RBNR Ch64: Stay With Him

Old Master Qin was so shocked that he had a stroke. When he woke up, his left side was paralyzed. When he saw Qin Bao, he just cried and mumbled, “Bao’er… what about your father now…”

Qin Bao’s tears instantly slid down his cheeks: “Grandpa, he was just taken for investigation, he’ll be fine.”

Ever since their big argument nearly two years ago, Qin Bao had not returned home.

In just these two years, his once strong and robust grandfather seemed to have aged a lot. His hair was whiter, his eyes cloudier, and age spots had appeared on his face.

The doctor told them that General Qin could no longer afford any emotional upheaval and needed to rest well, otherwise, he could be permanently paralyzed.

Following the doctor’s advice, Qin Bao comforted his grandfather until he fell asleep, then went outside to talk to Ms. Rong.

Ms. Rong was the first to be notified because the servant only had her contact information.

Ms. Rong did not accept Qin Bao’s money to start a studio but instead established a small art studio on her own. Although she and Mr. Qin had been divorced for many years, their affection remained. This time, she had directly left a few students and rushed over.

According to the servant, Mr. Qin was taken away by the law enforcement department directly from the Qin family living room. He didn’t look flustered at the time, and even with handcuffs on, he stood tall and cooperated fully.

It was just that the old master rushed out to stop them, but couldn’t, and then collapsed straight from a heart attack.

Later, Grandpa got the news through his connections and called Ms. Rong.

It’s said that Mr. Qin was indeed accused of “treason,” and several key members of the Ministry of Commerce were taken with him.

The reason was that the Ministry of Commerce had taken control of the maritime transport routes for rare resources with a transit permit. However, the interstellar terrorist organization Tuduo, which had always been hostile to the Alliance and the Empire, suddenly approached the direction of Ella Star. Investigations confirmed that their ground organization on Ella Star obtained a large amount of rare resources through maritime routes.

The issue arose under Mr. Qin’s watch. Without his permission, not a drop of rare resources could have left.

With such a grave accusation, no one had the authority to bail out Mr. Qin. Once he entered the law enforcement department, there was no chance of coming out in the short term.

The room seemed to be shrouded in thick clouds, and everyone wore a worried expression.

Ms. Rong had already calmed down considerably. Knowing that the most important thing at the moment was for the old master not to have any issues, she composed herself and communicated with the doctors again, arranging for the old master’s daily care.

Grandpa personally came to the hospital once, and several times he seemed to want to say something to Qin Bao but stopped.

After the panic subsided, Qin Bao leaned against the door frame, arms crossed, lost in thought. He wondered if ordinary lawyers could handle such a matter. If he wanted to prove Mr. Qin’s innocence, would they have to rely on the Imperial Procuratorate? What would the procedure be, and what materials would they need to prepare?

He had completely grown up, his shoulders broader than before. Although still slender and thin, he no longer had the frail appearance of a young boy. As an artist often in the entertainment industry, his hair was long enough to cover his earlobes, and the back of his neck was covered with a black gland patch.

“Xiao Bao, you…” Grandpa sighed, “Oh, forget it. Take care of the family during this time. We’ll adults think of a way for your father’s situation.”

Qin Bao didn’t think of himself as young, but when Feng Chengyu appeared at the door, he felt a sudden relief in his heart, like he finally had someone to rely on. Unconsciously, he walked towards Feng Chengyu.

He lowered his head, resting his forehead on Feng Chengyu’s shoulder.

“It’s okay now.” Feng Chengyu immediately hugged him, kissed his ear gently, and said, “I’m here.”

The following days were chaotic.

In nearly twenty-two years of life, this was the first time Qin Bao felt like the sky was falling.

After the first trial, the final verdict for Mr. Qin had not yet been announced. Experts analyzed that he was highly likely to receive a fifty-year sentence, and in severe cases, he could be sentenced to death.

