January.

It's the time for visiting friends and relatives.

An age-old tradition that has been passed down for thousands of years, and no one can escape it—not even Cao Jinse.

Although, in terms of population, the Cao Family is not large, basically just her and her elder brother depending on each other, having few people doesn't mean they can relax during the New Year. On the contrary, there's a lot of people they need to visit.

Originally, it would be a bit better if the two of them shared the burden, but unfortunately, Cao Jinse has a very easygoing elder brother.

As a teacher who lectures on thought and philosophy, he certainly falls under the category of scholars, having his own style, not confined to customary rules and formal etiquette. Moreover, as an educator, he seems to have little need to cultivate personal connections.

But he doesn't need to, while General Manager Cao does!

What is relied upon in business? The foundation is personal relationships and social networks.

If you don't understand these, how can you do business well?

It's like trying to learn mathematics without knowing addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.

Might as well go teach instead.

So starting from the second day of the Lunar New Year, General Manager Cao has hardly rested, running from place to place, sometimes visiting several places a day. In some ways, it's even more exhausting than going to work.

But there's no other way, some things need to be shouldered by someone. Her easygoing elder brother is lying flat, so the burden falls on her shoulders.

Hence, even if she's tired, General Manager Cao still does not give up or abandon the task.

Yes, not abandon.

For instance, the family she visited today, just because it's close to her home, didn't mean she could overlook it.

Upon her arrival, old Mr. Fang, who had been rumored to have health issues last year, personally greeted her despite his ailing body, giving her a high level of reception.

It's important to note that if some descendants come to pay their respects during the New Year, they might not even get to meet old Mr. Fang.

The hardest thing to retain in the human world is youth, like a flower bidding farewell to the tree.

Actually, men are the same.

No matter how heroic, they will eventually grow old and decline. Old Mr. Fang had already passed seventy, and as life approached its end, he could no longer maintain a healthy, vigorous body. Adding to that, with his granddaughter's tragedy and grandson's imprisonment, no matter how strong his heart is, it would inevitably cause some psychological trauma to the elderly gentleman.

When receiving Cao Jinse, old Mr. Fang still seemed in good spirits, not requiring physical assistance from medical staff, though his eyes were slightly dimmer compared to the last visit.

No need for medical equipment assistance.

No need to consult with the medical team.

It was a clear and direct feeling.

This old man was nearing his end.

"Grandpa Fang, I really didn't want to disturb you. I knew my visit would surely interrupt your rest."

"If you were the only one who didn't come, I would be upset."

Old Mr. Fang offered a faint smile, "Jin Se, Grandpa Fang always welcomes you."

Cao Jinse smiled softly, "Jin Se certainly knows."

"So you don't need to pay attention to your Uncle Fang and the others. They are shortsighted and haven't figured things out yet. They will naturally understand in the future."

This manner of dialogue was unexpected for Cao Jinse.

She certainly did not expect such directness from the other party.

Usually, people would stop at some hints.

Perhaps he feels his physical condition?

"I am the younger generation; how could I hold grudges against Uncle Fang and the others? Grandpa Fang, you jest."

Fang Ai harmed.

Fang Jun arrested.

It all seemed to start with the Fang family affairs, a matter of the descendants' conduct, but how could the Fang family not know the real culprit?

That kid surnamed Jiang?

Of course, he's part of it.

But at that time, he was merely a troublemaker; it was the person backing him who was the real manipulator.

No matter what the facts are, this is the perception of the Fang family.

But what's the use of knowing?

Nothing can be done.

Especially now.

Forget about the mastermind; even the troublemaker Jiang is beyond their reach.

"What happened with Fang Ai was her own doing, and Fang Jun's imprisonment was deserved. It's been so long; none of us need to hold onto this resentment anymore."

Old Mr. Fang went further, becoming even more candid and breaking the last layer of pretense.

Cao Jinse paused in silence, then smiled gently, "I've heard that Fang Jun is doing quite well inside and has a chance for a reduced sentence. He should be out before long."

Old Mr. Fang appeared unfazed, "He should take this time inside to reflect properly."

"Everyone makes mistakes, as long as they are willing to correct them. Grandpa Fang, I believe he will personally come to apologize to you."

Even with a reduced sentence, Fang Jun can't be released within the next two years. Of course, his full sentence is five years, not long by any means, but there's a significant harsh reality.

For an elder with just the path back left in life, a few years may not be a wait they can afford.

"As long as he genuinely repents, whether he apologizes to me or not is unimportant."

"Grandpa Fang, you must take care of your health."

Cao Jinse no longer maintained a smile, her expression serious.

A seemingly simple and common sentence, yet it made old Mr. Fang's smile widen into a heartfelt grin.

"Every household in Kyoto City longs for sons, but what's wrong with daughters? Jin Se, Grandpa Fang has never thought you're any worse than your brother."

Cao Jinse didn't feign modesty, promptly saying, "My brother's just teaching, not even making it to associate professor by now; how can he compare with me?"

