Relatives in a Foreign Land (6)

Zhuifeng glanced at his grandfather, sensing that any further discussion about work might reveal too much. He laughed lightly, trying to steer the conversation away. "Let's drop the formalities. Since I call Grandpa 'Grandpa Wang,' you don't need to call me 'Young Master.' It's awkward. Besides, even if we agreed, Grandpa might not approve."

Wang Jian hesitated, unsure how to respond, and turned to his father for guidance.

Zhuifeng thought the matter was settled, but Uncle Wang unexpectedly said, "I'm too old to understand you young people's ways. Do as you like—it doesn't matter to me if you each address the other differently."

Sweatdrop… Zhuifeng was stunned. What kind of situation is this? Grandpa's son calls me "Young Master," but I call him "Big Brother"? This is a mess! His mouth hung open, unable to close for a moment. But since Grandpa had spoken, there wasn't much else he could say.

Soon after, the family dove into a lively, meandering conversation. Uncle Wang, despite his age, was in high spirits, especially during this rare family gathering.

"It's such a pity that Qier and her mother aren't here. If they were, this would be perfect," he lamented.

Wang Jian and Zhuifeng exchanged a helpless look before Wang Jian spoke with a guilty tone, "Dad, I'm sorry. It's just that our work leaves us no time."

Uncle Wang waved him off impatiently. "Fine, fine. I know you're busy—I'm just saying."

Zhuifeng's brows furrowed slightly. "Big Brother, I can understand you and Sister-in-law being tied up with work, but why doesn't sister spend more time with Grandpa? She's a student, and it's summer vacation now—surely she has the time."

Wait… Zhuifeng paused mid-thought, realizing how ridiculous it sounded for him to call his older cousin "Sister." This family tree is getting too complicated…

At the mention of his daughter, Wang Jian's face grew even more awkward. "Well, Young Master, if I'm being honest, it's our fault for not being around much to guide her. She's a bit… unruly."

"She doesn't come home often? What does she do with her time?"

"Starting last year… I'm not entirely sure myself."

Uncle Wang shot a disapproving glare at Wang Jian. "You're her father, and you don't even know what she's up to? What kind of father are you?"

"Dad, I…"

Uncle Wang ignored him and turned to Zhuifeng. "That girl is just like you were at her age, Feng'er. Lately, she's been obsessed with driving. During the lead-up to her college entrance exams, she'd sneak off to drive whenever she had free time. Now that it's summer vacation, it's even worse—you're lucky if you see her at all."

"Little Sister likes driving?" Zhuifeng was startled. While he had heard from Qiu Nuo, Zheng He, and Ling Cheng that racing had grown popular recently, he'd always thought of it as a male-dominated sport. Not that there weren't excellent female racers—he remembered the female driver who took third place in the second Nüwa Cup national racing championship.

Still, the ratio of male to female racers heavily favored the men. Yet, his little sister was apparently part of that minority, and from the sound of it, she was even more passionate about racing than he had been. Zhuifeng couldn't help but marvel. It seems racing might truly be taking off in China.

"Her enthusiasm isn't any less than yours back in the day," Uncle Wang said with a nostalgic smile. "Feng'er, do you still enjoy driving?"

Zhuifeng shook his head. "Would I even get the chance to drive now?" He shot a slightly resentful glance at Qiu Nuo, who shrugged helplessly and pointed upward, indicating that it was an order from above.

From above? Zhuifeng thought, knowing full well that "above" referred to his mother. He sighed and accepted the explanation. He understood why—having CML meant he couldn't afford to get overly excited. Racing was simply too dangerous for someone in his condition, especially since he had traded his entire lifespan for two short years.

Noticing the tension in the room, Uncle Wang decided to steer the conversation away. "So, Feng'er, how long are you planning to stay in Beijing? It's been years since we last saw each other—you have to spend some time with me and let me show you around."

Zhuifeng thought for a moment before nodding. "Alright, but I'm not familiar with Beijing—I might end up relying on you instead."

"Young Master, have you forgotten about Qiu Nuo and the others?" Wang Jian laughed heartily. "They probably know Beijing better than anyone."

"Right!" Zhuifeng smacked his forehead, embarrassed but excited. "Then it's settled. We'll explore every corner of Beijing!" Though he had been through a lot, in front of family, he couldn't help but show a childish enthusiasm.

"How about you join us, Big Brother?"

Wang Jian glanced at Uncle Wang, hesitating before saying softly, "We've got a major project right now, so…"

A flicker of disappointment crossed Uncle Wang's face, but he quickly waved it off. "Never mind, Feng'er. Don't force them. They're grown-ups now, and if they think their work is more important than spending time with an old man, I'm sure they have their reasons."

Zhuifeng nodded but refused to give up. "What about Little Sister?"

Before Wang Jian could answer, Uncle Wang interjected, "If you want us to enjoy our time together, it's best not to invite her. That girl… sigh. She's so clueless at times I wonder what all her schooling was for."

Hearing this only piqued Zhuifeng's curiosity further. What kind of person is she to make even Grandpa speak about her like that?

The family chatted for a while longer until Uncle Wang began yawning. Realizing how late it had gotten, everyone agreed to call it a night.

Despite Uncle Wang and Wang Jian's insistence that they stay, Zhuifeng set a time to meet Uncle Wang the next day and left with Qiu Nuo and the others.

Back in the car, they found Zheng He and Pu Shan already waiting, the latter looking teary-eyed from his brief visit home.

"Big Brother Pu, why the rush? Couldn't you stay a bit longer?" Zhuifeng asked.

Pu Shan's eyes reddened further. "Young Master, this much is enough for me."

Zhuifeng slid over and threw an arm around his shoulder, laughing. "Big Brother Pu, you get misty-eyed so easily I'm starting to question your 'iron-blooded soldier' reputation."

Watching Zhuifeng banter with the others, Zheng He leaned toward Qiu Nuo and asked, "The Young Master seems really happy. Did something good happen?"

Even as the driver, Qiu Nuo couldn't hide his excitement. Snapping his fingers, he replied, "You'll find out when we meet Director Xiao."

Zheng He raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Qiu Nuo's uncharacteristic cheerfulness. But knowing his colleague's straightforward nature, he didn't press further.

"Qiu Nuo, step on it. Mom's been calling, asking why I'm not there yet," Zhuifeng urged.

"Got it." Though he wasn't a racer, as an operative for the National Security Bureau, Qiu Nuo's driving skills were nothing to scoff at. With a press of the accelerator, the car sped off into the night.