BDBE 55
Chapter 55 Confession
Although Zhou Mingchen had experienced a thrilling escape from death, he was ultimately not seriously injured. Therefore, Shen Wanchao and Zhou Hui didn’t want to tell their elders about it, so as not to needlessly worry them.
The day after returning from the hospital, life went back to normal.
As a high school student, as long as the world doesn’t end and you can still write with your right hand, you have to do your homework.
In the morning, Zhou Mingchen and Lin Anyi were doing their holiday homework in the small study.
Zhou Mingchen had a classical Chinese reading comprehension question in front of him that he hated the most. He slacked off for a long time but still didn’t want to start writing. He muttered to himself, “Shen Xiao Chao is finally free this time. He doesn’t have to do his homework.”
Lin Anyi glanced at him and said coldly, “His arm is injured, but you’re fine.”
“I’m the one who’s been the most frightened, okay?” Zhou Mingchen complained.
Normally, Lin Anyi would never have responded to Zhou Mingchen unless he was deliberately trying to cause trouble. But today, after thinking about it, he still said, “You’re really heartless to say that.”
Zhou Mingchen didn’t think anything when he said those words; it was just something he said offhand.
Now, after hearing Lin Anyi’s reminder, he belatedly realized that what he had said was indeed somewhat inappropriate.
Although he was the one who got into trouble, he wasn’t the only one who was worried and afraid.
Oh well, he brought this on himself.
Zhou Mingchen sighed. He resigned himself to his fate and confidently translated “寄蜉蝣于天地，渺沧海之一粟1” as “to mail a mayfly to the heavens and earth, to despise a chestnut in the vast ocean”.
Lin Anyi watched him finish writing that sentence and felt a headache coming on.
Just as he was about to correct his mistake, the door to the small study opened.
Shen Wanchao and Zhou Hui walked in together and saw the two children doing their homework, which made them feel gratified.
Shen Wanchao’s right arm was still strapped to his neck and hanging in front of his chest. He smiled at the two people in the room, then glanced at Zhou Hui beside him.
“I’m sorry to have disturbed your studies,” Shen Wanchao said. “I have something I’d like to tell you.”
Zhou Mingchen and Lin Anyi both looked over, wondering what he wanted to say.
Lin Anyi frowned; he sensed that what Shen Wanchao was about to say must be very important.
Lin Anyi’s mind was in turmoil during this period.
Ever since she saw Zhou Hui enter Shen Chao’s room that night, Lin Anyi would think about it from time to time, and then feel distressed.
He felt heartbroken and indignant for Uncle Shen, and angry at Zhou Hui’s actions, yet there was nothing he could do. Furthermore, he was currently staying at the Zhou family’s house, seeing Zhou Hui and Shen Chao every day, and he was at a loss as to how to face them.
After what happened last night, Lin Anyi fell into even greater confusion.
Why did Shen Chao risk his life to save Zhou Mingchen?
His anxiety towards Zhou Mingchen exceeded that of ordinary relatives. Even if he was trying to please Zhou Mingchen because he wanted to be with Zhou Hui, it was neither necessary nor likely that he would go to that extent.
For a few moments, Lin Anyi even had a very crazy and audacious guess in his mind.
Lin Anyi temporarily blocked out his chaotic thoughts, got up, and wanted to leave first: “Then you two talk, I’ll go get a glass of water.”
Unexpectedly, Shen Wanchao called out to him, “Why don’t you stay and listen too?”
Lin Anyi hesitated for a moment, then obediently sat down again.
After preparing himself mentally all night, Shen Wanchao was still a little nervous when it came time to confess.
Shen Wanchao turned his gaze to Zhou Mingchen.
Zhou Mingchen felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze. He. scratched the back of his head and asked, “What exactly are you trying to say?”
“I want to say…” Shen Wanchao paused for a moment.
Zhou Mingchen suddenly became nervous and unconsciously held his breath.
“I am your dad.”
The four words reverberated with profound intensity. They hit the ground of the study and also Zhou Mingchen’s heart.
Zhou Mingchen’s first reaction was that Shen Chao was joking to gain a verbal advantage over him.
