A secluded courtyard somewhere in Upper Capital
This was Fang Tianyi's second time coming here.
But this time, the moment he pushed open the door, he froze.
Inside, the old man was chatting with his mother. Two young female officers stood nearby, responsible for seeing to her daily needs and safety.
Mother Fang wore a nearly new floral jacket, her hair neatly combed. Yet her hands were clasped together nervously, trembling slightly.
She sat upright on the sofa, her body rigid, her face showing both excitement and helplessness.
The old man looked at her, his tone as gentle as that of a next-door elder.
"Mother Fang, you raised a pillar of the nation."
Mother Fang's hands trembled even harder. She opened her mouth, her voice shaking slightly.
"Ch-Chief... you flatter him... Tianyi was mischievous ever since he was little. I was always afraid he'd get into trouble..."
The old man smiled.
"Mischievous is good. Promising children are all mischievous."
Mother Fang secretly wiped at the corner of her eye and gathered her courage to speak.
"Chief, I-I'm only worried about one thing..."
"Oh? What is it?"
Mother Fang's voice grew quieter and quieter.
"Tianyi... he's already this old, but he still doesn't have anyone. As his mother, I'm worried.
I don't even know what keeps him so busy every day. I barely see him a few times a year, let alone see him find a wife..."
The old man froze for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter.
His laughter echoed through the room. Even the secretary by the door could not help curling his lips upward.
Tianyi stood at the doorway, his face instantly stiffening.
Mom!!!
How could you say that on an occasion like this?!
The old man smiled at Tianyi, then looked back at Mother Fang, a