Chapter 73.2: Just Stand Your Ground

　　With a slight smirk, Su Ling propped his chin on his palm and studied him intently.

　　So, you’ve finally dropped the act?

　　“You’re a smart person, Second Cousin. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to be anyone’s pawn, would you?”

　　Old Master Su’s breath came in ragged gasps. His voice came out gravelly as he rasped, “Your third uncle only has this one son. Do you truly have the heart to condemn him to prison?”

　　Su Ling tightened his grip on Lin Feng’s hand, fighting to suppress his rage. “Su Dan is your grandson, but what about Su Qi? Isn’t she your granddaughter too? She’s just a girl, and she was kidnaped by thugs. Can you even imagine the fear and danger she must’ve been in? If I had arrived just one moment later, who knows what terrible things could have happened to her! I’d considered Su Dan my younger cousin, but does he see me as an older one? They were actually trying to kidnap me! How can any of you have the audacity to think I’d be virtuous enough to treat someone who tried to harm me as a brother?”

　　Old Master Su coughed a few times before adding, “Didn’t you and Su Qi come through just fine in the end?”

　　Su Ling let out a wry laugh. “Guess we were just lucky.”

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　　Old Master Su gazed at the striking figure of Su Ling, his thoughts wandering as if he had been transported back over sixty years. The face before him blurred, transforming into that of the younger Su Lan. His younger brother and that boy from the Bai family had always been inseparable, their bond so close that they would share a blanket at night. One morning, he had gone into his brother’s room to wake him, only to find the two of them bare-chested and bearing strange marks on their skin. Anger flared in him, and he berated them harshly for their repulsive behavior.

　　Later, the boy from the Bai family fled the country with his father, leaving his brother standing alone at the village entrance day after day. Each day, he strained his eyes down the road, hoping to catch a glimpse of the postman bringing word. Yet, in the isolated Stone Creek Village, where not even a post box existed, how could a letter ever find its way to him?

　　In his younger days, he had dismissed his brother’s feelings as mere folly. After their parents passed away, he decided to move the whole family to City S and asked his brother if he wanted to come along. But his brother shook his head, insisting he would stay behind to wait for someone.

　　Waiting for someone who will never return! How absurd!

　　If his brother was so adamant about staying, then let him fend for himself in this desolate place.

　　That farewell ended up lasting sixty long years.

　　Su Lan waited an entire lifetime for someone who never came back. Sixty years slipped by, and when his time finally arrived, he left this world in solitude, carrying his unspoken love with him.

　　The news of his brother’s death did not reach him until last month — an excruciating realization for the older brother, who had remained in the dark for so long.

　　Ever since old age crept up on him, his health had been in steady decline. He had spent the past two to three years in a nursing home, only this year regaining enough strength to get out of bed and move around. But just as his legs grew steadier, news came of his younger brother’s passing, and he fell ill once more. Even if Third Daughter-in-law had not made a scene, he would have returned to his hometown all the same.

　　The moment he laid eyes on Su Ling, he nearly mistook him for someone else.

　　The resemblance to Su Lan was uncanny, not just in the arch of the brows or the shape of the eyes, but in the very air he carried. That same fierce devotion, that all-consuming resolve when it came to love — it was like déjà vu. Oddly enough, even their taste in men mirrored each other to the point of absurdity.

　　Su Lan had indeed made a wise choice in selecting Su Ling as his heir.

　　“Where is your second grandfather buried? Take me there,” Old Master Su instructed.

　　“Grandfather?” Su Ze questioned, his voice laced with surprise. Is Grandfather really not going to do anything about Su Dan?

　　Old Master Su waved his hand dismissively, signaling for him to drop the subject.

　　His sudden shift from the earlier agitation left not only Su Ze astonished but also Su Ling utterly bewildered.

　　Using his cane for support, Old Master Su stood up and looked at Su Ling with a calm expression. “Didn’t you say you’re going to the mini-mart to buy incense and joss paper? Let’s go together.”

　　“… Oh, right.”

　　There were quite a few elderly folks in the village, all about the same age as Old Master Su. When word got out that Eldest Master Su had returned, they seemed to spring out of nowhere, each one eager to pull him into conversation. The village chief also showed up, intending to scold him for a moment. But when he noticed Old Master Su’s shaky steps and reliance on his grandson, the words caught in his throat.

　　Su Ling took Lin Feng by the hand and led him into the mini-mart, where they purchased joss paper, candles, and incense. Then, together with Old Master Su, they made their way to the cemetery on the northern slope of the mountain.

　　After more than half an hour on the mountain, the blazing sun became too much for Old Master Su to endure. With Su Ze and Su Ling supporting him on either side, he slowly made his way down.

　　Back at the Su Clan Ancestral House, Su Ling brewed a pot of tea for him. When he finished the last sip, the sun was dipping low, casting a golden glow across the room. He stood up, ready to leave.

　　His gaze lingered on the elderly man’s stooped back, and before he could stop himself, Su Ling called out, “Grandfather…”

　　Standing by the car door, Old Master Su glanced over at Su Ling and Lin Feng, who stood side by side. “Now that you’ve inherited your second grandfather’s legacy, make sure to manage it well. Also, whether or not you sever ties with the Su family isn’t something your father can decide.”

　　The words sank in slowly, leaving Su Ling speechless.

　　Old Master Su eased into the car and closed his eyes to rest. Su Ze closed the door with a soft click, exchanged farewells with his younger cousin, then started the engine and pulled away from the Su Clan Ancestral House.

　　As the luxury car disappeared down the road, Su Ling rested his head on Lin Feng’s shoulder and whispered, “They’re giving up… just like that?”

　　He had thought his grandfather would tear into them for Su Dan’s sake. Instead, the storm never broke; just a few grumbles and then nothing.

　　Lin Feng wrapped his arm around his shoulders, tilting his head to plant a kiss on the top of his head.

　　“I once heard my grandfather mention that Old Master Su was once a formidable figure in his youth, known for his iron-fisted decisions and shrewd schemes. He carved out a significant place for himself in City S’ business world. Though he’s grown old, his mind is still sharp, and he sees through everything.”

　　Su Ling puffed out his cheeks defiantly. “I don’t care whether he understands or not. As long as he doesn’t make my life harder, I’ll play nice.”

　　Watching the vehicle fade from view, Lin Feng voiced, “It shouldn’t happen again.”

* * *

　　The luxury car glided onto the national highway, heading toward Sylvan Willows Town.

　　Su Ze held the steering wheel with both hands, torn by hesitation for more than ten minutes. At last, he broke the silence, turning to the backseat and asking Old Master Su a question he could no longer keep to himself.

　　“What should I tell Third Aunt if she asks about this, Grandfather?”

　　Old Master Su sat with his eyes shut, weariness etched into every line of his face. At the sound of his grandson’s voice, he lifted his eyelids.

　　“Let her figure it out herself.”

　　“But…” Su Ze hesitated, uncertainty creeping into his voice. “Third Aunt knows we’re here to see Su Ling.”

　　Old Master Su let out a cold snort. “I went to pay my respects to my late brother, so what does that have to do with Su Ling? From now on, you younger ones better behave yourselves and stop giving him a hard time. Su Ling’s part of your second grandfather’s lineage now.”

　　“Yes, Grandfather,” Su Ze answered, his eyes lowering in respect.