According to Ehrchen's mind, it didn't take long to associate with all the possibilities. The silence in the living room continued for a very short but seemingly long time.
"Turns out you two have been hiding just this one thing from me." Ehrchen didn't expect that coming home this time would bring such a big surprise, so big that it brought an unusually painful feeling.
Erbai is actually pregnant? And not only that, the doctor who performed the surgery was Wu Feicheng, whom he personally arrested!
"That's right. If I could, I'd hope you find out about this more than a month later." Erlie didn't deny it. In fact, the evidence was right there in front of him; denial would be useless.
"Meaning, I probably should've not come home today?" His emotions were too stirred up, even his speech became overly impulsive. As soon as the words came out, he himself knew he had gone too far.
There's absolutely no way my brother meant that. He really should slap himself on the mouth.
"You know full well that's not what I mean. Erlie, I admit that Erbai and I have hidden this matter from you, but this is the best way. Otherwise, with your personality, would you easily let go of someone you once caught, who eventually used a stand-in to serve his sentence?"
No mistake there. I understood there was no mistake. Arresting him according to the law is the right thing to do. That guy basically equals killing people using scientific methods, thinking it's justified.
"No problem. I know there's no problem. That's why I kept it hidden from you. I love Erbai. I can't let Wu Feicheng's arrest put her life in danger. And I know you love Erbai too. You'd end up torn between whether to immediately arrest Wu Feicheng or let him go until Erbai is safe. This isn't a situation I want to see."
He's never worried that I would disregard Erbai's safety and arrest Wu Feicheng without consideration. What he worries about is that I will definitely be caught in a psychological struggle over whether to arrest Wu Feicheng or let him live until Erbai is safe.
No matter which answer Erlie chooses in the end, even if he doesn't choose at all, it will leave a hard-to-erase stain on his career. I hope my younger brother's dream can always be smooth sailing. Even if there are ups and downs, they shouldn't be this kind of dilemma facing one's own inner doubts.
"So you can just turn a blind eye and let a criminal roam free?" What he hates most is turning a blind eye to crime. Because of people's indulgence, too many innocents have been trapped in suffering. Erbai was once an example. If only someone had reported it back then, would Erbai have suffered such inhuman treatment for so many years?
If someone had reported it, Erbai might have had a chance to become a healthy person today!
"Yes."
The Erlie who said these words had no guilt or shame on his face. To him, the most important thing in this world is protecting his family. As for the rest, he can cast them aside. Even if Wu Feicheng isn't in prison now, what does it matter? Currently, his existence only brings good, not harm, to both him and Erbai. So he doesn't care at all about the fact that he was once a criminal.
"I'm different from you, Erlie. Do you remember what I told you last year when I was reading a report?"
To think positively, if any of us accidentally committed a crime one day, our family's wealth could afford to buy someone to take our place!
Erlie nodded. How could he forget those words that made him spill coffee all over the dining table?
"If one day my family accidentally kills someone or commits a crime, I would do this for them. And if one day anyone dares to hurt Erbai, you, or even Airui, Uncle Chen, I wouldn't care if I had to kill that person."
The biggest difference between him and Erlie is that he is more realistic and has seen through the essence of human society more clearly. Although Erlie, as a detective, has encountered quite a bit of darkness, in his work, he initially had Erlie's help to pursue his dreams without distraction. Later, because of previous achievements and the background created by Erlie, he could act freely in his position. Therefore, speaking of it, he has only seen, observed, and interacted with the dark side of society, but has never experienced it himself.
Erlie just hopes he can continue like this, so he can truly defend the justice he believes in without conflict with reality.
But now, Erlie's return today makes him have to abandon this point of persistence.
Erlie's sense of justice is important, but as long as he is strong enough, one day he will learn to face every non-just aspect smoothly while remaining upright in the darkness.
But Erbai's life only happens once.
He is a businessman, and he knows very well how to choose what is best for himself and his family. Without hesitation, he made his choice, thus not only concealing the truth but also creating false impressions. He told Erlie that the person who hit Erbai had already turned themselves in. He bribed that person with money, pretending that Erbai didn't want to make trouble and therefore did not file charges, merely revoking their driver's license.
It was all in the hope that all the truths could be revealed after Erbai gave birth to the baby. Then he wouldn't have to worry about Erlie's internal conflicts and could let him freely figure out ways to apprehend Wu Feicheng.
"Erlie Brother, don't blame Erlie, alright? It's my fault. Last year, I saw Wu Feicheng first, and it was me who asked him to help me. It's not Erlie's fault. Erlie didn't mean to hurt you."
Afraid that Erlie would scold Erlie, Erbai slowly got down from the chair and wanted to go forward to persuade Erlie.
