UD: C28

Chapter: 28 | Two weeks later, Li You was discharged from the hospital

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Two weeks later, Li You was discharged from the hospital

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This novel was posted on cntranslationss [dot] blogsp0t [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

While sitting in the lobby outside the waiting room, a useless stream of random thoughts ran through my mind. The unease and confusion made my heart pound with unsteadiness, making it seem as if I was falling into an endless abyss from the moment I heard about Li You being in the emergency room. After arriving at the hospital earlier, while being led to the waiting area for the operating room by a kindergarten teacher, I was informed by a doctor that her life was in no danger, the words allowing those heavy and chaotic thoughts of mine to collapse in an instant. My head fell soon after, with me wiping my face, as it took until that moment for me to realise my hands were covered in sweat.

_{He reached to wipe the tears from my face, his eyes filled with remorse and self-condemnation, saying: "I'm so sorry."}Two weeks later, Li You was discharged from the hospital

He reached to wipe the tears from my face, his eyes filled with remorse and self-condemnation, saying: "I'm so sorry."

_{More and more tears now gathered, pooling and falling down my cheeks, every one of them burning with heat.}
But despite that, my heart still continued its violent thundering as my nerves were still very much on edge.

More and more tears now gathered, pooling and falling down my cheeks, every one of them burning with heat.

His tone was now low, lower than I've ever heard it be as he then asked: "Li Tian, what are you trying to say?"

_{|__٩(˘◡˘)۶__|}
"Thank you—" I offhandedly gave the doctor my thanks, staring at him as he then entered the emergency room which had its light turned on, the act forcing the thoughts of Li You lying on the operating table while drugged to paint itself into my mind.

|__٩(˘◡˘)۶__|

_{I never once thought he would be embracing me this tightly.}And, maybe it was due to us looking too calm on the outside, showing no anger, nor any tears, that the kindergarten teacher sent to comfort the parents upon hearing the ruckus coming from outside, gave us their apologies and took a moment before turning to make their way down the corridor then into the lobby.

I never once thought he would be embracing me this tightly.

_***
The thought of her tiny form lying there on that table, made my heart ache. It made me wish with everything I had that I could be the one to be there in her place.

***

_{I thought had prepared myself for this moment properly, and when it finally cam I would just remain as strong as I've always been. But when I heard him say those words, the feeling of wanting to cry overtook me. Using all my strength to hold the impulse back, I turned my eyes to the light of the operating room.}
Turning my head to look beside me, I saw Xiao Huaisu who silently gave me strength.

I thought had prepared myself for this moment properly, and when it finally cam I would just remain as strong as I've always been. But when I heard him say those words, the feeling of wanting to cry overtook me. Using all my strength to hold the impulse back, I turned my eyes to the light of the operating room.

_{While I ran to the the gurney, Xiao Huaisu talked with the doctor about Li You's condition.}I couldn't lift my head to look at him, my eyes quivering as I continued: "That night I went to look for you so we could drink together, I mixed my own drinks with water while I used to rest of the alcohol to get you drunk. So we dis what you thought we had in your dreams, and afterwards, I gave birth to Li You since I have a special kind of physiology..." After those words left my lips, I smiled bitterly, then continued, "When you and I are together, people who don't know had always assumed you were her father. But that's not because of the two of you just looking a lot alike... it's because you're her father too."

While I ran to the the gurney, Xiao Huaisu talked with the doctor about Li You's condition.

_{So with the sound of these faint cries filling the background, I took hold of Xiao Huaisu's hand.}
And, maybe it was due to us looking too calm on the outside, showing no anger, nor any tears, that the kindergarten teacher sent to comfort the parents upon hearing the ruckus coming from outside, gave us their apologies and took a moment before turning to make their way down the corridor then into the lobby.

So with the sound of these faint cries filling the background, I took hold of Xiao Huaisu's hand.

_{"That scar I have, I lied and said it was from an accident when it was actually from when I had Li You..}
Xiao Huaisu, with my hands gripped tightly in his, then said to me calmly: "Everything is going to be alright. The doctor said the surgery is gong very smoothly." As he said those words, the grip he had on my hand grew tighter, making it obvious he wasn't having an easier time with this than me. After he spoke, his lips were pressed together, his brows drawing themselves together in a taut knit, and the look in his eyes was deep—seeming as if it were a bottomless pool.

"That scar I have, I lied and said it was from an accident when it was actually from when I had Li You... Do you think I'm some sort of freak now? You probably never heard about men who an get pregnant before too, right? I had no idea about such a thing in the beginning either. It was only after I had Li You that my mom found out and told me about it. I'm actually able to give birth to a kid? Haha... ha..." I suddenly felt as if I was talking to myself, like some person who had lost their mind, spouting things which no ordinary person had no way of understanding. He must've thought I was just agitated because of Li You, or maybe that I was just plain crazy.

_{"..." ???}
While he was away on his business trip, on account of the conversation we had on the night prior to his leaving and having thought it over seriously for a long time, I decided I would tell him about his relationship with Li You after he had returned.

"..." ???

_{After a few days, her wound recovery went well...}Him being like this made me feel all the more guilt-ridden. What's there for him to be sorry about? I just found out he didn't ignore me after leaving the country wasn't really because he was busy, but because I had become a scummy guy in his eyes and made him lose faith in me. Hence, he ignored me. I felt wronged for a second, after all, I never played around with girls, nor got one pregnant. But I understood that everyone had all thought I had. Even Qiao Damai's mother thought was that kind of person as well when she found out I had a kid, and so didn't want her son hanging out with me. So for Xiao Huaisu, who was far away in another country when he heard about this situation, he must've surely had complicated feelings towards this situation even more than them. But just as I was planning to change the atmosphere by pretending to make a show out of denouncing him as a token, he looked at me then suddenly asked: "Do you have any tissues?"

After a few days, her wound recovery went well...

_{Just then, merely the thought of it had left me feeling immensely pained, and when I saw Li You lying on the hospital bed—her face pale and her cheeks covered in tear stains—my heart was directly torn right through. My fists gripped tightly till they hurt, my mouth was unable to say any words.}
I imagined many scenarios on how exactly I would tell him about Li You being his daughter, and I even pictured his reaction in my head an innumerable amount of times. But never did I ever conceive for it to happen in a situation like this in any way shape or form.

Just then, merely the thought of it had left me feeling immensely pained, and when I saw Li You lying on the hospital bed—her face pale and her cheeks covered in tear stains—my heart was directly torn right through. My fists gripped tightly till they hurt, my mouth was unable to say any words.

_{Him being like this made me feel all the more guilt-ridden. What's there for him to be sorry about? I just found out he didn't ignore me after leaving the country wasn't really because he was busy, but because I had become a scummy guy in his eyes and made him lose faith in me.}Just then, merely the thought of it had left me feeling immensely pained, and when I saw Li You lying on the hospital bed—her face pale and her cheeks covered in tear stains—my heart was directly torn right through. My fists gripped tightly till they hurt, my mouth was unable to say any words.

Him being like this made me feel all the more guilt-ridden. What's there for him to be sorry about? I just found out he didn't ignore me after leaving the country wasn't really because he was busy, but because I had become a scummy guy in his eyes and made him lose faith in me. Hence, he ignored me. I felt wronged for a second, after all, I never played around with girls, nor got one pregnant. But I understood that everyone had all thought I had. Even Qiao Damai's mother thought was that kind of person as well when she found out I had a kid, and so didn't want her son hanging out with me. So for Xiao Huaisu, who was far away in another country when he heard about this situation, he must've surely had complicated feelings towards this situation even more than them. But just as I was planning to change the atmosphere by pretending to make a show out of denouncing him as a token, he looked at me then suddenly asked: "Do you have any tissues?"

_{The next morning, around eight or nine, I called my parents who got there by ten or so after rushed over to the hospital carrying a change of clothes for me and Li You, as well as food.}Fortunately, none of the children are in life threatening conditions, but some of them were in serious condition, and were still under close observation.

The next morning, around eight or nine, I called my parents who got there by ten or so after rushed over to the hospital carrying a change of clothes for me and Li You, as well as food.

_{Having yet to react, after my hesitation, I asked in return: "No, why? Do you need to shi...poop?" The word 'shіt', which was right on the tip of my tongue, became the more civilised term 'poop'.}

Having yet to react, after my hesitation, I asked in return: "No, why? Do you need to shi...poop?" The word 'shіt', which was right on the tip of my tongue, became the more civilised term 'poop'.

_{I thought he would've been mad because of my lies and concealment.}His body froze, his hands now hovering over mine, with me having no idea when he unlinked them from my own. They then balled themselves into tight fists, making it seem as though he was trying his best to endure something, as his expression remained stunned.

I thought he would've been mad because of my lies and concealment.

_{Lee Moli, nervous about me caring for Li You, took her over to stay at their place until her wound healed.}Fortunately, none of the children are in life threatening conditions, but some of them were in serious condition, and were still under close observation.

Lee Moli, nervous about me caring for Li You, took her over to stay at their place until her wound healed.

_{Xiao Huaisu, with my hands gripped tightly in his, then said to me calmly: "Everything is going to be alright. The doctor said the surgery is gong very smoothly.}
Li You was lying in an operating room right at this moment, yet her other father had no idea it was his daughter lying in there too. Regardless of who it was, something like this was just too cruel.

