James knew better than anyone that being submissive was not Jacob's style. But what worried him
most was that this matter had greatly impacted Jacob, which led the latter to make an unimaginable
choice of his own.
Truth be told, James disagreed with Jacob's resignation. He did not actually care about the position of
the CEO. However, he believed that Jacob deserved that position since he had made so many
contributions to the company.
To James' surprise, Jacob gave away his position without a second thought. If only James did not feel
guilty and could not get ahold of himself, he would have been furious and would have done something
regrettable.
Anyway, children and adults' mind run differently. In James' eyes, Jacob had been and would always be
his child, even if nobody wanted to admit it. That was what James had always believed.
"Uncle, I know exactly what I'm doing. I know better than ever, really. I also know that even after many
years, I will not regret my choice."
Jacob stood up and reached for a glass of water atop the coffee table. He felt a little thirsty from talking
too much.
"I want some too," James said while looking at the glass in Jacob's hand. For a second, Jacob fell
stunned. He regained his composure shortly after and took a big gulp. Once he was done drinking, he
put back the glass on the table.
Jacob stood up from being cross-legged. As he did so, his slender legs drew a beautiful arc in the air.
He then poured water for James as asked. It was not until Jacob stood up did he realize that James
was also the same built as him.
James took the water from Jacob and said softly, "Thank you."
Tears suddenly welled up in Jacob's eyes. He just realized that after all this time, he still had done very
little for his uncle. On the contrary, James had done so much for him.
It was always James who did so much and gave a lot, while Jacob just enjoyed it in silence. Things still
had not changed, and it made Jacob unhappy.
If it were not for James, Jacob would not have been able to stay in the company for a long time. Not
only that, but his life before would not have been so perfect.
The man who kept asking for forgiveness was the man who loved him the most. Jacob knew this better
than anyone else.
"Uncle, I've made up my mind. I've thought about it for a long time. There's no need for you to
persuade me anymore. I know what I did. Believe me. I didn't act on impulse. All my life I've always
followed my intuition. As a result, I've made so many enemies."
Jacob sat down beside James with a smile on his face. However, his smile, even though genuine, was
desolate. He did not want to worry about lots of things anymore. A person who is alive and fighting
should live his life well, should he not?
James did not respond. He just took a sip of water. For some reason, the sound of him drinking exuded
a strong sense of vitality. Jacob felt relieved just by hearing it.
After a few minutes of silence, James finally broke the ice. "Since you're really resolute in your
decision, then so be it. Jacob, all my life, I've been unhappy. I often have nightmares and always cry
myself to sleep. But because of you, it changed. You added color to my life when I thought that it would
always be just black and white."
James smiled at Jacob upon saying that. Although he was already 50 years old, he seemed as though
he had become a child again. After so many years, his brother's grievance suddenly crossed his mind.
The thought of it made him feel very remorseful.
Fortunately, everything was finally over. What had happened in the past had already disappeared in a
puff of smoke. Even if it remained in memory, people would still choose to ignore it.
Now, James wished that Jacob and Sara would live a happy life together. As for anything else, he did
not care. Although Jacob's future was now uncertain due to the turn of events, there was no need for
him to worry about it at the moment.
"Well then, I respect your decision. Don't worry. You still have my respect no matter what happens.
After all, I'm still your uncle." James smiled as he spoke, and he looked like a handsome young man
once again.
Jacob did not say anything. He just laid his back on the sofa with his hands behind his head.
"Honestly, I think my father was actually conflicted when he was alive. The test report has turned
yellow, but the ink on it is still visible, and he drew on it with a pen,"
Jacob said blankly while looking at the ceiling. Without saying anything, James stood up and looked at
his nephew. Jacob must have felt that Michael had a tough life.
Well, life is not easy. If someone thinks that it is, then he must have shared his burdens with someone
else. Jacob was well-aware of this.
"Your father had a hard life." When James spoke, his voice was full of guilt, and his eyes were warm
and apologetic. That was the reason why he dreamed of Michael every night.
"Uncle, forget it. Let's forget it." As Jacob spoke, he took out a cigarette from his pocket. He felt
depressed and restless that it made him want to smoke a cigarette.
"Okay." James nodded, but his eyes said otherwise, for they looked somehow timid and uncertain.
If only these things could easily be forgotten, he would not have to live so painfully. James gave a
perfunctory nod and pretended to agree. That way, he could get a period of tranquility, even for a brief
moment.
Besides, he would not have to meet Jacob's gaze guiltily. However, that did not mean that everything
was finally okay. He still felt sorry for his brother until now. After all, he owed Michael so much that it
made it even harder for James to let go.
It was Michael who had made the biggest concession to James. As a result, he was very grateful to
have such an older brother like Michael.
"Jacob, since you no longer want to stay in the company, I won't stay either. I'll liquidate my shares. I
couldn't care less, even if there's a loss. I'll give it to you as a startup capital."
With a shrug, James paused for a moment and continued, "Once everything is settled, I'm going to
travel around the world."
All of a sudden, Jacob sat up in horror. It felt as though his heart had been cut by a knife.
"What did you say, Uncle? You're leaving? Where will you go?" Jacob's voice quivered when he spoke.
Obviously, James would like to escape from reality by leaving everything behind.
"Jacob, I've lived a long life, and my life is complete. After all, we've known we are father and son.
Even so, I feel that there are still gaps in my life that I have to fix myself."
James spoke expressionlessly. It was not until now that Jacob realized that James' bright smile was no
longer there.
Jacob could not believe it, but he had no choice but to do so.
"Uncle, I'm sorry,"
he apologized out of nowhere. For some reason, he felt that he owed James an apology after all this
time. Meanwhile, James had no idea why Jacob was saying sorry. He should know, should he not?
"Jacob, it's okay," he said with tears welling up in his eyes.
Upon saying that, he turned around and faced the other way. He was afraid that tears would fall if he
did not look away.
After acting so tough for a long time, James finally felt that he had the courage to face everything
calmly. But for some reason, he felt that he was just pretending.
Truth be told, he was afraid of losing Jacob, but what he was more afraid of was losing his own dignity.
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