The midday sun shone directly down, making the stone road of the old street in Wanghu Town sowhat scorching.
At this ti, it was when the street was most crowded, with the restaurants bustling with life, filled with noise and the slls of cooking.
A black Land Rover SUV slowly drove into the alley and stopped in front of the antique-styled courtyard with blue tiles and white walls.
Fang Cheng just turned off the engine, and his eyes casually swept over a black car parked beside him.
The car windows were deeply tinted, making it impossible to see inside.
But the driver leaning against the car door, smoking, had a straight posture, cropped haircut, and eyes filled with a professional vigilance.
Fang Cheng glanced once and recognized him.
It was the driver, Xiao Zhang, who held an umbrella for Shi Chengyi at West Mountain Cetery last ti.
His heart stirred slightly, but he didn’t look any further.
Then he picked up the fruit he just bought on the way and walked up to knock on the courtyard gate.
The presence of Shi Chengyi’s driver here was no coincidence.
Obviously, this "grandfather misses grandson" family al wasn’t as simple as it was said on the phone.
"Creak——"
The heavy wooden door was pushed open.
"Ah Cheng, you’re back!"
Li Zhenhua, dressed in a loose dark blue Tang suit, greeted him spiritedly.
"Grandfather."
Fang Cheng’s face broke into a warm smile, as if he hadn’t noticed anything unusual.
"Co in quickly, your uncle and your mom are busy in the kitchen, the lion’s head atballs and beef just went into the pot, it slls delicious."
Li Zhenhua rrily pulled Fang Cheng’s hand and walked inside, casually ntioning:
"By the way, two distinguished guests are here today, chess friends of your grandfather, they happened to co at alti, so they stayed for a casual al."
Fang Cheng followed him into the courtyard.
After a few months of renovations, the yard’s flowers and plants were flourishing, the swing swaying gently in the breeze, making it even more serene.
Through the open living room door, two figures could be seen sitting on the mahogany sofa drinking tea.
One was an old man with graying temples but an extraordinary deanor, and the other a young man, tall and sharp-eyed.
They were Shi Chengyi and Wei Zheng.
Hearing footsteps, the two of them put down their teacups simultaneously and stood up.
"Ah Cheng, it’s been a while since we last t, you look more energetic and every bit the talented young man!"
Shi Chengyi stepped forward with a smile, his tone familiar as if he were really an old friend of Li Zhenhua’s for many years, without a hint of the Special Search Team Director’s airs.
"Hello, Director Shi, Brother Wei."
Fang Cheng greeted them politely, his expression natural, without a trace of surprise or unease.
Since the elder wanted to stage this play of an accidental eting, it was only right for the younger to go along with the act.
Wei Zheng looked at Fang Cheng, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes.
He knew very well that with Fang Cheng’s acuity, he probably already guessed much upon seeing the car at the entrance.
Yet he managed to remain calm, possessing such composure at a young age was indeed rare.
"Alright, alright, don’t just stand there, sit down and chat."
Li Zhenhua urged everyone to take a seat.
Fang Cheng sat quietly to the side, observing without any obvious reaction as they exchanged pleasantries.
He noticed that when his grandfather conversed with Shi Chengyi, they were very natural, often laughing heartily.
Their casual speech and actions revealed a familiarity, much like old neighbors who had known each other for decades, clearly having been in contact for quite so ti.
In no ti, there was movent from the kitchen.
Li Dingjian ca out carrying a large bowl of steaming braised lion’s head atballs, while Li Biyun followed with plates of exquisite cold dishes.
"The dishes are almost ready, let’s start the al."
Li Biyun took off her apron, warmly inviting the guests, her eyes shining with joy when they fell on her son.
Li Zhenhua walked to the head seat and greeted:
"Old Shi, Xiao Wei, make yourselves at ho, have a seat."
"Today we won’t stand on ceremony, it’s just simple tea and ho-cooked food, eat to your heart’s content."
Shi Chengyi and Wei Zheng smiled and sat down.
Fang Cheng took the initiative to go into the kitchen, helping to set the table and open a bottle of white wine, filling the seniors’ glasses one by one.
The atmosphere at the table was more harmonious than expected.
Not only was Shi Chengyi highly ranked and influential, he was also a charming conversationalist.
He refrained from discussing any Special Search Team matters at the table.
Instead, he spoke with Li Zhenhua about the local customs of Wanghu Town and so amusing stories from their ti in the army.
anwhile, Wei Zheng occasionally toasted to Li Zhenhua, appearing very respectful.
"Old Li, you are fortunate indeed."
Shi Chengyi picked up a dish, exclaiming:
"Your children are filial and your grandson is so promising. Unlike my useless grandson, who just sses around all day."
"Oh, not at all, Ah Cheng is just too honest, a bit reserved."
Li Zhenhua modestly replied, though his face bead with pride:
"When he steps into society, he’ll still need guidance from all you seniors."
"Of course."
Shi Chengyi gave Fang Cheng a aningful look:
"A talented person will shine wherever they go."
Fang Cheng quietly ate his al, occasionally chiming in.
He maintained an appropriate balance between not being overly flattering nor too indifferent, skillfully upholding the image of an "outstanding junior."
He sensed that although his mother and grandfather were smiling, there was an underlying subtle tension in their gazes, occasionally watching his interaction with Shi Chengyi.
Clearly, they still hoped he would secure a position in the Special Search Team, "the national al," but feared he might bring up past issues in the heat of the mont.
After several rounds of drinks, perhaps feeling Fang Cheng was too quiet, Shi Chengyi set down his chopsticks and started a conversation:
"Ah Cheng, have you been busy with work lately? Are you still working at that martial arts club?"
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