Chapter 58 (1/2)

In the living room, Old Master Gong was seated on an antiquated, oriental mahogany armchair. He had a neatly trimmed beard and wore a pair of golden rim gla.s.ses. Although he was eighty six years of age, with a ruddy complexion he looked as if he was in his early sixties. That pair of eyes behind the gla.s.ses held a formidable strength.

When he caught sight of the two people — an adult and a child — coming in, the pair of eyes behind the gla.s.ses widened. He held up the rim of his gla.s.ses and gazed intently at the little boy who his grandson had walked in with. So this was the child?

“Grandpa.” Giving him a smile, Gong Yexiao sat down beside him and lowered the little boy from his arms. Raising his small face which bore a strong resemblance to his father's, the little fellow gazed inquisitively at Old Master Gong.

Looking at his fearless son, Gong Yexiao could not help but let out a chuckle. “Yuze, greet your great-grandpa.”

“h.e.l.lo, great-grandpa.” The clear, tender voice was pleasing to the ear.

Old Master Gong reached out excitedly and drew the little boy to his side. He held up the rim of his gla.s.ses and scrutinized the little fellow.

“Alike… very much alike. He looks exactly like you, Yexiao, when you were just a child. He is indeed a child of the Gong family.” Old Master Gong immediately broke into laughter. Turning serious, he then asked Gong Yexiao, “Yexiao, how do you explain this? How did a child of the Gong family appear elsewhere?”

Blinking his big eyes, the little boy sensed that his daddy might be in for a scolding. The little fellow could not help but plead, “Great-gandpa, please don't scold daddy!”

“I'm not scolding him. But I lay the blame on him for allowing you to leak out[1] in the first place.” Old Master Gong explained gently to him.

But because the little one was still young and his language proficiency was limited, he had some difficulty comprehending what was said. Puzzled, the little boy asked, “Great-grandpa, why did you say that I had been leaked out? I'm not water. How can I be leaked?”

These words from the little boy instantly lighten up the solemn atmosphere. Even Old Master Gong burst out laughing. Gong Yexiao had to stifle a laugh.

Seeing that his great-grandpa and daddy were both laughing, the little boy dissolved into giggles. He then threw himself into the arms of Old Master Gong. While raising his head to look up at his white beard, he asked. “Great-grandpa, what long beard you have! May I touch it?”

Old Master Gong had not held a child in his arms for a long time. He stretched his arms to lift the little boy up. At his side, Gong Yexiao said with worry, “Grandpa, you don't have to carry him.”

“Why? You're worried that I won't be able to carry my great-grandson?” Old Master Gong then gazed fondly at the little fellow in his arms. He doted on his grandson, Gong Yexiao, the most. This affection naturally extended to this little boy as well.

Gong Yexiao relented. He had been filled with apprehension on their way here but now he felt himself loosen up. It seemed that this little fellow had his own charm — everyone could not help but adore him.

“Tell me, how have you been all these years? Did you have a hard time?” Old Master Gong asked while staring at his great-grandson.

Blinking his eyes, the little fellow shook his head. “Mommy is good to me.”

Surprise flashed through the old man's eyes. So this child really loved his mother?

“Xiao Ze, the steward uncle will take you around. Daddy and your great-grandpa have some things to discuss.”

The little boy obediently hopped down from Old Master Gong's lap. Looking at the spirited child, affection surged through Old Master Gong. He helped the little boy down so that he would not hurt himself.