"That's not entirely true," Di Jiancheng countered, "Your grandmother still cares about us."
If she truly didn't, he wouldn't have been able to sustain himself abroad for so long. Every year, the old lady would deposit a sum of money into his account and inquire about his well-being.
Di Dongsheng was unconvinced. "If she truly cared, why wouldn't she have given us more important positions?"
If Di Mingjue hadn't been confined to his bed these past few years, how would he have had the chance to briefly hold the position of Di family patriarch?
His heart had long been consumed by ambition. His sinister gaze fixed on the second floor.
"If I can't have it, he won't either."
At these words, Di Jiancheng felt a chill run down his spine.
...
Di Jiancheng's return also brought a buzz to the Di residence. Ostensibly, it was a welcome banquet for him, but in reality, there were ulterior motives.
The servants had finished decorating the day before, and by early morning the next day, various aunts and uncles of the Di family had already arrived.
Di Jiancheng's return had filled everyone with confusion. He had caused such a scene at home back then; they all thought he would never come back in this lifetime.
"Jiancheng?" A woman around the same age as the old lady entered, supported by a middle-aged woman.
Di Jiancheng, who was looking at his phone, turned and recognized the newcomer. He immediately slipped his phone into his pocket and hurried forward, taking the phone from the middle-aged woman's hand. "Second Grandmother, are you in good health?"
"Very good," Second Grandmother nodded. "And you, why have you returned so suddenly?"
"It's just that I missed everyone," Di Jiancheng replied with a smile.
As the three entered the front hall, Second Grandmother glanced around. "Where is your mother?"
It was strange, though it was his welcome banquet today, the old lady had disappeared somewhere early in the morning. Even Di Mingjue's family was absent.
Di Jiancheng didn't want to admit he didn't know, so he casually made up an excuse. "Something came up, she'll be back after she's finished."
They all sat down on the sofas, and the other relatives gathered around, chatting with Second Grandmother.
Di Jiancheng seized the opportunity to excuse himself and quickly sent a message to Di Dongsheng.
At his welcome banquet, he was left alone in the house to face these relatives.
As soon as he sent the message, Di Dongsheng entered, supporting Third Uncle.
"Dad, Third Uncle is here," Di Dongsheng announced.
In his youth, Di Jiancheng had been particularly fond of Third Uncle, who treated him like his own son. Naturally, he had hoped Di Jiancheng would become the Di family patriarch.
However, things had not gone as planned. No one could refute the old lady's decisions, which was one of the reasons Third Uncle had been reluctant to visit the Di family all these years.
Di Jiancheng ran forward and affectionately linked his arm with Third Uncle's. "How has your health been all these years?"
"You scamp, you left for so many years, and now you're concerned about my health?" Third Uncle reprimanded him sternly.
His old face flushed, Di Jiancheng was momentarily speechless.
Third Uncle hadn't seen him in a long time either and didn't want to spoil the mood. "Are you planning to leave again?"
"No," Di Jiancheng said hastily. "I left impulsively before, but I've come to my senses now. It's time for me to return and shoulder the responsibilities I should. However, I will need your help."
Third Uncle, being such an intelligent man, couldn't fail to understand the hidden meaning in his words.
"It's good that you've thought it through. Don't just leave again if something doesn't go your way!"
"I won't. This time, I will certainly strive for what is rightfully mine."
Everyone desires to be above all others. His ambition for the Di family patriarch was no less than Di Dongsheng's.
As soon as Third Uncle arrived, the younger generation swarmed around him. Their intentions were clear: they all wanted to curry favor with Third Uncle.
Seeing that he couldn't get a word in, Di Jiancheng regretted bringing Third Uncle into the front hall.
The father and son stood to the side. Di Dongsheng patted Di Jiancheng's shoulder. "Dad, can we talk for a moment?"