My Alleged Husband

Chapter 1200 - 1030: Tremendous Gains

Old Master Zhang was very aware that perhaps in front of his own family, he had received nothing. He had sacrificed so much, taken each step on a path that demanded more from him than others, yet in the end, all he got was a futile outcome.

He once believed that everything he did was the happiest pursuit, but who knew how difficult each decision was? He took the risk of facing everyone’s opposition to do what he wanted, with a firm resolve, never regretting a single step. He felt that as long as he had done it, as long as he was happy now, and was able to achieve what he had long desired, that was enough!

Reflecting later, he realized all his efforts were worthwhile, regardless of the final outcome or whether he obtained what he most wanted. In his eyes, he had already achieved his goal, step by step reaching where he stood now; the life he wanted was like this.

He has no regrets about his life, nor the decisions he made back then. Even if he faced much ridicule and mistrust from others, he held firm because he knew in his heart that once he chose to do something, he must do it to the best or not touch it at all, or strive to be the strongest.

Zhang Yichen always knew his grandfather had a strong character, never considering how difficult his grandfather’s life had been. In Yichen’s world, he saw his grandfather as someone who was always glorious, despite the hardships he faced, repeatedly pushed down to life’s depths, struggling to rise again.

But he can vividly remember every word his grandfather once said to him, regardless of their meaning. He couldn’t discern the details of the past, wanting in his heart only the care and love of his relatives, despite lacking parental love over the years. He gained all the love and responsibility instead.

No matter how he lived before, whether his childhood was happy or painful, now in his view, as long as he is happy, that’s enough. He is no longer as greedy as before, ready to do anything to achieve his goals. He understands now, as long as his family is happy, gathered together, enjoying meals gladly, he is content. He has never been overly demanding; as long as he desires something, he is willing to give all his effort, advancing step by step on his life’s path, never letting any situation bring him down. He isn’t someone fragile; otherwise, he wouldn’t stand where he is today, still at the top of the world.

Zhang Zhentian looked at his father’s white hair, knowing he worried all these years. Despite wandering the world, his life was carefree, but what about his family? Who was truly happy each day? Who hadn’t worried about how he fared outside? His selfishness led to this dilemma, leaving his aging father waiting in vain, ultimately only bringing disappointment and despair.

His heart was cruel enough to make those who truly loved him endure hardship, while he remained oblivious.

His repeated cold-hearted actions resulted in his family’s continual forgiveness. Yet, why did he make those decisions back then? Now he regrets more and more, unable to comprehend his past thoughts and cruelty.

"Dad, you know? Seeing your white hair made my heart ache uncontrollably. I don’t understand why your actions still tug at my heartstrings. Every step you’ve taken over the years has been for us.

But everything I’ve done has never considered your perspective. You remain selfless as always, thinking for everyone else, forgetting what you want most yourself. You’ve never lived selfishly for once; always stern and selfless, sacrificed everything for others, but what did you ultimately get? What conclusion did you reach?

I really can’t bear it; you only have this one life, yet it’s been full of sadness and pain. All I want to see is your happy and cheerful days, that’s what’s most important to us, but I’ve never given it to you.

As parents, you’ve been excessively competent, making us always appear humble before you. We’ve never truly understood what you most desire. We always assume you’re omnipotent, able to have everything you want, leading us to forget that we should keep you company. I once lacked a sense of doing things properly.

But I sincerely wish to stay by your side. Now, in your eyes, I might be worthless, but you know? I once thought as long as you let me return home, I could disregard everything else. I’ve achieved not caring as I did before about everything, because I know my most important task now is keeping my family close, never apart, at any time or place. That’s the main thing.

I’ve forgotten how many mistakes I’ve made in life, lost count of the wrong paths I’ve taken, oblivious to what led me here. Though everything might appear changed in your eyes, deeply within myself, I know, regardless of change, the reality of hurting you remains unaltered!"