"Erbai, this is between me and my brother. Don't get involved." He didn't want to drag the little one into it. The little one was too innocent, and any words might only hurt him.
"It's not just between you and Erlie!" The small body shouted, the tightly clenched fists started to tremble. He didn't want Erlie to look at Erlie with that kind of gaze. Erlie wasn't wrong, was it? Isn't this world like that?
Just like he doesn't understand human cunning, he also doesn't understand why humans give themselves so many rules. In his early world, none of his kind knew how to betray or slaughter each other. Animal killings were all for survival, and survival was the most important thing. And Erlie achieved it.
He just did what he should do. He didn't understand why Erlie looked at him with that accusing gaze.
The only thing he and Erlie did wrong was hiding it from Erlie.
"Erlie didn't do anything wrong. He lied to you for me and for you. He didn't mean to hurt anyone. So Brother Erlie, you shouldn't look at Erlie like that. He hasn't done anything wrong, never has! If you must be angry, be angry at me. Everything started with me. I'm the worst, all my fault!"
After speaking continuously, the small body immediately started panting, and with the excitement, the little color left on his face disappeared.
"Erbai, don't get excited. Relax. Don't you remember what Doctor Wu said? Come on, take a deep breath, exhale."
Seeing Erbai's condition, Erlie immediately grabbed his hands, squatted in front of him, and gently consoled him, allowing Erbai's breathing to follow its original rhythm.
Erbai quickly nodded and followed the instructions. These days, he has completely surprised everyone. Always restless like a little animal, he has been exceptionally obedient, doing whatever the doctor and Erlie ask him to do. Although occasionally dissatisfied due to lack of freedom, as soon as he thinks about the child in his belly, his puffed cheeks immediately deflate with委屈, looking pitifully adorable.
"Are you feeling better?"
After several cycles, he finally regained some color.
During this period, Erlie didn't dare to say much, although he desperately wanted to immediately bring Wu Feicheng to justice. But seeing Erbai suddenly pale, he immediately set that thought aside.
"A lot better... Erlie, please don't argue with Brother Erlie, alright?" He was scared, very scared that Erlie and Brother Erlie would argue. They were both important people to him, and he wouldn't know what to do.
"Alright, I won't argue with Erlie. Don't worry. Even if we argue, it'll be just for a moment, and nothing serious will happen."
With round black eyes, he seriously looked at him, thinking for a long time but still couldn't help glancing at Erlie who hadn't spoken.
"Brother Erlie, what about you?"
"I..."
As soon as Erbai was fine, the knot in his heart reappeared. He really wanted to agree with Erbai's request, but it was hard to say. It seemed like a voice in his heart was saying that if he agreed, it would be the start of a crime.
"Is it that hard to answer, Brother Erlie?" Erbai's little heart began to feel sad. He understood Brother Erlie's sense of justice but couldn't comprehend the idea of placing justice above family.
In his heart, Erlie was everything, and Brother Erlie and Airui were the most important family and friends. Giving up other things for them was something he could easily do, but... what about Brother Erlie?
"You wouldn't understand, Erbai."
The little face fell.
"I don't want to understand." Grabbing Erlie's hand, he walked towards the upstairs bedroom, but after just a few steps, the little one stopped again, bending his knees painfully and slowly sitting down.
"Erbai?"
It was like a telepathic connection; Erlie immediately felt the little hand in his grip lose its warmth. He squatted beside Erbai and lifted his little face. In the blink of an eye, the palm-sized face was already covered in cold sweat.
"Erlie, it hurts so much!" Something unknown just happened. There was a sudden cramp in his stomach. At first, he didn't think much of it, assuming it might have been the baby kicking. But after walking just two steps, his stomach began to cramp severely. Afraid he might collapse from the pain, he slowly sat down to avoid falling. However, the pain in his stomach not only didn't subside but grew worse.
"Let's breathe slowly, relax. Let me pick you up, alright?" Seeing Erbai enduring the pain, Erlie immediately knew something was wrong and quickly called Uncle Chen to start the car. He had to get Erbai to the hospital as fast as possible.
"I'll take you!"
Seeing Erbai like this, Erlie was greatly shocked. Because in recent days, he hadn't had many chances to know Erbai's condition. He didn't expect that making the little one emotionally agitated would lead to such results. That fragile body made him fearful. Therefore, even though he volunteered to take Erbai to the hospital, he didn't dare to approach, fearing that another mishap might occur.
"No!"
Surprisingly, contrary to everyone's expectations, Erlie rejected Erlie's offer, and the determination in his words was unwavering, showing no fear of offending Erlie.
"Why? Now isn't the time to sulk. Erbai's health is important!"
