Remarried to a top-tier playboy, her reborn ex-husband is filled with regret.

Qin Ziming didn't ask Yun Shuwen why he came, how he had been doing lately, or why he had become so thin.

He didn't ask anything, but simply walked naturally beside him, occasionally pointing out the changes in the yard.

"A new warehouse has been built over there."

"The jujube tree you used to climb when you were a child was struck by lightning last year. What a pity."

"We have some fresh osmanthus cake in the kitchen today, you can try it in a bit."

As Yun Shuwen listened, her eyes grew increasingly hot.

Old Master Qin sat in the armchair in his study, holding a covered teacup in his hand, and was flipping through a thick account book.

He is seventy-three years old this year, with a full head of white hair, but he is in good spirits and stands very straight.

Those old eyes, which had seen the world's affairs, showed no sign of cloudiness.

Hearing footsteps, he looked up and his gaze fell on the thin figure at the door.

Qin Ziming tactfully withdrew and closed the door behind him.

There was a moment of silence in the study.

The old man showed no surprise, no blame; he simply closed the ledger and set it aside.

Then he waved to Yun Shuwen.

"Come and sit down."

Yun Shuwen walked over and sat down in the chair opposite the old man.

The chair was hard, unlike the grand master's chair in the Prince Yi's mansion, which had a thick cushion.

But he felt at ease sitting there.

He lowered his head, unsure how to begin.

Her hands were resting on her knees, her fingers unconsciously rubbing the hem of her clothes.

Grandpa Qin didn't urge him.

The old man picked up the covered teacup, took two slow sips, and looked him up and down a few times.

His gaze lingered on his thin face and the dark circles under his eyes for a moment, then he said nothing.

"Maternal grandfather".

Yun Shuwen finally spoke, his voice dry and hoarse.

"I brought you some peach shortbread."

"That one in the south of the city, I don't know if you still like it."

He placed the oil paper package on the table.

The oil paper package wasn't big, and the peach shortbread he bought for ten taels of silver was cheaper than a pot of wine he used to casually order at restaurants.

But as he carried the oil paper package through the door, he felt it was heavier than anything else.

The old man glanced at the oil paper package, then at his grandson, whose face clearly showed he hadn't eaten much, and a faint smile flickered in his eyes.

"like."

"That's what Grandpa Qin said."

"It's kind of you to remember."

Remember those two words, like a soft thorn, stuck into Yun Shuwen's throat.

He wanted to say he didn't remember, that he didn't remember anything from before.

He doesn't remember his maternal grandfather's birthday, holidays, or even sending him a greeting.

Today marks the first time in his more than twenty years of life that he has proactively bought a gift for his maternal grandfather.

He had to ask three passersby on the street to find out the price of peach shortbread, ten taels of silver, and the location in the south of the city.

The study fell silent again.

The old man didn't ask him why he had come suddenly, how he was doing lately, or about his mother.

He sipped his tea slowly, occasionally glancing up at Yun Shuwen.

His gaze was gentle and steady, like a bottomless well, able to see everything and remain calm in all situations.

"Shu Wen".

The old man finally spoke, his voice unhurried and calm, carrying the composure characteristic of the elderly.

Your mother is not in good health.

The village was very humid, and her old leg ailment flared up again.

If you have time, go back and visit her often.

Yun Shuwen lowered her head and clenched her hands even tighter around her knees.

I know you have something on your mind.

The old man continued, his tone not stern, but his words clear and distinct.

"You think your mother disowns you because she's heartless."

But have you ever thought that in the more than thirty years she has lived in the Duke's mansion, she has never mistreated you and your father?

But what did they get in return?

Yun Shuwen's lips moved, but she didn't say anything.

"Your mother's life has not been easy."

Born into a merchant family, she married into a noble household; many people were waiting to see her make a fool of herself.

She gritted her teeth and endured for thirty years, raising you and cleaning up countless messes for you. You should know that.

The old man sighed softly as he spoke.

She doesn't owe you anything.

"But you and your father owe her something you can never repay."

Yun Shuwen buried her head almost in her chest.

His shoulders trembled slightly, and his hands gripped the fabric on his knees tightly.

After a while, he heard his own voice, low and hoarse, as if it were being squeezed out of his throat.

"You're right."

Just four words.

But it took him more than 20 years to say those four words.

The old man looked at him for a long time.

He has met far too many people in his life.

In business, there are those who turn their backs on you without mercy, those who are opportunistic, those who betray you after you've served your purpose, and those who repay kindness with enmity.

He can tell at a glance who's faking it and who's acting.

The grandson in front of her had red eyes and trembling fingers.

When they came in, they placed the peach shortbread on the table very carefully, as if afraid of breaking something.

Is it an act or a performance?

neither.

The old man put down his teacup and reached under the table to open the drawer.

He took something out of there, placed it on the table, and pushed it towards Yun Shuwen.

It was a banknote.

One thousand taels.

Yun Shuwen stared at the silver note, stunned.

One thousand taels, no more, no less, was the amount he used to lose in one go at the gambling den.

But looking at this banknote today, he felt it was burning hot.

He recalled what it was like when he used to take money from the Qin family.

They just ask for it, and once they've taken it, they turn around and leave without even bothering to say thank you.

When the Qin family sent New Year's gifts during the Spring Festival, he didn't even bother to write a reply.

Once, Qin Ziming personally delivered a box of things, which he had someone accept without even showing his face.

He owes the Qin family more than just money.

His hand reached out.

His finger hovered over the banknote for a moment, then slowly withdrew.

"No, Grandfather."

Yun Shuwen's voice was very soft, so soft that it was almost inaudible.

"I...I just came to see you."

Old Master Qin raised an eyebrow.

The movement was very small, almost imperceptible, but it was the first time today that he had shown a surprised expression.

This was the first time the child hadn't reached for money when he arrived at the Qin family's house.

The old man pushed the banknote forward again.

"Take it."

Yun Shuwen shook his head.

He stood up and bowed to the old man.

He bowed very deeply, and when he bent over, his spine made a soft cracking sound.

Then he straightened up, turned around, pushed open the door, and strode out.

He walked very fast, almost as if he were running away.

Because if he didn't leave soon, he was afraid he would turn back to get the silver note.

He really needed that thousand taels.

He only had twenty taels of silver left in his pocket, not even enough to buy a new pair of shoes.

But he can't take it.

Not at least not today.

He owes the Qin family far too much, so much that he himself dares not even calculate it.

If he takes this banknote today, he will be no different from that ungrateful wretch he used to be.

Old Master Qin sat in his study, watching the thin figure disappear at the end of the corridor.

He gently stroked his beard, picked up his teacup, and took another sip.

Qin Ziming poked his head in from outside and glanced at the untouched silver notes on the table.

He glanced again in the direction of the corridor and asked, somewhat surprised.

"Grandfather, did my cousin not take it?"

The old man put the banknotes back in the drawer, his tone carrying a meaningful smile.

"It's better for him not to take it today than for him to take it."