It is still a cage

——

Outside of Imperial's Union Hospital, a white Rolls Royce parks in front of the private hospital.

An old man coughs and gets inside the car with the help of his old driver.

The car starts and drives away.

From the front seat the driver glance at the mirror. His eyes held countless emotions. He felt timid inside, but he spoke anyways, "Chairman..."

"There's no need to inform them about this."

"But Chairman. Shouldn't the young—."

Before the driver could finish, the old man interrupted him.

"Zhang Yong, you've been my assistant for three decades. Just this once I ask you not to tell them."

The old man took a deep breath and lean his head back. He shut his eyes for a little rest. Silence entered the car, until the old man finally spoke.

"Do you know why I don't want them to know?"

Zhang Yong shook his head while driving. He has been the chairman's assistant for more than thirty years. What he's seen and heard are things that can wake up the dead.

Watching the once proud and strong man become old, even he couldn't understand why the old man would hide this.

"This subordinate does not know. I think, Chairman should let the children know. They will be heartbroken if they find out."

The old man opens his eyes and looks out the window. Buildings passing one by one.

"That girl may look tough and strong, but that's her way of protecting herself. Her way of protecting me and the boy."

Zhang Yong continued to listen quietly as the car moves through the streets of Imperial.

"Ever since both her parents passed away, that girl withdrew from the outside world. To her, living was just living.

Shi Yan and I asked her to come live us, we hoped to protect her, but she wanted to stay with her paternal Grandfather.

After Old Han's passing, I learned that she found a light in life. The young lad opened her heart and helped her. He did more than I, her own grandfather could do. It is only a pity that young lad had to leave so early...

I've seen her cry alone at night many times. She acts like she is fine, but she is still human, and humans shed tears, no matter how much time has passed by.

As her grandfather, I want to support her dreams and let her be free of heart ache."

Zhang Yong glance at the old man from the mirror. Thousands of feelings erupted inside him, "Chairman..."

"As for the boy... he may have been adopted but he is strong willed. The other family members may look down on him, but he is not an easy opponent. I don't want him to experience the cruelty of the world I live in at such a young age."

Zhang Yong sighed dreadfully. It was only he who gets to see this heartfelt side of the old man.

"Chairman, I believe, if young Miss hears your real reason in wanting her to take over the Corporation, she will definitely agree."

The old man looks down and slowly, he retrieves a picture from his wallet. The picture was old and fading in colors. His eyes softened at the two young people.

"Han Min Joon and Ji An Ling never wanted to drag their daughter in the power struggle world. For them, I will keep my words and not force her. As for the boy, I hope when he comes of mature age, he will join the military and take over my position. If he doesn't wish to, then I will respect his decision."

The old man takes a deep breath.

"Like a bird trapped in a beautiful cage, I don't want the both of them to lose their wings."

Zhang Yong: "Chairman, I believe Miss and young master are happy with life as long as you are happy."

The old man shakes his head, "No matter how pretty the cage is... it is still a cage *cough*cough* I don't want to see them live a life they don't want."

Maybe due to him expressing himself too much, the old man felt depress and starts coughing.

"*cough* You must keep this a secret. I don't want *cough* to give those snakes a chance."

"Yes, Chairman.."

Zhang Yong felt awful. He really wants to let Yue Ling and Jingxu know about Chairman Ji's illness, but... he is just an assistant.

He isn't afraid of getting fired, but as a man who's been by Chairman Ji's side for so long, he wanted to respect the old man's decision.

——