Free Web NovelChapter 662: Chapter 632: Acknowledging Kinship
The final decision still lies in Ye Changyuan’s hands. It can be said that as long as he nods, there will be no issues with the second phase of the Dongzhou subway project. Hence, Secretary Zhou has been frequently visiting the Ye Family lately, hoping to gain the support of this old partner.
He also understands that by Ye Changyuan’s level, it’s impossible to mix too much personal emotion into his work. He must fully explain Dongzhou’s development prospects and use factual data to persuade Ye Changyuan. Only in this way can Dongzhou stand out among numerous competitors.
What Secretary Zhou didn’t expect was that Elder Ye personally attended the dinner tonight, which made him feel somewhat honored. However, he quickly realized that Elder Ye’s attendance was not because of him, but because of Xu Chunliang.
Elder Ye’s interactions with him were merely superficial, with a sense of politeness in his words. However, while chatting with Xu Chunliang, Elder Ye behaved entirely like a kind elder with no airs at all.
After dinner, Elder Ye specially invited Xu Chunliang to the study to offer some guidance on the techniques of the Five-Animal Exercises. It was evident to any discerning eye that Elder Ye favored Xu Chunliang.
Secretary Zhou then went with Ye Changyuan to the tea room to discuss the Dongzhou subway planning privately. He wanted to seize this opportunity to win Ye Changyuan’s support.
Ye Changyuan said, "Old Zhou, how do you know Xiaoxu?"
Secretary Zhou replied, "It’s a long story. I’ll be honest with you, my son is currently dating his cousin."
Upon hearing this, Ye Changyuan couldn’t help but smile, "No wonder you’re so familiar with each other."
Secretary Zhou took the opportunity to ask, "I remember, it was Xiaoxu whom I introduced to you, but how do you feel that your relationship now is closer than ours?"
Of course, Ye Changyuan wouldn’t tell him the truth and smiled, "My son-in-law’s sister is called Mei Ru Xue, and she works in your Dongzhou High-Tech Zone."
Secretary Zhou patted his forehead, "Look at me, I’m really confused. How could I forget this relationship? In this case, we can be considered somewhat related."
Secretary Zhou wasn’t confused. Some relationships are already well known, but unless others bring them up, he would act as if he didn’t know. In the system, handling any relationship cannot be based solely on the surface. Although the Ye and Qiao families are in-laws, only the two families know the true nature of their relationship.
Ye Changyuan said, "This is often called a ’marry among relatives.’
Secretary Zhou felt secretly gratified; Ye Changyuan’s mention of this relationship means he doesn’t intend to keep a distance.
After Xu Chunliang helped diagnose Elder Ye, he confirmed that Elder Ye’s health had now fully recovered, and was even better than before. Even Elder Ye himself felt that his mental state had significantly improved.
Elder Ye showed Xu Chunliang his latest health report, gratified: "This is my latest health report, fully back to normal. That thing in my head has completely disappeared, and I have you to thank for that."
Xu Chunliang said, "Elder Ye, this is all your own good fortune and blessing."
Of course, Elder Ye didn’t believe in the so-called blessing. He was very aware of his situation; if it weren’t for his grandson-in-law Qiao Rulong having invited Xu Chunliang, he might have had no choice but surgery. Refusing surgery meant a dead end, and agreeing to it meant that even if he luckily survived, he would most likely become a shell of his former self. To Elder Ye, that was more painful than death.
Elder Ye said, "Chunliang, you took a big risk for me this time."
Xu Chunliang nodded, "Thinking back, the treatment process was indeed perilous. Fortunately, your will was strong enough. Otherwise, even if I had put forth all my effort, I couldn’t have solved your problem. Through you, I truly felt the resolute revolutionary spirit of the older generation, which benefited me greatly."
Elder Ye smiled broadly, "This kid really knows how to say the right thing. Despite helping me so much, he didn’t seek credit or reward. Such young people are rare these days."
Elder Ye said, "Strangely enough, after you treated me, I feel more energetic than before. It’s as if my physical state has returned to what it was ten years ago."
Xu Chunliang spoke candidly, "This is because during the treatment process, I used inner strength to open up your Ren and Du Meridians, which is also an unexpected benefit for you. On this basis, if you engage in Qi cultivation and nurturing exercises, it can be very effective. I dare not say you can achieve eternal youth, but surely, you will be able to strengthen your body and prolong your life."
At Elder Ye’s age, the most concerning thing is indeed prolonging life. With his wisdom and vision, he wouldn’t force eternal life but would have long accepted his aging. However, he hopes to spend his twilight years healthily and make some contributions to the country and the people.
Elder Ye immediately asked Xu Chunliang for guidance on Qi cultivation methods.
Xu Chunliang was well-prepared, teaching Elder Ye a simplified and evolved Qi cultivation technique from the "Heavenly Nurture Chapter." Initially, this method was developed to help Tong Guangsheng treat his illness, later revised to make it easier and more health-oriented. Even someone like Elder Ye, with no foundational training, could comprehend it easily.
