novelraw Chapter 510 - 489: Choice_1
Chapter 510 - 489: Choice_1
Zhang Zhentian himself didn’t know what he should do. His biological father wanted to find him, to take him back home, but when he had taken the initiative to go home, his father had repeatedly turned him away. Although it hurt him deeply, it made him even more conflicted and pained. So many things made it impossible for him not to think about them; often, he couldn’t accept what had happened, but he had no choice, because the final decision was not up to him. Yet now, his biological father had actually said these words to him—how could his heart not be moved? But what should he do to thoroughly handle this matter?
Sometimes, it’s like this; you might think the things you did were unintentional, not meant to turn out as they did, but from someone else’s perspective, if you made those choices in the first place, why feel regret now? Everyone has different perspectives, but when it comes down to it, everyone feels the internal struggle. What should you do? On one hand, there’s your pride and dignity, and on the other, your warm family. Which should you choose?
In the end, Zhang Zhentian decided to make a call to Old Master Zhang. He felt that regardless of his decision, he should inform his biological father, as a matter of respect, if nothing else. He was not impolite or ungrateful, releasing revenge for kindness. He absolutely couldn’t let the world label him as a heartless villain.
When Old Master Zhang received the call from his own son at home, he was ecstatic. He believed that after all his begging, his son would surely hurry home. He knew he hadn’t been intentional in his actions as a father and understood his son desired to return to his family, as he had seen the longing in his eyes when he went to find him. However, the joy turned to ice when he heard what his son had to say. He didn’t understand what kind of hatred led his son to reject returning home despite his pleas.
"Zhentian, have you thought it over and decided to come back? If so, pack up and come back quickly. If it’s not convenient for you, tell me and I’ll come to get you. As long as you can come back, everything else can be discussed..."
Listening to his father’s words, Zhang Zhentian’s heart ached. Despite deciding not to return home, the sheer joy in his father’s voice was palpable. Could he bring himself to tell him the harsh truth? Perhaps his father really realized his mistakes? Should he reconsider his decision—he caused so much strife within the family, and though the situation could be amicably resolved, why let it get so bad? Did his heart truly allow it? Why not ask himself what he truly wanted?
"Dad, it’s not like you think. I didn’t call today to say I’m coming back. I called to tell you I don’t want to come back. I’ve been wandering for years and have grown accustomed to life outside. When I tried to return home, whatever your reasons, you always shut me out. That proved to me that deep down, you really didn’t want me to return. So why ruin everyone’s peace? Isn’t living alone not that bad? Why make a big deal out of something minor? I don’t want much – just to live happily without anyone interfering. I know the words you said to me came from your heart, but I still can’t let go of my grievances. After being shut out for so many years, I can’t quite let it go. I’m sorry, Dad. My decision might surprise and sadden you, but I hope you can understand my feelings. Having made this decision, I won’t regret it. It was well-considered. I can’t say these cruel words to you in person because I can’t bear to see the hurt look on your face, and as your son, I can’t bring myself to abandon you. I can’t do it anymore; I’m getting older too, maybe because of age, or something else, but I still hope for your forgiveness. You should know my actions had their reasons, and I just don’t know how to go back to the past!"
"Don’t you miss your own son, your grandson? Do you realize that one day you’ll regret this decision? If you don’t come back today, your son might choose never to forgive you for the rest of his life. Do you really want your son to hate his own father forever? Do you not know how much he has longed for his father by his side, to guide him, to help him? But what about you? After wandering for so long, haven’t you had enough? Do you still not want a home, preferring to wander forever? Do you know every decision you make breaks the hearts of those who love you, and those who love you are always cleaning up the mess behind you, without conditions? I don’t want to say anything else; I just want to ask you one thing—can’t you stop being so selfish? Do you think it’s good to be so selfish? Does being selfish really only harm yourself? You’re always hurting those who love you the most. Don’t you know love comes from caring for you, treating you as family, valuing you highly? Yet you hurt them in return. Doesn’t that make their hearts human too? If a person’s heart dies, then they’ll never be moved by anyone again for the rest of their life, do you understand? Do you really want to make it so no one will ever be moved by you again?"