Xie Zhong sighed heavily. "In the end, it was my failure as a father. I couldn't provide a good environment for you three brothers. So you found your own jobs, your own backers, and your own paths. Even if there was some opportunism or trading involved, I saw it and said nothing. It was your own opportunity, your own ability. I may be useless, but I knew I shouldn't hold you back. That’s why I insisted on dividing the family years ago. You all walk different paths. Once divided, we remain relatives, and the bond won’t fade. But I never expected you to send Zhaodi to Hangzhou."
Xie Zhong pointed at Wang Zhaodi, who stood shrinking back in fear. "Look at her. You take care of her every day. If she goes to Hangzhou, can she take care of others? You know Cheng’s wife is only three months pregnant, yet you sent your wife there. Are you trying to pick a fight with them?"
"Father, I absolutely didn’t mean that," Xie Jingyu said hurriedly. He knew he was in the wrong. He had only wanted a few days of ease, never imagining his wife would cause such a huge disaster in that short time.
"And what was Shiyun learning in Hangzhou? Not only is her aptitude limited, but can’t we find teachers here in Sicheng Town?" Xie Zhong sneered. "Don’t look down on the teachers here. I think they are more than enough to teach your daughter."
Xie Zhong’s words were sharp, but entirely correct. Xie Shiyun had average talent. Based on her grades, she wouldn’t even pass the high school entrance exam. Did she have time for other things? Xie Zhong didn’t understand what Xie Jingyu was thinking.
"Father, this was indeed my negligence. My fault," Xie Jingyu admitted. There was no point in arguing now. After all, Xie Chengyu’s family had lost a life.
"Father, please help me decide what to do," Xie Jingyu pleaded.
Xie Zhong sighed again. "Cheng has already taken Wang Xia to the capital overnight. With Ani there, Wang Xia should be safe, and her health can recover. But your family owes them a life. How to compensate for that, I don’t know. You must weigh it yourself."
Xie Jingyu thought for a moment. "Father, should I cover all the medical expenses for my sister-in-law?"
"And then?" Xie Zhong looked at him. This man was capable outside, but why was he so confused at home?
"Is there anything else?" Xie Jingyu truly had no experience with such matters.
Xie Zhong sighed once more. "In the end, it is still my failure as a father for not teaching you well. Think about it. Cheng and his wife lost a child. Even if you pay the medical bills, what does that change? Wait for news from Ani before deciding anything."
Xie Zhong could only pray that Zhu Yanyi would handle things smoothly and that Wang Xia would not suffer any harm.
While the Xie family was filled with anxiety, Zhu Xinyao was also extremely tense. It was time to remove the final layer of bandages from Zhu Xinfu’s eyes.
Zhu Yanyi had the window curtains drawn first. When she felt it was ready, she said to Zhu Xinfu, "Grandpa, I am going to remove the last layer of bandages."
"Okay." Zhu Xinfu was unsure, but he nodded. This step had to be taken.
Zhu Xinfu’s feelings were complex. She had been without eyes for over forty years. The hope of regaining sight had been absolute zero for her. Yet now, Zhu Yanyi had treated her. Although she hadn’t said much, she knew she had put immense effort into this. Even if she couldn’t see clearly, she could feel that these eyes fit her perfectly. There was no rejection. This meant they were designed specifically for her.
These were not natural human eyes, but ones refined from various materials. Over the past few days, he had felt the light from outside growing stronger each day. He knew his eyes would definitely regain sight.
"Grandpa, please close your eyes. I will remove the medicinal gauze from your eyes," Zhu Yanyi said softly.
Zhu Xinfu closed his eyes. "Done."
Zhu Yanyi carefully used tweezers to remove the gauze covering his eyes. To others, they only saw his closed eyelids. Zhu Yanyi smiled gently. "Grandpa, open your eyes slowly. Don’t rush."
Everyone present could clearly see that her previously sunken eye sockets were now full. This meant there were eyes inside. As Zhu Yanyi spoke, they saw something move under Zhu Xinfu’s eyelids. The eyeballs could move. Everyone held their breath, watching Zhu Xinfu, waiting for the final result.
Zhu Xinfu slowly opened his eyes. Faint shadows appeared before him. He saw several people standing there. The most familiar one now had speckled white hair. His gaze fixed on her. "Meiying, you have worked hard for over forty years."
Huang Meiying covered her mouth, tears falling heavily. But this time, they were tears of joy. She knew she was telling her that she could see.
Zhu Xinfu stood up and walked to Huang Meiying. She took the handkerchief Zhu Yanyi handed her and gently wiped her tears. "I… I can speak now, and I can… see you."
"Yes, yes." Huang Meiying hugged Zhu Xinfu tightly. Forty years of waiting, and she had no regrets.
From her youth to her white-haired age, she had no regrets, only the joy of waiting. "Welcome back."
"Yes." A smile appeared on Zhu Xinfu’s face.
"Grandpa, wear these sunglasses. I will open the window so I can introduce everyone to you," Zhu Yanyi said, handing him a pair of black glasses.
Zhu Xinfu did not refuse. He put on the sunglasses. Xie Xinlian and others opened the window. Zhu Yanyi then stepped forward. "Grandpa, I am Ani."
"Our little divine doctor," Zhu Xinfu looked at Zhu Yanyi and smiled. "Your eyes look like mine."
"Yes, actually my eyes look like my father’s, and my father looks like Grandpa." She pulled Zhu Shunyao to Zhu Xinfu. "Grandpa, this is Father."
"Father." Zhu Shunyao knelt and kowtowed to Zhu Xinfu.
Zhu Xinfu bent down and helped Zhu Shunyao up. "You are over forty years old. Why do you still kneel so easily? It is improper."
"I am your son. It is right for me to kneel to you." Zhu Shunyao had tears in his eyes, but his face was full of smiles.