The Qin family’s mansion was sealed, and everyone’s accounts were frozen. Even the lawsuit Qin Bao was fighting with the “Echoes” production team was put on hold.

This matter finally had an official announcement, shocking the entire nation. Online, a wave of criticism emerged, tearing the Qin family apart. Even voices of doubt were quickly drowned out by the insults.

After Old Master Qin regained consciousness, he sought help from many places. With his many years of prestige in the Imperial army and the efforts of various parties, he successfully secured a second trial.

Fortunately, Qin Bao’s work was not affected. Except for the first few days after the incident, he managed to attend every variety show recording, appearing polished and cheerful. Once work was over, he immediately went to the hospital.

Old Master Qin’s medical care in the military hospital was free, but the cost of caregivers, food, clothing, and other necessities was entirely covered by Qin Bao.

After the stroke, Old Master Qin’s limbs needed massage therapy. Qin Bao even learned the techniques from the caregiver and would personally massage him whenever he had time.

The grandfather and grandson still didn’t talk much. Both held grievances, but they were very harmonious. In the face of such a significant crisis, any past disagreements and misunderstandings seemed trivial.

Whenever Ms. Rong saw this, she found the atmosphere inexplicably strange.

She still didn’t know about Qin Bao’s pheromone rejection condition or what had happened between the grandfather and grandson. She only saw Qin Bao becoming increasingly thin and tried to make him meals and soups.

Even with an essential family member in trouble, the household continued to operate in an orderly manner.

Shan Yiming made a special trip back to the capital to visit Old Master Qin, and Tu Yisen also called from the army. Neither of them believed that Mr. Qin would “betray the country.”

It’s easy to add flowers to a brocade, but difficult to send charcoal in snow. Not only the younger generation, but also the elders of the Shan and Tu families were trying to help. However, aside from these two, many of Qin Bao’s previous friends had all disappeared, fearing association with him and avoiding him at all costs.

Unfortunately, Qin Bao was unable to meet with Shan Yiming because he was taken away by Feng Rui’an that afternoon.

The car from the National Security Department was fully bulletproof and did not use intelligent brain driving. A special forces soldier was arranged in both the front and back seats.

Qin Bao had many thoughts. Given the recent situation, he couldn’t guess Director Feng’s intentions.

When the car arrived at the destination, he found that the meeting place was not at the National Security Department but at a tea house near the Chunshan Ski Resort, from where one could see the entire ski resort.

Feng Rui’an’s secretary, a female beta, led Qin Bao into the room and then politely excused herself.

By the floor-to-ceiling window in the room, only Director Feng was seated.

“Xiao Bao,” Feng Rui’an smiled, the wrinkles around his eyes deepening as he beckoned Qin Bao over, “come sit.”

Qin Bao greeted him and had just sat down when Feng Rui’an remarked, “You’ve lost weight.”

Feeling uneasy, Qin Bao didn’t know how to respond: “…”

Feng Rui’an continued, “You haven’t seen Chengyu in a long time, have you?”

Qin Bao sat upright, “Almost a month.”

During this month, they had rarely been in touch. Feng Chengyu was already swamped but still tried to find ways to help with the Qin family’s matter.

Qin Bao couldn’t do anything to help. The best he could do was not to create more trouble for Feng Chengyu and keep the household running smoothly.

“See, I said you should find time to meet, otherwise you become estranged.” Feng Rui’an poured him a cup of tea. “Don’t be nervous. I just want to chat with you. I know you’ve been having a hard time lately.”

A simple sentence from an elder made Qin Bao’s throat tighten. He quickly accepted the tea with both hands, “Thank you.”

He sobered up a bit, realizing he should say something at this moment: “Director Feng, about my father—”

Feng Rui’an interrupted him, “Good child, we’re not talking about that today. Let’s talk about something lighter.”

Qin Bao had no choice but to nod.

