Yang Tao was terrified of hospitals. He’d already accompanied his father to one that morning—why did he have to go again in the afternoon? Surrounded by doctors in white coats, he clung tightly to Chen Qiusu’s shoulder, refusing to lift his head, anxiously sniffing the scent of Chen Qiusu’s pheromones.
“Go with the nurse for a checkup,” Chen Qiusu said, attempting to hand Yang Tao over to the nurse. But no matter what, Yang Tao wouldn’t let go, prompting him to glance questioningly at Yang Shao.
“He’s afraid of doctors,” Yang Shao explained. “Hand him to me.”
The strong smell of disinfectant in the hospital made Yang Tao restless. Even when Yang Shao reached to take him, the child whimpered and resisted.
“I don’t want a checkup…..” Yang Tao had a deeply ingrained fear of doctors, convinced they only existed to poke him with needles.
If coaxing didn’t work, Yang Shao was accustomed to taking a firmer approach. He was ready to force Yang Tao to comply—get the checkup done first, then soothe him later. After all, you couldn’t always indulge a child’s whims; sometimes, someone had to take a tough stance.
Unexpectedly, Chen Qiusu had remarkable patience. He started coaxing Yang Tao before Yang Shao could step in, gently patting the boy’s back and speaking in a low voice: “It’s just an X-ray; it won’t hurt. We’re just checking the bump on your head. Plus, Daddy’s bleeding—you have to go with him for his checkup too.”
Understanding Yang Tao’s attachment to Yang Shao, Chen Qiusu cleverly framed it as accompanying his father. Sure enough, Yang Tao lifted his head at this, glanced back at the bloodstains on his father’s chest, and obediently extended his hands to be carried.
Once in Yang Shao’s arms, Yang Tao continued to cry softly, looking back at Chen Qiusu. “Uncle Chen… don’t leave… stay outside and wait for us…”
“Alright,” Chen Qiusu replied.
Yang Shao handed the tape recorder he was holding to Chen Qiusu, lowering his voice, “Go take care of your own business.”
Chen Qiusu had made a promise to the child and intended to keep it. Besides, he knew his grandmother wasn’t truly unwell—she was just upset about him skipping a blind date. He instructed his driver to apologize to the old lady on his behalf and explain that he’d arrive later, then headed to the hospital lounge to wait.
….
Meanwhile, He Yudong checked his account balance. Lately, his luck had been terrible, losing game after game. The money he’d borrowed from his uncle a few days ago was already gone. Now, he was hoping to squeeze some more from his grandmother.
As he entered the hospital, intending to head straight to her room, he spotted a familiar figure at the end of the hallway. Removing his sunglasses, he squinted to confirm.
Was that Chen Qiusu?
And why was he holding a child? And who was that man surrounded by several doctors?
Curious, He Yudong called over a nurse. “The people Mr. Chen brought—do you know who they are?”
The nurse shook her head. “I think they’re here for an injury. Mr. Chen brought them for a checkup.”
Although it was a bit far, He Yudong didn’t feel like approaching. From a distance, he heard someone calling out, “Daddy,” which made him raise an eyebrow.
Could that be… Chen Qiusu’s kid?
The ridiculous notion flashed through his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. Given his cousin’s prim and proper personality, how could he have secretly fathered a child? That wasn’t something he’d ever do. If, by some miracle, there had been an accident, the whole family would know about it, and he’d have made things official long ago.
It was probably just another instance of him playing the hero. That seemed much more in line with his character.
Money matters were more pressing. Adjusting his sunglasses, He Yudong strode into the elevator. Upon entering the hospital room, he was immediately greeted by his grandmother’s voice.
“Does Qiusu not care about this old woman anymore? He’s at the hospital but sends you to deal with me instead?”
He Yudong sighed as he entered. Seeing Chen Qiusu’s driver at the door, he asked, “Grandma, is Qiusu making you angry again?”
The old lady was in excellent health; everyone in the family knew it. Her theatrics were simply a ploy to pressure Qiusu into settling down and continuing the family line.
He Yudong, used to his carefree lifestyle, decided to stir the pot a bit. Recalling the scene downstairs, he casually remarked, “Don’t be mad. Maybe Qiusu’s already given you a great-grandchild.”
Knowing He Yudong’s habit of speaking without thinking, Chen’s mother scowled. “Yudong, stop spouting nonsense. Do you think Qiusu is like you?”
Recognizing that He Yudong had likely come to ask for money again, she added irritably, “What brings you here this time? Coming to ask your grandmother for more money?”
Feeling a little affronted, He Yudong decided to take a jab at Qiusu. “Auntie, I’m not talking nonsense. He was downstairs holding a kid just now, and the child was crying, calling him ‘Daddy.’ If you don’t believe me, ask his driver.”
Everyone turned their gaze to the driver, and as luck would have it, the driver genuinely had no idea what kind of relationship Chen Qiusu had with that father and son duo.
Seeing the driver’s uneasy expression, He Yudong felt as though he had hit the jackpot by sheer coincidence. “Could it really be Chen Qiusu’s child?”
