The white rose I picked up cried and said she liked me.

As the sun rises in the east, its brilliant rays warm the earth, and the clear chirping of birds echoes through the mountains and forests, sowing seeds of hope throughout the world.

At the top of the cliff, tears of excitement welled up in Xu Nian's eyes.

He wiped his eyes, looked at the smiling girl in his arms, and smiled happily.

This ceremony, which was more than a decade overdue, has finally been completed.

From this moment forward, they are officially engaged.

He raised his head and looked at the brilliant sunrise on the horizon.

The morning glow cast a soft, radiant light, as if sending them blessings.

Looking at the well-behaved Xu Xi beside her, Xu Nian felt a strange emotion welling up inside her.

His and Xu Xi's lives were full of hardships and ups and downs. They were displaced in their youth and went through many trials and tribulations. The fact that they were able to get through the storms and endure endless suffering and finally stay together and find peace and happiness was not only due to their own efforts, but also because of the help of countless benefactors.

Among all his benefactors, there was one person whom he could never forget and would remember for a lifetime, and who, no matter how many years passed, he never forgot in the slightest.

He lowered his head and said to Xu Xi with a serious expression, "Xiao Xi, I want to take you to see someone."

Xu Xi blinked her big, bright eyes and asked in confusion, "Who is it?"

Xu Nian didn't answer directly, but sighed silently, her mood somewhat downcast.

He packed his luggage, returned the tent, and carried Xu Xi, whose foot injury had not yet healed, down the mountain.

After descending the mountain, he set off in his car, turned around, and drove smoothly and quickly towards Yuncheng Cemetery.

Before the tombstone facing the sea, Xu Nian held Xu Xi's hand, slowly stopped, and stood quietly.

He crouched down and gently wiped the dust off the stone tablet with his sleeve, revealing the inscription: "Tomb of Zhang Feng".

"Dad, I've come to see you."

Xu Nian knelt on one knee and slowly poured the two bottles of fine wine she had bought along the way into front of the grave.

Then, he gestured for Xu Xi to come forward, firmly grasped her soft little hand, and solemnly spoke to the tombstone.

"I have something to tell you today: Xiaoxi and I are together now. Thank you for taking care of us."

As soon as he finished speaking, he bowed deeply and kowtowed heavily to the tombstone.

Of all the people who helped him and Xu Xi, the one he could never forget was the chubby Officer Zhang.

If Officer Zhang hadn't sacrificed himself to remove the label of murderer from his head, he would have spent the rest of his life behind cold iron bars, with no hope of ever getting out. He would never have had the chance to walk out of prison, reunite with Xu Xi, and find happiness.

Although Zhang Feng was not his biological father, the kindness he showed him was even greater than that shown by his biological father.

Therefore, the first thing Xu Nian did after successfully proposing was to bring Xu Xi to visit Zhang Feng.

They had to let Officer Zhang know about their relationship first, just like all couples about to get married always have to introduce their loved one to their parents to seek their approval and blessings.

These two children, both of whom had received help from Officer Zhang, have finally come together. He must be feeling gratified in the afterlife.

The sea breeze was chilly, and the forest was silent.

Xu Nian sat beside the tombstone, rambling on and on about her experiences over the years, her current life, and her relationship with Xu Xi.

Looking at his somber expression and reminiscing eyes, Xu Xi, standing to the side, had a strange look on her face.

Two and a half hours later, she couldn't hold back any longer, so she stepped forward and gently tugged at Xu Nian's sleeve.

"What's wrong?" Xu Nian wiped her eyes, still feeling very down.

Xu Xi pouted and said calmly, "Brother, I want to take you to see someone too."

Xu Nian asked instinctively, "Who is it?"

"My dad."

......

The car sped towards the Sea Breeze Sanatorium. Xu Xi sat in the passenger seat, her slender fingers rapidly tapping on her phone screen, seemingly sending a message to someone. Every now and then, she would cover her mouth and let out a silvery laugh.

Meanwhile, Xu Nian, who was focused on driving, was already filled with a dense array of questions.

Xiaoxi wants to take me to meet her father?

Is this the same Xu Lao Er who was a chronic alcoholic, a gambling addict, and had a violent temper, and who would beat and kick Xiao Xi when she was a child?

Countless thoughts surged through Xu Nian's mind, and her brows furrowed more and more tightly.

From the moment he risked everything to rescue Xu Xi from Xu Lao Er's clutches and took her in on his own, this biological father completely disappeared from their world.

Even when Xiaoxi was seriously ill, his biological father never offered her the slightest help.

Xu Nian's grip on the steering wheel tightened. He was filled with confusion and awkwardness, unable to understand why Xiao Xi would suddenly take him to see this man who had never fulfilled his responsibilities as a father and had cast a shadow over her entire life.

Could it be that during the years he was imprisoned, the father and daughter reconciled, resolved their long-standing estrangement, and returned to each other?

Thinking of this, Xu Nian sighed helplessly.

But no matter what, that person was ultimately Xu Xi's biological father, with whom she shared blood ties.

Since Xiaoxi has decided to take him to see him, he, as her son-in-law, must put aside past grievances, no matter how much he hates or resents this scumbag.

He could disregard Xu Lao Er, but he couldn't put Xu Xi in a difficult position.

Today, when he visits his elders, even if he has to act the whole time, he must still greet them with a smile to save Xiaoxi's face.

After a long journey, the car finally arrived at the sanatorium nestled in the mountains.

Upon seeing the familiar license plate, the security guard at the gate dared not delay in the slightest, immediately stood at attention, saluted, and quickly raised the barrier to let the car through.

The car continued driving in for several minutes before finally coming to a smooth stop in front of an elegant and stylish detached villa.

Xu Nian pushed open the car door and got out, taking out the expensive gifts she had prepared in advance from the trunk. Looking up at the exquisite and comfortable villa in front of her, a nameless anger suddenly surged in her heart.

This beast that brought Xiaoxi an unhappy childhood is now hiding here, enjoying a peaceful and comfortable life. It's as if all its past misdeeds have been forgotten.

The thought of all the suffering Xiaoxi had endured as a child filled Xu Nian with a deep sense of unease.

Xu Xi walked slowly to Xu Nian's side, took his arm, and looked at his gloomy face. She smiled gently and said, "Brother, you're meeting the parents. You should be happier."

Xu Nian took a deep breath, shook her head violently, and forcibly suppressed all the anger in her heart.

Alright, for the sake of the stream, everything can be put aside for now.

Today, he will act as a junior, not talking about the past, not arguing about right or wrong. Even if he is unwilling, he has to swallow all his emotions and cooperate well.

Thinking of this, he forced a smile, took Xu Xi's soft little hand, strode into the courtyard of the small villa, and gently knocked on the door.

A short while later, the door opened.

Just as Xu Nian had prepared all his words and was about to say something against his will, he saw the person who opened the door. He froze on the spot, his pupils dilated, and he was so shocked that he took two steps back, even dropping the gifts he was carrying.

The man at the door frowned slightly, squinting as he quietly scrutinized him, his face filled with a strange expression.

After a while, he slowly spoke.

"I heard you erected a monument for me?"