Xiao Huaisu, with my hands gripped tightly in his, then said to me calmly: "Everything is going to be alright. The doctor said the surgery is gong very smoothly." As he said those words, the grip he had on my hand grew tighter, making it obvious he wasn't having an easier time with this than me. After he spoke, his lips were pressed together, his brows drawing themselves together in a taut knit, and the look in his eyes was deep—seeming as if it were a bottomless pool.

_{Hearing this, I hurriedly added: "He was the one who drove me here after I heard about Li You."}
In the lobby, groups of parents from the kindergarten were in tears, asking the kindergarten representatives why and how something like this happened, their wailing loud. While outside the operating room was another group of parents also crying and waiting for their children currently undergoing surgery.

Hearing this, I hurriedly added: "He was the one who drove me here after I heard about Li You."

_{"Xiao Huaisu." My tone was serious as I called his name.}Or that he would despise me because of the method I selfishly employed towards him on account of my unrestrained feelings.

"Xiao Huaisu." My tone was serious as I called his name.

_{Is this a acquiescence?"}
So with the sound of these faint cries filling the background, I took hold of Xiao Huaisu's hand.

Is this a acquiescence?"

_{Hearing this, I hurriedly added: "He was the one who drove me here after I heard about Li You."}I was then caught off guard when he suddenly pulled me into his embrace. Xaio Huaisu was now hugging me tightly, saying: "Why didn't you tell me this sooner?" This was not the reaction I had expected.

Hearing this, I hurriedly added: "He was the one who drove me here after I heard about Li You."

_{"Xiao Huaisu." My tone was serious as I called his name.}I lowered my head, the pair of warm hands resting atop my knees holding my gaze, shame taking over me as I continued: "That wasn't a dream."

"Xiao Huaisu." My tone was serious as I called his name.

_{Xiao Huaisu, also seeming to recall this, looked at Li You then said to me: "I'll go buy something to eat and come back. You need to put something in your stomach first so you don't end up collapsing before Li You wakes up."}
A puzzled looked was then etched on his face as he looked at me, endless tenderness shown in his gaze, the kind of look that was enough to make someone drop all their worries in an instant and hand over all their trust.

Xiao Huaisu, also seeming to recall this, looked at Li You then said to me: "I'll go buy something to eat and come back. You need to put something in your stomach first so you don't end up collapsing before Li You wakes up."

_{Xiao Huaisu, also seeming to recall this, looked at Li You then said to me: "I'll go buy something to eat and come back. You need to put something in your stomach first so you don't end up collapsing before Li You wakes up."}I lowered my head, the pair of warm hands resting atop my knees holding my gaze, shame taking over me as I continued: "That wasn't a dream."

Xiao Huaisu, also seeming to recall this, looked at Li You then said to me: "I'll go buy something to eat and come back. You need to put something in your stomach first so you don't end up collapsing before Li You wakes up."

_N/A
I shouldn't be keeping him in the dark like this.

N/A

_{{I shouldn't be keeping him in the dark like this.}}In reply, I simply whispered: "I'm sorry."

I shouldn't be keeping him in the dark like this.

_{I couldn't lift my head to look at him, my eyes quivering as I continued: "That night I went to look for you so we could drink together, I mixed my own drinks with water while I used to rest of the alcohol to get you drunk. So we dis what you thought we had in your dreams, and afterwards, I gave birth to Li You since I have a special kind of physiology.}
"Xiao Huaisu." My tone was serious as I called his name.

I couldn't lift my head to look at him, my eyes quivering as I continued: "That night I went to look for you so we could drink together, I mixed my own drinks with water while I used to rest of the alcohol to get you drunk. So we dis what you thought we had in your dreams, and afterwards, I gave birth to Li You since I have a special kind of physiology..." After those words left my lips, I smiled bitterly, then continued, "When you and I are together, people who don't know had always assumed you were her father. But that's not because of the two of you just looking a lot alike... it's because you're her father too."

_{According to Li Zhi's disposition, it seemed as though he was still unaware of the matter concerning Li You's parentage, and if he were to release those years worth of anger on him, it would be in the form of bullying. So unlike Lee Moli's coldness, he still treated Xiao Huaisu warmly.}
His arm extending to caress my cheek, saying: "Rest. You can lean on my shoulder to get some in the meantime. I'll wake you once her surgery is over, alright?"

According to Li Zhi's disposition, it seemed as though he was still unaware of the matter concerning Li You's parentage, and if he were to release those years worth of anger on him, it would be in the form of bullying. So unlike Lee Moli's coldness, he still treated Xiao Huaisu warmly.

_{Two weeks later, Li You was discharged from the hospital}Because he was very close to me, I could eel his entire body tense itself fiercely upon hearing my words. Did he not believe me?"

Two weeks later, Li You was discharged from the hospital

_{Li You was lying in an operating room right at this moment, yet her other father had no idea it was his daughter lying in there too. Regardless of who it was, something like this was just too cruel.}

Li You was lying in an operating room right at this moment, yet her other father had no idea it was his daughter lying in there too. Regardless of who it was, something like this was just too cruel.

_{iana: the chapter title is "After two weeks, Li You was discharged from the hospital" It's spoiler-y so I put it here.[]*wipes tears* I teared-up like a lil bіtch during this chapter—shamelessly and beautifully so.}
I shook my head, refusing his offer. My own gaze fixed on his as I confessed: "That night when you said you had a dream."

iana: the chapter title is "After two weeks, Li You was discharged from the hospital" It's spoiler-y so I put it here.[]*wipes tears* I teared-up like a lil bіtch during this chapter—shamelessly and beautifully so. It stopped when I spent way too long looking up words to fit the shіt-poop wordplay part. I came up with latrine and lavatory which even match up with the 拉屎:lāshǐ-shіt | 拉大便: là dà biàn-poop used, all to end up still going with the shіt-poop I used from the get go (╯▔皿▔)╯ []No more double ups for now, I have manhua chapters I dodged for a couple weeks to focus on. (My apologies if you're reading)

_{Lee Moli, nervous about me caring for Li You, took her over to stay at their place until her wound healed.}
He looked at me confusedly, maybe due to him not understanding why would suddenly bring such a thing up.

Lee Moli, nervous about me caring for Li You, took her over to stay at their place until her wound healed.

_{Upon entering, Li Zhi, who caught sight of the sleeping Li You, scurried over to her bedside wearing a pained expression to take a seat on the chair beside her. He wanted to touch her, but appeared to dare not do so out of the fear it might be bad for her, saying: "This makes no sense.}
I took the hand he had rested on my shoulder down, holding it in my own and then rested them on my knee. He soon regained his composure, quietly waiting for my next words.

Upon entering, Li Zhi, who caught sight of the sleeping Li You, scurried over to her bedside wearing a pained expression to take a seat on the chair beside her. He wanted to touch her, but appeared to dare not do so out of the fear it might be bad for her, saying: "This makes no sense. How could something like this happen? When we came in, there were a lot of people making noise outside. Having heard bits and pieces of the conversations out there, your mother and I got really worried."

_{He knew I called my parents before coming in, so when he saw them, he took the lead in giving them his greetings first. Lee Moli gave a light hum in return, no other words being said.}Words which upon me hearing them, brought a slight feeling of anxiety. If Uncle Xiao found out I stole their family's son, wouldn't he kill me? Would he break ties with Li Zhi and then become enemies?

He knew I called my parents before coming in, so when he saw them, he took the lead in giving them his greetings first. Lee Moli gave a light hum in return, no other words being said.

_{And, maybe it was due to us looking too calm on the outside, showing no anger, nor any tears, that the kindergarten teacher sent to comfort the parents upon hearing the ruckus coming from outside, gave us their apologies and took a moment before turning to make their way down the corridor then into the lobby.}I shouldn't be keeping him in the dark like this.

And, maybe it was due to us looking too calm on the outside, showing no anger, nor any tears, that the kindergarten teacher sent to comfort the parents upon hearing the ruckus coming from outside, gave us their apologies and took a moment before turning to make their way down the corridor then into the lobby.

_***
I lowered my head, the pair of warm hands resting atop my knees holding my gaze, shame taking over me as I continued: "That wasn't a dream."

***

_{While I ran to the the gurney, Xiao Huaisu talked with the doctor about Li You's condition.}But despite that, my heart still continued its violent thundering as my nerves were still very much on edge.

While I ran to the the gurney, Xiao Huaisu talked with the doctor about Li You's condition.

_{I thought he would've been mad because of my lies and concealment.}
Because he was very close to me, I could eel his entire body tense itself fiercely upon hearing my words. Did he not believe me?"

I thought he would've been mad because of my lies and concealment.

_{"I really am stupid. If I realised it earlier, maybe you wouldn't have had it so hard."}
His tone was now low, lower than I've ever heard it be as he then asked: "Li Tian, what are you trying to say?"

"I really am stupid. If I realised it earlier, maybe you wouldn't have had it so hard."

_{Fortunately, none of the children are in life threatening conditions, but some of them were in serious condition, and were still under close observation.}The next morning, around eight or nine, I called my parents who got there by ten or so after rushed over to the hospital carrying a change of clothes for me and Li You, as well as food.

