As Wu Xiufan watched the recording, a wave of emotions washed over him. He had been so focused on protecting Alex, on keeping him safe, that he had failed to see the bigger picture.
He had seen Alex's pain, his suffering. He had witnessed the toll that Yu Chen's illness had taken on him. But he had never considered the possibility that Alex might have feelings for Yu Chen.
The scene of Alex placing the chocolate on Yu Chen's pillow was a revelation. It was a gesture of love, of affection, a sign that Alex still cared for his father, despite everything.
Wu Xiufan's heart ached with a mixture of guilt and regret. He had made a mistake, a grave error in judgment. He had underestimated Alex, his capacity for love, his resilience. He had seen him as a mere covenantor, a tool to be used, a pawn in a larger game. But Alex was so much more than that. He was a human being, capable of love, of compassion, of empathy.
