Chapter 84: Meeting the Parents

Liu Feng and his parents followed Zhao Linfei into a luxuriously decorated courtyard. Zhao Linfei said to them, “Sister, you’ll stay here today. If there’s anything to discuss, let’s talk about it tomorrow.”

Zhao Jing nodded. “Alright.” After a pause, she added, “Xiaofei, accompany me tomorrow to see Father. I haven’t seen him for more than ten years.”

Zhao Linfei replied, “I haven’t seen Father for a year myself. We’ll go together tomorrow. Well then, you all should rest. I won’t disturb you further.” With that, he departed.

Liu Feng entered the room and found it spacious, with refined decor clearly indicating wealth.

Liu Yuming also stepped inside, closed the door, and pulled Liu Feng and Zhao Jing close, whispering, “I sense something’s wrong with Second Brother.”

Zhao Jing was surprised. “Really? I didn’t notice anything unusual.”

Liu Feng was intrigued. “Father, why do you feel that way?”

Liu Yuming explained, “Jing, think about Second Brother’s attitude when he saw us today compared to usual. Isn’t there a marked difference? And he kept avoiding eye contact while speaking.”

Zhao Jing thought for a moment. “There are indeed some differences. Maybe he suddenly...” She trailed off, unable to finish.

Thanks to Liu Yuming’s reminder, she realized Second Brother’s behavior was indeed odd. In the past, if he made a mistake, he would only apologize in private, never drawing attention to anything shameful.

Liu Yuming continued, “So tomorrow, at the banquet, we must all be careful.”

Zhao Jing and Liu Feng nodded, now wary of the situation.

The next morning.

After breakfast, Liu Feng and his parents were chatting when suddenly the door was knocked. Liu Feng opened it to find Zhao Linfei.

He stepped inside. “Sister, have you had breakfast? If you have, let’s go see Father.”

Zhao Jing stood up. “We were just waiting for you. Since you’re here, let’s go visit him.” She led the way out.

Zhao Linfei stopped her. “Sister, let me lead the way. After so many years, you probably don’t remember where Father lives.” With that, he walked ahead, and the three followed.

They passed through several courtyards before stopping at a grand one. Zhao Linfei pointed to the house. “Father has lived here since his injury. The decor may not be lavish, but the environment is excellent.”

They entered, and a rush of fresh air greeted them, evoking a sense of returning to nature. Liu Feng glanced around: the courtyard was vast, with artificial hills, pavilions, bamboo groves, willow trees, and many unknown species. In the distance, a small pond teemed with colorful fish darting about and occasionally surfacing.

Here, one felt relaxed and joyful, as if troubles were momentarily forgotten.

Zhao Linfei led the group through bamboo groves and pavilions, stopping in front of a house. He stepped forward and knocked. “Father, are you inside? Xiaofei and Sister are here to see you.”

After a moment, the door opened, and a tall, elderly man emerged.

He smiled at Zhao Linfei. “Xiaofei, it seems your strength has improved greatly since last year.”

Zhao Linfei approached. “Father, you’re still vigorous as ever.”

The old man stroked his beard and laughed heartily. Then, turning to Zhao Jing, he was visibly moved.

Zhao Jing hurried to him, her face tinged with sadness. “Father, your daughter has been unfilial—I haven’t visited you in all these years.”

The old man patted her shoulder and sighed. “It’s not entirely your fault. I refused to let you be with Yuming and told you that if you did, you could never return to the Zhao family. I never imagined your resolve—you’d rather endure hardship with him than set foot in Zhao’s house again.”

After a pause, he continued, “Now I’ve come to understand. As long as you’re happy, I won’t stand in your way, no matter who you’re with. I just hope you’ll come home often to see this old man.”

Zhao Jing choked with emotion. “Don’t worry, Father. As long as you don’t drive me away, I’ll stay in the Zhao family. By the way, how is your injury?”

The old man smiled with relief. “I’ve nearly recovered. Your forgiveness means more to me than anything.” He turned to Liu Yuming. “Yuming, do you still resent my past decision?”

Liu Yuming quickly replied, “Father-in-law, you opposed us for Jing’s safety. After all, I had lost my martial arts abilities then.”

“It’s good you see it that way.” The old man walked over and patted Liu Yuming’s shoulder.

“Yuming, is this your son? He certainly has the bearing of a young hero—excellent, excellent.” He looked at Liu Feng with satisfaction.

“Grandfather, you truly are vigorous and spirited,” Liu Feng said with a smile.

“You have a way with words,” the old man laughed. “Let’s talk inside.”

They followed him into the house. Liu Feng glanced around and found the interior very simple—just a set of table and chairs, a large bed, a wardrobe, and some daily necessities. Nothing flashy.

After they were seated, the old man asked, “Jing, I suppose you didn’t return without reason this time?”

Zhao Jing nodded and recounted how Second Brother had invited them.

The old man listened, his brow furrowed, and shouted angrily, “The second son is still so unreliable—his actions never bring peace of mind.”

Zhao Linfei quickly said, “Second Brother knows he was wrong. Today, he intends to apologize publicly to Sister and Brother-in-law before the Zhao family.”

The old man’s expression softened. “At least he’s not beyond hope.”

“It’s almost time to go to the council hall. Second Brother should have the banquet ready,” Zhao Linfei said, checking the time.

The old man nodded. “Let’s go then.”

Zhao Linfei got up and led the way to the Zhao family council hall, with Liu Feng and the others following.

When they arrived, more than ten tables of sumptuous dishes had already been laid out.

Zhao Gaofeng greeted them with a smile. “Father, Sister, Yuming, please sit here.” He ushered them to the main table.

He then left the hall, went to a secluded spot, and took out a communication talisman. “The fish is in the net.”