Chapter 503 Nangong Wenxue
The old man sensed Lin Kuang’s intentions. While he knew it was ultimately useless, he didn’t refuse the heartfelt gesture.
The grandfather and grandson chatted, avoiding any talk of national affairs or other serious topics. They spoke only of Lin Kuang’s childhood and amusing anecdotes from their lives, with the old man steering clear of anything else.
When the meal was ready, the family of three entered the room. The dishes were simple and light, as greasy food was unsuitable for the old man’s health. It was an ordinary yet heartwarming meal. The three of them sipped a little wine and chatted, just like any ordinary family. The old man didn’t drink much, stopping after just a small glass, as his body couldn’t handle more.
"Kid, I’ll support you no matter what you do," the old man said, his gaze fixed on Lin Kuang with great solemnity. "You can rest assured that as long as I live, no one will dare to touch you!"
This was the first time the old man had spoken so gravely since Lin Kuang’s return. His words carried the iron-willed authority of a battlefield veteran, an aura few ordinary people possessed.
Hearing his grandfather’s words, Lin Kuang was deeply shaken. He nodded heavily. "I understand, Grandpa."
"Hmph. You two don’t need to worry. The Lin Family may only have the three of us, but that means little. Before I go, I will put certain things in place. At the very least, I will ensure the other three great families won’t dare to move against you.
"But you must find a way to become stronger yourselves. Without influence and power, you can never truly stand on your own. After I am gone, Guodong, I will leave some people to help you. Even if our Lin Family can no longer be counted among the four great families, we will not be so weak that we cannot protect ourselves," the old man said with a smile, looking at his only son and grandson.
The Lin Family line was passed down to a single heir each generation, leaving only the three of them. Yet even so, the Lin Family was still considered the foremost of the four great families. One could only imagine their standing if their family were more numerous.
Listening to the old man, the eyes of both Lin Guodong and Lin Kuang reddened. It sounded as though he were making his final arrangements.
"Father, please say no more," Lin Guodong said solemnly, looking at the old man. "Lin Kuang and I will work hard. We will not tarnish the Lin Family’s name, nor will we fail the foundation you have built!"
Lin Kuang also looked at his grandfather with a grave expression. He knew the old man didn’t have much time left, which meant he had to act faster. He had to ensure the Lin Family had the strength to protect itself.
"Good. I believe in you two, especially you, Lin Kuang. Your father’s path is more or less set, and it’s difficult for him to grow any further. You are our only hope. Your potential is limitless. You must manage your future well," the old man said, his tone heavy with meaning.
Hearing this, Lin Kuang nodded firmly. "Grandpa, rest assured, I will not disappoint you."
"Good. That’s settled then. You two can chat. I’m old, and my body isn’t what it used to be. I need to go rest," the old man said with a smile, pushing himself to his feet.
Lin Kuang quickly stood and helped his grandfather back to his room.
"Alright, you can go now. Guodong hasn’t seen you in a long time. He’s missed you," the old man said, lying down on his bed.
Lin Kuang nodded. "Yes, Grandpa. Please rest well. I’ll come see you again tomorrow."
"Mm, go on," the old man nodded with a smile and waved his hand, dismissing him.
Lin Kuang turned and left, gently closing the door behind him before returning to his father’s room.
The father and son sat facing each other. Lin Guodong smiled faintly. "Son, you’ve grown up. As for Gao Dongran... killing him was the right thing to do."
Hearing this, Lin Kuang was slightly taken aback. "Father, don’t you think I went too far?"
"Too far? Some people deserve to die," Lin Guodong said with a smile. "So, if the law cannot find the evidence, then you must be the one to act. Everyone has a moral compass, a bottom line they won’t cross. As long as you don’t betray your own, do what you must."
Lin Kuang was stunned for a moment before nodding emphatically. "I understand, Father."
"Good. Take this," Lin Guodong said, carefully taking a jade pendant from inside his shirt and handing it to Lin Kuang.
Lin Kuang took it, puzzled. He didn’t understand why his father was giving him a jade pendant. The pendant was crystal clear and flawless. It was cool to the touch and felt exquisite. Though Lin Kuang was no expert, he could tell it was priceless. This was especially true of the lifelike dragon carved upon it. The creature seemed so vivid it looked as if it were about to spring to life.
"Father, what... what is this?" Lin Kuang asked, still bewildered.
"This is the only thing your mother left for you," Lin Guodong said with a smile. "With this jade pendant, you may be able to see her again."
As he spoke of Lin Kuang’s mother, his usual stern expression melted away, his eyes filling with tenderness and longing.
Hearing this, Lin Kuang’s body shook, his eyes wide with shock. As a child, he had often asked about his mother, but Lin Guodong had never said a word, leading him to believe she had passed away. Now, hearing his father’s words, it seemed that wasn’t the case at all.
"Father, what is going on? Mother... she isn’t dead? Then where is she?" Lin Kuang asked, his voice urgent.
"That’s right, your mother isn’t dead," Lin Guodong said with a wry smile. "As for her identity... I don’t know that either."
How tragic. To think I don’t even know the background of my own wife. It is both a sorrow and a mark of my helplessness.
Before Lin Kuang could ask, Lin Guodong continued, "Your mother’s family name is Nangong, and her given name is Nangong Wenxue. We met in a very ordinary way and simply fell in love. You were born the following year. That was the happiest time of my life with Wenxue. Those days were wonderful, so full of warmth. Your grandfather would hold you every day, happier than he’d ever been.
"However, before you were even six months old, Wenxue left. To be precise, she was taken away by her brother. Her brother was incredibly strong; I was powerless to stop him. Wenxue herself told me not to interfere, or her brother would kill everyone, including you! I had no choice but to endure it. I had to watch with my own eyes as she was taken away. It was an immense pain, and an even greater humiliation!" Lin Guodong said, his eyes red. He then took a long, harsh swallow of wine.