Fortunately, none of the children are in life threatening conditions, but some of them were in serious condition, and were still under close observation.

_{Xiao Huaisu in turn replied: "There's a rest area on this ward, so we'll just go there to rest for a while."}His voice was as hoarse as it was low, the disbelief within it evident as he called my name: "Li Tian—" His hands now lifting to take hold of my shoulders, prompting my fallen gaze to rise and meet his dumbfounded mien.

Xiao Huaisu in turn replied: "There's a rest area on this ward, so we'll just go there to rest for a while."

_{Li Zhi released a grunt, nodding, then noticed that Xiao Huaisu was also sporting a five o'clock shadow similar to my own, making it appear he had also kept watch here all night. Li Zhi's face couldn't muster any sort of a serious expression, as he then said warmly: "You and Huaisu should go home and get some rest, alright? Your mom and I will stay here and watch over her first.}
I couldn't lift my head to look at him, my eyes quivering as I continued: "That night I went to look for you so we could drink together, I mixed my own drinks with water while I used to rest of the alcohol to get you drunk. So we dis what you thought we had in your dreams, and afterwards, I gave birth to Li You since I have a special kind of physiology..." After those words left my lips, I smiled bitterly, then continued, "When you and I are together, people who don't know had always assumed you were her father. But that's not because of the two of you just looking a lot alike... it's because you're her father too."

Li Zhi released a grunt, nodding, then noticed that Xiao Huaisu was also sporting a five o'clock shadow similar to my own, making it appear he had also kept watch here all night. Li Zhi's face couldn't muster any sort of a serious expression, as he then said warmly: "You and Huaisu should go home and get some rest, alright? Your mom and I will stay here and watch over her first. The two of you can just come back this evening."

_{Afterwards, he continued: "But I love you even more for facing the gossip and rumours over all these years on your own, while still having the ability to smile brightly at everyone. You raised Li You so well without me, even after.}Why is he doing this?

Afterwards, he continued: "But I love you even more for facing the gossip and rumours over all these years on your own, while still having the ability to smile brightly at everyone. You raised Li You so well without me, even after... even after when I found out about you being a single father and deliberately treated you with indifference and... and ignored you..." He used his arms to cover his eyes, his next words uttered with a sense of mocking directed at himself, "I'm so stupid." He reached out, again pulling me towards him. We were now face to face, and his forehead moved to press against my own.

His body froze, his hands now hovering over mine, with me having no idea when he unlinked them from my own. They then balled themselves into tight fists, making it seem as though he was trying his best to endure something, as his expression remained stunned.

_{I shook my head, refusing his offer. My own gaze fixed on his as I confessed: "That night when you said you had a dream."}
His voice was as hoarse as it was low, the disbelief within it evident as he called my name: "Li Tian—" His hands now lifting to take hold of my shoulders, prompting my fallen gaze to rise and meet his dumbfounded mien.

I shook my head, refusing his offer. My own gaze fixed on his as I confessed: "That night when you said you had a dream."

_{Fortunately, none of the children are in life threatening conditions, but some of them were in serious condition, and were still under close observation.}
"That scar I have, I lied and said it was from an accident when it was actually from when I had Li You... Do you think I'm some sort of freak now? You probably never heard about men who an get pregnant before too, right? I had no idea about such a thing in the beginning either. It was only after I had Li You that my mom found out and told me about it. I'm actually able to give birth to a kid? Haha... ha..." I suddenly felt as if I was talking to myself, like some person who had lost their mind, spouting things which no ordinary person had no way of understanding. He must've thought I was just agitated because of Li You, or maybe that I was just plain crazy.

Fortunately, none of the children are in life threatening conditions, but some of them were in serious condition, and were still under close observation.

_{Li You was lying in an operating room right at this moment, yet her other father had no idea it was his daughter lying in there too. Regardless of who it was, something like this was just too cruel.}
I was then caught off guard when he suddenly pulled me into his embrace. Xaio Huaisu was now hugging me tightly, saying: "Why didn't you tell me this sooner?" This was not the reaction I had expected.

Li You was lying in an operating room right at this moment, yet her other father had no idea it was his daughter lying in there too. Regardless of who it was, something like this was just too cruel.

_{I thought had prepared myself for this moment properly, and when it finally cam I would just remain as strong as I've always been. But when I heard him say those words, the feeling of wanting to cry overtook me. Using all my strength to hold the impulse back, I turned my eyes to the light of the operating room.}The next morning, around eight or nine, I called my parents who got there by ten or so after rushed over to the hospital carrying a change of clothes for me and Li You, as well as food.

I thought had prepared myself for this moment properly, and when it finally cam I would just remain as strong as I've always been. But when I heard him say those words, the feeling of wanting to cry overtook me. Using all my strength to hold the impulse back, I turned my eyes to the light of the operating room.

_{In the lobby, groups of parents from the kindergarten were in tears, asking the kindergarten representatives why and how something like this happened, their wailing loud. While outside the operating room was another group of parents also crying and waiting for their children currently undergoing surgery.}Did I know what?

In the lobby, groups of parents from the kindergarten were in tears, asking the kindergarten representatives why and how something like this happened, their wailing loud. While outside the operating room was another group of parents also crying and waiting for their children currently undergoing surgery.

_{Two weeks later, Li You was discharged from the hospital}
I thought he would've been mad because of my lies and concealment.

Two weeks later, Li You was discharged from the hospital

_{Hearing this, I hurriedly added: "He was the one who drove me here after I heard about Li You."}Afterwards, he continued: "But I love you even more for facing the gossip and rumours over all these years on your own, while still having the ability to smile brightly at everyone. You raised Li You so well without me, even after... even after when I found out about you being a single father and deliberately treated you with indifference and... and ignored you..." He used his arms to cover his eyes, his next words uttered with a sense of mocking directed at himself, "I'm so stupid." He reached out, again pulling me towards him. We were now face to face, and his forehead moved to press against my own.

Hearing this, I hurriedly added: "He was the one who drove me here after I heard about Li You."

_{I already told her before that I was with Xiao Huaisu, so seeing her lack of a huge reaction upon seeing him appear, I could relax.}
Or that he would despise me because of the method I selfishly employed towards him on account of my unrestrained feelings.

I already told her before that I was with Xiao Huaisu, so seeing her lack of a huge reaction upon seeing him appear, I could relax.

_{Just then, merely the thought of it had left me feeling immensely pained, and when I saw Li You lying on the hospital bed—her face pale and her cheeks covered in tear stains—my heart was directly torn right through. My fists gripped tightly till they hurt, my mouth was unable to say any words.}Xiao Huaisu in turn replied: "There's a rest area on this ward, so we'll just go there to rest for a while."

Just then, merely the thought of it had left me feeling immensely pained, and when I saw Li You lying on the hospital bed—her face pale and her cheeks covered in tear stains—my heart was directly torn right through. My fists gripped tightly till they hurt, my mouth was unable to say any words.

_{Xiao Huaisu hugged me without saying a word. His shock from the beginning and his complete silence now, leaving me at a complete loss. So when he hugged me, that uneasy heart of mine was now splattered on the floor.}Li You was lying in an operating room right at this moment, yet her other father had no idea it was his daughter lying in there too. Regardless of who it was, something like this was just too cruel.

Xiao Huaisu hugged me without saying a word. His shock from the beginning and his complete silence now, leaving me at a complete loss. So when he hugged me, that uneasy heart of mine was now splattered on the floor.

_{I told myself I wouldn't cry. I wasn't going to cry. I'm not gong to cry... but... tears were the sort of thing, that if they wanted to fall, there was nothing you could do to stop them. So, I stubbornly lifted my head, wanting very much to make those blobs of sadness return.}
I never once thought he would be embracing me this tightly.

I told myself I wouldn't cry. I wasn't going to cry. I'm not gong to cry... but... tears were the sort of thing, that if they wanted to fall, there was nothing you could do to stop them. So, I stubbornly lifted my head, wanting very much to make those blobs of sadness return.

_{Xiao Huaisu hugged me without saying a word. His shock from the beginning and his complete silence now, leaving me at a complete loss. So when he hugged me, that uneasy heart of mine was now splattered on the floor.}
Why is he doing this?

Xiao Huaisu hugged me without saying a word. His shock from the beginning and his complete silence now, leaving me at a complete loss. So when he hugged me, that uneasy heart of mine was now splattered on the floor.

_{In reply, I simply whispered: "I'm sorry."}
His voice was still gruff, with him again repeating his prior words: "Li Tian, why didn't you tell me sooner? Didn't you know—"

In reply, I simply whispered: "I'm sorry."

_{After a few days, her wound recovery went well...}He looked at me confusedly, maybe due to him not understanding why would suddenly bring such a thing up.

After a few days, her wound recovery went well...

_{After Li You was moved from the operating room to the recovery ward, a person from the kindergarten had already come to inform us of the cause, it was due to the drunk driving of the other driver.}
Did I know what?

After Li You was moved from the operating room to the recovery ward, a person from the kindergarten had already come to inform us of the cause, it was due to the drunk driving of the other driver.

_{{Is this a acquiescence?"}}Standing behind Xiao Huaisu, I secretly held his hand.

Is this a acquiescence?"

