Volume One: The Countryside

Chapter 0001: A Gentle Knife

Henry Walker sat in the luxurious living room, listening to two women chattering endlessly about family matters. Although he kept his head down, he could keenly sense the disdainful glances they occasionally cast his way.

“Dongdong, pour your second uncle some more water. This top-grade Longjing tea your father has is from the banks of West Lake. Your second uncle hasn’t had such fine tea in years!” This woman, accustomed to a life of comfort, even spoke in a soft, languid tone. Yet, the hint of contempt in her polite words was all too obvious.

Looking at the cup of warm water in front of him, so pale it was almost colorless, Henry Walker clenched his fists tightly, struggling to suppress his emotions.

Though he was already past forty, that trace of pride in his heart had not been completely worn away by the years. Unable to calm his feelings, he wanted nothing more than to stand up and leave immediately. But reason reminded him: when under someone else’s roof, how can you not bow your head? You have to endure this—you’re here to ask for help! With this thought, the resentment in his heart quickly vanished without a trace.

If it were just for himself, Henry Walker would never have come, no matter what. But for the sake of his beloved son, he had no choice but to bite the bullet. Maybe, if he lowered his head just this once, his son would have a way forward.

“Dad, all my classmates have started working. When will you...”

Thinking of his son’s face, full of hope, he simply couldn’t refuse. He couldn’t be cold and indifferent; he was willing to let his son see him as a tree, planted at the crucial starting point of his life. After much deliberation, he finally stepped into the home of his cousin, with whom he’d had little contact for over twenty years.

“Dong, dong, dong...”

A rhythmic chime from the clock made the already uneasy Henry Walker look even more dejected. Though he was unwilling to leave empty-handed again, he knew it was time to take the hint and go. He’d lost count of how many times he’d come—surely, no matter how busy his cousin was, it shouldn’t be this hard to meet him, right?

“Second brother, don’t mind the trouble. Stay a bit longer—maybe Edward will be back soon.” The insincere pleasantry, though meant to keep him, sounded even harsher than being told to leave.

Walking out of the grand villa with a heavy heart, Henry Walker felt a wave of dizziness. The bright streetlights cast his thin figure in stark loneliness.

“Screech!”

A harsh braking sound rang out behind Henry Walker. With it, a young man stuck his head out of the car window: “Are you blind or deaf? Trying to get yourself killed?”

“Sorry, sorry.” Henry Walker, facing the bright headlights, apologized repeatedly.

Just as he turned around, the face of a middle-aged man flashed before his eyes! Though they hadn’t seen each other in years, Henry Walker recognized him instantly: this was the very person he’d been looking for—Edward Walker!

Looking at the well-dressed Edward in the car, then at his own disheveled self outside, the stark contrast left Henry Walker at a loss for words.

The man in the car didn’t even glance at Henry Walker, merely saying indifferently, “Xiaoyun, be more careful when driving next time. Let’s go.”

“Yes, Mayor!” the driver replied, about to roll up the window.

“Edward, it’s me, Henry!” After holding it in for so long, Henry Walker finally blurted out the words, feeling a sudden sense of relief as soon as he spoke.

Hearing this, the rear window slowly rolled down again. The stern middle-aged man glanced at Henry Walker, his gaze icy cold, with a hint of disgust.

“What do you want? Hurry up and say it.” The middle-aged man, showing no intention of getting out, waved impatiently and asked coldly.

“Edward, your nephew has graduated. He...”

“Alright, I got it. No need to say more. I’ll make arrangements in a while. Don’t come looking for me again if there’s nothing else!” As he spoke, the middle-aged man quickly rolled up the window.

Just as the window closed, the man’s voice came through clearly: “Hmph, Henry Walker, weren’t you always so aloof? Didn’t you always treat official positions like dirt? What’s this now? Only coming to me after you’ve fallen on hard times?”

Watching the car drive away, Henry Walker couldn’t tell if he felt joy or sorrow. He was glad that his son’s problem finally had hope, but sad that a wave of depression churned inside him. Not even sure how he left, he stumbled into a small tavern.