Chapter 2335 - 2336: Still Not Dead Yet
The next day, on New Year’s Day, it seemed as if the threshold of the Qin family would be worn down by the sheer number of visitors coming to pay respects to Qin Pojun. The flow of people was unceasing.
Due to Qin Pojun’s status, those who came to greet him were not short of high-ranking officials and prominent figures, including some who frequently appeared on TV.
Though these big shots appeared glamorous in public, when facing Qin Pojun, each of them paid their respects as juniors, appearing very humble and gentle, completely devoid of arrogance.
Regardless of who visited, Qin Pojun was almost always calm and composed, neither overly enthusiastic nor indifferent, managing the distance between people perfectly.
This was precisely what a person in his position required, after all, Qin Pojun’s words could impact many lives, so whatever he spoke or did was measured and precise.
These visitors also saw Ye Xunhuan and Qiu Ruoxi, continually praising Qin Pojun for his good fortune.
Naturally, hearing commendations of his grandson and granddaughter-in-law filled Qin Pojun’s heart with joy, but he did not show it on his face, remaining impeccably calm.
From morning until past ten, groups of people continually paid respects to Qin Pojun, finally slowing down as midday approached.
"Old man, does this happen every year on New Year’s Day?"
Although Ye Xunhuan didn’t exchange many greetings with these people, he still felt exhausted watching.
After all, when someone comes to greet you, you can’t outright ignore them, right?
Qin Pojun gently nodded, "More or less!"
"Are you tired?"
"Exhausted!" Qin Pojun sighed softly, "But that’s life and society. You can’t just say, ’Don’t come anymore,’ can you?"
Qin Pojun himself wished for peace and quiet, not wanting these people to visit him, but you can’t say such things directly, right?
Ye Xunhuan understood this was the truth so he sighed gently, "Old man, I suddenly sympathize with you!"
"Solitude at the top!" Qin Pojun chuckled bitterly.
When someone stands at the pinnacle of the pyramid, looking down, all they see is a crowd of worshipful, fearful individuals, only revealing their reverent, nervous tops of heads, not their expressions as they bow down.
What happens to a person’s life when they reach such heights?
Perhaps at the beginning, you feel triumphant, wanting to boast, see how deferential they all are.
But as time goes on?
What remains is loneliness, endless loneliness, because there’s no one to boast to, no one to speak a few words with.
Yes, there are indeed a few elderly people in the capital with status and position akin to Qin Pojun’s, but can they truly open up to each other?
Probably not!
After all, reaching their level, there are people beneath them who follow their every word, potentially leading to disaster of monumental proportions. They must remain vigilant, leaving some things unsaid.
Such is the high society, the so-called elite.
They cannot truly bond with others.
Of course, they can open their hearts to their family, but at such heights, even their descendants might seek advancement, approaching them with reverence, perhaps harboring ulterior motives.
Therefore, Qin Pojun felt deeply lonely and isolated; fortunately, the Qin family had Qin Rumeng, with whom he could share some thoughts.
But not everything could be shared with Qin Rumeng, for some things, when spoken, only cause depression, even giving the impression of being burdened.
Then Ye Xunhuan appeared, bringing warmth and subtle happiness to Qin Pojun’s lonely heart!
Because when Ye Xunhuan was with him, there were no ulterior motives; the two could joke around playfully.
So Qin Pojun liked Ye Xunhuan, wanting to chat with him, wanting Ye Xunhuan to keep him company.
Moreover, Qin Pojun was aware that he was nearing the end, already half-buried by the loamy soil with few days left for living, making him cherish this family bond even more.
But aside from Ye Xunhuan and Qin Rumeng, he couldn’t feel anything else.
To Qin Pojun, family affection was almost a luxury!
"Old man, I understand your feelings!" Ye Xunhuan sighed, "I also stand at this height, feeling bored and helpless!"
Qin Pojun chuckled, "But you have Ruoxi with you; you’re luckier than me!"
"What’s the matter, old man, starting to act out on the first day of the new year?" Ye Xunhuan’s tone shifted as he chuckled, "If not, your grandson can take you for a stroll in the square, see if there are any ladies you fancy!"
"Then we can snatch one back to be your lady of the manor." Ye Xunhuan said seriously, "You’ve worked hard all your life and made significant contributions to the country. If you speak up, your guys will surely help you!"
"Besides, with someone like you, even if we snatch one back, you wouldn’t get executed..."
Ye Xunhuan continued speaking enthusiastically, blissfully unaware that Qin Pojun’s face had already darkened, his breathing becoming more rapid.
"You little beast, I’ll beat you to death!"
"Hey, hey, old man, we were talking nicely, why suddenly resort to violence?" Ye Xunhuan quickly dodged to the side, "I’m serious, if you don’t fancy the older ladies, we can look for younger ones too!"
"Anyways, we have money and there are many gold-diggers around. At worst, I’ll ask Aunt to throw a few million at them..."
"You don’t have to be embarrassed, all men like young and beautiful women. I understand, I’m a man too..."
"What do you know!" Qin Pojun gasped heavily, his eyes about to spew fire, "Stand still, and I promise not to beat you to death!"
"Am I stupid? Standing still!"
"Little brat, don’t let me catch you, or I’ll smack that mouth of yours!"
The old and the young chased each other around the courtyard of the Qin family.
Just then, an aged and deep voice suddenly rang out, "Old Qin, I thought you wouldn’t last past this Spring Festival. Looks like you’re still not dead yet!"
This abrupt voice made Qin Pojun stop in his tracks, slowly turning his head to look towards the source of the voice!