Chapter 640: A Family
Ye Fan and Chu Erzhu were having a secret meeting in the study. Mengyao and Biyao could vaguely guess the topic because the two sisters knew about Ye Fan’s identity as Terminator. But it was different for Chu Zhongtian, who was worried his father would interrogate Ye Fan like a criminal. Fortunately, the sisters’ reassurance eased Chu Zhongtian’s concerns, but he still couldn’t fully relax.
Given Chu Erzhu’s nature of work, it was natural for Chu Zhongtian to be concerned.
Mengyao and Biyao were also worried, fearing that if Grandpa and Ye Fan had an unpleasant conversation, it would be a problem.
Xu Li and Xu Dalong entered the house, and Chu Zhongtian, Mengyao, and Biyao went up to greet them.
"Mom, Uncle." Mengyao and her sister warmly greeted them.
"Haven’t seen you in a while, and my two nieces have become prettier!" Xu Dalong said with a hearty laugh.
"Uncle sure knows how to talk." Biyao replied with a giggle.
"So disrespectful, don’t know how to act big or small." Chu Zhongtian scolded Xu Dalong and Biyao, looking serious.
"Brother-in-law, it’s just that my nieces and I have no generation gap. No need to be envious." Xu Dalong said slightly awkwardly.
"I have no time to be envious." Chu Zhongtian replied grumpily.
"I’m done talking to you, it’s pointless." Xu Dalong said, opting to dodge the situation.
Biyao became much more obedient in front of Chu Zhongtian.
"Stay at home, don’t run around." Chu Zhongtian advised his wife with a meaningful tone.
He was worried that his wife’s leaving would leave a bad impression on Ye Fan, so with a strong sense of admonition, he insisted on pushing for the daughter’s engagement to Ye Fan. His wife making a sudden exit was simply unacceptable, which naturally made him angry.
"Where could I possibly go?" Xu Li said helplessly, glancing around but not spotting Ye Fan. Although curious, she suddenly felt much more at ease.
"Where’s that boy Ye Fan?" Xu Dalong asked, looking around.
"He’s in the study talking to the old man." Chu Zhongtian said strangely.
"What could the old man have to talk about? Why can’t he speak openly in front of everyone and insist on finding a hidden spot to whisper?" Xu Dalong mocked in confusion.
"Who knows?" Chu Zhongtian was already puzzled.
"Could the old man have something special to tell Ye Fan?" Xu Dalong said with a tense look, adding strangely, "Given the old man’s line of work, he wouldn’t consult privately with Ye Fan. Even if there is something, it should be a family matter, not national affairs. But if it’s truly a family issue, why avoid us? Is it something shady?"
He naturally knew of Chu Erzhu’s line of work, hence he was especially worried.
"The old man is indeed something. If he truly intends to mess up Mengyao and Ye Fan’s engagement, I’m not going to let it slide." Chu Zhongtian said with a heavy expression and tone.
"If the old man genuinely has ill intentions, that would be troubling." Xu Dalong sighed with genuine worry, slapping his thigh.
Just as Chu Zhongtian and Xu Dalong were exchanging words, criticizing Chu Erzhu,
Chu Erzhu and Ye Fan appeared in front of them.
Suddenly, Xu Dalong immediately became very respectful, being as compliant as he could be.
Chu Zhongtian’s attitude didn’t change much, still carrying some complaints and not even glancing much at Chu Erzhu.
Xu Li and her daughters were busy in the kitchen, so they didn’t hear what Chu Zhongtian and Xu Dalong said, but Chu Erzhu and Ye Fan did.
Ye Fan found it amusing and thought to himself, "The family’s so wary of him shows just how special and sensitive Chu Erzhu’s job is. They’re afraid he’ll bring his work attitude home. But I think they’re overthinking it; Chu Erzhu has a good grasp and wouldn’t do that."
"Xu Dalong, your skin’s itching, isn’t it? Talking bad about me again." Chu Erzhu’s face darkened as he scolded Xu Dalong, "Saying I’m ill-intentioned, tell me exactly what my intentions are and how they’re malicious?"
Xu Dalong twitched at the corner of his mouth, his expression tightened, and he nearly shivered, getting goosebumps.
That’s what fear did to him. In front of Chu Erzhu, he had no courage, though he was carefree when badmouthing him behind his back. Yet facing him directly, he was especially afraid.
Xu Dalong’s body froze, then he mechanically twisted and swiftly moved to Chu Erzhu’s side, fawning and smiling wryly, "Old man, how silently you appeared! You must have misheard with your poor hearing. How could I badmouth you? I was just saying you’re tirelessly dedicated to the country and the people, doing all good deeds."
"Stop talking nonsense." Chu Erzhu said sternly.
"Yes, yes." Xu Dalong quickly agreed.
"Ye Fan, what did the old man say to you? Whatever it was, don’t mind it." Chu Zhongtian said to Ye Fan with deep meaning.
Ye Fan knew well that Chu Zhongtian was afraid Chu Erzhu would make things difficult for him, so he stood up for him.
For this, he was very moved. Chu Zhongtian wouldn’t even hesitate to confront his own father for his sake, showing that he truly regarded him as one of his own.
Chu Zhongtian was also worried his father would go too far. Just the act of hiding and calling Ye Fan for a private chat was suspicious enough.
The father and son’s relationship was good, though if you removed the factor of Chu Erzhu’s job, if it were involved, the two would not see eye to eye.
"Uncle, don’t misunderstand the old man. We didn’t have any unpleasant talks or work-related conversations." Ye Fan said calmly, also helping to mend Chu Erzhu’s image in Chu Zhongtian’s mind.
"Really?" Chu Zhongtian was slightly skeptical, staring at Ye Fan intently as if afraid he was lying.
"Really!" Ye Fan assured.
"That’s great." Only then did Chu Zhongtian believe Ye Fan’s words.
Chu Erzhu walked away directly without arguing with his son. Deep down, he was unwilling and discontent, thinking, "You little brat, do you think I can’t separate public and private matters?"
He wouldn’t argue with his son over some contentious issues, fearing an argument would worsen things. His only approach was not to explain. His job was like that—some things couldn’t be said, and he’d rather let his family misunderstand than give lengthy explanations.
Perhaps this was a kind of self-inflicted punishment.
Letting his family complain about him could alleviate a bit of his guilt towards them.
"Ye Fan, come sit down." Xu Dalong called out.
"Okay." Ye Fan replied.
The four sat down and began chatting.
Soon, Xu Li, with her daughters’ help, prepared a table full of dishes.