Chapter 89: The West River Water System, Where Did the Glasses Go? (5k)
Wen Yan silently sighed; there was more to that reminder than met the ear. But what could he do when he wasn't prepared? Just take one step at a time. On a larger scale, he absolutely couldn't stand by and watch the Soul Devouring Beast return to its original form. With such a massive body, immune to all harm, capable of devouring all Creatures on an entire planet, it probably wouldn't take more than a few years for everyone to be doomed. On a smaller scale, his fingers were tightly clutched in the little one's grip; that pulse of blood connection was indubitably genuine. He also couldn't let the little one, newly arrived in this world and not yet having had a good look at it, leave again so soon. The little one's nature was secondary; the main point was, it was actually his son. Even if something came up later, he would just have to deal with it as it came.
"Little one, just focus on recovering, on growing up. Eat more, sleep more, and you'll slowly grow up."
Outside the hospital room, Pei Tugou pulled his wife to the window at the end of the corridor, whispering to her about what Wen Yan had said earlier.
His wife, Jia Jinfeng, was skeptical but began to relax her doubts a little when she heard that Wen Yan had proactively suggested a DNA test.
"Didn't you ask clearly?"
"How could I ask? I know Wen Yan very well. There's no telling how much heartache is involved; how could I go and tear open someone's old wounds? Haven't you learned anything from all those TV dramas you've watched? Even I can understand that; why can't you?"
Jia Jinfeng's expression flickered as she immediately concocted a tumultuous and melodramatic saga in her mind, one that could easily span sixty or seventy episodes.
Hearing Pei Tugou's words, Jia Jinfeng nodded repeatedly.
"You're right, one has to look forward. Some things really shouldn't be dug into too deeply. This young man is quite thorough in his approach; his ideas aren't really problematic. I've been with this child for so many days now; I'm not willing to part with him either. The child is frail but otherwise very well behaved. He doesn't cry or fuss, and in fact, he's much easier to look after than our daughter was at that age. Our mother likes this child too. If he were to be taken away just like that, I don't think she could accept it. So, did you agree with him?"
"Not yet. I came back to discuss it with you and to ask for Mom's opinion."
"Wei State isn't much different from Duanzhou. If you could find a stable job there, that would definitely be better. But have you asked about the specifics yet?"
"I haven't asked about the specifics yet, but I trust Wen Yan. He's also reluctant to part with the child and truly wants what's best for him; otherwise, he wouldn't have told me so much."
Jia Jinfeng sighed. "He's a single man, and working in a Funeral Home at that. It's hard to imagine how he's going to raise a child alone. Still, I don't really have any objections. As for Wen Yan, I'm sure he's a good person. I met him just now; he's polite and amiable. You're the head of the household, so you make the decision. Anyway, whatever you decide, it's bound to be better than returning to our hometown. As long as our daughter's schooling isn't an issue, I have no objections. Our family certainly wouldn't mind if you worked at a Funeral Home or someplace like that, as long as it brings in money. And Mom definitely wouldn't have any problems with it either."
"That settles it then." Pei Tugou had no further hesitation once he heard her agreement.
He returned to the hospital room to find the little one fast asleep, still tightly grasping one of Wen Yan's fingers, refusing to let go. He immediately slowed his pace and watched quietly.
This is definitely the real father; the connection is just different. I've never been treated that way. Although the little one is obedient and seldom cries or fusses, he always seems a bit aloof.
Pei Tugou then told Wen Yan the decision he and his wife had made.
"Brother, no rush. The little one will probably need to stay in the hospital for a few more days, and various checks will take time. Once I have everything arranged, you can come over. For these next few days, I'll still need to trouble you to look after him."
"What are you talking about? It's no trouble at all for us to take care of this little guy."
Wen Yan stopped standing on ceremony. He spoke to a hospital Doctor, who confirmed that this hospital was the only one in Duanzhou qualified to carry out a paternity test, so Wen Yan decided to have it done there.
When paying, he also deposited thirty thousand yuan into the little tyke's account to cover previous outstanding fees and future medical expenses.
Taking the little tyke with him immediately wasn't feasible, so it was best to maintain the current arrangement for the time being.
After spending over two hours in the hospital, Wen Yan walked out still somewhat dazed.
Zhang Laoxi was waiting in the car with the Little Zombie. Seeing Wen Yan return looking somewhat off, Zhang Laoxi asked with concern, "Is something wrong?"
"Indeed, something unexpected has come up, but it also seems quite normal. I just ran into Brother Pei inside. He's planning to move to Virtue City, so we'll need to make some arrangements when the time comes. Also, check with the bosses in our area if there's an appropriate job opening available. And then there's the matter of the kid's schooling."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Laoxi knew that something significant must have happened. Wen Yan, as warm-hearted as he might be, wouldn't normally go to such lengths.
He didn't dare to ask for more details, simply nodding in agreement.
"Actually, it would be much more suitable for you to make the inquiries than me. The bosses in that villa area might not trust my ability, but they certainly believe in yours. If you ask, there will definitely be something. The rest is simple; I can take care of it without Feng Yao's help. I've been around these several states for so many years, and I do have some acquaintances."