_{While sitting in the lobby outside the waiting room, a useless stream of random thoughts ran through my mind. The unease and confusion made my heart pound with unsteadiness, making it seem as if I was falling into an endless abyss from the moment I heard about Li You being in the emergency room.}
In reply, I simply whispered: "I'm sorry."

While sitting in the lobby outside the waiting room, a useless stream of random thoughts ran through my mind. The unease and confusion made my heart pound with unsteadiness, making it seem as if I was falling into an endless abyss from the moment I heard about Li You being in the emergency room. After arriving at the hospital earlier, while being led to the waiting area for the operating room by a kindergarten teacher, I was informed by a doctor that her life was in no danger, the words allowing those heavy and chaotic thoughts of mine to collapse in an instant. My head fell soon after, with me wiping my face, as it took until that moment for me to realise my hands were covered in sweat.

_{And after two weeks, Li You was discharged from the hospital.}
Xiao Huaisu hugged me without saying a word. His shock from the beginning and his complete silence now, leaving me at a complete loss. So when he hugged me, that uneasy heart of mine was now splattered on the floor.

And after two weeks, Li You was discharged from the hospital.

_{"That scar I have, I lied and said it was from an accident when it was actually from when I had Li You..}Lee Moli, nervous about me caring for Li You, took her over to stay at their place until her wound healed.

"That scar I have, I lied and said it was from an accident when it was actually from when I had Li You... Do you think I'm some sort of freak now? You probably never heard about men who an get pregnant before too, right? I had no idea about such a thing in the beginning either. It was only after I had Li You that my mom found out and told me about it. I'm actually able to give birth to a kid? Haha... ha..." I suddenly felt as if I was talking to myself, like some person who had lost their mind, spouting things which no ordinary person had no way of understanding. He must've thought I was just agitated because of Li You, or maybe that I was just plain crazy.

_{Li You was injured on her thigh, at the time of the collision, stabbed by a broken piece of glass. The doctor said it was a dangerous predicament, because the shard had almost punctured an artery there.}
When he released me, his eyes locked directly onto mine as he said: "I hate that you told this to me right at this very moment."

Li You was injured on her thigh, at the time of the collision, stabbed by a broken piece of glass. The doctor said it was a dangerous predicament, because the shard had almost punctured an artery there.

_{"Thank you—" I offhandedly gave the doctor my thanks, staring at him as he then entered the emergency room which had its light turned on, the act forcing the thoughts of Li You lying on the operating table while drugged to paint itself into my mind.}
I thought had prepared myself for this moment properly, and when it finally cam I would just remain as strong as I've always been. But when I heard him say those words, the feeling of wanting to cry overtook me. Using all my strength to hold the impulse back, I turned my eyes to the light of the operating room.

"Thank you—" I offhandedly gave the doctor my thanks, staring at him as he then entered the emergency room which had its light turned on, the act forcing the thoughts of Li You lying on the operating table while drugged to paint itself into my mind.

_{The thought of her tiny form lying there on that table, made my heart ache. It made me wish with everything I had that I could be the one to be there in her place.}
Afterwards, he continued: "But I love you even more for facing the gossip and rumours over all these years on your own, while still having the ability to smile brightly at everyone. You raised Li You so well without me, even after... even after when I found out about you being a single father and deliberately treated you with indifference and... and ignored you..." He used his arms to cover his eyes, his next words uttered with a sense of mocking directed at himself, "I'm so stupid." He reached out, again pulling me towards him. We were now face to face, and his forehead moved to press against my own.

The thought of her tiny form lying there on that table, made my heart ache. It made me wish with everything I had that I could be the one to be there in her place.

_{"No..." He looked at me strangely after that.}Xiao Huaisu read her stories during this time. Each and everyone he chose was selected by his own hand, and they were quite funny stories too, so funny, she couldn't stop herself from laughing.

"No..." He looked at me strangely after that.

_{I thought he would've been mad because of my lies and concealment.}iana: the chapter title is "After two weeks, Li You was discharged from the hospital" It's spoiler-y so I put it here.[]*wipes tears* I teared-up like a lil bіtch during this chapter—shamelessly and beautifully so. It stopped when I spent way too long looking up words to fit the shіt-poop wordplay part. I came up with latrine and lavatory which even match up with the 拉屎:lāshǐ-shіt | 拉大便: là dà biàn-poop used, all to end up still going with the shіt-poop I used from the get go (╯▔皿▔)╯ []No more double ups for now, I have manhua chapters I dodged for a couple weeks to focus on. (My apologies if you're reading)

I thought he would've been mad because of my lies and concealment.

_{Then when the end of October came around, Xiao Huaisu told me his mother and father would be returning to the country rather soon.}
"I really am stupid. If I realised it earlier, maybe you wouldn't have had it so hard."

Then when the end of October came around, Xiao Huaisu told me his mother and father would be returning to the country rather soon.

_{After a few days, her wound recovery went well...}More and more tears now gathered, pooling and falling down my cheeks, every one of them burning with heat.

After a few days, her wound recovery went well...

_{Or that he would despise me because of the method I selfishly employed towards him on account of my unrestrained feelings.}Xiao Huaisu read her stories during this time. Each and everyone he chose was selected by his own hand, and they were quite funny stories too, so funny, she couldn't stop herself from laughing.

Or that he would despise me because of the method I selfishly employed towards him on account of my unrestrained feelings.

_{Lee Moli already put down her cooler on the table, saying right after: "Come eat before you rest up. We made you this meat congee earlier. I don't want you two struggling to wake up because you're hungry later. Your dad and I don't have the time to be taking care of you both too." Even though the tone she used was impolite, I still couldn't help the happy feeling I felt.}
I told myself I wouldn't cry. I wasn't going to cry. I'm not gong to cry... but... tears were the sort of thing, that if they wanted to fall, there was nothing you could do to stop them. So, I stubbornly lifted my head, wanting very much to make those blobs of sadness return.

Lee Moli already put down her cooler on the table, saying right after: "Come eat before you rest up. We made you this meat congee earlier. I don't want you two struggling to wake up because you're hungry later. Your dad and I don't have the time to be taking care of you both too." Even though the tone she used was impolite, I still couldn't help the happy feeling I felt.

_{Xiao Huaisu, with my hands gripped tightly in his, then said to me calmly: "Everything is going to be alright. The doctor said the surgery is gong very smoothly.}But despite that, my heart still continued its violent thundering as my nerves were still very much on edge.

Xiao Huaisu, with my hands gripped tightly in his, then said to me calmly: "Everything is going to be alright. The doctor said the surgery is gong very smoothly." As he said those words, the grip he had on my hand grew tighter, making it obvious he wasn't having an easier time with this than me. After he spoke, his lips were pressed together, his brows drawing themselves together in a taut knit, and the look in his eyes was deep—seeming as if it were a bottomless pool.

_{For a moment, the atmosphere between us was frozen, neither of us saying a word.}
Back then, I never stopped telling myself that since the one who made this bitter pill for myself was me, I should be the one to eat. So I never paid any mind to the looks residing in the eyes of others towards me. I never uttered a word of complaint to anyone. Over all these years, I had never shed a single tear because of the strange looks others gave me. I even managed to find them amusing. But once I heard his words right then, one by one, all those long seemingly forgotten grievances and suffering, appeared to pour out of me from every direction.

For a moment, the atmosphere between us was frozen, neither of us saying a word.

_{Li Zhi then asked him: "Huaisu, you're here too?"}After Li You was moved from the operating room to the recovery ward, a person from the kindergarten had already come to inform us of the cause, it was due to the drunk driving of the other driver.

Li Zhi then asked him: "Huaisu, you're here too?"

_{Once I heard none of the kids were in life threatening situations, I let out a sigh of relief. I never wished to see those innocent kids who had yet to experience the beauty of this world suffer such a mishap.}
More and more tears now gathered, pooling and falling down my cheeks, every one of them burning with heat.

Once I heard none of the kids were in life threatening situations, I let out a sigh of relief. I never wished to see those innocent kids who had yet to experience the beauty of this world suffer such a mishap.

_{Xiao Huaisu in turn replied: "There's a rest area on this ward, so we'll just go there to rest for a while."}I shook my head, refusing his offer. My own gaze fixed on his as I confessed: "That night when you said you had a dream."

Xiao Huaisu in turn replied: "There's a rest area on this ward, so we'll just go there to rest for a while."

_{Because he was very close to me, I could eel his entire body tense itself fiercely upon hearing my words. {Did he not believe me?"}}I told myself I wouldn't cry. I wasn't going to cry. I'm not gong to cry... but... tears were the sort of thing, that if they wanted to fall, there was nothing you could do to stop them. So, I stubbornly lifted my head, wanting very much to make those blobs of sadness return.

Because he was very close to me, I could eel his entire body tense itself fiercely upon hearing my words. Did he not believe me?"

_{He knew I called my parents before coming in, so when he saw them, he took the lead in giving them his greetings first. Lee Moli gave a light hum in return, no other words being said.}
He reached to wipe the tears from my face, his eyes filled with remorse and self-condemnation, saying: "I'm so sorry."

He knew I called my parents before coming in, so when he saw them, he took the lead in giving them his greetings first. Lee Moli gave a light hum in return, no other words being said.

