Everyone was dumbstruck, not having expected such a dramatic twist. Initially, it was thought the Xiao Family suddenly got a illegitimate child, but now it turns out this person seemingly refuses to acknowledge his lineage. Are there secrets hidden behind this?
Briefly, camera flash bulbs flickered relentlessly between Xiao Qiang and Xiao Zhengxun. The reporters were not stingy with their camera film, clearly intending to gather more explosive news.
Xiao Zhengxun's expression initially froze at Xiao Qiang's words. Then, looking at Xiao Qiang he said solemnly, "Xiao Qiang, don't you recognize me? I'm your father!"
He continued, expressing his anguish, "I understand, these past years I've neglected you was my fault. But you should appreciate my difficulties as a father. At that time, I wasn't aware of your existence. If you and Xiao Wen hadn't both ended up in this hospital, I still wouldn't have known that you were my son. Little Qiang, can you give me a chance to make it up to you?"
No doubt, this old fox's acting skills were profound. If Xiao Qiang hadn't already explored the memories of the previous owner of this body, and ascertained that he was definitely not this guy's son, he might have fallen for it. However, at this moment, Xiao Qiang knew how to play along with him. Having made the guy admit his relationship with him, the remaining things would be much easier. Xiao Qiang seemed to be stumped at first, then his eyes filled with tears and he emotionally called him 'father,' subsequently hugging Xiao Zhengxun. The reporters were moved by this father-son reunion, and incessantly snapped pictures of Xiao Qiang and Xiao Zhengxun.
Not too far away, Han Qiang fiercely looked at Xiao Qiang. Although he had no idea what was going on, first a large group of reporters had mysteriously appeared, and then Xiao Qiang, who had already been registered as a member of the Xiao family, insisted that he had no relation to the Xiao family. If it were not for the boss's quick thinking to the play of recognizing his son on the spot, all the deeds the Xiao family had done during Xiao Wen's injury would probably have been exposed. He didn't know which bastard caused this trouble and sent the reporters on purpose. If he found out, he would teach him a lesson.
"Assistant Han, the reception banquet is ready," a lady in a business attire walked toward Han Qiang and whispered. "As per your order, hush money has been prepared for all the reporters."
Han Qiang nodded, clapped his hands and smiled at the reporters, "Please stop taking pictures, Mr. Xiao and his long-lost son have a lot to talk about and need your understanding. Meanwhile, the Xiao Corporation has prepared lunch for everyone, please follow me outside."
The reporters were savvy enough to understand, having performed a touching drama for them that would surely be breaking news, they should tactfully give the Xiao father and son some alone time. Hence, they all followed Han Qiang out of the hospital.
Upon the crowd's departure, Xiao Zhengxun finally let go of Xiao Qiang's hand and sighed, saying slowly, "Do you remember anything from your childhood?"
Xiao Qiang was momentarily lost, he was only then able to relax a little. The high-quality performance just now exhausted quite the amount of his energy. He was clear, if he didn't make Xiao Zhengxun publicly admit that he was his son in front of the media, this man might have him secretly killed to save his own biological son.
The best option was to throw out a show about memory loss after the Xiao family had confirmed his identity. Family feuds among the rich and powerful, father and son recognitions after severing ties, these were all attractive headlines to the reporters. They wouldn't miss this news material.
Confronted with Xiao Zhengxun's question, Xiao Qiang slowly shook his head, "I don't know what happened, but I can't remember anything from the past. Are you really my father?"
Xiao Zhengxun was overjoyed. The more Xiao Qiang remembered, the more troublesome it would be. Now that Xiao Qiang had lost his original memories, it was a good thing. Otherwise, if he remembered his real identity, the Xiao Family would have been stuck in a dilemma. With that thought, Xiao Zhengxun smiled at Xiao Qiang, "Don't worry, you can take your time to recall. Once you remember, we can interact as father and son."
He paused, then looked at Xiao Qiang and asked, "Do you understand what I mean?"
Xiao Qiang sneered internally. If he didn't know that this guy harbored harmful intentions towards him, he might have been moved. After all, a man in his forties expressing his emotions seemed quite touching.
Shaking his head lightly, Xiao Qiang replied indifferently, "I don't quite understand what you mean, Mr. Xiao. How are you so sure, I'm your son? Is there any evidence?"
Upon hearing Xiao Qiang's words, Xiao Zhengxun was taken aback. He hadn't expected this young man to think so deeply. He gave Xiao Qiang a measured glance and smiled, "I understand your thoughts. If I were you, I would certainly find it strange. Luckily, we've done a paternity test and I'll have someone show you the results."