But then countless scenes of the past few months with Shen Chao flooded his mind, including many details that he had intentionally or unintentionally ignored because he couldn’t understand them at the time.
For example, Shen Chao and Shen Wanchao have very similar appearances.
For example, they may be relatives, but they have never appeared at family dinners during holidays.
For example, his father’s unusual attitude towards Shen Chao even made him suspect that he was going down a path of crime…
For example, the anxious look in Shen Chao’s eyes when he looked at him last night.
And after the crisis was over, the almost imperceptible, familiar aura he exuded…
No, no, no, that’s not right!
How could my dad be so young!
“Are you still half asleep, or am I actually dreaming?” Zhou Mingchen murmured.
Last night, Shen Wanchao lay in bed thinking of many opening lines, but when the moment came, he felt that none of them were good, and it would be simpler to get straight to the point.
However, the drawback of being so direct was also obvious; Zhou Mingchen was already terrified.
Shen Wanchao thought for a moment: “How can I make you believe me… I know that when you were born, there was a small patch of skin on your buttocks that was a little lighter in color than the surrounding skin?”
Zhou Mingchen: “!!!???”
“I also know that the main character of your favorite cartoon when you were a kid was a red-lipped woman in a black leather jacket?”
Zhou Mingchen: “…”
“And when you were three years old…”
“Okay, no need to say anything more, I believe you!”
If he didn’t interrupt him, all his dark history would be exposed to the world. Lin Anyi was right here. He also had his pride!
In addition, Zhou Mingchen had long been inclined to believe that Shen Chao = Shen Wanchao.
He accepted it faster than expected, and Shen Wanchao, satisfied, said with a smile, “In that case, what should you call me?”
Zhou Mingchen glanced at him, then lowered his head again and whispered, “…Dad.”
“Baby!” Shen Wanchao stepped forward and patted his head.
It felt so strange to call someone who looked about the same age as him “Dad,” Zhou Mingchen felt a chill run down his spine.
But when Shen Wanchao placed his hand on his head, Zhou Mingchen realized that the person beside him, the person he was close to, was his dad whom he hadn’t seen for many days, and his heart warmed.
And last night, when he was hanging on the cliff and in despair, it was this person who grabbed his hand without hesitation and pulled him to safety.
As a result, Shen Wanchao’s arm was injured.
When that thought crossed his mind the awkwardness and discomfort completely disappeared. No matter what Shen Wanchao looked like on the outside, the fact that he was his dad would never change.
Zhou Mingchen no longer found it strange and willingly called out “Dad” again.
“Yes, I’m here,” Shen Wanchao replied.
But Zhou Mingchen still had doubts, so he looked up and asked, “Why did you become like this?”
Could it be that scientists have developed some kind of forbidden technology that can make people young again?
This question couldn’t be avoided. Shen Wanchao sighed and shook his head, “I don’t know either. One morning more than three months ago, I woke up like this. I went to the hospital for a checkup, but they couldn’t find the cause. Fortunately, there was nothing wrong with my body.”
Zhou Mingchen didn’t think too much about it and laughed: “Becoming younger is a good thing, Dad. Maybe you’re some kind of chosen one or the protagonist of a novel.”
“This kid has such a vivid imagination,” Shen Wanchao said with a helpless smile.
Seeing that the two had finally recognized each other, Zhou Hui stepped forward and reprimanded Zhou Mingchen with a stern face: “Stop spouting nonsensical jokes. Do you know now who saved you last night?”
Zhou Mingchen transformed into an obedient little puppy and nodded
“Then do you still dare to do dangerous things?” Zhou Hui asked.
“No, no, I wouldn’t dare.” Zhou Mingchen looked pitifully at Shen Wanchao, “Dad, I was wrong.”
Shen Wanchao lost his temper under his gaze and immediately forgot that he had told Zhou Hui to seize the opportunity to discipline their son before entering the room. He turned to his husband and said, “The child knows he was wrong, so you should say less.”
Zhou Hui: “…”
He used to say that all the time, but now that the roles were reversed, he finally understood how frustrating those words were.
Zhou Mingchen easily fooled him with his cuteness, then started to push his luck: “Dad, since you didn’t go abroad at all, does that mean you won’t bring me the gift you promised?”