_{He reached to wipe the tears from my face, his eyes filled with remorse and self-condemnation, saying: "I'm so sorry."}
Him being like this made me feel all the more guilt-ridden. What's there for him to be sorry about? I just found out he didn't ignore me after leaving the country wasn't really because he was busy, but because I had become a scummy guy in his eyes and made him lose faith in me. Hence, he ignored me. I felt wronged for a second, after all, I never played around with girls, nor got one pregnant. But I understood that everyone had all thought I had. Even Qiao Damai's mother thought was that kind of person as well when she found out I had a kid, and so didn't want her son hanging out with me. So for Xiao Huaisu, who was far away in another country when he heard about this situation, he must've surely had complicated feelings towards this situation even more than them. But just as I was planning to change the atmosphere by pretending to make a show out of denouncing him as a token, he looked at me then suddenly asked: "Do you have any tissues?"

He reached to wipe the tears from my face, his eyes filled with remorse and self-condemnation, saying: "I'm so sorry."

_{Turning my head to look beside me, I saw Xiao Huaisu who silently gave me strength.}
Having yet to react, after my hesitation, I asked in return: "No, why? Do you need to shi...poop?" The word 'shіt', which was right on the tip of my tongue, became the more civilised term 'poop'.

Turning my head to look beside me, I saw Xiao Huaisu who silently gave me strength.

_{Two weeks later, Li You was discharged from the hospital}In a now calm tone, he replied: "Your nose is running..."

Two weeks later, Li You was discharged from the hospital

_{Afterwards, he continued: "But I love you even more for facing the gossip and rumours over all these years on your own, while still having the ability to smile brightly at everyone. You raised Li You so well without me, even after.}While he was away on his business trip, on account of the conversation we had on the night prior to his leaving and having thought it over seriously for a long time, I decided I would tell him about his relationship with Li You after he had returned.

Afterwards, he continued: "But I love you even more for facing the gossip and rumours over all these years on your own, while still having the ability to smile brightly at everyone. You raised Li You so well without me, even after... even after when I found out about you being a single father and deliberately treated you with indifference and... and ignored you..." He used his arms to cover his eyes, his next words uttered with a sense of mocking directed at himself, "I'm so stupid." He reached out, again pulling me towards him. We were now face to face, and his forehead moved to press against my own.

_{Xiao Huaisu in turn replied: "There's a rest area on this ward, so we'll just go there to rest for a while."}
"No..." He looked at me strangely after that.

Xiao Huaisu in turn replied: "There's a rest area on this ward, so we'll just go there to rest for a while."

_{Why is he doing this?}
"Then why?"

Why is he doing this?

_{Just then, merely the thought of it had left me feeling immensely pained, and when I saw Li You lying on the hospital bed—her face pale and her cheeks covered in tear stains—my heart was directly torn right through. My fists gripped tightly till they hurt, my mouth was unable to say any words.}When he released me, his eyes locked directly onto mine as he said: "I hate that you told this to me right at this very moment."

Just then, merely the thought of it had left me feeling immensely pained, and when I saw Li You lying on the hospital bed—her face pale and her cheeks covered in tear stains—my heart was directly torn right through. My fists gripped tightly till they hurt, my mouth was unable to say any words.

_{"I really am stupid. If I realised it earlier, maybe you wouldn't have had it so hard."}Li You was lying in an operating room right at this moment, yet her other father had no idea it was his daughter lying in there too. Regardless of who it was, something like this was just too cruel.

"I really am stupid. If I realised it earlier, maybe you wouldn't have had it so hard."

_{His tone was now low, lower than I've ever heard it be as he then asked: "Li Tian, what are you trying to say?"}
In a now calm tone, he replied: "Your nose is running..."

His tone was now low, lower than I've ever heard it be as he then asked: "Li Tian, what are you trying to say?"

_{Li You recovered much more quickly than imagined, but after the anaesthesia first wore off, she had cried a few times. She wasn't a kid who usually cried, though, so when I saw her in tears and crying out: "Dad it hurts. It hurst so much!" My heart ached. But there was nothing I could do for her apart from coaxing her to do something else as a way to distract her from the pain.}He reached to wipe the tears from my face, his eyes filled with remorse and self-condemnation, saying: "I'm so sorry."

Li You recovered much more quickly than imagined, but after the anaesthesia first wore off, she had cried a few times. She wasn't a kid who usually cried, though, so when I saw her in tears and crying out: "Dad it hurts. It hurst so much!" My heart ached. But there was nothing I could do for her apart from coaxing her to do something else as a way to distract her from the pain.

_{{Don't you know what a serious mood killer this is?}}His voice was still gruff, with him again repeating his prior words: "Li Tian, why didn't you tell me sooner? Didn't you know—"

Don't you know what a serious mood killer this is?

_{I took the hand he had rested on my shoulder down, holding it in my own and then rested them on my knee. He soon regained his composure, quietly waiting for my next words.}
"..." ???

I took the hand he had rested on my shoulder down, holding it in my own and then rested them on my knee. He soon regained his composure, quietly waiting for my next words.

_{{Is this a acquiescence?"}}Li You recovered much more quickly than imagined, but after the anaesthesia first wore off, she had cried a few times. She wasn't a kid who usually cried, though, so when I saw her in tears and crying out: "Dad it hurts. It hurst so much!" My heart ached. But there was nothing I could do for her apart from coaxing her to do something else as a way to distract her from the pain.

Is this a acquiescence?"

_{When he released me, his eyes locked directly onto mine as he said: "I hate that you told this to me right at this very moment."}
Don't you know what a serious mood killer this is?

When he released me, his eyes locked directly onto mine as he said: "I hate that you told this to me right at this very moment."

_{Xiao Huaisu read her stories during this time. Each and everyone he chose was selected by his own hand, and they were quite funny stories too, so funny, she couldn't stop herself from laughing.}The thought of her tiny form lying there on that table, made my heart ache. It made me wish with everything I had that I could be the one to be there in her place.

Xiao Huaisu read her stories during this time. Each and everyone he chose was selected by his own hand, and they were quite funny stories too, so funny, she couldn't stop herself from laughing.

_{"Xiao Huaisu." My tone was serious as I called his name.}
I said nothing in reply, only moving to pick up Xiao Huaisu's arm, before using his sleeve to wipe the snot from my nose in a huff, then after finish wiping, I helped him by rolling his sleeves up.

"Xiao Huaisu." My tone was serious as I called his name.

_{His body froze, his hands now hovering over mine, with me having no idea when he unlinked them from my own. They then balled themselves into tight fists, making it seem as though he was trying his best to endure something, as his expression remained stunned.}
For a moment, the atmosphere between us was frozen, neither of us saying a word.

His body froze, his hands now hovering over mine, with me having no idea when he unlinked them from my own. They then balled themselves into tight fists, making it seem as though he was trying his best to endure something, as his expression remained stunned.

_{In the lobby, groups of parents from the kindergarten were in tears, asking the kindergarten representatives why and how something like this happened, their wailing loud. While outside the operating room was another group of parents also crying and waiting for their children currently undergoing surgery.}
But, fortunately, the light of the operating room turned off right then, both of us almost getting up at the same time when the doctor came out of the operating room, while the gurney was also being wheeled out.

In the lobby, groups of parents from the kindergarten were in tears, asking the kindergarten representatives why and how something like this happened, their wailing loud. While outside the operating room was another group of parents also crying and waiting for their children currently undergoing surgery.

_{Li You recovered much more quickly than imagined, but after the anaesthesia first wore off, she had cried a few times. She wasn't a kid who usually cried, though, so when I saw her in tears and crying out: "Dad it hurts. It hurst so much!" My heart ached. But there was nothing I could do for her apart from coaxing her to do something else as a way to distract her from the pain.}
While I ran to the the gurney, Xiao Huaisu talked with the doctor about Li You's condition.

Li You recovered much more quickly than imagined, but after the anaesthesia first wore off, she had cried a few times. She wasn't a kid who usually cried, though, so when I saw her in tears and crying out: "Dad it hurts. It hurst so much!" My heart ached. But there was nothing I could do for her apart from coaxing her to do something else as a way to distract her from the pain.

_{I already told her before that I was with Xiao Huaisu, so seeing her lack of a huge reaction upon seeing him appear, I could relax.}Li Zhi released a grunt, nodding, then noticed that Xiao Huaisu was also sporting a five o'clock shadow similar to my own, making it appear he had also kept watch here all night. Li Zhi's face couldn't muster any sort of a serious expression, as he then said warmly: "You and Huaisu should go home and get some rest, alright? Your mom and I will stay here and watch over her first. The two of you can just come back this evening."

I already told her before that I was with Xiao Huaisu, so seeing her lack of a huge reaction upon seeing him appear, I could relax.

_{The next morning, around eight or nine, I called my parents who got there by ten or so after rushed over to the hospital carrying a change of clothes for me and Li You, as well as food.}"That scar I have, I lied and said it was from an accident when it was actually from when I had Li You... Do you think I'm some sort of freak now? You probably never heard about men who an get pregnant before too, right? I had no idea about such a thing in the beginning either. It was only after I had Li You that my mom found out and told me about it. I'm actually able to give birth to a kid? Haha... ha..." I suddenly felt as if I was talking to myself, like some person who had lost their mind, spouting things which no ordinary person had no way of understanding. He must've thought I was just agitated because of Li You, or maybe that I was just plain crazy.

