BXBX NOVEL Chapter 299 - Their Guilt
Chapter 299 - Their Guilt
Jiang Weizhe broke out of his stupor and looked at his wife who was really happy with Wei's gift.
Unknown to him, Lihua had been carefully observing her father-in-law who seemed in a daze ever since Jiang Yubi talked about a child.
She smiled.
Hehe...No matter how much you hide it, Dad, I know that you don't truly hate Wei. You were thinking about Wei, right? And not with any feelings of hatred and disdain.
I saw your gaze, Dad, when you glanced at Wei. It was filled with warmth for him. I know that you cannot be that harsh to completely hate Wei. You are his father, but you have forced yourself to lock your feelings somewhere deep in your heart.
You... just have to let your heart set free of all the misgivings. I promise that I will definitely unite the father and son.
Lihua's irises gleamed in resolution and she nodded.
After Wei's gift, the rest of the Jiang family members took their turns in wishing her birthday and giving their gifts.
Jiang Ninghong was silent for a moment. She parted her lips but couldn't gather her words. Then she slowly said, "Sister-in-law."
"Ninghong. It's good to see you," Jiang Yubi smiled. She awkwardly fidgeted with her fingers a bit. "I...hope I am not being a bother-"
"Yubi," Jiang Weizhe warned her not to say anything self-deprecating.
Jiang Ninghong faintly smiled. "No, sister-in-law. You were never a bother in this family. I always... always respected you a lot. But I was selfish, and in the end, I couldn't do anything to help you have your rightful place in this family. I didn't want to go against Old Madam because I wanted a good future for my children. I had to take every step carefully or Old Madam would have...I am just a selfish, calculating woman who only sees her own benefit."
Her head lowered in shame and guilt. The guests couldn't hear their conversation, so they didn't understand why Jiang Ninghong seemed so grim.
"Is their relationship not good?" Some whispered.
Jiang Yubi quickly shook her head and held her hand. "No, Ninghong. You did right. I am already burdened with the guilt of separating Weizhe from Old Madam and causing clashes between them. If any harm would have befallen upon your family because of me, I couldn't have ever forgiven myself. Li and Ruiling are my children as much as Wei is. I hold them dear to my heart just as I do for Wei. So, I don't hold any grudge against you. Please forget about the past. Same for you, Weiyuan."
Jiang Weiyuan stiffened but then slightly nodded. He peeked at his brother and Lihua's words came to her mind.
'You know what you have to do, right?'
Taking a silent breath, he looked up at him. "Bro."
Jiang Weizhe froze. He rapidly blinked his eyes and stared at him in shock.
Was he hearing it right?
How much time had passed since his little brother had taken the initiative to talk to him? Ever since their relationship fell apart years ago, there was an invisible but distinct wall between them that nobody tried to cross. Nobody tried to amend things because both thought that it was too late to fix the misunderstandings.
"After the banquet is over…can we talk?" His voice faltered and choked a little. "There are a lot of things I need to say to you that I couldn't and... somebody made me realize that I was a fool not to clear up my feelings. I stretched this on for far too long and I have been an idiot. That's why...can we please talk?"
Jiang Weizhe trembled.
Talk... feelings…
Was it a sign that everything could resolve between them? Was there a hope that their broken brotherhood would come back?
He felt a little apprehensive.
Will Weiyuan say how disappointed he was in me because I became the Mafia King? That I snatched away his position?
He was afraid but he couldn't push him away. "...En. Let's talk."
Jiang Weiyuan already felt a lot lighter with his agreement.
Jiang Xiurang and Jiang Fai came next. Jiang Yubi hugged her as she said, "I am happy for you, Xiurang. You finally got free from that man," she smiled.
Jiang Xiurang teared up. "Sister-in-law, you are still happy for me even though I couldn't support you…"
"That's so silly. Of course, I would be happy. You are Weizhe's sister, so you are mine too. Or was I misunderstanding all this time?" Her gaze dimmed.
"No, no! Of course not!"
"Hehe."
"And I am proud of you too, Fai. You stood like a pillar in her life and as a capable son, you protected her," she patted his head.
Jiang Fai felt embarrassed and he blushed. "T-thank you, Aunt."
"Oh yes! Weizhe showed me your drawings and comics too! You are so talented, Fai. I like to draw a little myself but I am not that good…" she sheepishly grinned.
Jiang Fai sparkled. "Aunt, you like to draw too? That's cool! What kind of drawings?"
"Well, mostly scenic pictures but I usually mess up at the painting stage."
They talked a bit more and Jiang Fai clicked his tongue. "Wrong, wrong. That's not a good type of oil paint you are using. That's why they don't come good."
They were lost in their world, apparently finding an artist comrade in one another.
Jiang Xiurang coughed. "Fai, it's enough. You can talk as much as you want but after the banquet. Others are waiting too," she shook her head.
He pouted. "Tch. Boring. Aunt! Let's meet up later to discuss in depth!"
Jiang Yubi beamed and nodded. "En!"
The sibling couples Jiang Ruiling, Shen Yang and Jiang Li, Jiang Lanying came together to greet her.
"Happy Birthday, Aunt."
"Aiyaaa you two look so beautiful, Li, Ruiling. Haha Li resembles Weiyuan and Ruiling looks like Ninghong, isn't it?"
"Thank you, Aunt," they coughed.
"Lanying and Shen Yang right?"
They nodded and bowed.
"No, no, don't bow. I just want to say that I am really happy to see that you found your life partners and are happily living your life. Aunt is pleased. Always support each other just like this, okay?"