Shen Wanchao was startled. He quickly said, “How could that be! What do you want? I’ll contact someone to buy it for you right now.”
“We don’t need to buy them from overseas anymore,” Zhou Mingchen grinned. “It’s just that I’ve recently taken a liking to a few models…”
Shen Wanchao was overflowing with fatherly love, so he took out his phone and shoved it into his hand: “Just order whatever you want.”
After losing his allowance for several months, Zhou Mingchen was finally able to enjoy shopping again. He respectfully held the phone with both hands and took his leave, not forgetting to say sweetly, “Thank you, Your Majesty!”
When he saw Zhou Mingchen happily picking out gifts, Lin Anyi, who hadn’t said much until now, also felt cheerful.
After days of overcast skies, the sun finally came out.
His guess turned out to be true; Shen Chao was indeed Shen Wanchao.
In this way, Uncle Zhou did not do anything to wrong Uncle Shen, and he no longer had to carry the terrible, melodramatic secret in constant fear.
Lin Anyi was smiling, until Shen Wanchao’s voice brought him back to his senses.
“Xiao Yi.” Shen Wanchao’s smile today was just as gentle as when Lin Anyi first met him.
Lin Anyi suddenly became a little reserved and stood up: “Uncle Chen.”
Shen Wanchao understood Lin Anyi’s personality and knew that he might be more comfortable standing, so he didn’t force him to sit.
“I’m so glad to see your relationship with Xiao Chen getting better and better these days.” Shen Wanchao took his hand. “Because of what happened last year, your adoption procedures have been delayed. Now that your grudges have been cleared up, I plan to go and finish the procedures.”
“It’s the Dragon Boat Festival again, and there’s a family dinner tomorrow night. Your Uncle Zhou and I have discussed it and decided to take you to meet the elders in the family,” Shen Wanchao said. “They have always liked you very much, and they will definitely welcome you as a member of the family.”
Lin Anyi was surprised and immediately said, “No need, Uncle Shen, it doesn’t matter if we don’t go through the adoption procedures.”
Shen Wanchao hadn’t expected this reaction, so he softened his tone and asked, “Why? Don’t you want to be part of our family?”
“I…” Lin Anyi lowered her head, “I am already very satisfied that I can live here and continue my studies with your and Uncle Zhou’s support. I do not want to ask for more.”
Lin Anyi bit his lower lip and continued, “In the orphanage, 16-year-olds are already able to support themselves and find jobs to support themselves. I am already ashamed that I am fortunate enough to receive funding to continue my studies. Moreover, I will be an adult in less than two years, and it would be too troublesome and unnecessary to go through the adoption process at this time.”
Lin Anyi had never imagined that he would actually be adopted by Shen Wanchao.
He deliberately approached, flattered, and acted coquettishly in order to continue his studies after leaving the orphanage.
He had already received far more care than he expected, and he really didn’t want to continue to trouble Shen Wanchao with his own affairs.
That was enough for him; he was not a greedy person.
“That’s different.”
Shen Wanchao spoke again, his tone slightly firmer than before.
Lin Anyi cautiously raised his head, only to see that Shen Wanchao was not angry, but instead gave him a smile.
Shen Wanchao reached out and gently patted Lin Anyi’s head, “With the formal adoption procedures, you will become a legitimate member of our family. As long as Zhou Hui and I are still alive, you will rightfully receive our care and will always be a child with both parents.”
An emotion characterized by gentleness took root in Lin Anyi’s heart.
His eyes reddened, and he looked at Zhou Hui, who was standing next to Shen Wanchao. Zhou Hui smiled and nodded slightly at him.
Lin Anyi finally stopped refusing, lowered his head to hide his tears, and after a long while, he finally gave an “Mmm”.
Shen Wanchao was also very pleased. He patted his shoulder, trying to lighten the atmosphere, and said, “Then shouldn’t you start calling me Dad now?”
Lin Anyi felt his cheeks burn, his mouth opened, and he stammered a few times.
The nickname that he used to use without any problem when he was acting cute had become difficult to say now that he had permission.
Zhou Hui chuckled and said to Shen Wanchao, “That’s enough. Give the child some time to adjust.”
