The old man’s heartfelt conversation left Ye Chen feeling a wave of despair.
He had never delved so deeply into this issue before, partly because he felt it wasn’t yet time to make a choice, and partly because he knew such matters were difficult to find an optimal solution for.
What his grandfather said was naturally correct: as long as he could resolve the issue with the Po Qing Society and deal with Wu Feiyan, he must openly acknowledge his roots and return to the Ye family, letting the world know that the child of Ye Changying and An Chengxi had come back.
But how would he face Xiao Churan when that day came?
She would eventually find out everything; it was only a matter of time.
At this thought, Ye Chen couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow.
Once you start lying, countless other lies follow.
Over this period, he had not only hidden his identity from Xiao Churan but also concealed many other things, some of which were even related to her parents.
For instance, the first time Ma Lan went to prison was after she stole his bank card and transferred the balance. He was the one who had her sent to jail. At the time, Xiao Churan was deeply worried, while he put on an act. Once his identity was exposed, she would surely piece everything together.
Seeing him remain silent, Ye Zhongquan knew his words had struck a chord. He then said, “Chen’er, think carefully about this matter. If you have time in the next couple of days, go visit your Uncle Gu.”
Ye Chen sighed, “Ah! I originally planned to visit, and I even promised Nannan that I’d pick her up early tomorrow morning and go to her house. But after everything you’ve told me, how can I face them now?”
Ye Zhongquan asked in surprise, “You’re going to pick up Nannan? Is she coming back?”
“Yes,” Ye Chen replied. “Nannan is already on her way back to the country. She should arrive in Beijing early tomorrow morning. I promised to pick her up.”
Ye Zhongquan immediately pressed, “What? You promised to pick her up, but now you’re going to back out because of what I told you? She’s a young girl traveling thousands of miles from abroad, flying for over ten hours, eagerly looking forward to seeing you as soon as she lands. And you’re just going to stand her up?”
“I…” Ye Chen was also frustrated. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t pick her up… I just don’t know how to face them, especially Uncle Gu and Aunt Lin.”
Ye Zhongquan waved his hand, “Don’t overthink it. Uncle Gu won’t bring this up directly with you; otherwise, he wouldn’t have discussed it with me. If you’re thick-skinned enough, just act like you don’t know anything. If he doesn’t bring it up, neither will you, and this chapter will be turned over.”
Ye Chen looked at Ye Zhongquan and said gloomily, “Grandpa, you can’t sneak in personal jabs like that. Are you implying I have a thick skin?”
Ye Zhongquan quickly clarified, “I didn’t mean that. I’m just giving you the best advice. You know it’s the right approach. If you don’t agree to this, the only option is to play dumb. If you outright reject Uncle Gu, you’ll be slapping the entire family in the face. Remember, they’ve been waiting for you for 20 years!”
Ye Chen felt even more frustrated. He knew he couldn’t outright reject the Gu family. How could he possibly do something so disrespectful?
The Gu family’s kindness to him was immeasurable, and they were even willing to marry their precious daughter to him, even suggesting she bear his children first. No matter what, he couldn’t say anything that would outright reject them.
