Chapter 1212: Chapter 1212: The Family Finally Reunites

“I know it’s you, why are you back now, where have you been all these years?” Gao Zhitao shouted with wide eyes.

“I…” Gao Lianfeng knew he wasn’t a good father and for a moment didn’t know what to say.

In his memory, Gao Zhitao was still that lively kid; he hadn’t seen Gao Zhitao grow up.

Now with Gao Zhitao so emotional, he didn’t know where to start. The inhumane days he’d lived were impossible to talk about.

“I’m sorry.” In the end, all Gao Lianfeng could do was sigh and apologize.

“No need to apologize to me. These years I’ve gotten by on my own. I’ve grown used to it, I don’t need you anymore. Wherever you came from, go back there.” Gao Zhitao shouted.

Gao Lianfeng expected this outcome and didn’t blame his child at all; he knew he’d caused him too much harm.

If coming back hurt him again, he’d rather never have returned. It seemed like coming back alive this time was a mistake; perhaps dying underground would have been easier.

“Since that’s the case, I’ll leave.” Gao Lianfeng said, then slowly walked towards the exit.

Having stayed here for so many days, he really did hope to see his family. After all, people are emotional beings; who wouldn’t miss home?

“Dad, don’t go.”

Just as Gao Lianfeng was about to step out the door, Gao Zhitao suddenly cried out, then quickly ran over and wrapped his arms around Gao Lianfeng’s waist.

Tears had long soaked his entire face, and wet Gao Lianfeng’s back.

“Dad, I’ve missed you so much.” Gao Zhitao sobbed.

Gao Lianfeng couldn’t hold back his tears either; he could feel the deep familial bond.

The two embraced and began to cry, with Gao Lianfeng repeatedly saying, “I’m sorry.”

A profound guilt lay buried in his heart.

If it hadn’t been for his arrogance going off alone back then, things wouldn’t have turned out like this. But thankfully, he had finally come back now.

The two held each other and cried for at least five minutes. It’s hard to imagine what it looks like when two grown men hug and cry together.

Finally, Gao Lianfeng let go of his son, looked him up and down, then smiled, “You’ve grown up.”

Gao Zhitao quickly nodded, “Dad, I’ve grown up. Your future daughter-in-law already has a platoon.”

“You rascal.” Gao Lianfeng tapped Gao Zhitao’s head.

At this moment, Gao Lianfeng couldn’t be happier, he couldn’t get enough of looking at his son.

He finally focused on Gao Zhitao’s clothes and looked at the badge on his shoulder, “What does this mean?”

Gao Zhitao proudly said, “I’m now the Director of the Public Security Bureau.”

“What?” Gao Lianfeng was a bit surprised and somewhat displeased, “Why did you join the police? Why didn’t you serve in the military?”

Gao Zhitao didn’t go into detail, “It’s a long story, I’ll tell you later. For now, let me take you to see Grandpa. He’ll surely be happy to see you.”

Gao Lianfeng was a bit excited, always thinking of his father. Actually, it was his father’s pain that hurt most from his disappearance.

Just before he hadn’t asked, worried about Gao Mantang’s health.

“How’s your grandfather’s health?” Gao Lianfeng asked.

Gao Zhitao smiled, “You’ll know soon enough when you meet him.” He said, then took Gao Lianfeng outside.

Meanwhile, at the military district’s logistics department, an old man was playing chess with two young soldiers.

“Old commander, you can’t cheat this time, you’re already down pieces, no taking back moves,” the young soldier said.

“No, no, I didn’t see your piece there, I must take back my move,” Gao Mantang said shaking his head wearing reading glasses.

“No way, commander, you can’t cheat this time,” the young soldier stubbornly said.

Then Gao Mantang glared, “Impudent, if I say take back, I take back, you have no say.”

Speaking as he took his piece back, then chuckled, “It’s your turn, I told you two I won’t lose.”

The two young soldiers were speechless; they’d never seen anyone cheat so blatantly at chess.

Just then, Gao Zhitao hurriedly ran in, excitedly standing before Gao Mantang.

“Grandpa, I have good news for you today.” Gao Zhitao said excitedly.

“What’s with all your so-called good news? Get out of the way, don’t disturb my game. Can’t you see I’m about to win?” Gao Mantang impatiently pushed Gao Zhitao aside.

To him, Gao Zhitao never had any serious matters.

“I really have something good to tell you.” Gao Zhitao said urgently.

“Don’t tell me you’ve found me another granddaughter-in-law, how many is that now? I don’t believe you, go to the side,” Gao Mantang pushed his grandson away.

“You two go out first, I need to talk to Grandpa,” Gao Zhitao said to the two young soldiers.

The two promptly stood up and ran out like they’d been released.

“Don’t run, admit you lost first, didn’t you?”

“We lost.” The two shouted as they ran out.

Gao Mantang proudly said, “See, none of them can beat me.”

“My dad is back.” Suddenly Gao Zhitao announced without any warning.

Gao Mantang’s piece fell from his grasp onto the table, his face froze, then he angrily said, “You little rascal, speaking nonsense again. If he’s back, I’ll call you grandfather even.”

Gao Zhitao was speechless, “You don’t believe it, do you? Want to make a bet?”

“Zhitao, don’t be silly.” Suddenly, Gao Lianfeng came in from outside.

He heard his father speak and was really worried they’d say something even worse.

“Why did you come out? I was about to scam him for money,” Gao Zhitao said a bit dissatisfied.

Seeing Gao Lianfeng come in, Gao Mantang was momentarily dazed. His hands trembled as he rose shakily.

Sensing his grandfather’s tremble, Gao Zhitao hurriedly supported him.

Tears welled in Gao Mantang’s eyes. After years without crying, recently he felt the urge.

Being a soldier he always thought he wouldn’t cry, even when Gao Zhitao was injured his eyes didn’t redden.

But now, he couldn’t hold his emotions.

This face he’d seen too many times in dreams, he’d owed his son.

“Grandpa, this isn’t a dream, this is my dad,” Gao Zhitao chimed in beside him.

“Son.” Gao Mantang finally cried out; no matter when, in a father’s eyes, a son is forever a child…