Ch12What If I Don't Go?
Xia Chengzhang was still awake when Xia Wan came in.
He was sitting in the living room, making men's windbreakers. When he heard a noise, he looked up and a warm smile Instantly appeared on his slightly weathered face, "You're back so soon?"
But just after saying this, he lowered his head and started coughing again.
"Dad, why is your cough getting worse?" Xia Wan quickly put down what he was holding and walked over. But as he got closer to Xia Chengzhang, he stopped again. "Why did you shave your hair?"
"It's getting warmer," Xia Chengzhang paused for a moment before continuing his work. "I thought I'd get the same hairstyle as your Uncle Zhang."
Xia Wan just smiled and didn't say much. He then looked around. "Where's Aunt Sun? Didn't you say she was supposed to leave after I came home this weekend? Did she leave?"
Xia Chengzhang put down his tools and casually said, "If she's left, then let her be."
"But how can you manage without anyone around?" Xia Wan frowned.
"Was it any different before?" Xia Chengzhang smiled. "When you used to go to school, didn't I manage just fine on my own at our old house?"
"That's not the same," Xia Wan disagreed, his brow knitting in concern.
"Before, it was just a one-story house, but now it's an apartment. What if you fall while going downstairs and there's no one around to help you? It's completely different now."
"What's a cripple like me supposed to do downstairs in the middle of the night?" Xia Chengzhang smiled to reassure him. "Besides, I don't feel comfortable when she's here."
Xia Wan didn't say anything more. He quietly turned on the humidifier and plugged it in. A thin white mist began to rise, adding moisture to the air.
"Don't be upset okay?" Xia Chengzhang coaxed him. After a brief pause, he added, "And don't waste your money on these things. Your allowance is limited, and you still need to buy art supplies for school."
Xia Wan nodded, feeling a bit emotional and sad..
When he was sick in the past, he
didn't have the ability to take care of his parents and grandfather, so all he could do was try to make them happy by saying sweet things and acting cute.
Now that he had a healthy body, he finally had the chance to take care of his family but he couldn't.
That's why he felt such deep regret. He had always wished he could have cared for his parents and grandfather, but now, with them gone, that opportunity was lost.
Without even realizing it, he began to channel all that regret and affection to Xia Chengzhang trying to make up for what he couldn't do before.
"Dad, don't worry, I'm not short on money," Xia Wan said as he sat next to him. "What did you have for dinner?"
"Noodles," Xia Chengzhang said, cheerfully. "Your Uncle Zhang ate with me before he left."
"Hmm," Xia Wan nodded, his expression softening a bit. "Dad, once I start making some money, I'll hire a new aunt to take care of you."
Aunt Sun had been arranged by Xia Chenglin and his son, Xia Yang, to take care of Xia Chengzhang. She was typically very arrogant and often carried herself with a sense of superiority.
Xia Chengzhang never brought it up, and the orginal owner hadn't thought much of it either. But now, with so many things becoming clear, Xia Wan has realized that Aunt Sun wasn't really there to take care of Xia Chengzhang. She had been sent to monitor them, keeping a close watch on their every move.
Xia Chengzhang smiled contentedly, sensing that Xia Wan was particularly understanding today. "Dad can wait, no need to rush," he said.
He coughed a few more times as he spoke, the cough sounding deep, and a red flush appeared on his face.
Seeing Xia Chengzhang's red face, Xia Wan couldn't help but feel worried. "I'll take you to the hospital tomorrow."
However, Xia Chengzhang waved his hand and said, "No need. Your Uncle Zhang already took me to the hospital today. It's just that old bronchitis issue. There is nothing to worry."
Listening to this, Xia Wan furrowed his brow and asked, "Aunt Sun didn't go with you? Did you two have an argument?"
Xia Chengzhang laughed softly. "I didn't want her to come with me."
"Mm," Xia Wan nodded, though a flicker of doubt crossed his expression.
"But you," Xia Chengzhang said with a smile, "didn't you say you had a nice boyfriend? It's been over a month now, you should finally bring him home to meet Dad."
"OK," Xia Wan laughed. "But he's a bit busy. When he's free, I'll bring him to meet you. I'm sure you'll like him."
The original owner had broken up with that scumbag after just a month, but there was no need for Xia Chengzhang to know.
