"Are you sure you did it on purpose? It seemed like you had to stop because of the exhaustion." Edward flashed a condescending smile as he fought the urge to cry. It was the first time his father gave in to him and let him win a competition. He had never expected the feeling of being loved and indulged to be so warm and satisfying. His heart softened.
Nonsense. No matter how exhausted I am, I can't lose to an injured man," Jonathan retorted as he stopped to take a rest. He always felt like he owed his son a lot for the past many years. He had never pampered him, or been a loving father towards him. Today, he wasn't just letting his son win, he was also trying to be a good father. He owed it to his son.
You're lying, old man. I outplayed you," Edward panted as he took a seat on the bench beside Jonathan, beads of sweat rolling down his handsome face and dropping onto the ground.
"I'm sorry, son," Jonathan said all of a sudden. His apology came out of the blue, but Edward knew what he meant. Both of them fell silent as an awkward atmosphere surrounded them. If this had happened before he got shot, Edward would have brushed it aside as nothing. But he couldn't do that now. He had learned about Jonathan's blood donation, and was touched by his father's actions.
Knowing what his father wanted to hear, he replied, "It's okay. I'm used to it." Men never held a grudge. No matter how much misunderstanding they had had in the past, they would let it go if the right time came. In the past, Edward thought that he would never forgive his father. But his heart softened in line with recent events. But even then, he couldn't put aside everything in the past so quickly, as true forgiveness was not something that could be achieved overnight. But he believed that the day when they could get along well would eventually come.
"Dad! Did you win?" Justin ran over to them, practically jumping along the path. In children's eyes, they always saw their fathers' most powerful side, the greatest image their fathers showed. No matter how much they grew up, they would always remain children in their fathers' eyes. Parents would always try their best to shelter them and provide help and protection.
Of course! Your dad is the greatest of all." Edward gave Jonathan an intense gaze. Because his father never treated him affectionately as son in the past, he had always been unkind and discourteous to his father and never treated him affectionately either. But what happened today was an ice-breaker. It was a significant event in his life, if not a milestone, which brought him the fatherly love that he never dared ask for.
Hurrah! Dad is the greatest!" Justin exclaimed. He kissed Edward's cheek excitedly despite the sweat on his father's face. The intimate interaction between the father and son made Jonathan envious.
Justin, it seems like only your dad is awesome in your eyes. Am I not awesome? Am I not good to you?" Jonathan said jealously. His face was as cold as always, but his tone was gentler than usual.
Of course you're awesome, grandpa! But I have already ranked our family members a long time ago. According to my ranking, dad is the second coolest person in our family and you are the third, grandpa!" Justin climbed down from Edward's lap and ran into Jonathan's arms. He counted on his fingers adorably as he spoke.
"Oh, am I the second coolest person? Who's the greatest member in our family then? Will you tell me?" Edward asked in dissatisfaction. It was hard for him to accept the fact that he wasn't number one in his son's heart.
"Mom is the greatest! She's like a goddess, don't you think? Do you know how she does in the marathon? She ran a 15-kilometer cross-country race, back and forth in full arms! Unlike her, you only ran a short distance in casual shoes and sports wear. Of course, she is cooler!" Justin grinned smugly with an elated expression on his face. It was as if his mother's achievement was his own.
Well... Of course, your mother is a heroine. We can't compete with her. Besides, she's a trained professional, and we are but amateurs in comparison." Edward faltered at the mention of Daisy. He dared not compete with her for the top position in his son's heart. He knew what his woman was capable of. Despite being a woman, she was incredibly strong and had beaten most men. He could only hope to be as tough as her in his wildest dreams.
Yes, mom is the best! Even in the military base, no one but Uncle Kevin could beat her. She's the coolest person I've ever seen!" Raised in the military base by Daisy, Justin had seen his mother's military prowess in various situations. He was impressed not only by his mother's skills, but also by her toughness and perseverance.
Okay. Your mother is the coolest person in the world, as well as the greatest member in our family. We admit it. Are you happy, brat?" Edward was displeased to hear Kevin's name. He wondered if Daisy had done what he told her to and had settled things between them.
Oh, I see. We have ourselves a hater. Of course, I'm the coolest person in your son's eyes. Are you unhappy with it?" Daisy walked slowly towards them from her spot nearby. Although she had a smile on her face, she pretended to be angry. She studied Edward's face as she put the cup filled with water into his hands.
Of course not! Even if I dont usually support anyone, I would still support you, Colonel Ouyang. But what about you? Im sweating blood to win a competition, while you were enjoying your breakfast. Are you starting to ignore me already? Wow, that's hurts. Edward drunk the water in a gulp. He laid his eyes on Daisy as he whined and feigned anger.
I'm sure you've heard of the saying, bread is the foundation of life. You can't expect me to cheer you on while I'm hungry, said Daisy, averting her eyes. She had to be careful with her words, or her husband would be unhappy again.