Chapter 8: Let Me Be Your Eyes

Xue Ao, the eldest legitimate son of the main branch of the Xue family, bore the strongest resemblance to the venerable Xue patriarch. Trained in martial arts from a young age, before losing his sight, no group of three or five could match him.

During turbulent times, though still young, Xue Ao frequently participated in political campaigns. Even after being publicly criticized, he often engaged in physical altercations with those holding opposing views. Though he invariably emerged victorious, he earned lingering grudges.

Eventually, Xue Ao was ambushed. During a scuffle, lime powder was thrown into his eyes, leaving him with a chronic condition that worsened over years until he was completely blind.

In the previous life, Xiao Ziguang had lived with Xue Ao for twenty-four years. Though nominally Xue Bin’s son-in-law and expected to address Xue Ao as “uncle,” Xiao understood that Xue Ao was a sensitive, suspicious man, fiercely protective of his pride.

After all, in their last life, Xue Wen had gone mad, and Lele had died.

Blind Xue Ao guarded the honor of the Xue family’s main branch like a stone statue, detached and emotionless. Whether his heart ached deeply or he wept in the silence of night, only he truly knew.

Xiao Ziguang knew Xue Ao well and understood how to express himself: “Father, I’m sorry. Wenwen and I were high school classmates. I’m also aware of the relationship between Xue Shuyu and Wenwen.”

“When Xue Shuyu asked for my help, I suspected this day would come. After all, Xue Shuyu is too proud, and Wenwen’s life was too hard. So I played along, betting that Xue Shuyu would run away from her marriage.”

“Everything unfolded just as I expected. Xue Shuyu fled, leaving a mess behind. Wenwen and I preserved the family’s dignity and helped the old patriarch extend his life. With such a great achievement, Wenwen can now rightfully return to the Xue family.”

“No matter how this is viewed, our main branch of the Xue family has a clear conscience; it was all for the greater good, for the honor of the family.”

Xiao Ziguang’s words were measured and thoughtful. He first preserved Xue Ao’s pride, framing the actions as necessary for the family’s greater interest. He also subtly acknowledged Xue Ao’s private worries.

Who wouldn’t love their own daughter? She was not only a lover from the previous life but also a cherished little confidante in this one!

Moreover, now that Xue Ao was blind, his longing for family bonds only deepened. His daughter had been cast out, deprived of familial joy—an ache he could never voice.

Now, by a twist of fate, Xue Wen had returned to the family. Deep down, Xue Ao was pleased. It didn’t matter who the son-in-law was; the daughter was his flesh and blood!

Besides, Xiao Ziguang was a son-in-law who had married into the Xue family—a man who could be entrusted with the family’s future. Even if Wenwen bore children, they would carry the Xue family name, continuing the main branch’s legacy.

Considering all this, it was not so unacceptable after all.

At this thought, the rigid expression on Xue Ao’s face softened, revealing a faint glimmer of joy.

Xiao Ziguang watched carefully and noticed the slight smile. He knew half the battle was won—Xue Ao did not oppose him becoming the son-in-law.

Most would stop there, satisfied with the outcome. But Xiao Ziguang had no intention merely to be a son-in-law; he wanted to firmly establish himself within the Xue family. Seeing Xue Ao’s resolve waver, he escalated his approach.

Grasping Xue Ao’s hands, he bent his knees and knelt at his feet. “Father, I know you have no sons. Though I am your son-in-law, I would rather be your son.”

“In time, Wenwen and I will give you a grandson! You will personally teach and guide him—train him in martial arts, teach him how to be a man, and prepare him to become the head of the Xue family, restoring the honor of the main branch!”

“Father, from this day forward, we are one family. Let me be your eyes, will you allow it?”

Deliberately, Xiao Ziguang brushed his knee against Xue Ao’s feet, then placed Xue Ao’s hand against his cheek—a silent message that these words were spoken from a place of humility and respect.

If he were a younger man, such a display might be unthinkable. But this youthful body housed a soul in his forties, one who had clawed his way out of hell. For him, there was no shame in such acts.

Even the great Han Xin endured humiliation beneath a horse; a true man must be flexible and resilient. If one wishes to achieve greatness, such grievances are but trifles. In his previous life, Xiao Ziguang had suffered far greater indignities.

His words exploded like a nuclear bomb in Xue Ao’s heart.

In Chinese tradition, kneeling is the highest form of respect and utmost sincerity. Since losing his sight, no one had ever shown Xue Ao such honor.

The warmth of Xiao Ziguang’s cheek against his hand was accompanied by a dampness—perhaps tears.

Tears flow only when emotion is genuine, so every word spoken was heartfelt.

He was willing to be his eyes!

Willing to carry on the family line and dedicate himself entirely to the main branch.

Xue Ao felt a tingling sensation from head to toe, a rush of exhilaration spreading from his heels to every hair follicle.

A life once thought lost to despair suddenly shone with a brilliant hope!

At that moment, Xue Ao was like a drowning man clutching a lifeline, suffused with a profound sense of fulfillment. The once dark heart now bore a radiant dawn.

Yes, he was blind, and his daughter had yet to flourish, but he still had a son-in-law—and future grandchildren!

With this thought, Xue Ao found himself less opposed to Xiao Ziguang’s joining the family. It even seemed a blessing in disguise.

Though joyful inside, Xue Ao’s lips remained firm: “What if the child isn’t a grandson?”

Seeing the inevitable smile on Xue Ao’s face, Xiao Ziguang replied softly, “Then we will keep trying. Though the country enforces family planning, Wenwen can give birth in Hong Kong. No matter where the child is registered, they will carry your bloodline.”

“Besides, I believe many children bring many blessings. With enough children, surely a genius will emerge. It’s a matter of probability.”

Extremely satisfied.

Xue Ao could no longer suppress his smile. In his situation, this was undoubtedly the best solution.

“Stop kneeling and wipe your tears. You’re a grown man—what if others see?” Xue Ao reached out and tugged Xiao Ziguang up. “I heard you work in the criminal police. Coincidentally, a classmate of mine is deputy director of the public security bureau. I’ll introduce you two soon.”

It was done! Just as Xiao Ziguang had planned, everything fell neatly into place.

From Xue Ao’s gestures and words, Xiao Ziguang was certain he had been accepted—not only as a son-in-law but as a true member of the family.

When Xue Ao extended his olive branch, Xiao Ziguang did not immediately accept but gently said, “Father, let’s put work aside for now. Wenwen and Lele are waiting outside the ancestral hall. We haven’t eaten yet—shall we have a reunion meal together?”

Ambitious people often seek to exchange benefits. But the truly wise speak only of feelings, not interests.

Because the wise know that when feelings are sincere, all benefits follow naturally.