After all, he was most likely going to date Huo Yu, so it wasn't necessary to explain all of this to his father.
Xia Wan was unusually talkative today. How was chatting more than usual. Unlike before, when he would go straight to his room after coming home, he stayed and talked with him.
Seeing his son so happy and cheerful, Xia Chengzhang was also in a good mood.
"Enough talking, now go to sleep," Xia Chengzhang said softly, rubbing Xia Wan's hair. "You've had a long day. Get some rest."
"Mm." Xia Wan agreed, but before heading to his own room, he first helped Xia Chengzhang wash up and settle into bed. He made sure his father was comfortable, adjusting the blankets and ensuring everything was in place. Only after that did he quietly leave the room and return to his own.
When the door clicked shut, and the room was filled with darkness, Xia Chengzhang's eyes began to redden, and he couldn't hold back the tears that threatened to spill. He slowly raised his hand and covered his eyes.
He raised his hand to cover his eyes, a blend of relief and another unknown emotion washing over him. A mix of relief and a sadness washed over him, that made his heart ache.
Back in his room, Xia Wan opened the folder Huo Yu had given him. Inside were two documents, both already signed by Huo Yu.
He thought he was mentally prepared, but as he held the two documents in his hands, he felt an intense heat spreading through his fingers.
The papers felt strangely warm, almost as if they were burning against his skin.
After placing both papers on the table, Xia Wan unconsciously rubbed his fingertips together.
He took a deep breath and looked at the documents more closely. Apart from the corresponding roles, obligations, and prices, the rest of the terms seemed identical.
After carefully reading through them, Xia Wan focused on the price terms of the two documents.
Even though both were for fake relationships, there was still a significant price difference between the two-one was five times higher than the other..
Xia Wan hesitated briefly. However he ultimately chose the "dating copy" in front of him.
Even though the amount of money wasn't that much, by choosing the "dating" copy, he wouldn't have the obligation to stay at Huo Yu's house anymore. This meant he would have more freedom, even in this fake relationship, which made the lower amount seem better.
Moreover, for him and Xia Chengzhang, the money would be enough to get them out of the Xia family's control for now. As for the future, he could earn more on his own.
On the other hand, if he chose the "Marriage" option, he would have to actually marry Huo Yu, and ending things later would become much more complicated.
Having made up his mind, Xia Wan placed the documents into his desk drawer and locked it for safety.
After a moment's glance at the drawer, he exhaled, feeling a small weight lift off his shoulders. He turned off the lights and settled into bed.
Throughout the night, Xia Chengzhang coughed continuously, with hardly any relief.
In his past life, Xia Wan had been sick for as long as he could remember, which had made him particularly sensitive to any kind of health issues.
Listening to the endless coughing, it didn't sound like the usual bronchitis..
He had a vague sense that something was off with Xia Chengzhang's condition.
However, most senior doctors wouldn't be seeing patients on the weekend.
It was better to wait for a weekday to take him to the hospital, Xia Wan thought as he drifted off to sleep.
It felt like he hadn't slept long when the loud clattering of pots and pans from the kitchen suddenly woke him up.
He rubbed his eyes and listened for a moment, but this time, he didn't hear Xia Chengzhang's coughing anymore.
With a cold face, Xia Wan got up and dressed quickly. When he opened the door, he saw Aunt Sun's back as she washed vegetables in the kitchen. The stainless steel basin clinked against the sink, making a sharp noise. Her movements were quick and rough, just like usual, showing no care for the racket she was causing.
"Auntie," Xia Wan walked over and leaned against the kitchen door. "My dad didn't sleep well last night. Can you keep the noise down?"
"There's no need to complain about my work. Who doesn't make some noise while working?" Aunt Sun snapped, getting more annoyed. "Why don't you try it yourself?"
"Would I still need you if I did it myself?" Xia Wan said calmly. "Do you usually talk to Xia Chenglin and Xia Yang like this?"
This time, Aunt Sun didn't reply. Instead, she shot Xia Wan a sideways glance.
Her eyes clearly expressed disdain, as if she found it absurd that he would even think to compare himself to Xia Chenglin and Xia Yang.
It was clearly written on her face that she believed he was beneath them and not worth the same level of respect.
"I'm asking you," Xia Wan's voice grew colder, his tone firm as his eyes narrowed with sharp intensity, challenging her to retort.
