Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups Chapter 1194 - 580
Previously on Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups...
The noon sun beat down on the aged stone path of Wanghu Town, leaving the road surface sweltering under the glare.
It was peak hours on the street, where local eateries teemed with activity, echoing with boisterous chatter and the scent of savory dishes.
A dark Land Rover navigated into the side alley and pulled over before a traditional courtyard, defined by its stark white walls and deep blue roof tiles.
As the engine fell silent, Fang Cheng let his gaze drift toward a black vehicle parked right next to him.
The windows were coated in thick tint, rendering the interior completely hidden from view.
However, the person leaning against the car door, smoking, stood with a ramrod-straight spine, a blunt buzzcut, and eyes that radiated a sharp, professional caution.
Fang Cheng recognized the man after a brief look.
It was Xiao Zhang, the same attendant who had shielded Shi Chengyi with an umbrella at West Mountain Cemetery.
His heart skipped a beat, but he deliberately refrained from looking further.
Fetching the fruits he had bought along the way, he climbed the steps to tap against the courtyard gate.
The presence of Shi Chengyi’s chauffeur was hardly a coincidence.
It was clear that this supposed family gathering, centered on a grandfather missing his grandson, was far more elaborate than the phone call suggested.
"Creak——"
The heavy timber gate swung wide.
"Ah Cheng, you've arrived!"
Li Zhenhua appeared in a loose-fitting dark blue Tang suit, greeting him with bubbling vigor.
"Grandfather."
Fang Cheng beamed back, putting on a warm facade as if he remained oblivious to anything unusual.
"Get inside quickly; your mother and uncle are hard at work in the kitchen. The lion’s head meatballs and beef are currently simmering, and the aroma is magnificent."
Li Zhenhua pulled Fang Cheng inside with a jolly demeanor, remarking casually:
"Oh, by the way, we have two guests visiting today. They are chess companions of mine who dropped by during lunch, so they decided to stay for a casual meal."
Fang Cheng followed him into the courtyard.
Following months of renovations, the vegetation in the yard was lush, and a swing set moved lazily in the breeze, lending the space a sense of tranquil charm.
Beyond the open doorway of the living room, two figures sat upon the mahogany sofa, sipping tea.
One was an older man with silvering temples and an air of profound authority, while the other was a younger man with an imposing, piercing gaze.
They were none other than Shi Chengyi and Wei Zheng.
Upon hearing their arrival, they both set down their vessels and simultaneously rose to their feet.
"Ah Cheng, it has been quite a while. You look more robust than ever, truly a promising young man!"
Shi Chengyi approached with an easy smile, his tone mirroring that of an old friend of Li Zhenhua’s rather than someone holding the power of a Special Search Team Director.
"Greetings, Director Shi, Brother Wei."
Fang Cheng offered a polite nod, his expression cool and effortless, betraying neither surprise nor agitation.
Since the elder wanted to play out this impromptu meeting, it was only natural for the junior to play his part.
Wei Zheng scrutinized Fang Cheng, a flicker of genuine appreciation appearing in his eyes.
He was fully aware that with Fang Cheng’s sharp intuition, he had likely deduced the truth the moment he spotted the vehicle at the entrance.
Yet, he remained unfazed, a level of poise rarely seen in one so young.
"Come now, enough standing around; let's sit and talk."
Li Zhenhua motioned for everyone to be seated.
Fang Cheng took a quiet seat to the side, observing their casual banter without showing any telling reaction.
He noted that his grandfather’s interactions with Shi Chengyi were exceptionally fluid, filled with heart-felt laughter.
Their relaxed rapport mirrored that of long-time neighbors, suggesting they had been in contact for some significant time.
Before long, movement erupted within the kitchen.
Li Dingjian stepped out with a large basin of steaming, braised lion’s head meatballs, closely followed by Li Biyun carrying an assortment of delicate cold appetizers.
"The food is ready; let’s begin our meal."
Li Biyun pulled off her apron and invited them over, her gaze softening and glowing with affection as she looked at her son.
Li Zhenhua walked to the head of the table and gestured:
"Old Shi, Xiao Wei, please make yourselves comfortable."
"We don’t stand on formalities today; just simple home-cooked food. Eat as if you were in your own home."
Shi Chengyi and Wei Zheng offered smiles as they took their places.
Fang Cheng proactively entered the kitchen, helping to arrange the dinnerware and uncorking a bottle of white wine to fill their glasses.
The mood around the table was surprisingly pleasant.
Despite his prestigious position, Shi Chengyi was a master of conversation.
He carefully avoided any mention of Special Search Team business, focusing instead on swapping tales with Li Zhenhua about Wanghu Town’s local traditions and their shared memories from their military days.
Wei Zheng remained respectful, occasionally raising his glass to offer a toast to Li Zhenhua.
"Old Li, you are certainly a fortunate man."
Shi Chengyi plucked a bite from a dish, lamenting:
"Your children are dutiful and your grandson is truly remarkable. My own grandson is quite the disappointment, spending his days in aimless pursuits."
"Not at all, you give him too much credit. Ah Cheng is simply a bit reserved and honest to a fault,"
Li Zhenhua replied with a humble tone, his face nevertheless glowing with hidden pride.
"When he ventures out into the world, he will still need guidance from elders such as yourself."
"Naturally,"
Shi Chengyi gave Fang Cheng a gaze filled with hidden meaning:
"A truly talented individual will always find a way to shine."
Fang Cheng continued to consume his meal quietly, contributing to the dialogue only when necessary.
He managed to strike a perfect balance, neither appearing sycophantic nor overly dismissive, successfully maintaining the image of an "outstanding junior."
He could sense the subtle tension in the eyes of his mother and grandfather, who periodically monitored his interaction with Shi Chengyi.
It was clear they were hopeful he would accept an offer from the Special Search Team, yet anxious that he might address past grievances in the heat of the moment.
After several rounds of wine, and perhaps sensing Fang Cheng had been too quiet, Shi Chengyi laid down his chopsticks to pivot the conversation:
"Ah Cheng, has your schedule been full lately? Are you still occupied at that particular martial arts club?"