The old army commander stood in the kitchen, hands still on the handles of the pot and spoon as he leaned back to glance into the living room.

“I’ve got a few more dishes to finish up,” he said. “You guys go ahead and chat for a while. Relax and don’t be shy.”

For a grandfather to see his granddaughter invite a group of friends over probably seemed trivial to others. For Shen Fengting, however, it was like a dream come true.

The two of them had depended on each other for so many years. Naturally, Shen Fengting could tell whether his own granddaughter was truly happy or just putting on a show, and at this moment, he could tell her joy was genuine.

My granddaughter is giggling again! This child really loves laughing, doesn’t she? I really shouldn’t have kept her cooped up at home all this time, he thought ruefully to himself.

Even the constant calls of “Iron Maiden” and...