Aunt Sun looked at him again, but this time a hint of doubt flickered in her eyes.
Relying on the fact that she was arranged by Xia Chenglin, Aunt Sun had always acted superior, behaving more like the master of the house than the true owners.
Xia Wan used to feel a bit Intimidated when facing her. Just one glance from her was enough to make him shrink. But today, she couldn't understand what kind of change had come over him to make him act so fiercely and arrogantly.
Considering the money she receives from the Xia family, what right did Xia Wan have to show such attitude towards her?
However, since she was sent here for a specific purpose, she couldn't afford to completely offend Xia Wan.
"Fine, I'll keep it down," she said impatiently and loudly.
"Can't you answer quietly? What's the need to shout?" Xia Wan pressed further.
Aunt Sun abruptly turned off the faucet, her frustration clear. "Do you even know how tiring it is to serve a crippled man day and night?!" she snapped. "And Master's family has never spoken to me so harshly. It's you, a mere child, who's so picky and has a problem with everything!"
"Who are you calling crippled?" Xia Wan narrowed his eyes and took a step forward. "And if you're this unhappy why not just leave. Did my dad or I ask you to stay?"
Xia Wan was at least 179 cm tall, and although he didn't seem Imposing in front of Huo Yu, in front of Aunt Sun, he carried an overwhelming presence.
With his frosty expression, he stood tall, his aura radiating authority, making him seem even more intimidating.
"Never mind, it's my fault," Aunt Sun muttered, wiping her hands on her apron. This time her tone softened a bit.
Until he found a new caretaker, Xia Wan had no intention of dealing with this woman just yet.
He snorted and stepped back. He leaned against the kitchen door.
From there, he observed Aunt Sun washing a handful of spinach In the dish bowl and a handful of fine noodles on the cooking table.
This again?
"Is there anything else besides this?" Xia Wan raised his chin slightly.
"Eating noodles in the morning with vegetables and eggs. It's nutritious and easy to digest," Aunt Sun said.
"My dad just had noodles last night," Xia Wan replied, not wanting to argue any further.
"From now on, every meal should have a good mix of meat and vegetables. He doesn't have high demands, but there should be at least two dishes per meal, got it?"
He paused for a moment before continuing, "Later, I'll have someone come and install a security camera. I'll check everything my dad eats and how well he is taken care of every night."
Aunt Sun opened her mouth, but Xia Wan didn't give her the chance to speak.
"Also," he added, "if the camera gets damaged, you'll be the one paying for it."
This time, Aunt Sun was taken aback.
"Eh?" She couldn't hide her surprise. "Why should I be responsible for it?" she demanded, her tone rising with indignation.
"My dad's a cripple. What damage cab cripple could do?" Xia Wan sneered, using the same word she had used to describe his father.
Aunt Sun clenched her teeth and stayed silent, not saying anything more in response.
"Now, start cooking," Xia Wan said coldly, before turning to leave.
As he turned, he noticed Xia Chengzhang, who must have come out of his room at some point sitting in his wheelchair, watching him quietly the whole time.
Xia Wan paused for a moment before walking over. "Dad, you're awake?"
"Mmm," Xia Chengzhang nodded and motioned for Xia Wan to close the door.
"What happened? Why are you talking to her like that?" Xia Chengzhang asked after the door was closed.
He had always worried that his son's personality might cause him to be mistreated. But today, seeing how Xia Wan handled the situation, he felt reassured. Despite his scolding tone, there was a faint smile on his face.
"Dad," Xia Wan crouched down in front of him and said seriously, "We may not have money, but that doesn't mean we should let anyone walk all over us and treat us however they want."
Listening to this, Xia Chengzhang just ruffled his hair and didn't say anything more.
When the two of them went out, the meal was already served. And sure enough, in addition to the spinach noodles, there were two more dishes-one with meat and one with vegetables.
After the meal, Xia Chengzhang returned to his work, and Xia Wan went back to his room. He sat down to finish the drawing he had started earlier, carefully adding the final details.
Once he was satisfied with it, he uploaded the finished piece on his painting account.
When Xia Wan came out of his room, he saw that Xia Chengzhang's old friend, Zhang Ruicheng, had come by again.
The two of them with both bald heads, were sitting across from each other, deeply focused on a game of chess. The sight of them, both with shiny heads, made the scene look oddly comical, and Xia Wan couldn't help but smile.
