Chapter 8

Zhang Shaoyu stretched his neck to watch his grandfather dial the number, his heart racing to his throat, for it was his father's mobile phone! In the following passage, Zhang Shaoyu later wrote in his memoir: What my grandfather said that day can be considered the most heartbreaking moment for me since I turned twenty-one, as that conversation nearly severed my ties with my family.

Anger aside, Zhang Shaoyu still managed to remain rational; after all, it was his own father. No matter how unreasonable, he could not retort. Thus, he exerted great effort to restrain himself, tightly gritting his teeth to suppress the anger that was about to erupt, and softly asked, "Dad, may I speak with Mom?"

Director Chen accompanied him home, where his grandfather reminisced with him, and the two engaged in a lively conversation in the living room. As soon as Zhang Shaoyu entered the house, he lowered his head and stood to the side, waiting for his fate. However, strangely, his grandfather did not say anything and allowed him to stand there. After about ten minutes, Director Chen stood up to take his leave. Zhang Shaoyu politely thanked him and escorted him to the door.

But his father was in a fit of anger and would not pay him any attention. He continued to hurl insults, using every vile word at his disposal. Zhang Shaoyu initially reassured himself that it was alright, as his father had not received much education and it was inevitable for him to use crude language. However, later on, his father actually shouted, "You are even worse than a beast." Zhang Shaoyu was truly enraged, his teeth grinding together, his head aching from the anger, and his chest felt as if it were blocked by something, making him feel suffocated. But later on, his father actually shouted, "You are even worse than a beast." Zhang Shaoyu was truly enraged, his teeth grinding together, his head aching from the anger, and his chest felt as if it were blocked by something, making him feel suffocated.

Zhang Shaoyu held his grandmother's hand tightly, forcing out a faint smile: "Grandma, I am leaving." After saying this, he picked up his suitcase and turned coldly to his grandfather, saying, "Grandpa, take care." With that, he walked out without hesitation. Behind him, he could hear the sound of his grandmother crying and the argument with his grandfather, the clearest thing Zhang Shaoyu heard was: Let him go, let him fend for himself!

"Let him go, let him leave." The cold, icy voice of my grandfather rang out from the side, like a sword piercing sharply into Zhang Shaoyu's heart. He forced a smile, holding back the tears that were already welling in his eyes, and said to his grandmother: "Grandma, I am leaving. Please take good care of your health. You have always been unwell, so remember to take your medicine. I will come back to see you. Grandma, I..."

One can imagine the intense reaction of the father on the other end of the phone upon hearing these words; he shouted loudly, questioning what mistake his son had made this time. Even Zhang Shaoyu, standing five steps away, could clearly hear his roar. Suddenly, a feeling of emptiness surged within him, as if he had plummeted into an abyss, falling into icy cold water, the chill rising from his heart.

The call went through, and the person answering the phone seemed to be from m.hetushu.com. My grandfather first inquired about their health and work situation, but then the conversation took a turn, and he said something that made Zhang Shaoyu shiver immediately: "There is something I must apologize for; I am sorry that I have not been able to discipline Zhang Shaoyu properly"

Zhang Shaoyu suddenly felt a tightening in his heart, becoming anxious. Who is Grandpa going to call?

At twenty-one years old, a young man standing at one meter seventy-five was not particularly good-looking. Zhang Shaoyu looked calmly at his grandfather, realizing that this time he would have to take the initiative to admit his mistake. Taking a deep breath, Zhang Shaoyu prepared to speak. Just at that moment, his grandfather suddenly picked up the phone on the table.

He picked up the photo and carefully wiped it again and again. In the photo, Zhang Li appeared so quiet and elegant. Just a few days ago, she was still his girlfriend, but now... Oh, Zhang Shaoyu, how could you be so unfortunate, encountering all these troublesome matters.

There is no greater sorrow than a dead heart. For everyone, home is a place filled with warmth and affection, yet Zhang Shaoyu has never felt this way. Aside from his grandmother, it seems that no one in this world cares about his existence. Sometimes, he even wonders if anyone would feel sad if he were to die.

However, Zhang Shaoyu was momentarily taken aback when he suddenly caught sight of something in the box. It was a photograph, quietly lying atop the clothes. In the photo, Zhang Shaoyu was smiling radiantly, with a beautiful girl leaning against him like a little bird; that was Zhang Li.

