CHAPTER 448: CHAPTER 448: THIS WINTER IS REALLY COLD (PART 8)

At noon, Tang Yanqi accompanied Mr. Sheng for lunch. The chef needed to go to the manor to select ingredients for the New Year celebrations. After informing Mr. Sheng, he also left.

For a moment, in the vast old house, there were only Tang Yanqi and Mr. Sheng.

The old man had a habit of taking a midday nap. Tang Yanqi wheeled him around in the courtyard for a while, basking in the midday sun. However, given that it was winter and the weather was cold, before long, Tang Yanqi helped the old man back to his room to rest.

Sitting up against the bed, Mr. Sheng held Tang Yanqi’s hand. His face was haggard, but his smile was kind and gentle. "Yanqi, good child, haven’t you always wanted to know why I chose you to be the granddaughter-in-law of the Sheng Family?"

Tang Yanqi nodded. Mr. Sheng’s smile grew even gentler, and his wrinkled eyes narrowed slightly. "Jianan is a child I’ve watched grow up. He’s better than his father, a prodigy since childhood, but he has also faced setbacks. That year, Jianan suddenly went blind, and his life hit a low point."

As Mr. Sheng spoke, he closed his eyes, seemingly very tired. "During that period, Jianan’s personality changed dramatically. Like a phoenix, some are reborn from the ashes, while others are consumed by the fire. During that time, someone kept sneaking into the retreat villa I prepared for Jianan to accompany and take care of him. Back then, none of the servants dared to go up to the second floor and only delivered Jianan’s meals before leaving in a hurry. Only that... little girl."

Tang Yanqi seemed to know what Mr. Sheng was going to say next and pressed her lips together tightly.

"Child, I know that person was you."

Tang Yanqi’s heart tightened. She had always thought she had kept it well hidden. How did Mr. Sheng know?

As if seeing through her confusion, the old man chuckled softly, "Silly child, if it wasn’t with my permission, do you think the Sheng Family’s villa would be so easy to sneak into?"

Tang Yanqi felt slightly embarrassed; she had never considered this question and always thought she was just very lucky.

"The first time I caught you, you were hanging from a tree. I thought you were a thief back then. But later, I had someone watch for two days and discovered that you would go there every day. Regardless of whether Jianan threw a tantrum at you or threw things at you, you would not leave. You were so young at that time, and I thought this little girl has resilience."

It seemed Mr. Sheng had talked a bit too much, as he struggled to catch his breath, gasping a few big breaths before continuing.

"Yanqi, I don’t deny that having you marry into the Sheng Family had a bit of my old selfishness. As Jianan’s grandfather, I hope he has someone who loves him to accompany him throughout his life. I know Jianan is stronger than his father, but ever since history, heroes have struggled to overcome beauty’s temptations. I don’t want Jianan to follow his father’s old path."

Tang Yanqi was surprised, wondering what he meant by that.

But she didn’t ask, instead listening quietly to Mr. Sheng’s words.

"I know I don’t have much time left, so I hope to see him marry that frail, yet brave girl who climbed walls for him and endured all his bad tempers before I close my eyes. You love Jianan, and Jianan should love you too. I thought, even if it turns out to be a wrong decision, Jianan wouldn’t treat you unfairly. At least the title of Young Madam Sheng could ensure you a lifetime of security."

Mr. Sheng coughed a couple of times, patting Tang Yanqi’s hand, "Child, forgive this old man’s selfishness."