“And also, Comrade Zhao—when we were younger, I didn’t know better. Calling you ‘brother’ was only because we grew up together.
Now that we’re adults and at the age of discussing marriage, we should keep our distance.”
Zhao Fuyuan’s expression changed instantly. “Xiao Jin, what distance is there between us?
Aren’t we childhood sweethearts with a marriage arrangement?”
Su Tingyun had been observing his granddaughter’s words and expression the whole time. A trace of delight flashed through his aged eyes as he cleared his throat.
“Fuyuan, Xiao Jin is right. You’re both of marriageable age now, so you should be mindful of propriety.
Back then, your grandfather did mention wanting Xiao Jin to marry into your family, but I also said it would depend on the children’s wishes. You know this.”
Zhao Fuyuan grew anxious. “Grandpa, yes, I know. But Xiao Jin and I—our feelings are mutual.”
Su Jin interrupted him, “Wait, Comrade Zhao, are you misunderstanding something?
When have I ever had mutual feelings with you? Not before, and never in the future.”
She lifted her chin slightly, her gaze icy as she looked at him.
“As for you and Hong Xiuxiu, aren’t you the ones with mutual feelings?
Who was it hugging and whispering in the small grove near the hospital two days ago?”
Zhao Fuyuan’s face turned deathly pale. “No, no, that’s a misunderstanding, it’s—”
Su Jin didn’t want to hear another word from him. She had more important matters to deal with.
“Aunt Wang, see the guest out.”
Hearing her call, Wang Guifhua hurried over from the courtyard and made a polite gesture. “Director Zhao.”
Seeing the situation, Zhao Fuyuan had no choice but to leave. He thought he would explain things later after Su Jin calmed down. As he left, he still looked at her with what he believed was deep affection.
The moment he stepped out of the Su residence, he rushed off to find Hong Xiuxiu.
Seeing the approving look on her grandfather’s face, Su Jin’s lips curved slightly.
Remembering there was still something important to do, she hooked her arm around his and said, “Grandpa, I have something important to tell you. Let’s go to the study first.”
After saying that, she turned toward the steward busy in the courtyard. “Uncle Su, keep watch. No matter who comes today, don’t let them in.”
Su Chengshan didn’t ask why, but nodded. “Yes, Miss.”
Su Chengshan, the Su family’s steward, was fifty-one this year. He had been a beggar orphan taken in by Su Tingyun when he was young, and had stayed with the Su family ever since.
Seeing his granddaughter’s serious arrangement, Su Tingyun knew she must have something important to say, so he followed her to the study.
Once inside, Su Jin even locked the door.
“Xiao Jin, sit down. Tell Grandpa what’s going on.”
“Grandpa, my mother’s death is connected to Hong Jianguo. And also…”
She told him everything she had seen in her dream.
Even someone as experienced as Su Tingyun turned grim after hearing it all.
He slammed his hand on the table. “Good, good, good—Hong Jianguo! I must have been blind to let a wolf into my home. I never expected—cough, cough—”
He nearly lost his breath from anger. Su Jin quickly poured him water and patted his back. “Grandpa, take a deep breath.”
His face flushed red as his body trembled. “Beast! A beast! Even a tiger won’t eat its own cubs—yet he wants to harm his own daughter! He’s worse than an animal!”
After the outburst, Su Tingyun gradually calmed down. There were more important things to do—he had to secure a future for his granddaughter.
“Grandpa, we need to stay calm and prepare for what’s coming.
Soon, families like ours with assets will be sent to barren farms for reform. Everything in the house will be confiscated. Our ancestral treasures will become evidence against us.”
Su Tingyun muttered, “You’re right… you’re right.” His eyes sharpened. He had been hesitant out of attachment, but now there was no choice.
“We can’t keep those things anymore. They must be dealt with quickly.
But the situation is tightening. Many are watching our family. Moving them would draw attention… and destroying them…”
Su Jin stepped forward and held his hand. “Grandpa, I have a way.”
With a wave of her hand, the chair beside her suddenly disappeared.
Su Tingyun’s eyes widened in shock. “This—this…”
With another thought, the chair reappeared intact before him.
“Grandpa,” Su Jin said excitedly, “I have a place that can store many things. Everything in the Su family can be kept there.
Following what I saw in my dream, I activated the Dragon-Pattern Space.”
A jade pendant appeared in her hand. “Grandpa, it’s this ancestral Dragon-Patterned Jade.”
Su Tingyun was stunned, then tears welled in his eyes. “Good! Good! Heaven hasn’t abandoned the Su family!”
Su Jin held his hand, wanting to test something.
The scene shifted.
The grandfather and granddaughter, who had been in the study, now stood on the black soil within her space.
Even with all his life experience, Su Tingyun stood frozen in shock.
Standing on this land, he felt refreshed and invigorated.
Looking at everything around him, he gripped Su Jin’s hand tightly, his voice trembling.
“Xiao Jin, the future of the Su family is now in your hands.
From now on, this must never be told to anyone else. Only you and I can know.”
Su Jin nodded solemnly. “Grandpa, don’t worry. I understand.
Time is short—we must act today.
After we’re done, we’ll settle accounts with Hong Jianguo.” Her eyes were cold.
Su Tingyun nodded heavily. “Yes.”
With a thought, Su Jin brought them back to the study.
Seeing himself back inside, Su Tingyun snapped into action.
He moved several books aside and turned a mechanism. A hidden door opened.
“Come, Xiao Jin.”
She followed him inside.
The moment she entered, she couldn’t help but hold her breath. Even though she knew the family had many treasures, seeing them all still left her in awe.
Thinking about how these generations of accumulated wealth would have ended up in her scumbag father’s hands made her chest ache.
Lighting a lamp, Su Tingyun began showing her around.
“Xiao Jin, most of these are ancestral treasures. Quickly store them in your space. I’ll keep watch outside.”
Su Jin nodded. “Alright.”
She didn’t examine them closely and began storing them directly—first five chests of gold bars, two chests of cash, then over ten chests of jewelry.
As for the porcelain, imperial treasures, and famous calligraphy and paintings, she handled them with extra care.
Watching the dozens of chests gradually disappear until the room became empty, Su Tingyun felt a weight lift from his heart.
If these had been destroyed in his hands, he would have had no face to meet the Su ancestors.
After finishing, Su Jin let out a breath. “Grandpa, it’s all done.”
“Good. Let’s continue.”
Energized, Su Jin helped him out.
After restoring the hidden door, Su Tingyun searched the study for important items.
Looking at the rosewood bookshelves filled with rare books, Su Jin waved her hand and stored everything—including the shelves themselves—into the space.
Su Tingyun paused, then smiled fondly. “You girl…” His tone was full of affection.
Su Jin smiled back. “Grandpa, these are all your treasures—many are rare and ancient texts. If they were destroyed, they’d be gone forever.
The space is big enough anyway.
When things settle down, I’ll return you an even bigger study.”