My Alleged Husband

Zhang Yichen didn’t know how to answer himself. When Grandpa raised this question, yes, decades ago he had endured the same pain when he was ruthlessly abandoned by his own parents. He had done so to prove to them that he was the strongest person, one who could even forsake his own life, just to let others know that he was the mightiest, that no one could look down on him. And now, why had his own son encountered the same path? His son was about to face such a crisis again, each step marked by a bloody footprint that was excruciatingly painful. All of a sudden, she realized that her son really did resemble her, the attitude towards things, the principles with which he handled matters, they were exactly like her own. What virtue or ability did she have to have such a good son? With such a son, what kind of crisis could she not overcome in this lifetime? However, deep in her heart, no matter what, no one would wish to endure such pain; she had already borne it once, so why should her son have to bear it again? What did her parents really want her family to become before they would be satisfied?

”Grandpa, I must admit, my son really does look a lot like me. His attitude towards things, the way he handles matters, they are exactly like me. But I never imagined he would suffer the pain I once bore. You know how painful it was for me, how many cold taunts I suffered from because of the abandonment by my parents. And now, is my son supposed to endure the ridicule of others just like I had to? My wife and I have always been by my son’s side precisely because we feared that he would, like me back then, lack the companionship of his parents. We have never left his side, wishing only to watch him grow up happily, to have his own joyful life. Over these five years, I have also seen how my son has grown, how every day has been incredibly challenging for him, even more so than my own past. Sometimes I really can’t help but ask my son what he is living so hard for. Is it just to prove to his grandparents that he is the best? But the price he pays, the proof, it’s too great. What is all this suffering for?”

”Yichen, don’t you understand what you are really thinking inside? He does this because he knows that his grandparents were not there for him. From the moment he was born, his grandparents were never around, never seeing him even once. He not only hopes for his grandparents’ company, but he also knows that I hope my son and daughter-in-law would return. You hope your parents would come back. He does this for us, so that we can grow up happily together, live a joyful and happy life. You must realize, your son has done so much so that our family can live happily together. He truly understands how much we wish for those two who are away to return home and reunite with us. Do you not know that your son is just as smart and capable as you? He doesn’t want his parents to be sad, doesn’t want me to worry; he endures the pain from training every day, but he has never told me how tired he is, because he believes he will definitely get through it. He wants everyone to know that he is a proud man. Every decision he makes, he will carry out himself, never backing down. Even if there are mountains of knives and seas of fire ahead, he will step through them, never retreating. He wants everyone to know how wrong those who abandoned him were. Your life has been very fortunate to have such a good son, and my life is also extraordinarily lucky to have such a wonderful grandson, and a great-grandson as well. Thank you for making my life so complete. Though I raised a good-for-nothing son, I have such a great grandson and such a great-grandson, who have come from you. For me, that is truly enough. One must not be greedy, cannot covet too much, for once one becomes greedy, whatever you wish to obtain in life will never be satisfying. One must learn where to draw the line!”

”Grandpa, actually, you understand too that my son has given a lot, right? These five years, you’ve seen him grow up in front of your eyes. Today, there’s another piece of good news to tell you: my wife is pregnant again, and this time it seems to be twins!”

Old Master Zhang was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter: ”Hahaha, that really makes me so happy. Your son has always hoped you could give him a brother or sister, so he wouldn’t be lonely on his journey of life in the future. I didn’t expect this day to come so soon; for me, it’s a bit slow, huh? It’s already been five years, and you are just now planning the second child. Don’t you know I can’t wait that long anymore?”

”Grandpa, what are you saying? How did you become an old wreck? You’re still so young. Believe me, as long as I live in this world, you’ll be able to live in it as well, because our destinies are shared! You must be healthy; you still have to wait to hold our unborn child. You can live another hundred and eighty years. Then you can say you’re an old wreck...”

Old Master Zhang, hearing his grandson still able to comfort him so cheerfully, felt truly joyful in his heart. The biggest mistake of his life was letting his son abandon his grandson, which caused his grandson so much pain. If it weren’t for his resolute decision back then, things wouldn’t have come to this. This is the greatest regret of his life. However, the happiest thing in his life is having such a wonderful grandson. Because of his grandson, he has never been lonely again. Every day, he has accompanied his grandson, watching him grow up happily. So many years have passed, and his son has never come back to his side, but he has already gained the greatest happiness of his lifetime. As far as he is concerned, there are no more regrets!