Shen Wanchao didn’t intend to make him change his tune right now, and ruffled his hair: “Good boy, good boy. Let me tell you a secret, when I was pregnant, I always hoped to have an Omega baby. Now my dream has finally come true.”
Zhou Mingchen, who had just added the twenty-seventh gift to his shopping cart, keenly caught the remark and protested indignantly, “Dad, what did you say?!”
Shen Wanchao stuck out his tongue and chuckled.
…
The next afternoon, the stylist came to the house and gave the family of four a makeover.
Originally, the only idea was to dress up Shen Wanchao and Lin Anyi, the two main characters who would be appearing that evening. However, since the stylist was already there, it wouldn’t be good for the whole family to have different styles, so the Zhou father and son were also given a makeover and their hairstyles done.
Shen Wanchao’s injured arm was still hanging in front of his chest, so he chose a casual shirt that was easy to put on and take off.
Now that he had revealed his identity to Zhou Mingchen, he could no longer hide it from his parents.
After all, Zhou Hui was still being misunderstood by Zhou Ruolin, and he couldn’t even set a foot in the old house. His phone calls to inquire about his dad had been hung up on several times.
Therefore, Shen Wanchao decided to take the opportunity of dinner tonight to be honest with the four elders.
Seeing that they were almost ready, Shen Wanchao clapped his hands and urged everyone to leave: “Hurry up, it’s time to go, we might be late.”
This was the first time Lin Anyi had sprayed so much strange stuff on his head, and he had also changed into a new outfit from head to toe, an all-white suit that looked like it would get dirty easily.
He was nervous even when getting up or sitting down, not only because Shen Wanchao would announce to his elders again that he was going to be adopted, but also because he was afraid of accidentally touching something dirty and ruining his clothes.
This outfit seems to have come with the stylist; could it be that I have to return it?
Zhou Mingchen got into the car after Lin Anyi and sat down next to him. He didn’t care that he might wrinkle his clothes. He leaned back in his seat and played on his phone.
A moment later, Zhou Mingchen noticed Lin Anyi’s unusual behavior and asked, “Are you so nervous?”
Lin Anyi placed his hands on his knees and whispered, “No… I’m just afraid of getting my clothes dirty and wrinkled, since they’re all white.”
Zhou Mingchen could tell that his nervousness went beyond that, so he smiled and reassured him, “It’s okay, just change into something else if it gets dirty. Or if you feel uncomfortable, you can change into something more comfortable when we get there.”
Shen Wanchao, who was listening from the front, regretted it a little: “I’m sorry, Xiao Yi. I only thought that you would look good in white, clean and well-behaved. I didn’t expect you to feel uncomfortable. I’ll have someone change you into something else when we get there.”
“No, no, no…” Lin Anyi quickly waved his hand, “No need to trouble yourself.”
Zhou Mingchen ignored everything and handed over his phone: “Here, let me show you a funny video to distract you. This dog is eating carrots.”
Lin Anyi immediately looked over, trying to forget his discomfort.
Seeing that the two were getting along more and more naturally, Shen Wanchao sighed inwardly, “It’s really more harmonious to get along with people who are truly the same age.”
…
Half an hour later, Shen Wanchao and Zhou Hui’s parents arrived one after another and took their seats in the private room.
Jiang Yin had chosen a jade pendant that Zhou Hui had given her last Chinese New Year to wear. Shen Xianru, on the other hand, looked the same as always, except that his hairstyle was a bit more energetic than usual, and his outfit was no different from when he went out for a stroll.
Shen’s parents arrived first, and Zhou Ruolin and Tan Jinshan arrived just two minutes after they sat down.
Zhou Ruolin looked no different from usual, as he was always impeccably dressed, except today he was wearing an extra gold bracelet. Tan Jinshan, on the other hand, had obviously been pampered by his spouse; he looked energetic and radiant.
As soon as he entered, Zhou Ruolin greeted them warmly: “Sister Jiang Yin, in-law, it’s been a long time!”
Jiang Yin helped her husband up to greet them. After exchanging a few pleasantries, they sat down again.
After sitting down, Jiang Yin noticed that no one was following behind them and realized that her son hadn’t arrived yet.