The next morning, around eight or nine, I called my parents who got there by ten or so after rushed over to the hospital carrying a change of clothes for me and Li You, as well as food.

_{And, maybe it was due to us looking too calm on the outside, showing no anger, nor any tears, that the kindergarten teacher sent to comfort the parents upon hearing the ruckus coming from outside, gave us their apologies and took a moment before turning to make their way down the corridor then into the lobby.}
Li You was injured on her thigh, at the time of the collision, stabbed by a broken piece of glass. The doctor said it was a dangerous predicament, because the shard had almost punctured an artery there.

And, maybe it was due to us looking too calm on the outside, showing no anger, nor any tears, that the kindergarten teacher sent to comfort the parents upon hearing the ruckus coming from outside, gave us their apologies and took a moment before turning to make their way down the corridor then into the lobby.

_{After a few days, her wound recovery went well...}
Just then, merely the thought of it had left me feeling immensely pained, and when I saw Li You lying on the hospital bed—her face pale and her cheeks covered in tear stains—my heart was directly torn right through. My fists gripped tightly till they hurt, my mouth was unable to say any words.

After a few days, her wound recovery went well...

_{While Li Zhi watched over Li You, Li Moli asked me about her wound. After hearing it was nothing major, she visibly relaxed a little and took note of my tired appearance, saying: "You should go back home and get some rest now, you can come back tonight so we can change shifts."}Li Zhi then asked him: "Huaisu, you're here too?"

While Li Zhi watched over Li You, Li Moli asked me about her wound. After hearing it was nothing major, she visibly relaxed a little and took note of my tired appearance, saying: "You should go back home and get some rest now, you can come back tonight so we can change shifts."

_{Li Zhi then asked him: "Huaisu, you're here too?"}

∽***∼

Li Zhi then asked him: "Huaisu, you're here too?"

_{His voice was as hoarse as it was low, the disbelief within it evident as he called my name: "Li Tian—" His hands now lifting to take hold of my shoulders, prompting my fallen gaze to rise and meet his dumbfounded mien.}
Sometime later that night, Li You came down with a fever. The doctor had told us earlier that this could happen, so there was no need to panic at its occurrence. Then, a bit after four in the morning, her fever finally passed. Just after that happened, I remembered because I was supposed to have lunch and dinner with Xiao Huaisu and had completely forgotten to eat. But I honestly had no appetite at that moment.

His voice was as hoarse as it was low, the disbelief within it evident as he called my name: "Li Tian—" His hands now lifting to take hold of my shoulders, prompting my fallen gaze to rise and meet his dumbfounded mien.

_{His arm extending to caress my cheek, saying: "Rest. You can lean on my shoulder to get some in the meantime. I'll wake you once her surgery is over, alright?"}
Xiao Huaisu, also seeming to recall this, looked at Li You then said to me: "I'll go buy something to eat and come back. You need to put something in your stomach first so you don't end up collapsing before Li You wakes up."

His arm extending to caress my cheek, saying: "Rest. You can lean on my shoulder to get some in the meantime. I'll wake you once her surgery is over, alright?"

_{Afterwards, he continued: "But I love you even more for facing the gossip and rumours over all these years on your own, while still having the ability to smile brightly at everyone. You raised Li You so well without me, even after.}
The next morning, around eight or nine, I called my parents who got there by ten or so after rushed over to the hospital carrying a change of clothes for me and Li You, as well as food.

Afterwards, he continued: "But I love you even more for facing the gossip and rumours over all these years on your own, while still having the ability to smile brightly at everyone. You raised Li You so well without me, even after... even after when I found out about you being a single father and deliberately treated you with indifference and... and ignored you..." He used his arms to cover his eyes, his next words uttered with a sense of mocking directed at himself, "I'm so stupid." He reached out, again pulling me towards him. We were now face to face, and his forehead moved to press against my own.

_{"..." ???}The thought of her tiny form lying there on that table, made my heart ache. It made me wish with everything I had that I could be the one to be there in her place.

"..." ???

_{But despite that, my heart still continued its violent thundering as my nerves were still very much on edge.}
Upon entering, Li Zhi, who caught sight of the sleeping Li You, scurried over to her bedside wearing a pained expression to take a seat on the chair beside her. He wanted to touch her, but appeared to dare not do so out of the fear it might be bad for her, saying: "This makes no sense. How could something like this happen? When we came in, there were a lot of people making noise outside. Having heard bits and pieces of the conversations out there, your mother and I got really worried."

But despite that, my heart still continued its violent thundering as my nerves were still very much on edge.

_{"Then why?"}
After Li You was moved from the operating room to the recovery ward, a person from the kindergarten had already come to inform us of the cause, it was due to the drunk driving of the other driver.

"Then why?"

_{I never once thought he would be embracing me this tightly.}More and more tears now gathered, pooling and falling down my cheeks, every one of them burning with heat.

I never once thought he would be embracing me this tightly.

_N/AIn the lobby, groups of parents from the kindergarten were in tears, asking the kindergarten representatives why and how something like this happened, their wailing loud. While outside the operating room was another group of parents also crying and waiting for their children currently undergoing surgery.

N/A

_{The next morning, around eight or nine, I called my parents who got there by ten or so after rushed over to the hospital carrying a change of clothes for me and Li You, as well as food.}
Fortunately, none of the children are in life threatening conditions, but some of them were in serious condition, and were still under close observation.

The next morning, around eight or nine, I called my parents who got there by ten or so after rushed over to the hospital carrying a change of clothes for me and Li You, as well as food.

_{I imagined many scenarios on how exactly I would tell him about Li You being his daughter, and I even pictured his reaction in my head an innumerable amount of times. But never did I ever conceive for it to happen in a situation like this in any way shape or form.}
Once I heard none of the kids were in life threatening situations, I let out a sigh of relief. I never wished to see those innocent kids who had yet to experience the beauty of this world suffer such a mishap.

I imagined many scenarios on how exactly I would tell him about Li You being his daughter, and I even pictured his reaction in my head an innumerable amount of times. But never did I ever conceive for it to happen in a situation like this in any way shape or form.

_{Back then, I never stopped telling myself that since the one who made this bitter pill for myself was me, I should be the one to eat. So I never paid any mind to the looks residing in the eyes of others towards me.}N/A

Back then, I never stopped telling myself that since the one who made this bitter pill for myself was me, I should be the one to eat. So I never paid any mind to the looks residing in the eyes of others towards me. I never uttered a word of complaint to anyone. Over all these years, I had never shed a single tear because of the strange looks others gave me. I even managed to find them amusing. But once I heard his words right then, one by one, all those long seemingly forgotten grievances and suffering, appeared to pour out of me from every direction.

_{More and more tears now gathered, pooling and falling down my cheeks, every one of them burning with heat.}Li Zhi then asked him: "Huaisu, you're here too?"

More and more tears now gathered, pooling and falling down my cheeks, every one of them burning with heat.

_{While he was away on his business trip, on account of the conversation we had on the night prior to his leaving and having thought it over seriously for a long time, I decided I would tell him about his relationship with Li You after he had returned.}
While Li Zhi watched over Li You, Li Moli asked me about her wound. After hearing it was nothing major, she visibly relaxed a little and took note of my tired appearance, saying: "You should go back home and get some rest now, you can come back tonight so we can change shifts."

While he was away on his business trip, on account of the conversation we had on the night prior to his leaving and having thought it over seriously for a long time, I decided I would tell him about his relationship with Li You after he had returned.

_{Because he was very close to me, I could eel his entire body tense itself fiercely upon hearing my words. Did he not believe me?"}
Right then, after he had made do with me eating something and left to go back to get some clothes and necessities, Xiao Huaisu had walked in. I looked at Lee Moli, her expression visibly tensing after seeing him. With he lips drawn together, she then looked at him before sweeping her gaze to me.

Because he was very close to me, I could eel his entire body tense itself fiercely upon hearing my words. Did he not believe me?"

_{Him being like this made me feel all the more guilt-ridden. What's there for him to be sorry about? I just found out he didn't ignore me after leaving the country wasn't really because he was busy, but because I had become a scummy guy in his eyes and made him lose faith in me.}
I already told her before that I was with Xiao Huaisu, so seeing her lack of a huge reaction upon seeing him appear, I could relax.

Him being like this made me feel all the more guilt-ridden. What's there for him to be sorry about? I just found out he didn't ignore me after leaving the country wasn't really because he was busy, but because I had become a scummy guy in his eyes and made him lose faith in me. Hence, he ignored me. I felt wronged for a second, after all, I never played around with girls, nor got one pregnant. But I understood that everyone had all thought I had. Even Qiao Damai's mother thought was that kind of person as well when she found out I had a kid, and so didn't want her son hanging out with me. So for Xiao Huaisu, who was far away in another country when he heard about this situation, he must've surely had complicated feelings towards this situation even more than them. But just as I was planning to change the atmosphere by pretending to make a show out of denouncing him as a token, he looked at me then suddenly asked: "Do you have any tissues?"

_{I shouldn't be keeping him in the dark like this.}
He knew I called my parents before coming in, so when he saw them, he took the lead in giving them his greetings first. Lee Moli gave a light hum in return, no other words being said.

I shouldn't be keeping him in the dark like this.

