Otherworld Advance Team
Chapter 575 - 568: Repentance_1

Chapter 575: Chapter 568: Repentance_1

With Li Si’s assistance, Luo Qishan headed over to the other side of the villa, an area that was relatively quiet due to its distance from the banquet. He opened a door to a room where Luo’er was already waiting. Upon seeing their entrance, Luo’er immediately seemed a bit uneasy.

"I’ll leave you two alone to chat," Li Si said, glancing at them. He then addressed Luo Qishan, "Elder Luo, don’t forget your time limit. Once the time’s up, you must go back to Earth."

"I know." Luo Qishan nodded then waved him off to leave.

As soon as Li Si stepped out of the room and closed the door, an awkward atmosphere enveloped the room. The grandfather and grandson, face to face, didn’t quite know how to start their conversation.

Luo’er was about to break the silence when Luo Qishan took the initiative to approach him. He abandoned his cane and, with shaky steps, walked towards Luo’er. Luo’er didn’t dare move an inch and stood frozen in anticipation of Luo Qishan.

Luo Qishan came to Luo’er and reached out to squeeze his arm. "You’ve grown so much stronger since last we’ve met. Your skin has tanned and you’re not as cute as you were," he said nostalgically.

His voice trembled with emotion that reflected his excitement. Touching Luo’er’s arm gently, his eyes began to redden and his voice became raspy.

"Have... Have you been mistreated here?" Luo Qishan inquired stutteringly.

"No, I have not." Luo’er answered honestly, lowering his head.

"That’s good. Be careful when you’re here alone, and don’t undertake dangerous tasks. If you can refuse a task assigned by headquarters, then do so. If you can’t, let them come find me. But by all means, be careful," Luo Qishan was struggling to get the words out.

"I know!" Luo’er said quietly.

"Once, once we find your mother, don’t work yourself too hard. After a few more years, no, do as you please. Just remember you have not only your mother, but also a sister. If something happens to you, they will... " Luo Qishan struggled to get the words out. He tightly gripped Luo’er’s wrist, unwilling to let go, because he knew he didn’t have much time left and he didn’t want to leave any regrets.

"Yes, I understand!" Luo’er nodded.

"The girl Tangmo, she’s actually quite good. If you like her, then marry her. Let... let your grandpa have the joy of hugging a great-grandson... But if you’ve other thoughts, then decide for yourself. I won’t force you," Luo Qishan suggested.

"I understand..." Luo’er nodded.

"Above all, take care of yourself here. Don’t try to show off. If you can’t beat them, run away... When it’s cold, remember to wear more clothes, don’t catch a cold. It scared me half to death when you had a severe cold as a child... Also, don’t eat anything indiscriminately, many things here are not hygienic and may give you diarrhea..." Luo Qishan continued to babble on.

But Luo’er didn’t interrupt him; this long-familiar nagging was warmly nostalgic and he couldn’t refuse it.

Luo Qishan went on for more than ten minutes, during which Luo’er kept his head down and answered obediently. When he eventually ran out of things to say, Luo Qishan pursed his lips and momentarily fell silent.

The room returned to its previous awkward and quiet state. Both of them felt this silent awkwardness. Luo Qishan tried to break it, but he couldn’t find anything to say anymore.

Luo’er took a deep breath then lifted his head, looking straight at Luo Qishan. He tidied Luo Qishan’s slightly ruffled collar. Due to his hurried arrival, Luo Qishan hadn’t paid attention to these details, and his silver hair was a bit messy.

"When will you retire?" asked Luo’er after tidying his grandfather’s hair.

"Next year, perhaps," Luo Qishan replied.

"You should consider retiring earlier. You’re getting on in years, and you must take care of your health. Your academy duties are heavy. Younger people should carry on your work," said Luo’er.

"No, no, I’m fine. The college is going through some reforms and adjustments, it’s not too busy. I can still manage it," Luo Qishan sounded equally appreciative and surprised by Luo’er’s rare display of concern.

Luo’er gave him a long look and sighed before saying earnestly, "You’re getting old. Why are you being so stubborn all the time? I’ve even graduated from the academy. There’s nothing left for you there."

"But there’s still Luoya," Luo Qishan said.

"Luoya is there to study, not for you to teach her. You should retire and live in the staff accommodation to let her take care of you," Luo’er added.

"No issue, I’m still strong as a horse. Besides, I can’t bear to make my granddaughter take care of me," Luo Qishan dismissed with a wave of his hand.

Hearing his words, Luo’er regarded him for a moment before pursing his lips and recommencing, "Find time to exercise, maybe even take up square dancing. Don’t idle at home all day or always put on airs like a military officer. People don’t appreciate that. Go out more, socialize with people, don’t be so introverted."

"Yes, yes, I understand," Luo Qishan nodded repeatedly.

"At home, prioritize your safety. Replace non-slip floorings to avoid falls, and avoid overexerting yourself doing household chores. Consider hiring help. If that’s not possible, let Luoya do the chores; she’s the younger one, that’s her duty. Don’t wear yourself out," Luo’er continued to advise.

"Yes, I understand," Luo Qishan kept nodding.

"Also, don’t resort to smoking and drinking to alleviate your boredom. Take the doctor’s advice seriously. When told to rest, rest; when told to exercise, exercise. Don’t ruin your health. You’re getting old, and you shouldn’t act like an ignorant child," Luo’er added.

"Yes, yes!"

"And if Luoya ever steps out of line, don’t hesitate to scold or punish her. Don’t spoil her; it’s not a good habit. She is your granddaughter, don’t let her go astray!" Luo’er went on.

"I know, I know!" Luo Qishan nodded hastily.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Li Si peeked in with a look of apology. "Excuse the interruption, Elder Luo, but it’s time to leave," he informed.

"Eh, eh, just give me one more minute!" Luo Qishan said somewhat anxiously.

"Let’s go. He’s only doing this for your sake," Luo’er gritted his teeth and whispered.

Luo Qishan looked at him, his aged face bearing a bitter expression. He swallowed hard a few times and forced a smile, "Then, then I’ll leave. Be careful on your own here."

"Mhm..." Luo’er’s voice was barely audible as he lowered his head.

Luo Qishan gave a sigh, grabbed his walking stick that Li Si had picked up, and, being helped by the latter, reluctantly started walking towards the door. Watching his retreating figure, Luo’er felt a sudden rush of fear at his core, as though their parting this time would be forever.

He started to shake violently, his lips quivering as he tried to speak his mind. But the words seemed to get stuck in his throat. Watching Luo Qishan slowly exit the room, Luo’er could no longer hold back and called out loudly, "Wait!"

At the sound of his voice, both men turned around to look at him in surprise. Luo’er was already in tears, his body collapsing onto his knees. He wept and cried out, "I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been so stubborn, so obstinate. I shouldn’t have left you. I was wrong, I was wrong. I’m sorry, I’m sorry!!!"

Luo’er truly regretted it this time. Seeing Luo Qishan in his frail state made Luo’er regret his actions even more. If only he hadn’t been so stubborn back then, if only he’d chosen to stay and accompany Luo Qishan in his final years.

But, why, why was he so stubborn? Why couldn’t he comply? Despite Luo Qishan’s desperate pleas, he chose to abandon him. But what had Luo Qishan done wrong? He hadn’t made any mistakes; he just wanted to keep his only grandson close.

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