Chapter 1053: Chapter 285: The Longevity Dilemma
Li Yan pondered for a moment: "You mentioned before that your dad was an old soldier..."
"Yeah, most of our bodyguards and security staff are retired soldiers."
"No, I meant your dad!" Li Yan thought of an idea. "What do old soldiers care about the most?"
"What do they care about?"
"There are three types of ironclad friendships in life. Those who’ve been through school together, carried a gun together, and divided the spoils together! That is to say, classmates, comrades-in-arms, and partners in crime are the three strongest bonds." Li Yan had actually heard of ’four ironclad bonds,’ with an additional ’visited brothels together,’ but he thought it inappropriate to mention it to Li Jie. "So, no matter how much your dad cares for other old soldiers, the deepest bond in his heart is undoubtedly with his comrades-in-arms from back in the day!"
Li Jie listened seriously and asked thoughtfully, "Are you saying... we should invite my dad’s old military comrades to celebrate his birthday?"
"That would definitely be the best idea. But realistically, it might not be feasible. Everyone is now in their fifties, with their own businesses and families, scattered all over the country, making it difficult to gather everyone. However, we should give it a try. Inviting them for a reunion under this pretext might attract a few to come!"
Li Jie became excited, "Yes! Some of them he probably hasn’t seen in ages. Having even one attend would mean more than ten ordinary guests. It’s easier to gather company people, but they are becoming harder to find. So, how should we go about it?"
Li Yan gave her a sideways glance, "Obviously, you need to find a way to discreetly gather the list, preferably without asking your dad directly, to give him a surprise. You might know people familiar with him or some of his comrades who can discreetly gather information and spread the word for us. We can cover all the travel expenses, like flights and hotel stays. I’ll manage it! As long as we keep it private, no one will have anything to say, right?"
Li Jie began thinking, trying to identify any suitable candidates for this task. Then she said, "I think this might not be the best approach, not because I want to save you money, but because... if we offer to reimburse everyone’s travel and accommodation costs, what impression will it give? That old Li is showing off his wealth? That guests should bring fancy gifts?"
Li Yan was initially startled and then laughed, "Sometimes you miss things, sometimes you’re very perceptive. What you said makes sense. Between comrades, excessive courtesy can be uncomfortable. I was just considering that some might not be financially well-off. But we can handle it this way: they cover travel costs themselves, and we’ll take care of room and board here. With their bond as old comrades, they won’t be overly polite, but might bring something like local cigarettes and alcohol instead!"
"But... it’s kind of urgent, and the birthday is approaching soon. Without his knowledge, it’s challenging to find the list of his comrades and contact them," Li Jie said with some worry.
"Nonsense! A surprise wouldn’t be simple, right? If it were as straightforward as you think, should I just find you a stepmother?"
"Get lost! I can definitely do it!" Li Jie was immediately stirred into confidence.
She realized that this guy had been holding her the whole time while talking! Luckily, no one was around to see, so she hurriedly pushed him away.
Li Yan hesitated for a moment, "To be honest, your idea might not be so bad."
"What are you talking about? You wouldn’t really mean it, would you?" Li Jie feigned anger, raising her fist at him.
"Why hasn’t your dad remarried? Don’t tell me it’s because of love! He was an old soldier, unlikely to find someone in the barracks. Relationships likely started after he retired, and they must have developed feelings, perhaps even deep ones, but certainly not undying love," Li Yan said, ignoring her frown.
"Why? Even if he remarries, he can still keep your mom in his heart. I think the main reasons are you and Jie Rui! He didn’t want you to feel the burden of having a stepmother. With you and his career, he found a sense of fulfillment. But things are different now. You’ve grown up and will eventually leave him. After Jie Rui’s reform, he can step back and enjoy life. You are trying hard to preserve his efforts, attempting to take over and steer the company. But he’d be alone, enjoying what?"
Li Jie listened to his words and reflected silently. Could it really be so? Would Dad long for someone new?
"I wouldn’t leave my dad, and the company can’t do without him. He just doesn’t need to be so occupied..."
"Keep telling yourself that! When you were protecting or soft-detaining Yu Xiao Di in the Yu Family years ago, how did you keep your dad company? How do you know what he thinks or does now while you work?"
Li Jie was at a loss for words. She mumbled, "Does a man have to find a woman..." Realizing it was pointless to ask him, knowing well this guy not only wanted a woman but wanted to have several!
"Everyone has emotional needs, some more than others, some suppress, some openly express. You might have not accepted a stepmother before, but now you’ve grown. You won’t be with them daily and won’t be bullied by a stepmother. You could consider it for him, finding a companion when he’s in his eighties wouldn’t be as good as doing it sooner. Maybe you’d even get a little brother..."
"Get lost!" Li Jie spat lightly, but she was partly persuaded by his words. (To be continued, to know what happens next, please visit www.qidian.com, with more Chapters available, support the author, support legitimate reading!)
