Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C374. What is a Family?

Chapter 374: What is a Family

Hua Zhi understood exactly why Zheng Zhi had arrived, so she stood up immediately and greeted him with a respectful tone, "Mr. Zheng."

Zheng Zhi, never one to waste time on pleasantries, returned the greeting before diving straight into the matter. "Is Zeng Han the son of Zeng Xian? And why has he come to the Hua family?"

Hua Zhi paused for a moment, then replied, "Before Zeng Xian passed away, he entrusted his son to my care." It was at that point that something else came to her mind—something she had almost forgotten. She bowed deeply again, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "It was thanks to your trust in me that I went to visit Zeng Xian. That meeting was a turning point, one that brought about the good karma that ultimately saved the Hua family from disaster. I am truly grateful for the kindness you showed me."

Zheng Zhi waved his hand dismissively. "That good karma was all your doing; it has nothing to do with me."

Though he didn't know the specifics of what had gone down at Yingshan Pass, compared to what was happening in the capital, he could put two and two together with just a bit of thought. "So, by bringing Zeng Han into the Hua family, you plan to keep him around for the long haul?"

"If he’s willing to stay, then yeah," Hua Zhi replied. After a pause, she elaborated on Zeng Han's situation. "His personality’s been heavily shaped by Zeng Xian. I’m hoping that by being around, I can influence him in some small way while he’s still young. People grow within their social circles, and he’s going to have to interact with others eventually. Even if he doesn’t warm up to the idea, at least if he can get along with the Hua kids, that would be a win."

Zheng Zhi’s expression shifted, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Is there more to it than that?"

"More? Like what?"

"Have you thought about what kind of future he’s going to have? What path he’ll walk?"

"That’s his journey to figure out, not mine," Hua Zhi said with a smile. "As long as he doesn’t turn to a life of crime, I’ll support whatever he decides."

A smile tugged at the corners of Zheng Zhi’s mouth. "I suddenly feel pretty lucky to have some old connections with the Zeng family and that I was the one who sent you to look out for him back then."

"I feel the same way," Hua Zhi replied.

"If Zeng Han doesn’t change at home, then when my three years are up, I’ll take him out into the world. With more experiences and a broader perspective, things will get better on their own."

A thought crossed Hua Zhi’s mind. "Mr. Zheng, what exactly are you suggesting?"

"I’m thinking of taking Zeng Han on as my student. Would that be acceptable to you?"

Hua Zhi felt happy for Zeng Han but didn’t agree right away. "I need to talk to him first. He’s at a stage where he feels most vulnerable, and I don’t want him to think that I’m just dumping him on you."

"Zeng Han is lucky," Zheng Zhi said, clasping his hands in a gesture of respect as he prepared to leave.

The longer he stayed at the Hua family’s house, the more he came to admire the young lady. Her approach to things, her open-mindedness—she stood head and shoulders above most men, let alone women. She seemed to have an innate talent, a clarity of vision that was unimpeded by anything. She was always thinking ahead, far into the future. Whether it was with Bai Lin, Sui’an, Zeng Han, or the unconventional Xiao Liu, her attitude remained the same toward all of them.

If she had been a man, and had risen to a high position, it would have been a tremendous blessing.

What a pity!