The next morning, Chen Jing brought his father, Chen Sanwu, to the entrance of the Zhuang Family estate.
The two had just stopped and had not yet had a chance to knock when a servant standing guard at the gate recognized Chen Jing at a glance. He hurried over and bowed. "Young Master Chen, you're here! Please, come in. My young master gave instructions long ago."
As he spoke, the servant stepped aside to lead the way and ushered them into the estate.
As soon as they stepped inside, they saw Zhuang Tao hurrying over in a moon-white silk robe, a smile on his face. His light, quick steps made it clear he had been waiting for some time.
Zhuang Tao's gaze first fell on Chen Sanwu. He gave him a once-over, then turned to Chen Jing and asked with a smile, "Xiao Jing, this must be Uncle Chen, right?"
"That's right, Brother Tao. This is my father."
Chen Jing nodded, then introduced him to his father. "Dad, this is my senior brother, Zhuang Tao. We call him Brother Tao."
Looking at Zhuang Tao, whose fine clothes and distinguished bearing stood in stark contrast to his own, Chen Sanwu unconsciously rubbed his hands against his coarse clothes. Looking somewhat ill at ease, he said, "Young Master Zhuang..."
"Ah, Uncle, please don't call me that!"
Zhuang Tao hurriedly waved his hands, his tone earnest. "Xiao Jing and I have long treated each other as brothers. You're his father, so just call me Xiao Tao. Calling me Young Master Zhuang would only make us seem distant."
Chen Sanwu looked a little embarrassed. He rubbed his hands together and said, "Th-this doesn't seem right. You're a young master from a wealthy family. I'm afraid it wouldn't be proper for me to call you