On the other end of the line, Pei Mingche laughed heartily. “You rascal, of course I remember! How could I forget?
I thought you’d forgotten. So… you’re finally willing to push your precious granddaughter out into the world?”
Hearing Pei Mingche’s words, Su Tingyun made up his mind and continued along the same thread. “Ah, Brother Pei, you misunderstand. It’s not that I’m willing to push her out—it’s that my granddaughter has grown.
I need to think ahead for her. My granddaughter, Xiao Jin, has both character and looks of the highest order.
Ah…”
Pei Mingche heard him sigh and asked, “Su, are you bringing this up suddenly because of some difficulty?
Whatever it is, just speak freely. We’re brothers.”
“Ah, Brother Pei, I won’t hide it from you.
You know the current situation—our family is actively dealing with it. But Xiao Jin… I just mean, if the children have a connection, it would be a blessing for us to become relatives by marriage.
My Xiao Jin lost her mother when she was little, and as for her father… well, I won’t go into that. I just want her to have a secure support.
Of course, I’m mainly talking about letting the children decide. If they don’t hit it off, then all our talk is pointless. It’s up to them.”
Pei Mingche pondered for a moment before replying, “All right, Su, I understand.
We’ve been friends for a long time—if the children can be together, all the better.
I have three unmarried grandsons left. The youngest is only fourteen, so we can forget him. The other two are excellent, close to your family’s age.
One is training in the military, the other is a military doctor. We won’t explain it in words—better to let Xiao Jin meet them and see for herself.”
Su Tingyun’s heart leapt, and he quickly said, “Ah, Brother Pei, you’ve thought of everything.
We’ll follow your arrangements completely.”
“All right. Once I’ve arranged it, I’ll give you the news.
Su, rest assured—our families can definitely be connected through marriage.
Those two of my kids, aside from other things, have impeccable character and ability. Let Xiao Jin come choose for herself… heh heh heh…”
The call was abruptly cut off. Su Tingyun smiled helplessly. His old friend Pei Mingche was the same as ever.
Still, from his tone, he hadn’t minded that family matters could affect them. That put Su Tingyun’s mind somewhat at ease—but…
At that moment, Su Jin brought a cup of tea to him. “Grandpa, was that Grandpa Pei?”
“Yes. You heard everything?” Su Tingyun said, taking the cup from his granddaughter and sipping.
Tea poured by his granddaughter was always excellent—refreshing and invigorating, washing away fatigue and old aches.
Su Jin sat beside him, nodding. “Yes, I heard. Grandpa Pei’s voice is so loud—it’s hard not to hear him.”
Su Tingyun chuckled. “He’s always had a loud voice since he was young. Even now, he hasn’t changed.” He looked at Su Jin. “Granddaughter, what do you think?
Pei wants you to meet his grandson first. Surely one of them will be suitable. Do you want to meet them?”
Su Jin nodded. “Yes, it’s good to meet them.
Grandpa, I want to be clear—if Pei’s kids rely on family status but are shallow or arrogant, I won’t accept.”
Even if she didn’t find the perfect person in every aspect, character was non-negotiable. She wouldn’t choose someone flashy on the outside, smooth-talking, but scheming behind the scenes.
“Good, good, Xiao Jin knows what’s right.
With the Pei family upbringing and what I know of Grandpa Pei, their children should be fine.
But in the end, it’s up to you. Grandpa won’t force you.”
Su Jin nodded. “All right, Grandpa. I understand.”
Su Tingyun glanced at the time. It was past nine. He stood. “Xiao Jin, I need to go out.
Organize everything that needs to be handed over to the state.
When I return, we’ll go out this afternoon.”
Su Jin nodded. From her grandfather’s tone, she knew this outing wouldn’t be casual. “Yes. Grandpa, be careful on the way. Let Uncle Su go with you.”
“I know.” Su Tingyun returned to his room, grabbed a prepared briefcase, and called Su Chengshan to follow.
Su Jin started setting up the previously empty room in the house, putting in ordinary beds and cabinets she had brought from other houses yesterday.
Once the room looked proper, she relaxed completely. With so many items gone, even a fool could notice—but now, it looked normal.
After arranging the room, she gathered some books she no longer needed—mostly leisure reading—and a box of discarded rice paper her grandfather had used for painting.
She placed them in a corner of the courtyard, then went to the kitchen to find Wang Guihua. “Aunt Wang, burn the books I gathered in the courtyard.
If anyone asks, just say they were old items not suitable for keeping.
It’s the new society. Make sure the smoke is heavy.”
Wang Guihua nodded and began.
The flames quickly rose, producing a blue smoke. Su Jin watched from the corridor. She was doing this both to cover their actions from those watching outside and to show that the Su family was breaking from old traditions—giving precious books, scrolls, and calligraphy a safe environment, leaving others with no reason to covet them.
Some passersby saw smoke rising from the Su family courtyard. Some thought there was a fire and shouted, only to hear Wang Guihua inside saying they were burning old books and items.
Those secretly watching realized something serious was going on…