Chapter 854: A Family Together

Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

What had gotten into Uncle Jin Long? He seemed unusually tense. This was the first time Su Bing had seen him in such a state. However, his attention was quickly diverted to the guest seated on the sofa. He didn’t approach, instead, his gaze fell upon the visitor. The face was familiar, but who was it?

Gao Lang surmised that this must be the young prodigy, Su Bing. He promptly introduced himself, “Hello, Su Bing. I am Gao Lang from the Guangcheng Research Institute. I would like to invite you to join our preparatory class. Of course, I am aware that you have already accepted an invitation from the Youth Research Class, but we would still like you to consider our offer after understanding more about us.”

The Youth Research Class was an educational institution specially designed to scout advanced talents. Students who were admitted to the Youth Research Class were essentially guaranteed a spot in a top-tier school. Gao Lang knew this was an enticing offer, but their preparatory class was affiliated with the National Defense Science and Technology Department. All personnel were specially recruited and trained in a closed environment.

“You will have the option to further your studies in a prestigious school, or you can choose to stay and work at the research institute. You can also directly participate in the secret examinations organized by the Defense Department, serving the country directly. You will have the opportunity to focus purely on scientific research. Even those who graduate from the Youth Research Class may not necessarily be able to enter the National Defense Science and Technology Department. I believe you understand that we have certain advantages.”

Su Bing looked at Gao Lang’s stern demeanor and remembered. This man was Gao Ming’s irresponsible father, wasn’t he? According to Grandma Gao’s description, he was a research fanatic, so engrossed in his scientific studies that he couldn’t extricate himself. He had even neglected his own son. If it weren’t for Gao Ming’s recent incident, he probably wouldn’t have returned.

Looking at Uncle Gao’s hopeful expression, he must have assumed that Su Bing would choose the preparatory class at the research institute. Indeed, the preparatory class was a good option, offering a wide range of choices, each with promising prospects. Su Bing admired researchers like Uncle Gao who sacrificed their personal lives for the sake of scientific research. Not many people could do that.

However, Su Bing couldn’t do it now. He couldn’t accept the closed training. If this opportunity had presented itself before his mother’s arrival, Su Bing would have chosen the preparatory class without hesitation. But now, he had a wonderful mother. He wanted to accompany her, to protect her, to be with his family. If he chose the preparatory class, it would mean that he would have very little time to spend with his mother and his family in the future.

Gao Lang watched Su Bing in silence, his face lighting up with pleasure. He knew that making such a significant decision required deep thought. He could already envision the scene of bringing Su Bing into the research lab.

However, Su Bing’s next words left him momentarily stunned. “Uncle Gao,” Su Bing said, “Thank you for your invitation, but I don’t want to give up the time I spend with my family. I choose the youth research class.”

Gao Lang snapped back to reality, his eyes filled with confusion. “Su Bing, did you not understand what I said? Is it my fault for being too vague? I can explain it in more detail!”

Su Bing responded calmly, “No, Uncle Gao, I understood everything you said. But I choose the youth research class. I don’t want to be confined in a lab, unable to see my parents and siblings, for an entire year. I want to be with them, and do what I can.”

As his words fell, the conversation between the two fell into a lull. Gao Lang seemed lost in thought. For the first time, he questioned whether he had neglected his family too much. He thought of his elder son, Gao Ming, who was raised by his parents and rarely experienced parental warmth. His younger son was raised by his wife, at least he had the company of a mother’s love.

But both his sons rarely saw him. He, as a father, was failing at his role. After a long while, Gao Lang finally accepted the rejection. “I originally thought that you and I were of the same kind. I apologize for the disturbance today, and please thank your mother for her hospitality on my behalf.”

With that, Gao Lang left on his own. Su Bing watched his retreating figure, a look of respect on his face as he waved goodbye. What he didn’t say was that he and Uncle Gao might indeed be of the same kind. But fortunately, he had not yet become Uncle Gao.

On the other side, Gu Zi was startled by Jin Long’s exaggerated words and quickly put down her knife. “Well, spit it out! What happened to Su Shen?”

Gu Zi was not surprised to see Jin Long. She had been worried about Su Shen, who had been gone for a month and hadn’t returned. She had asked Jin Long to investigate the situation in the capital. It seemed he had found something crucial.

Jin Long took a deep breath and said, “Brother Shen went to the capital with the intention to resign, but it wasn’t going smoothly. The old leader wouldn’t let him go, which is why he’s been delayed for so many days. Not long ago, Gong Zhan went alone to the drug dealer’s camp and his fate is unknown. Brother Shen was given a secret mission. It seems that as long as he completes the mission, the old leader will have to let him go.”