_{"..." ???}I thought had prepared myself for this moment properly, and when it finally cam I would just remain as strong as I've always been. But when I heard him say those words, the feeling of wanting to cry overtook me. Using all my strength to hold the impulse back, I turned my eyes to the light of the operating room.

"..." ???

_{He looked at me confusedly, maybe due to him not understanding why would suddenly bring such a thing up.}
Is this a acquiescence?"

He looked at me confusedly, maybe due to him not understanding why would suddenly bring such a thing up.

_{Li You was injured on her thigh, at the time of the collision, stabbed by a broken piece of glass. The doctor said it was a dangerous predicament, because the shard had almost punctured an artery there.}Xiao Huaisu hugged me without saying a word. His shock from the beginning and his complete silence now, leaving me at a complete loss. So when he hugged me, that uneasy heart of mine was now splattered on the floor.

Li You was injured on her thigh, at the time of the collision, stabbed by a broken piece of glass. The doctor said it was a dangerous predicament, because the shard had almost punctured an artery there.

_{When Li Zhi saw the granddaughter he adored in such a pained state, he couldn't help but curse that drunk driver, saying: "What an immoral human being. So irresponsible!"}
According to Li Zhi's disposition, it seemed as though he was still unaware of the matter concerning Li You's parentage, and if he were to release those years worth of anger on him, it would be in the form of bullying. So unlike Lee Moli's coldness, he still treated Xiao Huaisu warmly.

When Li Zhi saw the granddaughter he adored in such a pained state, he couldn't help but curse that drunk driver, saying: "What an immoral human being. So irresponsible!"

_{Did I know what?}
Li Zhi then asked him: "Huaisu, you're here too?"

Did I know what?

_{Li Zhi released a grunt, nodding, then noticed that Xiao Huaisu was also sporting a five o'clock shadow similar to my own, making it appear he had also kept watch here all night. Li Zhi's face couldn't muster any sort of a serious expression, as he then said warmly: "You and Huaisu should go home and get some rest, alright? Your mom and I will stay here and watch over her first.}iana: the chapter title is "After two weeks, Li You was discharged from the hospital" It's spoiler-y so I put it here.[]*wipes tears* I teared-up like a lil bіtch during this chapter—shamelessly and beautifully so. It stopped when I spent way too long looking up words to fit the shіt-poop wordplay part. I came up with latrine and lavatory which even match up with the 拉屎:lāshǐ-shіt | 拉大便: là dà biàn-poop used, all to end up still going with the shіt-poop I used from the get go (╯▔皿▔)╯ []No more double ups for now, I have manhua chapters I dodged for a couple weeks to focus on. (My apologies if you're reading)

Li Zhi released a grunt, nodding, then noticed that Xiao Huaisu was also sporting a five o'clock shadow similar to my own, making it appear he had also kept watch here all night. Li Zhi's face couldn't muster any sort of a serious expression, as he then said warmly: "You and Huaisu should go home and get some rest, alright? Your mom and I will stay here and watch over her first. The two of you can just come back this evening."

_{When Li Zhi saw the granddaughter he adored in such a pained state, he couldn't help but curse that drunk driver, saying: "What an immoral human being. So irresponsible!"}I imagined many scenarios on how exactly I would tell him about Li You being his daughter, and I even pictured his reaction in my head an innumerable amount of times. But never did I ever conceive for it to happen in a situation like this in any way shape or form.

When Li Zhi saw the granddaughter he adored in such a pained state, he couldn't help but curse that drunk driver, saying: "What an immoral human being. So irresponsible!"

_{Xiao Huaisu read her stories during this time. Each and everyone he chose was selected by his own hand, and they were quite funny stories too, so funny, she couldn't stop herself from laughing.}
Hearing this, I hurriedly added: "He was the one who drove me here after I heard about Li You."

Xiao Huaisu read her stories during this time. Each and everyone he chose was selected by his own hand, and they were quite funny stories too, so funny, she couldn't stop herself from laughing.

_{Back then, I never stopped telling myself that since the one who made this bitter pill for myself was me, I should be the one to eat. So I never paid any mind to the looks residing in the eyes of others towards me.}
Li Zhi released a grunt, nodding, then noticed that Xiao Huaisu was also sporting a five o'clock shadow similar to my own, making it appear he had also kept watch here all night. Li Zhi's face couldn't muster any sort of a serious expression, as he then said warmly: "You and Huaisu should go home and get some rest, alright? Your mom and I will stay here and watch over her first. The two of you can just come back this evening."

Back then, I never stopped telling myself that since the one who made this bitter pill for myself was me, I should be the one to eat. So I never paid any mind to the looks residing in the eyes of others towards me. I never uttered a word of complaint to anyone. Over all these years, I had never shed a single tear because of the strange looks others gave me. I even managed to find them amusing. But once I heard his words right then, one by one, all those long seemingly forgotten grievances and suffering, appeared to pour out of me from every direction.

_{So with the sound of these faint cries filling the background, I took hold of Xiao Huaisu's hand.}His voice was as hoarse as it was low, the disbelief within it evident as he called my name: "Li Tian—" His hands now lifting to take hold of my shoulders, prompting my fallen gaze to rise and meet his dumbfounded mien.

So with the sound of these faint cries filling the background, I took hold of Xiao Huaisu's hand.

_{Standing behind Xiao Huaisu, I secretly held his hand.}
Xiao Huaisu in turn replied: "There's a rest area on this ward, so we'll just go there to rest for a while."

Standing behind Xiao Huaisu, I secretly held his hand.

_{Right then, after he had made do with me eating something and left to go back to get some clothes and necessities, Xiao Huaisu had walked in. I looked at Lee Moli, her expression visibly tensing after seeing him. With he lips drawn together, she then looked at him before sweeping her gaze to me.}
Lee Moli already put down her cooler on the table, saying right after: "Come eat before you rest up. We made you this meat congee earlier. I don't want you two struggling to wake up because you're hungry later. Your dad and I don't have the time to be taking care of you both too." Even though the tone she used was impolite, I still couldn't help the happy feeling I felt.

Right then, after he had made do with me eating something and left to go back to get some clothes and necessities, Xiao Huaisu had walked in. I looked at Lee Moli, her expression visibly tensing after seeing him. With he lips drawn together, she then looked at him before sweeping her gaze to me.

_{Don't you know what a serious mood killer this is?}
Standing behind Xiao Huaisu, I secretly held his hand.

Don't you know what a serious mood killer this is?

_{But, fortunately, the light of the operating room turned off right then, both of us almost getting up at the same time when the doctor came out of the operating room, while the gurney was also being wheeled out.}I thought he would've been mad because of my lies and concealment.

But, fortunately, the light of the operating room turned off right then, both of us almost getting up at the same time when the doctor came out of the operating room, while the gurney was also being wheeled out.

_{"Thank you—" I offhandedly gave the doctor my thanks, staring at him as he then entered the emergency room which had its light turned on, the act forcing the thoughts of Li You lying on the operating table while drugged to paint itself into my mind.}When he released me, his eyes locked directly onto mine as he said: "I hate that you told this to me right at this very moment."

"Thank you—" I offhandedly gave the doctor my thanks, staring at him as he then entered the emergency room which had its light turned on, the act forcing the thoughts of Li You lying on the operating table while drugged to paint itself into my mind.

_{A puzzled looked was then etched on his face as he looked at me, endless tenderness shown in his gaze, the kind of look that was enough to make someone drop all their worries in an instant and hand over all their trust.}

∽***∼

A puzzled looked was then etched on his face as he looked at me, endless tenderness shown in his gaze, the kind of look that was enough to make someone drop all their worries in an instant and hand over all their trust.

_{I was then caught off guard when he suddenly pulled me into his embrace. Xaio Huaisu was now hugging me tightly, saying: "Why didn't you tell me this sooner?" This was not the reaction I had expected.}I said nothing in reply, only moving to pick up Xiao Huaisu's arm, before using his sleeve to wipe the snot from my nose in a huff, then after finish wiping, I helped him by rolling his sleeves up.

I was then caught off guard when he suddenly pulled me into his embrace. Xaio Huaisu was now hugging me tightly, saying: "Why didn't you tell me this sooner?" This was not the reaction I had expected.

_{Sometime later that night, Li You came down with a fever. The doctor had told us earlier that this could happen, so there was no need to panic at its occurrence.}
Li You recovered much more quickly than imagined, but after the anaesthesia first wore off, she had cried a few times. She wasn't a kid who usually cried, though, so when I saw her in tears and crying out: "Dad it hurts. It hurst so much!" My heart ached. But there was nothing I could do for her apart from coaxing her to do something else as a way to distract her from the pain.

Sometime later that night, Li You came down with a fever. The doctor had told us earlier that this could happen, so there was no need to panic at its occurrence. Then, a bit after four in the morning, her fever finally passed. Just after that happened, I remembered because I was supposed to have lunch and dinner with Xiao Huaisu and had completely forgotten to eat. But I honestly had no appetite at that moment.

_{His voice was as hoarse as it was low, the disbelief within it evident as he called my name: "Li Tian—" His hands now lifting to take hold of my shoulders, prompting my fallen gaze to rise and meet his dumbfounded mien.}I shouldn't be keeping him in the dark like this.