She asked Zhou Ruolin somewhat shyly, “Ruolin, is Xiao Wan back to China?”
She felt ashamed of herself for asking this. As the biological mother, she had to ask others about her son’s whereabouts.
But Jiang Yin had to admit that over the years, Shen Wanchao had been much closer to Zhou Ruolin than to himself, and even seemed more like Zhou Ruolin’s son than hers.
The two families have known each other for many years, so Zhou Ruolin knew exactly what Jiang Yin was thinking. He patted her hand and said, “I’m not really sure, but don’t worry, you’ll find out soon enough.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhou Hui led Zhou Mingchen in.
Zhou Mingchen greeted his two paternal grandfathers and maternal grandparents. The elders also expressed their concern for him, and asked a couple of questions about how he was doing at school before letting him sit down.
Then Jiang Yin asked Zhou Hui, “Has Xiao Wan not returned yet?”
Zhou Hui smiled and said, “He’s back.”
Jiang Yin was surprised, she asked, “Then why didn’t he come over tonight?”
Upon hearing Jiang Yin’s question, Zhou Ruolin awkwardly took a sip of the tea in front of him.
“Please don’t worry, he has something to attend to and will come over later.” Zhou Hui addressed the four elders present, “Today’s gathering is not only for the festival, but also to introduce you to two other people.”
Zhou Ruolin raised an eyebrow and looked over, his expression not good.
Because he was still angry with Zhou Hui.
After that day, Zhou Ruolin tried to investigate the people around Zhou Hui again, and even secretly asked Han Zhen, who had recently been promoted to assistant general, but still came up empty-handed. The young man had obviously been completely won over by Zhou Hui, and was very tight-lipped; he didn’t reveal a single useful information.
He hadn’t wanted to come to today’s family reunion dinner.
How could he face his in-laws with the shameful things his own son had done!
However, Tan Jinshan reminded him that the family dinner was organized by Zhou Hui, and both sets of parents were invited. He also said that there was something important to announce, so it was unlikely that bad news would be announced during a holiday. He suggested that he come and listen to what was going on.
Zhou Ruolin then reluctantly came over.
He wanted to see what Zhou Hui was really planning.
After saying that, Zhou Hui turned and left. When he came back in, there was a shy boy in white clothes next to him.
Last year at the family dinner, both sets of elders had already met Lin Anyi, and Zhou Hui had already told the elders about Lin Anyi before tonight, so everyone present recognized him.
Although they had been informed in advance, Zhou Hui still solemnly announced it again when they arrived at the scene: “We plan to officially adopt Xiao Yi, and from now on he will be a new member of the family. Today we also brought him here specifically to meet everyone.”
After making the announcement, Zhou Hui reminded Lin Anyi: “Say hello to your two grandfathers and maternal grandparents.”
Lin Anyi was very nervous, as if he were performing on stage for the first time. He bowed to everyone one by one: “Grandfathers, Grandmother, and, I wish you a peaceful and healthy Dragon Boat Festival, all your wishes fulfilled, and happiness every day…”
The family dinner from last year was still fresh in their minds. The four elders dared not immediately accept Lin Anyi’s address, but instead looked at Zhou Mingchen sitting to the side.
Zhou Mingchen hadn’t expected his grandparents to have to consider his feelings. He quickly stood up, walked over to Lin Anyi, put his arm around his shoulder, and announced arrogantly:
“Ahem, Lin Anyi is two months younger than me, so he’ll be my younger brother from now on.”
As he spoke, Zhou Mingchen quietly pinched Lin Anyi’s arm.
Lin Anyi understood immediately and called him, “Brother.”
Zhou Mingchen grinned broadly and said, “Hehe!”
The four elders breathed a sigh of relief and began to take out the gifts they had prepared in advance with 100% enthusiasm.
Zhou Ruolin had always liked pretty children. Last time, he was hesitant to be too affectionate because of Zhou Mingchen’s attitude. Today, however, he had no such reservations and took off his gold bracelet and stuffed it into Lin Anyi’s hand.
