Chapter 136: Preparing to Let Go

Xia Xiyue paused, his gaze shifting to An'an, who bore a five- or six-part resemblance to Lu Yan. "Does your father know everything?"

An'an lifted his small face and gave a vigorous nod. "Pretty much. He also tells me about many things I’ve never even imagined."

Xia Xiyue pulled An'an into his arms. "Then tell me, what does your father usually talk to you about?"

Lu Yan had not spent much time with An'an, yet he—Xia Xiyue—had accompanied the boy from birth to growth. Was blood relation truly more significant than long-term companionship? He, too, wanted to know what kind of power Lu Yan possessed to make An'an accept and like him in such a short time.

An'an set down his toy robot, rested his chin on his hands, and puffed out his cheeks in thought. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "I’ll tell you something you’d never imagine."

"Go ahead!" Xia Xiyue crossed his legs, half-encircling An'an in his arms, watching him with great anticipation.

"Dad says that Country A’s navigation satellites can control aircraft, warships, ground troops, vehicles, and low-orbit spacecraft across the globe. They can also provide continuous, real-time, high-precision three-dimensional positioning. If developed further, future warfare might become entirely information-based."

Xia Xiyue was incredulous. "Your father talks to you about these things?" He couldn't even grasp such concepts himself; would a child like An'an really be interested? His gaze flickered as he asked, "These are things so far removed from us. Do you like hearing about them?"

An'an nodded. "They aren't far removed. Dad said that if China doesn't strive to catch up in developing its own navigation satellites, our national defense will be left very vulnerable. If a war were to break out, the consequences would be unimaginable. To develop the economy steadily and integrate into the world, we need a strong national defense. After all, the economy and the livelihood of the people concern every citizen."

Xia Xiyue stared at An'an in astonishment. Was this the insight of a four-year-old? So, this was how Lu Yan taught his child. He had assumed that children were satisfied with picture books, toys, and snacks. An'an was indeed different. Fortunately, he knew a thing or two about international affairs and economics himself. He agreed with Lu Yan and continued the thread: "Yes, that's correct. If China wants to further develop its economy, it must join the World Trade Organization. To join, it must negotiate with many countries; that is a test of comprehensive national strength. Do you want me to explain what the World Trade Organization is?"

An'an blinked. "Isn't it just an organization established by various countries so they can do business with each other?"

He didn't have much interest; hearing Uncle Xia mention negotiations and economics was enough for him to understand. Xia Xiyue was once again struck by surprise. A child like An'an was truly too brilliant. His memory, comprehension, and curiosity were far beyond his peers. What kind of man was Lu Yan?

Qingyi regarded An'an as her lifeline. If An'an was firmly committed to Lu Yan, then as long as Lu Yan did not propose divorce, he would never have a chance in this lifetime.

Just as he was lost in profound disappointment, the door to Shen Qingyi’s room creaked open. She still looked somewhat groggy, but her eyes immediately landed on the person next to An'an. "Xia Xiyue."

Xia Xiyue quickly stood up and walked over to her. "Are you feeling any better?"

Shen Qingyi nodded. "Yes, much better. How is Elder Qian?"

"He has been resuscitated, but he is not yet out of the danger zone. Would you like to go see him?"

Shen Qingyi still felt weak, but she gave a faint, fragile response: "Okay." Regardless of anything else, she had to go see him.

Shen Qingyi stepped out of the room, washed her face in the backyard, and returned to the living room, saying to An'an, "Let's go, we'll follow Uncle Xia to see Grandpa Qian."

"Okay!"

Just as An'an turned, Shen Qingyi caught sight of the new toy on the table. It was larger than any he had received before. She frowned and said to Xia Xiyue, "Why do you keep buying him such expensive things?"

"How is it expensive? As long as An'an likes it," Xia Xiyue replied without looking back as he headed out.

Shen Qingyi couldn't articulate her feelings; she only felt that she owed him another favor. She took An'an’s hand and followed him into Xia Xiyue’s car. The vehicle started and drove all the way to the entrance of the largest hospital in the capital.

They followed Xia Xiyue to the fifth floor and finally saw Qian Fanxi, wearing a hospital gown and hooked up to tubes. He was surrounded by several people—besides Fan Lei, Xia Xiyun, and Elder Qian’s two sons, the others were strangers to her.

Xia Xiyue led Shen Qingyi toward Qian Fanxi, who reached out a weak hand toward her. Shen Qingyi stepped forward and sat down beside him. A wave of sorrow washed over her, and she choked out, "Teacher!"

Qian Fanxi glanced at the others, his gaze finally resting on his own sons. "You all go out first. I have a few words for Qingyi."

Everyone was surprised. While Elder Qian had always looked after Shen Qingyi, she was not his most favored student. However, at a time like this, no one dared to ask questions, and they all obediently filed out.

Once the door was closed, Qian Fanxi spoke in a raspy, aged voice: "Qingyi, stop investigating your father's case. Just live your life well with Lu Yan."

Shen Qingyi’s eyes widened slightly. "Do you know something?"

Qian Fanxi sighed. "Before you came to study under me, your father secretly contacted me. He knew of my connection to the Fan family and took the initiative to offer to write a recommendation letter for Fan Lei to Country A’s HF University. At the time, I didn't think much of it; I only said I wanted to see your aptitude. I didn't expect that within half a month, Fan Lei would receive an admission letter from HF University. I was shocked and had someone investigate your father’s background. *Cough...*"

Qian Fanxi caught his breath and continued: "I discovered that his social status and reputation in his field were extremely high. Furthermore, his research papers were internationally recognized; otherwise, that recommendation letter wouldn't have secured Fan Lei an admission so quickly. Someone of that caliber—who would dare touch him? There were so many suspicious points in the case, yet the conviction was so swift. There must be someone behind this. Moreover, with this type of case, it is very difficult to stir up trouble again. If you fail, it will only implicate the future political careers of Lu Yan and An'an. Especially Lu Yan—given your background, you shouldn't have been able to marry him in the first place, but I don't know what happened, and yet you two ended up together. So, what you need to do now is not follow Xia Xiyue to Pengcheng to find witnesses, but to let everyone slowly forget about this matter. How much suffering have you and An'an endured over the years? I have seen it all."

Shen Qingyi remained silent for a long time before finally speaking: "Teacher, I know you are thinking of me, but this is unfair to my father. Everything you’ve said, I have already turned over in my mind a hundred, a thousand times, and I have weighed it all. Since one must make a choice, one must abandon some things and pay a certain price. In this world, there is no perfect way to be both loyal to one's conscience and to one's loved ones. I am already prepared to make those sacrifices."