Thanks for pointing that out! I kept it short
Zhao Jinshan exhaled deeply, his face clouded with memories. "Not exactly a conflict," he murmured, voice thick with emotion. "It's more like… a buried grudge. One I've carried for many years."
His tone was heavy, aged with wisdom and regret. "Even so, I chose not to chase revenge. What good would it do? Against those people, I'm nothing—just an ant waiting to be crushed."
Ye Chen gave a solemn nod. He could feel the weight of Zhao Jinshan's words. The world was harsh, and strength alone dictated justice. Zhao Jinshan's decision to live in peace wasn't weakness—it was wisdom earned through pain.
"I respect your choice, Grandpa Zhao," Ye Chen said quietly. "Fighting Kunlun… would only bring more sorrow."
A trace of sorrow lingered in Zhao Jinshan's eyes, but it softened when he spoke again. "In this life, I have only one true treasure left—my granddaughter. She is the last light in my old age, the final gift from my late wife. I just want her to live a happy, peaceful life."
Ye Chen's heart stirred. He could sense the genuine love and protectiveness Zhao Jinshan had for his granddaughter.
"That's why you let go of the past… to protect her," Ye Chen said, admiring the old general's resolve. "It's a wise choice, one not many would have the courage to make."
Suddenly, Zhao Jinshan's expression shifted from solemn to playful. "By the way," he said with a grin, "my granddaughter is young, kind-hearted, and beautiful. Would you like me to introduce her to you? Haha!"
Ye Chen scratched the back of his head, smiling sheepishly. "I appreciate it, but I already have a girlfriend."
"Oh?" Zhao Jinshan raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. "Are you sure? One look at her, and you might fall head over heels."
Before Ye Chen could answer, Zhao Jinshan eagerly fished into the pocket inside his military coat and pulled out a neatly folded photograph. "Here—take a look. Just a glance won't hurt!"
Amused by the old man's enthusiasm, Ye Chen accepted the photo. The moment he turned it over, his jaw dropped. The smiling girl in the picture was no stranger—it was Zhao Yanyan.
"Wait… does your granddaughter study at Hexing Academy?" Ye Chen asked, unable to hide his shock.
"Yes!" Zhao Jinshan said proudly. "The number one school in this city. She's doing well there, a brilliant girl."
Ye Chen stared at the photo, then looked back at Zhao Jinshan. "Her name… is Zhao Yanyan, right?"
"That's right." Zhao Jinshan nodded confidently, then paused as his expression turned confused. "Wait a minute... I never told you her name. How did you—?"
Ye Chen gave a helpless chuckle. "I didn't want to hide it. Zhao Yanyan… is actually my classmate—and my girlfriend."
Zhao Jinshan froze for a full second before leaping from his chair. "WHAT?!"
His booming voice echoed through the room, making Ye Chen flinch slightly. The old man stared at him with eyes wide as saucers.
"You… you're dating my granddaughter?" Zhao Jinshan's shock was absolute.
Ye Chen gave a slight nod, unsure how the general would react. "Yes. I care about her a lot."
Then, to his surprise, Zhao Jinshan burst into laughter. Not just a chuckle—but a deep, belly-holding, joyous laugh.
"Hahahahaha! That girl really has good eyes after all!" Zhao Jinshan clapped Ye Chen on the back with surprising strength. "So it's you, brat! I never imagined I'd already met my future grandson-in-law!"
Ye Chen let out a laugh of relief. The old man was more delighted than he had expected.
Just then, Liu Yue groaned softly, her eyes fluttering open. "What… what happened?" she whispered, her voice fragile.
She sat up slowly, memories rushing back to her. "Ye Chen!" she suddenly cried out, eyes darting across the room until they locked on him. Without hesitation, she threw herself into his arms.
"Ye Chen, you're okay! I saw Du Yao stab you… I thought you were—" Her voice broke off, tears welling in her eyes.
"It's alright," Ye Chen said gently, embracing her. "I'm here. I'm fine."
Her soft body pressed against him, and Ye Chen couldn't help but notice the warm sensation through her thin blouse. Is she not wearing a bra? he thought, blushing faintly but said nothing.
"I'm just… so glad you're okay," Liu Yue whispered, voice trembling with emotion. Her arms tightened around him, as if afraid he'd vanish again.
Though they hadn't known each other long, Liu Yue's sincerity touched him. Her worry was genuine, and for Ye Chen, that meant everything.
Zhao Jinshan, watching from the side, raised a curious eyebrow. "Hmm, looks like there's something going on between you two as well, eh?"
Ye Chen smiled but didn't answer.
Eventually, Liu Yue calmed down. "Ye Chen, what on earth happened here? This room… it looks like a war zone."
"It's a long story," Ye Chen said. "But we should deal with these people first."
He turned his gaze to Bai Sheng and his associates—who were just beginning to regain consciousness. Liu Yue's face hardened when she saw them.
These were the ones who'd dared to harm her family, her grandmother—and Ye Chen. There would be no more mercy.
Situ Rui's grandmother also stirred. As she sat up, her eyes swept over the wrecked room. "What… happened here?" she asked, clearly bewildered.
Liu Yue frowned. "Grandmother, I don't know all the details either. But I think only Ye Chen can explain everything."
One by one, the others in the room began to awaken, all of them shocked by the destruction surrounding them. Most of them had no memory of what transpired after they inhaled the sleeping powder. The entire ordeal felt like a dream—or a nightmare.
Among them were Bai Sheng and Bai San, now pale with fear. Du Yao, their supposed ace, was nowhere in sight.
"B-Bai Sheng," Liu Yue called out, her voice filled with fury.
Bai Sheng stiffened, sweat trickling down his neck. Damn it! She looks furious! What do I do now? Think, think, think!