Well, you little rascal have become quite clever, haven't you? Alright, if you think you're so capable, don't rely on me in the future. If you have the ability, then...

Upon seeing him come out with a suitcase, Grandma's expression changed dramatically. She quickly stood up from the sofa, stepped forward, and grabbed her precious grandson's hand, exclaiming, "Shaoyu, what are you planning to do?"

A storm is coming, Zhang Shaoyu thought to himself

A surge of anger gradually rose from the depths of my heart, slowly climbing upwards, until it ultimately surged to the top of my head. As a father, aside from providing me with tuition and living expenses, have you done anything else? I am twenty-one years old, and in my memories, I have only seen you three times! I ask, in all the world, which father would treat his son this way

Just as Zhang Shaoyu was at a loss, his grandfather handed him the phone without saying a word

The father on the other end of the phone suddenly fell silent, likely taken aback by his son's unexpected words. Both father and son were suddenly enveloped in silence, but this silence was merely the calm before the storm. Moments later, a statement that would profoundly impact Zhang Shaoyu's life emerged from his father's lips

Unable to continue speaking, Zhang Shaoyu looked at his grandmother, whose height barely reached his chest. She had a slightly hunched figure, gray hair, and a face full of wrinkles. Her murky eyes were filled with tears as she gazed at the picture book, causing Zhang Shaoyu's heart to ache as if it were being cut by a knife

Shao Yu, you... Grandmother has been sitting quietly beside him, knowing that Grandfather does not allow her to speak. Although Grandmother always protects him, she must listen to Grandfather.

"Be good, Shaoyu, don’t be angry with your father and grandfather; they are also doing this for your own good. Let’s not leave, just be obedient." Grandma, with tears streaming down her face, gently stroked her most beloved grandson's face and spoke to him as if he were a small child.

You ungrateful wretch! I work like a horse outside to support your university education! Is this how you repay me? You really have some nerve, even getting yourself into the police station; you are the first in our Zhang family! What a disgrace! How could I have given birth to such a scoundrel like you? A person has their dignity, just as a tree has its bark; do you still have any shame left?

"Dad, please let me explain..." Zhang Shaoyu could sense his father's anger and wanted to clarify the situation. However, his father did not give him the opportunity at all, continuing to scold him in anger, with the words becoming increasingly harsh.

Dad ... ... '' Before I could even call out, my father on the other end of the phone had already begun to roar.

Zhang Shaoyu said nothing and walked straight into the room to gather his belongings. He no longer wanted to stay; he had had enough. Rather than endure the indifferent gazes here, it was better to leave early. There wasn't much to take, just a few changes of clothes, which he packed into a suitcase and could carry away.

In fact, Zhang Shaoyu had already mentally prepared himself at the police station, ready to face a thorough reprimand when he got home. He had also decided not to argue back, no matter what his grandfather said, and would simply admit his mistakes. However, things did not seem to unfold as he had imagined.

Young people born after the 1980s inevitably experience differences in perspectives compared to the previous generation. Adults refer to this as "rebellion," while young people consider it as "individuality," leading to a general disregard for everything.

This time, without waiting for his father to finish speaking, Zhang Shaoyu interjected, "No problem, let's do it this way. Take care, Mom and Dad." After saying this, he slammed the phone down. At that moment, Zhang Shaoyu's heart was filled with anger and sorrow. Why do I have such an unapproachable father? Why won't he listen to my explanation? Does he see me as a bad seed by nature?

Grandfather sat back down on the sofa, picked up the remote control from the coffee table, and turned on the television, seemingly unaware of Zhang Shaoyu standing beside him. He watched the television with great interest, occasionally commenting on the plot of the drama to Grandmother, who was sitting on the opposite sofa. Zhang Shaoyu began to feel a bit sad; even being scolded or hit would be better than this indifference towards him

Dad, have you finished scolding me?" Zhang Shaoyu suddenly raised his voice and asked

Zhang Shaoyu took it with both hands and quickly stepped back two paces to receive it.

He chuckled self-deprecatingly, put the photo back, swiftly picked up the suitcase, and walked out.