"Wanwan is home today?" Zhang Ruicheng greeted him with a smile as soon as he saw him.
Xia Wan smiled politely, "Hello, Uncle Zhang. Thank you so much for coming over so often to keep my dad company."
"Sigh, this child," Zhang Ruicheng said, a little surprised by Xia Wan's change in attitude. "Don't be so polite. We're just two old bachelors killing time together."
Xia Wan walked over to where Zhang Ruicheng and Xia Chengzhang were playing chess. He watched for a moment, then started chatting with them.
Around noon, just as they were finishing up their game, the sound of the intercom rang.
It was Xia Yang.
Holding a box of milk, Xia Yang shouted, "Uncle, there's also a box of fruit downstairs. Have Wanwan come help me bring it up."
It was clear that Xia Yang had something to talk about...
Xia Wan simply nodded. He slipped his phone into his pocket before going downstairs.
The weather was clear and sunny, with a gentle breeze in the air. Xia Yang stood downstairs, waiting as he watched Xia Wan make his way down.
Today, Xia Wan wore a simple T-shirt, and the sunlight fell on him, gently highlighting his shoulders. The way the light made him look relaxed and natural gave him an effortless, easygoing vibe. There was nothing fancy about it, but it made him stand out in a quiet way.
"Brother," Xia Wan smiled as he approached. "You have something to say?"
"Yeah," Xia Yang leaned against the car, studying Xia Wan. It had been half a month since he last saw him, and now, looking at him, he felt strangely unfamiliar.
It was as if he had become a completely different person. It wasn't just his appearance that had changed, but the way he acted and the way he carried himself.
Like he was born to be a young master of a rich family.
"Did you go to Huo's place with Huo Yu yesterday?" Xia Yang asked directly, getting straight to the point.
"Yes," Xia Wan nodded. "Brother, you really hear things fast."
Xia Yang looked at him with a smile on his face, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Aren't you two moving quickly?"
"I don't think so," Xia Wan emphasized. "When you meet the right person at right time, you should seize the opportunity and hold on tightly."
"Right person?" Xia Yang laughed. "People like that will only fill your life with regrets and misery."
Xia Wan didn't respond, clearly uninterested in continuing the pointless conversation.
"You don't believe me?" Xia Yang stopped pretending. "Sooner or later, Huo Yu will be forced to leave the country. What will you do then?"
"Who would force him to leave?" Xia Wan smiled innocently, acting as if he didn't know the whole story. "I've seen how much Uncle Huo cares for him. He won't be able to part with Huo Yu."
Xia Yang sneered, looking at Xia Wan as if he was looking at fool. "Listen to me, it's still not too late to beg Huo Lin for forgiveness."
"What if I refuse to go?" Xia Wan asked in a quite tone.
"Then don't blame me for abandoning you and your dad," Xia Yang retorted, his voice laced with a hint of threat. He the pulled out his phone and tapped on a picture, holding it up for Xia Wan to see.
It was a diagnosis report for lung cancer, and the patient's name on it was Xia Chengzhang's.
Xia Wan stared at the diagnosis report for a long time, his eyes slowly started to fill with tears.
Seeing Xia Wan's eyes red with tears, Xia Yang spoke earnestly, "Your dad missed the chance for surgery. If chemotherapy doesn't work, he'll need immunotherapy. Do you even know how expensive that is? It costs tens of thousands for just one session, and your dad doesn't even have medical insurance..."
"Where did you get this report?" Xia Wan cut him off, his voice sharp. "Send it to me now."
While Xia Yang didn't answer where it came from, but Xia Wan could guess it was likely Aunt Sun who had sent it to him.
With a notification sound, the diagnosis sheet was sent to Xia Wan. He hurriedly opened it and carefully went through it, reading every word.
"You and Huo Yu just got into a relationship. Do you think he can afford to pay for your dad's medical treatment? And even if he could, would you even ask him for it? It might even damage your relationship," Xia Yang pressed on. "Why don't you listen to me? Go apologize to Huo Lin and make amends properly. I'll give you whatever money your dad needs for his treatment."
However, Xia Wan remained silent, his gaze fixed on the chilling, heart-wrenching report.
In that moment, the two agreements Huo Yu had given him flashed in his mind.