Su Xiaotian's gaze towards Dong Yuanzhong held a new, unexplainable emotion.
A battle-hardened man who had been on the battlefield was now crying like a foolish, overweight man.
If this were told, no one would believe it, right?
But that was the reality.
Dong Yuanzhong, who had heard of him as a tough man from his past life to this one, was crying!
Grandpa Su's heart, which had cooled down, also softened somewhat.
He didn't really want to deal with these high-ranking officials; he understood the principle that those with different paths cannot plan together.
But now, seeing Dong Yuanzhong like this...
"Big brother, please don't blame me. It's all Xiao Yuan's fault. I'll send him back today and won't keep him!"
Dong Yuanzhong, whether out of haste or genuine thought, suddenly uttered these words.
Xiao Yuan was completely dumbfounded. What did this mean?
He was no longer wanted?
He had only said a few words for the leader's good, so why was the leader abandoning him?
"Sir, I'm doing this for your own good."
Xiao Yuan felt extremely wronged.
His grandfather was an old subordinate of the leader, which was why he had the opportunity to be by the old leader's side.
He had originally planned to work hard for a few years and then achieve a good future.
But now, because of a few words, the leader was going to send him back?
No, this wouldn't do. If the leader sent him back, his grandfather would beat him to death!
But Dong Yuanzhong could no longer hear what Xiao Yuan was saying.
The Su family was the most important thing in Dong Yuanzhong's heart.
Losing the Su family was like losing the light in his life.
He could lose many things, but he couldn't lose this light.
"For my own good? You're making decisions without knowing anything, and you call it for my own good? Xiao Yuan, I kept you by my side purely out of respect for your grandfather, but now..."
Dong Yuanzhong didn't continue with harsh words, but the meaning was clear.
Fan Shufang, however, knew that Xiao Yuan was lucky today.
Dong Yuanzhong's temper had improved considerably over the years.
If it were more than ten years ago, he would have beaten Xiao Yuan soundly and then thrown him out of the house.
"What's so good about them? Can they be as close to you as I am, Sir?" Xiao Yuan couldn't help but cry too!
"You need to understand that some people you can never surpass. Don't say that even if you've been by my side for only a few months, or even ten or eight years, and even if I might not see the old Su family for ten or eight years, you still won't compare!" Dong Yuanzhong said this with conviction.
The Su family members didn't believe that Dong Yuanzhong's words were sincere.
But Fan Shufang knew.
She had known Old Dong for twenty years, and in those twenty years, the most she heard him talk about was how the Su family had helped him back then.
In Old Dong's own words, he had fallen into a pit and couldn't climb out, almost being buried.
The appearance of Elder Brother Su pulled him out of the pit, leading to a brilliant future.
He was a benefactor!