“I didn’t get to know you much before and after you married Chengyu. I only knew you were a great model and now a movie star,” Feng Rui’an said, “Xiao Bao, I admire you.”

Qin Bao was slightly startled.

He didn’t understand why Feng Rui’an was talking about this.

He thought Director Feng would think like others, believing he was pursuing an inappropriate career for a family like theirs.

Feng Rui’an continued, “Chengyu said that was your dream. I admire everyone who chases their dreams. Just like Chengyu, who knew from a young age what he wanted to do, how to do it, and worked hard for it.”

She looked out the window, “When my father was alive, this was a place he often brought Chengyu. After he passed away, Chengyu also came here often, sometimes bringing that kid from the Shu family.”

Qin Bao followed her gaze out the window.

In the white snow world, the faint silhouettes of skiers could be seen.

Feng Rui’an said, “I thought they were here to continue studying tea ceremony. Later, I found out they were actually here secretly drinking. Just a casual touch under the tea table would reveal at least a bottle of whiskey.”

Qin Bao: “…”

He couldn’t help but smile but quickly restrained himself due to his heavy heart, “Those two would indeed do such things.”

Feng Rui’an: “Elegant and steady on the surface, but rebellious inside. During middle school, they were dissatisfied with the school’s competition standards. Even though they won the championship, they smashed the trophy in front of everyone and hung it upside down at the principal’s office door.”

So excessive.

Qin Bao didn’t know what to say.

He had never done anything that rebellious.

Feng Rui’an continued, “So the first time I saw you, I knew he would definitely like you.”

Qin Bao: “…”

Does that mean she thinks he’s rebellious too?

Feng Rui’an smiled, “Because he not only knows what he’s pursuing but also knows what he wants.”

Qin Bao didn’t understand, showing a puzzled expression.

Feng Rui’an asked him, “Xiao Bao, did you know this is also where Chengyu’s dream began?”

“I know.” Finally, something Qin Bao understood. He nodded, “Chunshan Ski Resort was Feng Chengyu’s first successful project.”

“He was still in the city committee then.” Feng Rui’an turned back, her eyes gentle but sharp, “In just six or seven years… he has climbed very fast.”

Everyone says that.

Qin Bao sincerely commented, “Because he’s very capable.”

Feng Rui’an smiled, “Yes, but Xiao Bao, haste makes waste. I think it would be good for him to slow down a bit. Because in life, besides dreams, there are many other important things worth pursuing and cherishing. Enjoying all aspects of life gives life better meaning.”

She asked Qin Bao, “If he were to slow down, would you stay by his side?”

Qin Bao: “…I would.”

Feng Rui’an was pleased, “I hope that in the future, you two can pursue that beauty together.”

Their conversation didn’t last long. Feng Rui’an had another guest to meet there, so the secretary escorted Qin Bao to the car first.

Director Feng suddenly turned into a riddler, and Qin Bao couldn’t understand the purpose of this meeting, but he soon figured it out.

That evening, Feng Chengyu came out unscathed in international court and, representing the Imperial Council, gave a speech addressing two issues: the migration of Feilu Star refugees and the implementation of the forbidden zone for rare dysprosium mining.

Appearing in the media conference footage, he held a model of the Feng family’s first-generation marshal’s mecha, along with models of several planets containing rare dysprosium, implicitly showcasing his vision for the future.

Feng Chengyu had been very popular in recent years. The public responded enthusiastically, and applause continued long after he left.

But next, Lin Zi, who stepped onto the stage, announced a bombshell.

“Regarding the armed attack in the Sunny Desert, to avoid public panic, we chose to conceal the fact that Mr. Feng was shot and seriously injured.”

Lin Zi displayed medical records and injury photos.

“However, today, we regret to inform you that Mr. Feng’s old wounds have not healed, and his health is deteriorating. He has decided to resign from his position as Vice President of the Imperial Council and officially leave the Imperial Council. Thank you, everyone.”