A gentleman unmatched in this world, a jade among men. If we cannot share this life, let us at least return to the earth together.
When William Wang Jinling was born, his grandmother passed away. He never knew what kind of person she was, and his grandfather rarely spoke of her. William could only piece together fragments, trying to imagine her...
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't picture his grandmother's face. All he knew was that she was a gentle woman—someone his grandfather had loved and missed all his life.
When Old Master Wang was dying, he held William’s hand and said, “Your grandmother was timid and hated being alone. I’ve wanted to join her for years, but I couldn’t bear to leave you. Now I see you can stand on your own—I can rest easy.”
“My boy, wealth is just worldly dust. Though your grandfather has some private savings, I cannot give it all to you—you’ll get a share like the others. Of course, what I leave you will be better than theirs; if I divided it all equally, no one would believe it. My boy, don’t blame me...”
“Grandfather, I don’t blame you. I know you’re doing this for me.” William’s nose stung, but he couldn’t cry. He knew his grandfather had waited for this day for over ten years.
His grandfather had always wanted to reunite with his grandmother in the afterlife. William should be happy for him, not make him worry.
“Good child...” Old Master Wang stroked William’s head. This was the child he and his wife had always hoped for—he truly couldn’t bear to let go...
“My private savings aren’t worth much—I know you don’t care for such things. I’ve left you something far better.” Old Master Wang pulled out a wooden box, too weak to open it, and handed it to William with trembling hands. “Everything is inside. I started saving it the day you were born. Hide it well—no one in the Wang family knows about it, and you must never let them find out.”
Inside was the secret power network Old Master Wang had built for William after discovering he was blind. If not for these burdens, Old Master Wang might have lived another five years...
At that time, William still didn’t know what was inside the box, but it was enough to show him how much Old Master Wang had done for him.
“Grandfather, I can’t bear to lose you.” William gripped Old Master Wang’s hand, tears sliding down his cheeks, his voice thick with suppressed sobs...
It was the first time William had ever cried since he could remember...
Despised by his parents, abandoned by the Wang family, bullied and called a blind man—he had never cried, because he simply didn’t care. But in this moment...
He truly couldn’t bear to part!
“Don’t be sad—your grandfather is going to see your grandmother.” Old Master Wang, too, found it hard to let go. For over ten years, he had poured all his energy and love into William. But...
He couldn’t hold on—he was already old.
“Good child, someday someone will take my place and stay by your side. Just as your grandmother stayed with me, you’ll find someone who will stay with you until your hair turns white.” His grandson deserved the best woman in the world.
“Don’t worry, Grandfather. I will—I’ll find her.” William didn’t know what kind of woman that would be, but he promised his grandfather he’d do as he had: only marry someone he truly liked, who liked him in return—never settle for less...
As he walked the streets of the Capital City, William found no trace of his grandfather. The faint, cool smile on his face held a touch of loneliness that made people ache just to see it...
William suddenly stopped, lifted his head 'toward' the sky, and said, “Grandfather, I’ve fulfilled Grandmother’s wish. Can you and Grandmother see me now?”
A wordless sorrow and loneliness seemed to envelop him...
Standing quietly there, it was as if the whole world had abandoned him. He should have been a figure to pity, but no one watching could describe the Grand Heir that way, because...
Before the world ever abandoned him, he had already quietly let go of the world.
“My heart aches—I wish I could take his place.” Someone in the crowd murmured, and suddenly, everyone found themselves wiping away tears, unable to look away from William.
“That young master looks so heartbroken—I want to comfort him, I want to help him. He should be calm and elegant, noble and serene, witty and charming. He can be all those things, but he shouldn’t be lonely, shouldn’t be sad...”
He hadn’t said a word, yet everyone watching couldn’t help but shed tears, couldn’t help but want to approach and comfort this solitary, otherworldly youth. But...
Not a single person truly dared to step forward!
William didn’t know how they felt, and even if he did, he wouldn’t care. Silently 'withdrawing their gaze,' he continued on, using his ears instead of eyes to listen to the world. But...
No matter how keen his hearing, those scenes could never come alive. Walking the streets of the Capital City, William couldn’t see the bustling sights his grandfather described, nor the bluestone lanes, the lively stalls, the endless crowds—or the joy of traveling with his grandfather...
Even so, William didn’t turn back. He kept walking onto the bustling main street, trying to experience the lives of ordinary people. But...
It was clear at a glance that William came from a distinguished background—no one dared approach him. Before he even got close, the commoners had already moved far away, leaving a clear path for him.
Unable to blend into the crowd, how could he truly experience the world’s many lives?
Only now did William understand why his grandfather used to change clothes before going out—his fine robes made him stand out from the crowd. He felt at ease, but others did not...
William gave a self-deprecating smile and abandoned the idea of walking further. He turned to his guard and said, “Find a teahouse.”
“Yes, sir.”
The guard stepped forward to lead William...
The guard deliberately made his footsteps heavier, since William disliked being guided by hand or using a cane. Even though he couldn’t see, William lived no differently from anyone else.
This was William’s pride—and the pride his guards were willing to risk their lives to protect.
All along the way, aside from the occasional warning about steps or doorways, nothing seemed amiss. Those standing far away never even realized that this handsome, jade-like youth was blind—until...
A young woman in red walked up beside William Wang Jinling, but he didn’t stop, nor did he glance at her. The girl grew furious, and without thinking, raised her whip and struck at William: “Are you blind? You see this county princess and still don’t salute?”
Crack—the whip came down, but didn’t hit William; his guard intercepted it. The guard was about to punish the girl when William said calmly, “Your Ladyship is right—I truly cannot see. I’ve blocked your way; I beg the county princess’s pardon.”
After speaking, he stepped back to yield the road with such flawless courtesy that passersby couldn’t help but admire him. Yet at that moment, no one had the heart to praise him—William’s words had left them stunned...
Can’t see?
His guard knew she was a county princess, yet wasn’t afraid at all—clearly, William’s status was even higher. But...
How could such an outstanding young man be blind?