His voice was as hoarse as it was low, the disbelief within it evident as he called my name: "Li Tian—" His hands now lifting to take hold of my shoulders, prompting my fallen gaze to rise and meet his dumbfounded mien.

_{A puzzled looked was then etched on his face as he looked at me, endless tenderness shown in his gaze, the kind of look that was enough to make someone drop all their worries in an instant and hand over all their trust.}Because he was very close to me, I could eel his entire body tense itself fiercely upon hearing my words. Did he not believe me?"

A puzzled looked was then etched on his face as he looked at me, endless tenderness shown in his gaze, the kind of look that was enough to make someone drop all their worries in an instant and hand over all their trust.

_{"No..." He looked at me strangely after that.}
When Li Zhi saw the granddaughter he adored in such a pained state, he couldn't help but curse that drunk driver, saying: "What an immoral human being. So irresponsible!"

"No..." He looked at me strangely after that.

_{In reply, I simply whispered: "I'm sorry."}

In reply, I simply whispered: "I'm sorry."

_{Xiao Huaisu in turn replied: "There's a rest area on this ward, so we'll just go there to rest for a while."}Is this a acquiescence?"

Xiao Huaisu in turn replied: "There's a rest area on this ward, so we'll just go there to rest for a while."

_{I was then caught off guard when he suddenly pulled me into his embrace. Xaio Huaisu was now hugging me tightly, saying: "Why didn't you tell me this sooner?" This was not the reaction I had expected.}
Xiao Huaisu read her stories during this time. Each and everyone he chose was selected by his own hand, and they were quite funny stories too, so funny, she couldn't stop herself from laughing.

I was then caught off guard when he suddenly pulled me into his embrace. Xaio Huaisu was now hugging me tightly, saying: "Why didn't you tell me this sooner?" This was not the reaction I had expected.

_{But, fortunately, the light of the operating room turned off right then, both of us almost getting up at the same time when the doctor came out of the operating room, while the gurney was also being wheeled out.}
After a few days, her wound recovery went well...

But, fortunately, the light of the operating room turned off right then, both of us almost getting up at the same time when the doctor came out of the operating room, while the gurney was also being wheeled out.

_{Turning my head to look beside me, I saw Xiao Huaisu who silently gave me strength.}Li Zhi then asked him: "Huaisu, you're here too?"

Turning my head to look beside me, I saw Xiao Huaisu who silently gave me strength.

_{Or that he would despise me because of the method I selfishly employed towards him on account of my unrestrained feelings.}
And after two weeks, Li You was discharged from the hospital.

Or that he would despise me because of the method I selfishly employed towards him on account of my unrestrained feelings.

_{I never once thought he would be embracing me this tightly.}
Lee Moli, nervous about me caring for Li You, took her over to stay at their place until her wound healed.

I never once thought he would be embracing me this tightly.

_{More and more tears now gathered, pooling and falling down my cheeks, every one of them burning with heat.}Afterwards, he continued: "But I love you even more for facing the gossip and rumours over all these years on your own, while still having the ability to smile brightly at everyone. You raised Li You so well without me, even after... even after when I found out about you being a single father and deliberately treated you with indifference and... and ignored you..." He used his arms to cover his eyes, his next words uttered with a sense of mocking directed at himself, "I'm so stupid." He reached out, again pulling me towards him. We were now face to face, and his forehead moved to press against my own.

More and more tears now gathered, pooling and falling down my cheeks, every one of them burning with heat.

_{Xiao Huaisu, also seeming to recall this, looked at Li You then said to me: "I'll go buy something to eat and come back. You need to put something in your stomach first so you don't end up collapsing before Li You wakes up."}I shook my head, refusing his offer. My own gaze fixed on his as I confessed: "That night when you said you had a dream."

Xiao Huaisu, also seeming to recall this, looked at Li You then said to me: "I'll go buy something to eat and come back. You need to put something in your stomach first so you don't end up collapsing before Li You wakes up."

_{Words which upon me hearing them, brought a slight feeling of anxiety. If Uncle Xiao found out I stole their family's son, wouldn't he kill me? Would he break ties with Li Zhi and then become enemies?}
Then when the end of October came around, Xiao Huaisu told me his mother and father would be returning to the country rather soon.

Words which upon me hearing them, brought a slight feeling of anxiety. If Uncle Xiao found out I stole their family's son, wouldn't he kill me? Would he break ties with Li Zhi and then become enemies?

_{His voice was still gruff, with him again repeating his prior words: "Li Tian, why didn't you tell me sooner? Didn't you know—"}His body froze, his hands now hovering over mine, with me having no idea when he unlinked them from my own. They then balled themselves into tight fists, making it seem as though he was trying his best to endure something, as his expression remained stunned.

His voice was still gruff, with him again repeating his prior words: "Li Tian, why didn't you tell me sooner? Didn't you know—"

_{Turning my head to look beside me, I saw Xiao Huaisu who silently gave me strength.}Fortunately, none of the children are in life threatening conditions, but some of them were in serious condition, and were still under close observation.

Turning my head to look beside me, I saw Xiao Huaisu who silently gave me strength.

_{I lowered my head, the pair of warm hands resting atop my knees holding my gaze, shame taking over me as I continued: "That wasn't a dream."}
Words which upon me hearing them, brought a slight feeling of anxiety. If Uncle Xiao found out I stole their family's son, wouldn't he kill me? Would he break ties with Li Zhi and then become enemies?

I lowered my head, the pair of warm hands resting atop my knees holding my gaze, shame taking over me as I continued: "That wasn't a dream."

_{"That scar I have, I lied and said it was from an accident when it was actually from when I had Li You..}I already told her before that I was with Xiao Huaisu, so seeing her lack of a huge reaction upon seeing him appear, I could relax.

"That scar I have, I lied and said it was from an accident when it was actually from when I had Li You... Do you think I'm some sort of freak now? You probably never heard about men who an get pregnant before too, right? I had no idea about such a thing in the beginning either. It was only after I had Li You that my mom found out and told me about it. I'm actually able to give birth to a kid? Haha... ha..." I suddenly felt as if I was talking to myself, like some person who had lost their mind, spouting things which no ordinary person had no way of understanding. He must've thought I was just agitated because of Li You, or maybe that I was just plain crazy.

_{After Li You was moved from the operating room to the recovery ward, a person from the kindergarten had already come to inform us of the cause, it was due to the drunk driving of the other driver.}I said nothing in reply, only moving to pick up Xiao Huaisu's arm, before using his sleeve to wipe the snot from my nose in a huff, then after finish wiping, I helped him by rolling his sleeves up.

After Li You was moved from the operating room to the recovery ward, a person from the kindergarten had already come to inform us of the cause, it was due to the drunk driving of the other driver.

_{I said nothing in reply, only moving to pick up Xiao Huaisu's arm, before using his sleeve to wipe the snot from my nose in a huff, then after finish wiping, I helped him by rolling his sleeves up.}

I said nothing in reply, only moving to pick up Xiao Huaisu's arm, before using his sleeve to wipe the snot from my nose in a huff, then after finish wiping, I helped him by rolling his sleeves up.

_***Just then, merely the thought of it had left me feeling immensely pained, and when I saw Li You lying on the hospital bed—her face pale and her cheeks covered in tear stains—my heart was directly torn right through. My fists gripped tightly till they hurt, my mouth was unable to say any words.

***

_{Or that he would despise me because of the method I selfishly employed towards him on account of my unrestrained feelings.}For a moment, the atmosphere between us was frozen, neither of us saying a word.

Or that he would despise me because of the method I selfishly employed towards him on account of my unrestrained feelings.

_{In a now calm tone, he replied: "Your nose is running..."}
|__٩(˘◡˘)۶__|

In a now calm tone, he replied: "Your nose is running..."

_{I told myself I wouldn't cry. I wasn't going to cry. I'm not gong to cry... but... tears were the sort of thing, that if they wanted to fall, there was nothing you could do to stop them. So, I stubbornly lifted my head, wanting very much to make those blobs of sadness return.}I shook my head, refusing his offer. My own gaze fixed on his as I confessed: "That night when you said you had a dream."

I told myself I wouldn't cry. I wasn't going to cry. I'm not gong to cry... but... tears were the sort of thing, that if they wanted to fall, there was nothing you could do to stop them. So, I stubbornly lifted my head, wanting very much to make those blobs of sadness return.

_{I shook my head, refusing his offer. My own gaze fixed on his as I confessed: "That night when you said you had a dream."}He knew I called my parents before coming in, so when he saw them, he took the lead in giving them his greetings first. Lee Moli gave a light hum in return, no other words being said.

I shook my head, refusing his offer. My own gaze fixed on his as I confessed: "That night when you said you had a dream."

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

iana: the chapter title is "After two weeks, Li You was discharged from the hospital" It's spoiler-y so I put it here.

*wipes tears* I teared-up like a lil bіtch during this chapter—shamelessly and beautifully so. It stopped when I spent way too long looking up words to fit the shіt-poop wordplay part. I came up with latrine and lavatory which even match up with the {拉屎:lāshǐ-shіt | 拉大便: là dà biàn-poop} used, all to end up still going with the shіt-poop I used from the get go (╯▔皿▔)╯

No more double ups for now, I have manhua chapters I dodged for a couple weeks to focus on. (My apologies if you're reading)

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