Caught in a dilemma, the driver didn’t dare speculate on his boss’s private matters, nor could he conceal anything from the family. Speaking or remaining silent would offend both sides. In the end, he decided to honestly share what little he knew.
….
Initially, the plan was just to get a scan for Yang Tao. However, when the nurse brought out clothes for a change and later insisted that Yang Shao also undergo a check-up, things became more complicated.
This was clearly a private hospital, and Yang Shao didn’t have the funds to spare for something unnecessary. After all, a little nosebleed from a fight was normal; there was no need to make a big deal out of it. Still, the doctors were adamant, leaving him no choice but to wait outside while Yang Tao underwent his check-up.
Feeling uneasy about being apart from his father, Yang Tao hesitantly left the examination room. As he wandered around the hallway, searching for Chen Qiusu and failing to spot him, his worry turned to frustration—until a nurse led him to the waiting room.
“Uncle Chen…” Yang Tao’s voice quivered with grievance as he climbed onto Chen Qiusu’s lap, looking utterly pitiful.
Chen Qiusu adjusted Yang Tao in his arms. “Where’s your dad?”
“Daddy told me to come out first.” To Yang Tao, the room and its equipment were like monsters ready to devour him. Once again, he grew anxious about his father, his mood downcast. Fortunately, the nurse brought him a strawberry milk drink, which momentarily lifted his spirits and kept him from crying further.
Nestled against Chen Qiusu, clutching his strawberry milk, Yang Tao felt a sense of security. His big, curious eyes roamed the waiting room until they landed on a tape recorder on the table.
Recalling how his father had used the tape recorder as a weapon during the fight, Yang Tao opened it to check. Sure enough, the outer casing was cracked.
“It’s broken…”
Chen Qiusu took the tape recorder from Yang Tao and inspected it. Even the tape recorder compartment wouldn’t close properly. He wondered why Yang Shao had purchased such an item since Yang Tao clearly had no use for it.
“Did your dad buy this?”
Yang Tao nodded. “Yeah… It’s for Uncle. Uncle needs it for school… Now it’s broken… What should we do, Uncle Chen?”
Yang Tao seemed more concerned about the matter than his father. Trusting Chen Qiusu, he shared everything with him. “Daddy spent all his money on the tape recorder… He didn’t even buy me a toy gun… Our house loan isn’t paid yet. If we don’t pay, we’ll be kicked out and have to sleep on the streets…”
Earlier, they had been thrilled to win 100 yuan from the lottery, but who knew it would lead them to a hospital?
“I wouldn’t have eaten the kid’s meal if I’d known. Then Dad wouldn’t have fought with anyone.”
Chen Qiusu frowned slightly. He had heard from Agent Qian that Yang Shao was struggling financially, but he hadn’t realized things were this dire.
Given Yang Shao’s pride, he would never ask for financial help, even in such a situation. Would Yang Shao truly end up begging on the streets with his child?
Chen Qiusu patted Yang Tao gently and comforted him. “Don’t worry, hmm? You won’t be sleeping on the streets.”
After a while, Yang Shao finally emerged from the examination room. He looked visibly uncomfortable in the hospital gown. Scratching his head in frustration, he muttered to Chen Qiusu, “I told them I didn’t need a check-up, but they insisted.”
Now calmer, the injuries on Yang Shao’s face and body were more visible—his split lip, scratches on his arms, and bruises on his abdomen and face. The nurses had treated his wounds, making them even more pronounced.
“I’ll pay for the tests later.” The idea of owing money to a one-night stand felt more humiliating than anything else. Was there anyone more wretched than him right now?
Chen Qiusu’s gaze lingered on the disheveled Yang Shao, pondering how to subtly provide financial help without hurting his pride.
Unaware of his son’s earlier complaints, Yang Shao only wanted to leave as soon as possible. He asked the nurse for his clothes, but she informed him that they couldn’t leave yet—they had to wait for the test results. So, in his current bedraggled state, he had to continue facing Chen Qiusu.
Feeling awkward, Yang Shao extended his hands toward Chen Qiusu. “Let me take him. Yang Tao’s as heavy as a sack of rice.”
Before he could take his son, the elevator chimed, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps approaching from the hallway.
Standing opposite the hallway, Yang Shao saw several people walking directly toward them. Judging by their posture, he thought they might be coming to pick a fight. But leading the group was an elderly woman, and Chen Qiusu’s driver was among them, making it clear they were here for Chen Qiusu.
Chen Qiusu turned around at Yang Shao’s gaze. The group, led by his grandmother, had already arrived behind him.
“Grandma? Why are you here?”
The elderly woman seemed lively and full of vigor, showing no signs of illness.
He Yudong chimed in, “If Grandma hadn’t come down, she wouldn’t know about the great-grandson you’ve given her.”
The little boy in Chen Qiusu’s arms was about five or six years old, clinging to his neck and looking around curiously. As he noticed everyone staring at him, he timidly leaned against Chen Qiusu’s shoulder.
Initially skeptical of He Yudong’s claims, the Chen family members exchanged glances. Upon seeing the child in person, the grandmother and mother shared a look before turning to the beta in hospital attire standing to the side.
Grandma was the first to demand answers. “What’s going on with this child?”
