Why did you provoke me?

Zhou Jingyan went out with Secretary Wu.

Qingyuan glanced discreetly at Xiao Hao beside Yu Meng.

Yu Meng nodded. This child is more patient than most, having survived a life-or-death ordeal. He can remain calm even in the face of adversity and can accurately relay messages. If he grows up smoothly, he will definitely be someone of importance.

Yu Meng was intrigued by Zhou Jinyan's talent, but ultimately it depended on Zhou Jinyan's choice.

Without any reservations, Qingyuan said directly, "He was set up by someone. I wonder who hates him so much."

Yu Meng nodded in agreement, "The types of aliens are too diverse; some of them were probably brought here on purpose."

"Yu Meng, the aliens you gave me all came from that place. Tell me, who from that place would want to harm him like this?" Qing Yuan's tone was full of helplessness.

"Aunt Qing, let's call it a day. We can't take them all at once; it's not good for him. The little black cat is here; he'll be fine."

Yu Meng looked at Xiao Hao, "Are you coming with us, or staying here with your third grandfather?"

Xiao Hao shook his head. "I'm staying here with my third grandfather. If he wakes up and sees no one, he'll be scared. That's what happened to me back then."

"Okay, you can stay here. If you get hungry, go find something to eat at the table outside. If you get sleepy, go to sleep."

Xiao Hao nodded in agreement.

Qian Chuan then walked to the bedside and carefully examined Nangong Tianshou's body with his own hands. He nodded to Xiao Hao without saying anything, and followed Yu Meng and Qing Yuan back to the experimental garden.

The three of them sat down, and Qingyuan's eyes were full of apology. "I know that keeping him here will cause a lot of trouble, but I can't bear to watch him die."

Yu Meng smiled and said, "It's okay. I already have plenty of troubles, so one more won't make a difference."

Qingyuan lowered her head and said, "Yu Meng, please give Aunt Qing this chance. It will never happen again."

"Aunt Qing, it's alright, you're Aunt Qing." Yu Meng comforted her.

Qian Chuan listened to their conversation and realized that Qingyuan wanted to keep Nangong, which was putting Yu Meng in a difficult position.

He was a little confused. If Yu Meng really cared about these things, she shouldn't have sent a message to Qing Yuan. By sending the message, did she already anticipate that Aunt Qing would do this? It also indirectly indicated that she tacitly approved of it.

Qian Chuan suddenly shuddered. It couldn't be what he thought. There must be a reason he didn't know about; it had to be this way.

Yu Meng, of course, had no idea what Qian Chuan was thinking, but she truly hadn't considered sending Nangong Tianshou away, because he could still be saved. She was short of manpower, lacking someone like Nangong Tianshou who could keep the situation under control.

He delivered himself to her doorstep this time, so she shouldn't blame her for taking advantage of him. She'll make him willingly stay and serve her like a slave, and maybe she can even snag a little Hao along the way. It's a win-win situation no matter how you look at it!

On the fourth day, Nangong Tianshou woke up.

Xiao Hao cried in his arms, and Zhou Jingyan looked at him with red eyes as well.

Nangong Tianshou stared at the father and son with his eyes open.

"Can someone get me a glass of water?" A hoarse voice startled Xiao Hao, who was crying.

"I can, Third Grandpa, wait a moment." Xiao Hao climbed off the bed. Zhou Jingyan handed Xiao Hao a water glass.

Taking a sip of water, Nangong Tianshou looked around the unfamiliar room. "Where am I?"

"Third Grandpa, weren't you looking for Auntie? Dad and I brought you here to find Auntie." Xiao Hao took the water cup with both hands and said with a grin.

Nangong Tianshou turned to Zhou Jinyan.

"Is this the Jingchuan Guild Hall?"

"I'm really lucky to be alive," Nangong Tianshou chuckled.

"It was your aunt's little black cat that was on your head. Grandma Qing said it saved your life," Xiao Hao said, recounting what he had heard.

"How long have I been like this?" This question was asked of Zhou Jingyan.

"It's been four months since she fell into a coma." Zhou Jingyan paused for a moment. "The Nangong family has given up on treatment; they're just waiting."

What are they waiting for? They all know!

Nangong Tianshou stretched out his hand and placed it in front of his eyes. On his withered hand, veins bulged and knuckles were deformed.

"I'm fine now. What are your plans?" Nangong Tianshou's voice was very low.

"The Zhou family has declined under my leadership, and I have failed my ancestors." Zhou Jinyan's voice was also very low.

Xiao Hao called out anxiously, "Dad."

Nangong Tianshou offered no words of comfort, but simply pointed to himself, "Do I even look human now?"

Xiao Hao nestled obediently in Nangong Tianshou's arms, "It's Third Grandfather, I'll never mistake him for someone else."

Zhou Jingyan didn't speak. He stepped forward, took the water glass, and said with his head down, "Third Uncle, I have no direction. I don't know what to do next, or what the right thing to do is."

"What's the big deal? Look at me, I've almost died several times already. If you hadn't insisted, would we even be able to talk? If I hadn't insisted on getting involved in that mess this time, would I be in this situation?"

Zhou Jinyan remained silent.

"Uncle has figured it out. A good horse is ridden by others. You're always thinking about the family and what to do with your clansmen. You're completely controlled by them. It would be strange if you could live a good life."

Nangong Tianshou was somewhat agitated. If it weren't for his family's honor, he wouldn't have ended up in this state, owing that little girl his life again. Thinking of this, he felt gloomy. This time, he would have to repay her with his life. The thought of being Yu Meng's slave made him even more heartbroken.

Zhou Jinyan remained silent.

The Zhou family was handed over to him by his father, and he has botched it, so he bears the responsibility.

The uncle and nephew were each lost in their own thoughts, while Xiao Hao nestled in Nangong Tianshou's arms and began to snore softly.

The two men looked at the child at the same time, and both of them made a decision in their eyes.

Nangong Tianshou spoke first, "I've given my family an explanation for this matter. They might not want me to stay in my current state anyway."

Zhou Jinyan stared intently at Nangong Tianshou, waiting for him to finish speaking.

"I'll be staying here for a while. If you need anything, go ahead and do it. I can keep an eye on things for you, Xiao Hao."

Zhou Jinyan nodded and turned to leave.

"Jingyan, your father's lineage is the main branch of the Zhou family. As long as you are here, the Zhou family will exist. Don't get the priorities wrong." Nangong Tianshou said softly from behind as he turned around.

Zhou Jingyan's back tensed instantly. "Third Uncle, I will consider it carefully."

"That's good. The old man and the young girl will wait for you here."

Zhou Jingyan closed his eyes for a moment, and after a long while, he uttered a single word in a deep voice, "Okay!"

Nangong Tianshou waved his hand, "Then go ahead. As long as you have the determination to shatter everything, you can accomplish anything."

Xiao Hao gripped Nangong Tianshou's clothes tightly. Clearly, he was awake and not only heard their conversation but also seemed to understand it.

Nangong Tianshou patted his little body, "Your father is an excellent family head, and he will definitely be a good father. We will wait for him here, he will come."

Xiao Hao nestled in his arms and nodded sullenly. Tears, however, soaked Nangong Tianshou's clothes.

With a long sigh, Nangong Tianshou pulled Xiao Hao closer to his arms.