Chapter 18 - Grampy (1/2)

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

The car stopped in front of the Mo Mansion. The Mo Mansion was a multi-story bungalow built based on a foreign style structure. It had six Ionia-styled pillars in the front porch, with all the walls painted in a cream-white color. The design was exquisite.

Wen Xinya felt teary when she saw the familiar building in front of her.

The Mo Family were descendants of a scholar family since the period of the Qing Dynasty. It had a much deeper heritage in comparison to the Wen Family. During the Japanese occupation, the ancestor of the Mo Family was assigned as the principal of the Capital University and was tasked to spread and educate the concept of strengthening society by studying. The Mo Family suffered relentless attacks and most of the Mo Family members were killed. When it reached Grampy, he was the only descendant of the family. Grampy had a very close relationship to Granny and he became a father at middle-age. So when Granny died of dystocia like Mother, he decided not to remarry.

Although the Mo Family suffered a decline of influence, everyone still respected them. Apart from the Mo Family’s deep heritage, Grampy had also established himself as an influential figure in the literary world. No one dared to show him any disrespect.

In her previous life, when Wen Xinya had just returned to the Wen Family, Grampy, a white-haired old man, had fetched her over for a short stay. He saw how unrefined she was, so he decided to teach her skills in poetry, chess, and painting. He had been strict with her. At that time she thought she was already the true Wen Family’s daughter and hence her behavior was arrogant and impatient. She wouldn’t withstand any discipline, so she secretly returned to the Wen Family. When Ning Shuqian sowed discord afterward, her relationship with Grampy got worse.

After that Grampy came to visit Wen Xinya a few times at the Wen Family. Then he suffered a heart attack and died at home, alone. His body was only discovered by his student three days later when he was unable to contact him.

Wen Xinya regretted how unfilial she had been in her previous life. She decided to stay by Grampy this time and see him enjoy longevity.

“Xinya, Xinya…”

Wen Xinya held back her tears. “Grandpa!”

Old Mr. Wen noticed her low spirits. He recalled this morning’s incident and had a sense of guilt and pity towards her. “We have arrived. What are you thinking about? You were so deep in thought that you didn’t hear me calling you,” he asked.

“It’s nothing. I just had a strong feeling when I saw this building. It seems like it has gone through the vicissitudes of life.” That’s right! This building had a rich heritage in history. It has witnessed the well-off Mo Family through its misfortunes, and also witnessed Grampy’s lonely life.

Old Mr. Wen sighed. “This bungalow has been built since the era of the warlords. From that time until the Japanese occupation, and then till the communist wars, it has been more than 90 years. It has been renovated and part of it was reconstructed several times. It’s your Grampy’s wish to stay here.”

Old Tao, the driver, opened the door for Old Mr. Wen. Wen Xinya went over and held him by his arm.

Roses were growing on the black metal gate. There were red, white, peach-colored and pink roses, beautiful and magnificent. The surrounding was filled with the fragrance of fresh flowers. It was an enchanting moment.

A quinquagenarian and a sharp looking white-haired old man came out together.

Wen Xinya immediately recognized them. The quinquagenarian was Uncle Zhang, the housekeeper of the Mo Family, and the white-haired old man was Grampy, Mo Xianqi.

Uncle Zhang quickly came to open the metal gate. He stared at Wen Xinya, who was quietly standing there, with tears welling up in his eyes. “She looks… very much alike…” he exclaimed.

He then realized it was rude of him to let the guests stand outside. He instantly opened the gate wider and greeted them. “Old Wen, Miss young lady, please come in!”