This is probably the first time in over a hundred years that Shen Shi has spoken honestly to someone other than Ai Xin’Er.
A hundred years may seem to pass in the blink of an eye, but time inevitably brings many changes.
Status is one, and mindset is another.
To be honest, only when he is with Ai Xin’Er can Shen Shi recapture a bit of past emotion.
But at this moment, under the scrutiny and judgment of the Primordial Energy on himself, he made the right choice.
And after these words were spoken, Shen Anyi smiled.
"I understand, I will withdraw my application, Father." He simply said.
He is now over forty, even holding a high position, bearing a mission. This is an age that does not understand how to be sentimental, but some emotions do not need to be expressed through sentimentality.
"Stay for a meal, let’s also call our daughter-in-law over, it’s been a long time since we’ve seen Ruoruo, and of course my dear granddaughter." Ai Xin’Er smiled beside him, and no matter her appearance or demeanor, she completely didn’t look like a grandmother.
In fact, she really wasn’t.
Neither was Shen Shi.
A characteristic of the Longevity Species is the ability to choose one’s mindset and fix it in appearance. The appearances of Shen Shi and Ai Xin’Er are actually below thirty, so no matter how high their positions, their words and actions are not much different from people of that age. If viewed from the perspective of the Earth Star Period, Shen Anyi’s demeanor might appear more mature than both of them.
Especially when Shen Shi’s daughter-in-law and his five-year-old granddaughter arrived, it became even more apparent.
Watching Ai Xin’Er having a great time playing with the granddaughter over there, even Shen Anyi couldn’t help but show a hint of helplessness.
"When you decided to leave the family, was it also because of me?" Shen Shi, sitting with Shen Anyi, opened up the conversation, no longer maintaining the dignity of a father, adopting a more friendly demeanor.
"Partially." Shen Anyi showed more respect, but did not hide it, "Since I was old enough to remember, probably around five or six, I realized my unique identity and the pressure on me. I am your child, branded with your mark from birth and it’s omnipresent. This brought me great pain, and only after meeting Ruoruo did I finally understand that my heart wanted to escape this pain, whether it was glory or responsibility... Maybe in your eyes, this is a coward’s choice, but I really can’t bear this responsibility."
"This is not cowardice." Shen Shi shook his head, "From your name, you should know my expectations for you, so your application surprised me. I thought you had decided to live a life of ease."
"This matter..." Shen Anyi’s expression was a bit awkward, "was actually mother’s suggestion."
"..." Shen Shi was speechless for a while.
It must be said that Ai Xin’Er has a much stronger relationship with the son and daughter-in-law than he does.
It’s said even Ruoruo was introduced by her to the son.
Before meeting the son, Ruoruo was practically her half-best friend.
"I made a promise with your mother to let her handle the education of the future generation." Shen Shi rubbed his temples, "So I am not worried about you going astray or making wrong decisions, it’s not a lack of care, but trust in your mother."
"... I also took a long time to understand, only just confirmed." Shen Anyi showed a subtle expression.
"When your granddaughter grows up, maybe you’ll truly understand." Shen Shi said softly, "This is also one of the reasons why I disagree with you going. By the time I come back, my great-granddaughter might be ready to marry."
Shen Anyi’s expression suddenly became even more subtle.
He had not considered this point thoroughly, but only until now did he gain a deeper understanding.
Shen Shi fell silent.
The affairs in his family are actually one of the internal conflicts within Human Civilization.
On one hand, with continuous support from the higher echelons, the population has rapidly expanded, but the old family culture can’t quite keep up with the new world and new society. Even with Shen Shi’s deliberate preparations, some of the more advanced cultures from the future were disseminated ahead of time, but culture is not something that can be changed easily, especially for the older generation.
Even for Shen Shi, he could not escape old habits.
For example, he always felt he had to maintain some face in front of his son and future generations, because the old family culture had long been deeply ingrained in his heart.
But in any case, he does not regret the choice to nurture the future generations.
In fact, under the long-term high-intensity encouragement of birth, having only one son not only doesn’t set an example, but even faces criticism.
"After returning from Gus Land this time, let’s have another child." Shen Shi looked at Ai Xin’Er, thinking, "Preferably a daughter."
...It’s absolutely not because granddaughters are very adorable.
In any case, amidst all sorts of preparations, humanity soon welcomed the day of departure.
This time can be said to be the largest and longest-distance voyage in the history of Human Civilization.
In comparison, what the Cosmic People did is nothing.
One billion people, and the most elite billion of the entire Human Civilization!
Shen Shi even managed to acquire a hundred B1 Level warships!