With a sigh, he patted Xiao Qiang's shoulder and said, "We both need some time to get used to each other. For the next few days, you just rest well. If you need anything, just contact Assistant Han."
Having said that, Xiao Zhengxun turned and left.
Looking at his retreating figure, Xiao Qiang suddenly asked him, "How is Xiao Wen doing?"
Xiao Zhengxun paused and smiled, "We're already looking for a compatible heart for him. We've heard there is a suitable one overseas, you don't need to worry. He will be happy to see you, his brother."
Xiao Qiang didn't say anymore, he had gotten the answer he wanted. He watched as Xiao Zhengxun, constantly hounded by the reporters, got into his car and left the hospital. Xiao Qiang stood by the window, silent.
"You're my son, we're a family." As he repeated what Xiao Zhengxun had said earlier, a cold smile curved at the corner of Xiao Qiang's mouth. This man really had the nerve. He had beaten him into severe injuries without a reason. And, now having lost his chance, he had been forced to recognize him as his so-called "son", resorting to a fabrication to deceive him. Xiao Zhengxun truly was a competent actor.
Xiao Zhengxun, who had left the hospital, sat in the car with a gloomy expression, "Is the contact abroad successful?"
Han Qiang sat in the passenger seat, nodding in response to the statement, "Yes, I've made contact."
"How are things?"
"Not bad, they said they'll respond soon. However, based on the information I've obtained, it's pretty much confirmed."
"Oh, you're certain?"
Clearly, this time Xiao Zhengxun held a reserved attitude towards Han Qiang's words.
Han Qiang nodded seriously, "Sir, I have already confirmed it. We're only short of one process now. As you know, organ trade over there is illegal."
"That's good, that's good." Xiao Zhengxun sighed deeply, "In that case, I don't want Xiao Qiang to know the truth. Whether he wants money or women, give him everything. Although he is technically a member of our family, I won't let him get a slice of the Xiao family assets."
Han Qiang nodded in agreement, a mysterious smile creeping up the corner of his mouth.
The crowd at the hospital had dispersed, leaving only a few scattered reporters still standing by the entrance, striving to obtain firsthand interview materials. For them, the news they received today, mostly about the Xiao Family and Xiao Qiang, was more than enough to fill tomorrow's front-page headline.
"You're really bold!"
Wang Yue was on the night shift today. She snuck into Xiao Qiang's ward when no one was there, speaking to him as he lay in bed.
Xiao Qiang smiled slightly, "This is called desperation, death ground strategy. If I hadn't made a scene today, who knows when I would 'evaporate' from the world; don't cry for me when that happens."
Wang Yue paused, then gave a bitter smile. She knew Xiao Qiang wasn't exaggerating. After all, with the power of the Xiao family, it wouldn't be difficult to make Xiao Qiang 'disappear' without a trace.
"To be honest, after today's stunt, even I doubt whether you are really Mr. Xiao's son." Wang Yue sighed and slowly said. She was genuinely surprised. During the press conference just now, Han had brought out the results of a personal identification test.
Xiao Qiang scoffed coldly, "Really, this kind of thing can be fabricated if one party is resolute, don't you think?"
Wang Yue remained silent. Working in the hospital, she understood Xiao Qiang's implications.
"Alright, don't think too much about it." Xiao Qiang patted Wang Yue's hand with a smile, "Although I don't know what your intentions are, helping me so desperately, I will remember your kindness. Whenever I can stop worrying about survival, I will definitely repay you." This was his sincere promise; being reborn to now, Wang Yue had been the only one who genuinely helped him. He was deeply moved by her actions and resolved to repay the kind girl.
Wang Yue blushed slightly, glanced at Xiao Qiang, and lowered her voice, "I don't need your repayment, it's enough that you remember me."
Xiao Qiang was taken aback before bursting into laughter. He could feel Wang Yue's affection for him, a weird feeling, different from simple heterosexual love, as if mixed with another strange feeling.
Just as Wang Yue was about to say something, her phone started vibrating in her pocket. She looked down at the time and smacked her forehead, "Ah, it's time for ward rounds!"
With that, she stuck her tongue out at Xiao Qiang and ran out of the ward, her face all red.
Xiao Qiang watched her retreating figure, a smile on his face. She was a good girl; he couldn't drag her down with him.
Looking down at the white patient's uniform on his body, Xiao Qiang frowned, "Time to change clothes and leave."
Thank you for the generous rewards from Eternal Flame, Fan Ren Zhi Fan, Emperor's Father, Mo Dao vs. Qi Shi, Don't Want To Dismount, Fa Fa Feng, and Duanmu Ci. Thanks for the red envelope from Jin Yu. Here comes the second update, please bookmark, recommend, and click to support! Another update this evening!