“Good child, this is a gift I prepared for you. From now on, you will call me Grandpa, just like Chenchen.” Zhou Ruolin said, pointing to Tan Jinshan, “That’s your Grandfather.”
The gold bracelet was so heavy that Lin Anyi almost dropped it. He said apologetically, “Thank you, Grandpa, Grandfather.”
Jiang Yin stepped forward carrying several bags and handed them to Lin Anyi: “You’re a pitiful child, but things will get better from now on. Your grandma isn’t good at picking gifts, but I heard that boys this age like sneakers, so I bought you two pairs, along with two sets of clothes for school. There are also some books that your grandfather, that old-fashioned man, picked out for you. You can flip through them when you’re free.”
“Thank you, Grandma… and Grandfather.” Lin Anyi’s face turned slightly red.
Tan Jinshan finished by handing Lin Anyi a card: “From now on, you’ll have your allowance deposited on this card, just like Xiao Chen. In addition, there’s a little gift I prepared for you.”
Lin Anyi’s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly thanked him.
Zhou Mingchen was a little envious and hinted, “Grandfather, my dad took my card away a few months ago!”
Lin Anyi quickly said, “I will also give this card to Uncle Shen for safekeeping from now on.”
Zhou Mingchen: “!!!”
Why are you being so sensible at a time like this?!
And as expected, Tan Jinshan’s next words were a stern reprimand to Zhou Mingchen, “Look at how sensible Xiao Yi is. And look at you…”
Tan Jinshan had originally intended to take this opportunity to bring up Zhou Mingchen’s hairstyle and earrings, but upon closer inspection, he finally realized that his precious grandson had actually gone back to having black hair tonight, and the oddly shaped earrings were nowhere to be seen. He looked clean, a very handsome young man.
Helpless, Tan Jinshan could only nitpick: “Look at you, you’re just a money-grubber! You’re only a few years old, spending all your time at school, what do you need so much money for? Your dad is doing this for your own good!”
Zhou Mingchen: “…”
Having received a large number of gifts from his elders, Lin Anyi absentmindedly sat down in his seat, holding the bags.
Did he really have a family from then on?
Lin Anyi’s eyes felt a little hot, and he quickly told himself not to think about it anymore, otherwise it would be such a spoilsport to cry on such a happy day.
Both were family dinners, both were announcements of the adoption, but a year later, the atmosphere was completely different.
After presenting the gifts and introducing the people, Jiang Yin still remembered Zhou Hui mentioning that Shen Wanchao had already returned to China, and asked again, “Xiao Hui, you just said you were going to introduce us to two people. The first is Xiao Yi, so who is the second person…?”
Zhou Hui turned and went out again, returning a moment later with Shen Wanchao.
Shen Wanchao was wearing a Klein blue short-sleeved shirt tonight, and in the warm light of the private room, he looked like a piece of flowing jade. Except for his right arm, which had to be immobilized due to injury, everything about him looked perfect. He stood next to Zhou Hui with a smile on his lips.
As soon as Shen Wanchao entered the room, Zhou Ruolin suddenly stood up, and the chair behind him scraped against the carpeted floor.
Although he didn’t actually see the face of the young man next to Zhou Hui outside the hotel that day, Zhou Ruolin immediately recognized the man as the same young man from that day as soon as he appeared!
Upon seeing his face today, Zhou Ruolin was even more alarmed. The young man looked remarkably like Shen Wanchao.
When Zhou Ruolin looked at him from afar, he felt that his height and temperament were somewhat similar to Shen Wanchao’s, but he did not expect that his face was even more similar.
Moreover, the resemblance was not just ordinary; the only difference between him and Shen Wanchao was probably their age.
Even if Zhou Hui told him now that this was Shen Wanchao from his youth, he would believe it!
What on earth is Zhou Hui doing? He’s abandoning the real deal and going after a newcomer who looks about 80% similar? Could it be that he’s really fickle and tired of the old?
Jiang Yin and Shen Xianru also stood up along with Zhou Ruolin.
Shen Wanchao hadn’t expected such a strong reaction from his elders, and felt a pang of guilt. He let out a small sigh of relief and was about to explain when he heard Zhou Ruolin’s unusually cold voice:
“Zhou Hui, what do you mean by this?”
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