Chapter 22 - Family Dinner
In the next month, what Ye Hao had to do was to focus on learning these difficult questions.
His task involved further enhancing his performance on the existing foundation.
There wasn't a teacher who didn't appreciate intelligent students.
Ye Hao's intelligence brought joy to the teachers at No.3 High School. Even if they couldn't answer certain questions right away, each teacher had their own group chat where they shared these questions, seeking assistance from their colleagues.
Ye Hao exhibited an insatiable thirst for knowledge, absorbing it like a sponge.
In truth, Ye Hao's decision to attend No.3 High School had been a wise one.
It was possible that not even No.2 High School would have invested as much effort in nurturing Ye Hao.
Furthermore, Lee Qianqian's mother's intervention had been perfectly timed. Since Lee Qianqian couldn't answer these questions, otherwise, Ye Hao would have wasted his time.
The divine blood had undoubtedly brought about more than just modifications to Ye Hao's memory. He sensed that his brain had also undergone significant development, and over time, he grew increasingly intelligent.
Ye Hao comprehended that this was due to the gradual development of his brain.
Time slowly passed just like that.
In the days leading up to the college entrance exam, all the high schools in Jiangnan City had declared a brief respite.
Ye Hao gathered his belongings and was chauffeured home by the school.
Guo Xiu's heart ached at the sight of her frail son. “Hao, how have you been this past month?”
Ye Hao hadn't left No.3 High School for the entire month.
“I've been getting four well-rounded meals a day: a mix of meat and vegetables, ensuring balanced nutrition,” Ye Hao grinned. “I'm staying in the principal's quarters, which are equipped with all sorts of amenities.”
“That's a relief,” Guo Xiu said, reassured that her son wasn't enduring hardships.
“Will you still be studying tomorrow?” Ye Zhiguo inquired, setting down his newspaper.
“I've already covered everything I needed to in the last few days. Another three days of studying won't make a difference to me,” Ye Hao shook his head.
Ye Hao was prepared to unwind for the next three days.
“Indeed, it's time for you to take a break.” Just as Ye Zhiguo made this remark, his phone rang. He hesitated briefly when he saw the caller ID, then answered the call.
“I've arranged a dinner at Lidu Hotel tonight at eight o'clock. Please join us.”
“Who is it?” Guo Xiu asked when she saw Ye Zhiguo's expression.
“Old Master is treating,” Ye Zhiguo replied.
“No,” Guo Xiu refused without even thinking.
“Old Master had a hard time inviting us this time. It wouldn't be right if we declined,” Ye Zhiguo avoided making eye contact with his wife.
“You're not permitted to attend,” Guo Xiu, usually gentle, was seething. “He showed no concern for Hao's coma and hospitalization, and he ignored our debt troubles. I don't want such a relative.”
Ye Zhiguo wanted to say something, but he held back.
After a moment's thought, Ye Hao leaned in and whispered to Guo Xiu, “Mom, it might be good for us to go.”
“Whose side are you on?” Guo Xiu gave Ye Hao an accusing look.
“If I don't do this, how can I mend things with my father?” Ye Hao responded with a smile.
Guo Xiu pondered for a moment and grasped Ye Hao's intent.
This time, Ye Zhiguo's elder brother, Ye Zhiming, was certain to attend as well. Given Ye Zhiming's family's temperament, they would likely mock Ye Zhiguo's family relentlessly. This would ultimately chill Ye Zhiguo's heart, and he would lose all hope for that side of the family.
Ye Dongzhi had mentioned that dinner would commence at eight in the evening.
Naturally, they couldn't arrive exactly at eight, so they were half an hour early.
“Uncle Ye.” A young man, approximately the same height as Ye Hao but dressed in international designer clothing, stood at the door. The difference from Ye Hao was his haughty gaze directed at Ye Zhiguo.
Ye Zhiguo nodded and inquired, “Which room is Old Master Ye in?”
“He's in room 206,” replied Ye Zhengmao. Initially, he was supposed to escort Ye Zhiguo to the room, but he didn't.
Anger welled up inside Ye Zhiguo, but he chose to remain silent. Leading Ye Hao and Guo Xiu, he proceeded to room 206.
“Their entire family looks down on others,” Guo Xiu cursed under her breath.
Ye Hao, on the other hand, smiled and didn't mind.
Ye Hao realized that his thoughts had unknowingly changed.
Perhaps his perspective had broadened. In the eyes of Ye Zhengmao, Ye Hao's actions appeared amusing and childlike.
Ye Hao approached the door and was greeted by a remarkably attractive server. However, Ye Hao's attention immediately gravitated towards the elderly gentleman seated at the head of the table.
It dawned on Ye Hao that the elderly man before him was his grandfather, Ye Dongzhi.
His memory of his grandfather was rather faint, as the last encounter they had was during his junior high school years.
Ye Dongzhi appeared robust and was adorned in quite opulent attire.
The smile on his face vanished upon spotting Ye Zhiguo and his family.
Seated beside Ye Zhiguo, an elderly lady inquired, “Why have you summoned them here?”
An elderly woman, positioned on the opposite side of Ye Zhiguo, expressed her dissatisfaction, saying, “Sister-in-law, you shouldn't say such things. Zhiguo is my brother's son.”
“I have never admitted to this matter.”
“You don't need to admit to this matter, because it is the truth.”
Witnessing the impending argument between his wife and sister, Ye Dongzhi had no choice but to interject, “Today's dinner serves as an early celebration of Zhengmao's exam success. Let's not create a ruckus right now.”
Ye Mingyan and Situ Qiu also recognized that this wasn't the right time or place for a quarrel, so they simultaneously ceased their dispute.
“Please, take a seat.” Ye Dongzhi cast a dispassionate glance at Ye Zhiguo and uttered.
Ye Zhiguo felt an inexplicable twinge of melancholy.
He had initially believed that his father had had a change of heart and had invited him to a banquet. It turned out that it was his aunt who had extended the invitation.
Nonetheless, Ye Zhiguo complied, seating himself with his wife and son.
It might have been because Ye Zhiguo still clung to a glimmer of hope in his heart, or perhaps he wished to spare Ye Dongzhi embarrassment.
Ye Hao glanced at his father's expression and was overwhelmed with discomfort.
Despite Ye Dongzhi repeatedly hurting Ye Zhiguo, he still yearned for a closer connection with him.
Naturally, it's possible that Ye Zhiguo had already realized that, no matter how hard he tried, Ye Dongzhi would never acknowledge his identity, but he held onto a sliver of hope.
Ye Zhiguo aspired to integrate into this family, but his endeavors were doomed to futility.
Within the Ye family, aside from Ye Zhiguo's aunt, no one else harbored any affection for Ye Zhiguo's family. Even Ye Dongzhi had no desire to see them.
Ye Hao understood his father.
This was also why Ye Hao had asked Ye Zhiguo to come.
Only when Ye Zhiguo was truly in despair would he not have any expectations.
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