```
Aaron replied earnestly, "My grandpa always said that a man should strive to strengthen himself... but recently, my family encountered a great disaster, and our business failed. I had no choice but to come..."
As soon as these words came out, Fang Xi was hardly moved, but Fang Wuming's old face darkened as if he had seen a profligate son and a bottomless pit.
"Good, good... You've come to acknowledge your ancestors and return to the family, and I... can now rest in peace."
The flush of red on Fang Xi's face gradually faded, and he closed his eyes.
"Father!?"
Fang Wuming collapsed beside the bed and wept loudly, and soon a chorus of sobbing filled the room.
Aaron shed some tears as well.
When evening came, after Fang Wuming had offered Aaron a modest meal, he began to inquire, "It was only today that my father mentioned the existence of your branch of our family. I am ignorant of how you have fared over these years... This is indeed my fault."