Old Mr. Fang laughed freely, his eyes brightened for a moment, with prominent wrinkles at the corners of his eyes.

He nodded.

"Yes, your brother lacks ambition; he could surely shine brighter."

"It's not that he lacks ambition; he's just lazy. He doesn't do it himself, expecting me to take over." Cao Jinse complained, "In the next life, I definitely won't be his younger sister again."

"You'd be his older sister instead, right?"

Old Mr. Fang saw through her little scheme at a glance.

Cao Jinse remained silent.

The old man burst into laughter, causing the medical staff standing by to monitor him to become extremely tense and anxious.

"Jinse, the bonds people share are only matters of this lifetime. Whether we can be family in the next life or even meet again is unknown. Therefore, we must cherish the bonds of this life."

"So Grandpa Fang has forgiven Fang Jun, right?"

The old man was noncommittal and gently said, "Perhaps I am still selfish."

"That's not selfishness. That's human nature."

Cao Jinse said, "According to Grandpa Fang, being family is for this life, not the next."

The old man pursed his lips and then spoke, "Jinse, Grandpa Fang has an immodest request."

"Please, go ahead, Grandpa Fang."

"In the future, if I'm no longer around, I hope you can show leniency towards the Fang Family."

Cao Jinse's expression finally changed.

"Why does Grandpa Fang say such things?"

"Life and death are natural laws; no one can escape them. I have lived this long, witnessing the country's journey from poverty and weakness to prosperity and strength. I am content and have no regrets. With someone like you as a successor, I believe our nation's future will only grow brighter."

Cao Jinse's eyes showed a ripple of emotion.

The issues among descendants should not burden the elders.

Success is abundant, but sometimes the family reaps bitter fruit.

Some elders indeed dedicated their lives to their land, breathing and fate intertwined.

Fang Lao's gaze fell on her face, emanating pure and undiluted kindness.

"Grandpa Fang should apologize to you; we're holding you back."

"Grandpa Fang, please don't say that."

The old man continued, "I will speak with your Uncle Fang and the others. I trust they won't be too foolish. Especially after I'm gone, it might make them more sober-minded."

Clearly.

This old man was already arranging his affairs.

"Grandpa Fang, I promise you."

Cao Jinse spoke, causing the old man to smile wide once more, having fought for the country in his youth and exerting all his strength in his twilight years to pave the way for his descendants.

Greatness or selfishness.

No one can judge.

"Mr. Fang, you need to rest now."

The medical staff finally couldn't help but step forward, bending down to speak.

"Grandpa Fang, I'll come visit you another day."

Cao Jinse stood up as she said this.

"Jinse."

As she was leaving, the old man called to her.

Cao Jinse turned back.

"Thank you."

The old man's eyes were complex, but he wore a smile.

"Grandpa Fang, you've worked hard. You should rest well now. Your labor and endeavors are for us to guard over."

With that, Cao Jinse smiled and turned to leave.

Fang Lao sat dazed in his wheelchair, his eyes vacant, perhaps seeing the nation in its state of rebuilding long ago, or perhaps seeing himself filled with ideals and vitality.

"Good, good, good..."

He muttered quietly.

Exiting the Fang residence, after crossing the threshold, Cao Jinse stopped and took a deep breath. She glanced back and then stepped forward again.

"Miss, how come it's so fast? The Fang Family is so rude, not even offering a meal."

Youmao appeared out of nowhere.

Since the two families lived on the same street, they hadn't driven.

"Since when are you so polite?"

Cao Jinse asked as she walked in the direction of home.

"Well, the Fang Family is so bad; you didn't even hold a grudge, and still paid them a New Year's visit. Yet they don't show any gratitude."

Cao Jinse stopped.

Youmao, puzzled, blinked her big eyes and asked, "Miss, what's wrong?"

"Someone in the Fang Family made a mistake, but that doesn't mean the entire Fang Family is bad. The honor of the Fang Family wasn't stolen or grabbed, but earned through their own efforts."

Youmao seemed to somewhat understand yet possibly didn't at all. She tentatively asked, "Miss, are you reconciled with the Fang Family?"

Cao Jinse looked at that seemingly forever childlike face, and with a relaxed expression, she suddenly smiled.

What's the point of discussing this with a little rabbit?

Her world is simple, she wouldn't understand, nor is there a need for her to understand.

Cao Jinse didn't say another word and continued walking forward.

Youmao followed alongside, not chattering incessantly anymore. Her world may indeed not be that complicated, but she understood that when Miss didn't want to speak, asking more was meaningless.

"Miss, where else do you want to go?"

"Nowhere else."

"Not going to pay a New Year's visit?"

"Not today."

As they walked to the doorstep, Cao Jinse slowed her steps.

There was a plain and unadorned Hongqi parked by the roadside.

"Oh no, we've been burgled."

Youmao stared at the Hongqi, her brows furrowed, a look of righteous indignation on her face.

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