Chapter 1310 Stormy Nights
Honestly speaking, Xia Zhao really thought his grandfather treated him very well. Yes, he seemed a bit perfunctory and a bit distant too but that was just how he was. It didn't mean he didn't love his grandson but it was just his nature. In fact, he was only able to show his feelings to Grandmother Xia. Apart from her, he wasn't very good at showing affection.
That's why Xia Zhao was used to it. But he was still able to understand his grandfather and he knew that grandfather loved him. "Ignore him," said Grandmother Xia to Mu Chenyan. "Don't mind your Grandpa. He is old and has gone senile too."
Mu Chenyan pursed her lips to suppress her laughter. This comment was very unexpected but when she looked at Grandfather Xia's expression, she found it rather cute. He was still looking at his wife with a doting look in his eyes which even he didn't seem to notice.
"Also, don't mind our useless talk either. We come from perilous times. Back then a lot of people had their love stories written on the war field. And a lot more stories ended there too."
"I admire people from that time," said Mu Chenyan. "They were brave enough to fight for their country without expecting anything in return. You didn't have to be a soldier to fight for your country. You could do it just to protect your family and friends from the enemies. The courage of people from that time is admirable."
Grandmother Xia gave her a small smile, "You are also very admirable."
"I am?"
"You're selfless, responsible, and very loyal. These traits alone are enough to make you an admirable person. And someone worthy of looking up to."
Mu Chenyan bit her lip, "You really know a lot about me."
"I think we know enough," said Grandmother Xia.
"But I disagree with one thing. I'm not selfless. I can be very selfish too."
"That's not something bad," replied Grandfather Xia. "If anything, I like you more because of that trait. Selfless people are always trampled under too much pressure. Selfishness is not always bad."
"Lao Xia is right," said Grandmother Xia. "I thought you won't like me," said Mu Chenyan. "Aren't you very serious about principles and rules? You even sever ties with your own son because of your principles."
"We are not that rigid about everything," said Grandfather Xia seriously. "We are old. Yes, we come from conservative times too. And it's also true that my clan has been able to preserve the principles and culture of our ancestors too. But it doesn't mean we are not flexible. The world is changing fast every second. Even if we live in seclusion far apart from the world, we aren't completely cut off from it either. The reason why we severed ties with our son was very simple. He broke the rules of the clan. It's unacceptable when it comes to morals and integrity. If it was anything else, we might have forgiven him. But he didn't honor his promise and we don't accept that."
Grandmother Xia gave Mu Chenyan a reassuring look, "Yes, there are some habits of yours that we might not like. However, that's different. Zhao loves you. That's enough. Besides, there is no question about your character. You are very admirable. You honored the promise you made to your godmother on her deathbed and raised your niece like your treasure. I'd say you did an exceptional job. You took your responsibility seriously. How can we not like you?" She paused to glance at her grandson as she added, "Besides, we wanted you to marry Zhao for a very long time. It hadn't changed over the years. We still think you're the best choice for our grandson. Someone like a storm is necessary in his tranquil life. How else will life get exciting? If life is like still water, it isn't interesting enough. It's dead water. So, some turbulence is necessary to keep going."
"Did you hear that?" Mu Chenyan elbowed Xia Zhao. "I'm the storm in your life."
"Didn't we already know that?" asked Xia Zhao in return. "You are indeed the storm. More like a tornado."
"Thanks for the compliment."
Seeing the smile on her grandson's face, Grandmother Xia turned to her husband and whispered, "Did you look at that? I'm glad your grandson learned to smile unlike you who can never get a smile right." She tsked, "I told you, love can subconsciously put a smile on your face. It's indeed true that you didn't love me enough. That's why I could never see such a sweet smile on your face."
"Wife, we are so old. Can you stop saying that?"
"Why can't I say it? I have regrets in my life too. Why did I like a guy with the facial paralysis?"
"Because you thought you'd be able to share your sweet smile with me."
Grandmother Xia sighed, "Indeed. I challenged myself to make you smile like me. In the end, you taught me not to smile like you. What a tragedy of my life. If my family hadn't been lost in the war, they would have never let me get together with you. Your face alone would scare them away."
Mu Chenyan noticed them whispering to each other in a low voice and smiled at Xia Zhao, "They have a very good relationship."
"I know," he answered. "I have always been envious of their relationship."
"They must have never fought."
"Who said that? They fight all the time. Grandmother says fighting makes the relationship stronger. Because only when you're willing to coax each other, do you know for sure that the love is still alive. And that the person is worth the effort."
"Are you telling me to fight more with you?" asked Mu Chenyan as she raised her brows at him.
"As if we have any less fights now," he responded. "You're already tired?"
"No. No way. I'll never get tired. I never even got tired of my boring life. Why would I get bored with a storm like you?"
"Because not everyone likes stormy nights."
"But I do," he said seriously. "I love stormy nights way too much."
Seeing the intensity in his eyes, Mu Chenyan smiled to herself and avoided looking into his eyes that seemed to be burning right now.
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