CH 4415

4415 The Other Side 384

He had made an extra copy for Gong Shaoying.

From then on, this photograph became a replacement for Mu Qingcheng. It was framed and placed on his desk. This was a spot that he would look at often. Every time he felt tired, he would reach for the photograph and look at it for a while. His fingers would caress those faces one by one. Youyou’s face, Little Yichen’s face, Yueyao’s face…

He could never abandon thoughts of them. Other than that, he had no other thoughts.

Initially, he was very obsessed with reconciling with Yun Shishi. He wanted to reunite with her, no matter what it took, and he would stop at nothing until he got what he wanted. However, he had seen all the pain that his decision had caused her. It was impossible not to feel vexed.

He realized how selfish he was being. It was because of his selfishness that Mu Qingcheng never had the chance to see him for the last time. It was because of his selfishness that his daughter, whom he cared about the most, had wandered lost for so many years. However, he had hurt her again and again because of his ignorance.

He finally understood.

What was reconciliation? Compared to his daughter’s happiness, it was nothing.

Hence, he no longer pursued this act of acknowledgment. As long as she could live a peaceful and happy life, he would not ask for more. He did not expect to be forgiven. Even for the fact that, if Yun Shishi didn’t forgive him for the rest of her life, it would have been an even greater regret than what had happened with Mu Qingcheng.

However, he had brought this upon himself, so he could not blame others. Even if she really did not forgive him, it was only right. He wasn’t going to insist.

He was engrossed in the family portrait when a voice suddenly came from beside him.

“Father…”

He was startled by Gong Jie’s voice.

Gong Shaoying raised his head in surprise. When he realized that Gong Jie had entered at some point, he looked solemn at once.

“Why did you come in without knocking?”

Gong Jie was indignant. “I did, but you didn’t hear me.”

Gong Shaoying was speechless. This kid was really getting more and more impudent. In the past, he had always been respectful and well-mannered.

Embarrassed, Gong Shaoying placed the family portrait back in its original position. Clearing his throat, he asked, “Has your sister… left?”

“No.”

“Oh? How long is she planning to stay on the island?”

Gong Jie was skeptical when he heard this. “Father, are you so keen for her to leave quickly?”

“Cough…” Gong Shaoying glared at him awkwardly. “Why should I be keen for her to leave? She may stay as long as she likes.”

He could afford to look after her for the rest of his life. He could even support Mu Yazhe’s Shengyu Group, let alone Yun Shishi.

He feigned nonchalance and said, “If she likes this place, let her stay here for a while longer! This is a beautiful place. It’s a good place for a vacation.”

Gong Shaoying sounded as if he were introducing a holiday destination. The way he feigned nonchalance tickled Gong Jie and the man was greatly amused, although his heart ached at the same time.

It was inconvenient for him to initiate it but as a father, he would have wanted Yun Shishi to stay for a few more days. This feeling was like being at ease knowing that his daughter was on the island, even if he could not see her.

Ever since he turned 50, he had felt this way.

For some people, opportunities to meet are finite.

Life was approaching a countdown gradually. And his vigor was slowly seeping away.