Chapter 235: with translation of chapter title

Xiao Long nodded.

"Grandpa, I'm too young, I don't understand this society deeply; in my view, things are either black or white, either good or bad. After you and my father had trouble,

I was deeply hurt; you are all my elders, my former role models. Now how come everyone is turning to crime?

I really can't accept it."

After saying that, Xiao Long covered his face and began to cry.

Seeing Xiao Long crying,

the matter between me and Li Ming dealt him a heavy blow.

Yeah, youth is supposed to be the time to strive for a career; suddenly such a big change occurs, and nobody can accept it.

I patted Xiao Long's shoulder,

"Xiao Long, in this society there is no absolute distinction between good and bad people.

Everyone lives for their own interests,

and to protect those interests one must do some shady deeds.

In your growth, you must learn to judge human nature yourself.

Good and bad cannot be judged by societal morality; only by how that person treats you.

What kind of person they are in your mind, you decide yourself; don't let outside influences sway you.

I and your father have made mistakes, but it's absolutely not what they say.

Your father had some things he couldn't avoid.

In that position, he faced many difficult matters.

Your father isn't greedy for money; he just had to take some money, otherwise he couldn't hold that position.

Xiao Long, you may not believe these words now, but as you gradually experience life, you'll understand what's going on,

this society doesn't operate according to your consciousness; rather, you must act according to the majority's consciousness.

Regarding your father, don't hold any thoughts against him; he's a very good person, he loves you and loves the whole family.

Xiao Long, you must correctly view your father's affairs in your mind; even if he took others' money, it was all for you.

Because you are his only son, he could only give to you.

"Grandpa, today I want to tell you here,

Xiao Long, this society has no right or wrong; everyone lives for themselves.

Including Kong Shi Niu Ju and them.

From their perspective, they think they're not wrong; they believe what they did was right.

Likewise, from our perspective, we think we're not wrong.

I think what I did is very right.

It's just a conflict of interests; put bluntly, it's all about money."

After Xiao Long heard my words,

he then said, "Grandpa, I want to smoke a cigarette."

I took out a cigarette and handed it to Xiao Long,

Xiao Long took it,

lit it and began to smoke,

after taking a puff,

he started coughing,

I laughed,

"Xiao Long, this is your first time smoking, right?"

Xiao Long nodded,

"Grandpa, I've always wanted to ask you, what's good about smoking, why you never let go of a cigarette. Today I somewhat understand."

"A man's life is hard, really; there are too many things to bear, too many people to protect.

But no matter what you do, there will always be someone complaining.

These sufferings can only be hidden in a man's heart; there's no way around it, a man smokes to ease his inner bitterness, just like drinking.

Xiao Long, you're only twenty. When I was twenty, it was the most bitter period of my life; back then I really didn't know what to do.

I followed Hai Long in Qi He, basically stealing coal from the Qi He mine.

After Hai Long got into trouble, I sneaked back to Chengnan Town; Chengnan Town wasn't safe either, I had no choice.

The bachelor dad again sent me back to my hometown in Hulutao, where I quarreled with Xiao Guo and Xiao Hua.

So I followed my sister to Beishan.

In Beishan I met Qiao Jie.

Qiao Jie is a widow, she has a son named Dajun,

so I partnered with Qiao Jie to make a living.

Alas, in Beishan I didn't have many carefree days,

I left Beishan again, came to Niushiling to make a living; the main reason I went to Niushiling was to thank your grandmother.

Back when you and Xixi were born together in the town health station, I didn't know how to care for a child; it was your grandmother who taught me and gave me many baby supplies.

I went to Niushiling solely to thank your grandmother.

Who would have thought that in Niushiling, I again let Zhang Baoqiang drug me into unconsciousness and steal all my money and possessions.

No choice, I just worked at a construction site in Niushiling to make a living.

I relied on myself to survive in Niushiling,

Later I took your grandmother as my foster mother.

And I have known your father from that time until today.

I'm talking to you about this today just to tell you that my upbringing has been a pain you could never imagine.

In a lifetime, only suffering can motivate a person's growth; in fact, men need to endure some hardship, only then can they bear greater responsibility.

We are ordinary people; it's too hard to achieve anything significant.

If you have no one behind you, even if I have achieved what I have today, people will still scheme against me.

Xiao Long, what I want to tell you is that no matter the circumstances, one must learn to be grateful.

If I hadn't gone to Niushiling to thank your grandmother, I wouldn't have stayed in Niushiling.

If you only learn gratitude and learn to act with a clear conscience, then your life will have far fewer regrets.

I and your father are both over forty,

My current situation, you have seen it; I have even become a fugitive.

Even the family is ruined,

Sun Dajun was arrested and thrown into prison; Zhengzheng and Xiao Shitou have cut off contact with me.

Even your grandmother, I cannot go see her; moreover, Ru Meng, your aunt, I cannot visit either.

Even so, I will never lose heart.

I still have to persevere and move forward.

No matter what, a man will never admit defeat.

Xiao Long, this little family trouble is nothing.

If you are a man, you must straighten your chest and take on the family's responsibility.

rather than complain about your elders.

Think about your great-uncle's past, then consider your own position today.

You should be content.

I don't want to see a Xiao Long who sinks into depravity.

Child, pull yourself together. Lift your head up, wipe your tears dry.

Xiao Long heard my words,

His head immediately rose,

Then he used his hand to really wipe away his tears,

"Grandfather, rest assured, I won't have any emotions anymore. What should we do next? You tell me."

Seeing Xiao Long say that, I felt relieved,

I don't want Xiao Long to have any prejudices against me and Li Ming.

I hope today's words can motivate Xiao Long, let him grow quickly, and make himself like a man.

I then said: "Xiao Long, the most urgent matter now is to rescue your father. Only by saving your father can we act freely."

"How to save him? I heard my father has been put in a detention center; the security there is tight, there's no way to rescue him." Xiao Long said seriously.

I took a puff of a cigarette,

Then I said: "We must have whoever arrested him release him."

"Grandfather, you mean we should let Kong Shi release my father again."

I nodded,

"Yes, we have already found his weak point. Xiao Long, go find your Uncle Yong now and have him take you to do some things."

"You must undergo some real combat."

Xiao Long said: "Okay, grandfather, I'll go find Uncle Yong right now. Rest assured, I will bravely face whatever comes."