The two had a willing teacher and a willing student.
Under Xu Chunliang’s guidance, Elder Ye quickly mastered this cultivation method. After successfully circulating Qi for a week, he immediately felt invigorated, as if filled with vitality. Elder Ye exclaimed, "I have always believed in the profoundness of Chinese medicine but couldn’t articulate its virtues. Thanks to your teaching, I’ve gained a deep understanding of Chinese medicine. From now on, I’ll do my utmost to support traditional medicine, striving for policies that protect Chinese medicine." ƒrēewebnovel.com
Xu Chunliang was secretly delighted, knowing Elder Ye’s influence. Once Elder Ye said so, he would indeed act on it. If this could awaken the nation’s focus on Chinese medicine, it would be a great deed.
Elder Ye, who was cheerful by nature, found all his worries swept away after his recovery. He jokingly said to Xu Chunliang, "Chunliang, how about I become your disciple?"
Xu Chunliang replied, "Oh no, oh no, you are my role model in life; I should be the one learning from you."
Elder Ye said, "Chunliang, I have an idea. I wonder what you think?"
Xu Chunliang said, "Elder, you just say the word."
Elder Ye said, "I have two sons and two daughters, but among the grandchildren, they are all daughters, without a single male heir. Although we haven’t met many times, I feel an immediate bond with you. I’d like to recognize you as my adoptive grandson. I wonder if you would be willing?"
Xu Chunliang truly didn’t expect Elder Ye to want to adopt him as an honorary grandson. The Elder had made it very clear—he had no grandsons, and particularly hit it off with Xu Chunliang, hence the idea. Socially, it’s common to recognize an honorary son or daughter, but seldom an honorary grandson. Elder Ye likely considered Xu Chunliang too young, otherwise, he would directly adopt him as a son. If so, wouldn’t Qiao Rulong need to call him uncle?
Xu Chunliang said, "Elder Ye, I..."
Elder Ye said, "No need to rush to answer. I have already sought the opinions of my two sons, and they are fully supportive."
Xu Chunliang wasn’t disagreeing. With Elder Ye’s status and position, becoming his adoptive grandson would elevate his social standing. Xu Chunliang looked at the hopeful expression on Elder Ye’s face and said with a smile, "Personally, I have no objections. However, I wish to consult my grandfather."
Elder Ye laughed, "Then call him right now." As a soldier all his life, Elder Ye was straightforward.
Xu Chunliang immediately called his grandfather, introducing Elder Ye as the real grandfather of Mei Ru Xue, his sister-in-law. Upon hearing this, Xu Changshan immediately agreed. No matter how many honorary grandpas Xu Chunliang gains, no one could replace him as the real grandfather.
Even Xu Chunliang didn’t expect his grandfather to agree so promptly.
Upon hearing that Xu Changshan agreed, Elder Ye immediately shared the good news with his family.
Secretary Zhou was in the midst of discussing the subway with Ye Changyuan when he suddenly heard that Elder Ye accepted Xu Chunliang as his honorary grandson. He felt like it was a double blessing. Joining the Ye family is no easy feat for ordinary people; this time, it was Elder Ye who actively extended the relationship. Thinking about it, this kid Xu Chunliang really is likeable, being both Elder Ye’s honorary grandson and Qiao’s future son-in-law.
Ye Changyuan and Ye Changquan, both brothers, were well aware of the old man’s intentions. Elder Ye adopting Xu Chunliang as his honorary grandson was partly out of genuine fondness for the kid, and partly as a way to repay a favor. Although Xu Chunliang and Mei Ru Xue are dating, in their circles, matching family backgrounds are important. To this day, Qiao Rulong hasn’t publicly acknowledged Xu Chunliang as his brother-in-law.
Ye Qingya had privately discussed with her grandfather the resistance Xu Chunliang and Mei Ru Xue faced. Elder Ye’s action was meant to lay the groundwork for the future. If the Qiao family were to oppose Xu Chunliang and Mei Ru Xue’s marriage, Elder Ye, as the honorary grandfather, could rightfully intervene.
People with vision rarely speak of repayment but seldom owe favors.
Elder Ye took out a gift he had long prepared, a bronze Panerai watch, a gift he received while leading a naval visit to Europe. Both Ye Changyuan and Ye Changquan had coveted the watch in their youth, but the old man had cherished it as a treasure, never letting them touch it. Unexpectedly, he now gifted it to Xu Chunliang.
Elder Ye personally put the watch on Xu Chunliang’s wrist, and Xu Chunliang kowtowed three times to the old man. Elder Ye instructed him in the future to refer to Ye Changyuan and Ye Changquan as Second Uncle and Third Uncle, essentially joining the family.
While Secretary Zhou was happy for Xu Chunliang, he also became a direct beneficiary. Leaving that evening, Ye Changyuan assured him that there would be no issues with Dongzhou’s second phase of the subway project. Of course, this was the result of a comprehensive evaluation; Dongzhou met the criteria. However, there were many domestically that also met them, though claiming there was no emotional component at all is impossible.