"I know now isn't the time to sulk, that's why I don't want your help. I know you and I are equally worried about Erbai's condition, but imagine if Wu Feicheng appeared in front of you at the hospital? Think about that question."
Because he was worried about Erbai, he had to consider everything, ensuring no accidents occurred. Meeting Wu Feicheng would be too great a variable; he and Erbai currently couldn't withstand such a test.
Erlie was stunned, then silently sat down on the sofa in the living room. Beside the sofa was a thin blanket that had just fallen off Erbai's body, carrying his sweet scent and a bit of warmth.
Imagine if Wu Feicheng appeared in front of you at the hospital...
Desperately, he raked his fingers through his somewhat messy hair.
Damn it, he indeed didn't know what his answer would be!
***
"I must take the baby out."
After reviewing the scan photos of Erbai's stomach, Wu Feicheng immediately reached a conclusion and swiftly instructed the nurses, who had already practiced countless times before, to prepare the operating room and all the instruments. Wei Wusheng took the photo, glanced at it, furrowed his brows, and silently prepared in the changing room next to the operating room.
Their actions caused Erlie, who was already almost unable to stand from worry, to nearly collapse. He grabbed Wu Feicheng's hand and asked with a trembling voice what exactly was going on.
"Relax, we anticipated this situation, so everyone is fully prepared..."
"What exactly is going on!"
He didn't want comforting words; he wanted facts. He needed facts to support the unease in his heart that was hovering in mid-air, unable to settle. Knowing the facts, he could understand what to do next. If something happened to Erbai, he would know what to do.
"As I said, relax. It's not a very serious issue. The artificial blood vessels previously used to connect the small thing have symptoms of bleeding, but not very severe. Since we're opening the abdomen anyway, instead of causing Erbai's weakness by stitching the blood vessels to prepare for the next delivery operation, it's better to simply take the baby out now. Erbai's body can't endure such a major surgery consecutively for two months, so I made this decision directly."
All he said was true because he knew there was no meaning in hiding it from this man. Even though he was panicking, the determination and sharpness in this man's eyes still existed. Perhaps because of the belief in his heart, he remained this way even in such a critical moment.
"So does that mean Erbai won't be in danger of losing his life?"
Can I tell myself that?
"Not necessarily. I'm just telling you that the danger won't come from this instance of blood vessel bleeding. Even giving birth can be fatal for women, let alone Erbai being a boy. You should remember the surgical process ahead. Soon, I'll inject an anesthetic needle into his spine, which is the first dangerous procedure." Some women during cesarean births experience paralysis in their lower bodies due to this step, making this surgery a challenging task from the beginning.
"The next step is to remove the organs and extract the baby while avoiding massive bleeding. If successful, the hardest part comes afterward. He must endure possible infections and various complications after the surgery. So what you need to do now isn't asking me what to do here, but rather go see him. Talk to him before he's anesthetized. Encourage him. Once the anesthesia takes effect, if he can withstand everything I mentioned, then it's fine. If not, it might be your last chance to talk."
I've always considered myself a heartless person, and everyone who knows me thinks the same. Life, in my eyes, is merely an experimental subject worth observing. I still think this way now... but... humans! You can't owe the same person too much...
Owing too much, even if you don't have feelings in your heart, creates pressure due to repeated indebtedness.
This is why I, who usually don't care about others' lives, am explaining so much to Erlie here.
"I understand... My younger brother is back..."
Erlie's panicked gaze suddenly steadied. Facing this man who was half a head taller, young, and accomplished, Wu Feicheng surprisingly noticed the shift in his eyes and realized he seemed to have decided something.
Even if this man doesn't say it, I somehow understand...
...Little rat... You probably wouldn't... No! I would never have imagined that a human would be willing to give up everything, even their life, for a boy who was once just a mouse...
"Why are you telling me? Aren't you afraid I'll run away to evade Wang Erlie now?"
"Would you?"
Wu Feicheng chuckled bitterly.
Just as I thought earlier...
"No, I owe this child too much... That feeling, it's not good..." He wanted to restore his past self, cold and ruthless. That self, that self could accurately execute every experiment.
At this moment, Erlie rarely smiled, turning back to the ward where Erbai was staying. He wanted to have a good talk with the little one. As for Wu Feicheng, frankly speaking, his response was truly unexpected.
***
I don't know what injection Wu Feicheng gave me, but my stomach, though still a bit dull and painful, has improved a lot. However, I can't stop the cold sweat streaming down my body. After lying on the operating bed for a while, the sheet beneath me has become slightly damp.
"Little thing, are you feeling better?" I don't know when, but Erlie has already entered the room, sat beside my hospital bed, reached out, and tightly grasped my hand.
Right now, I wish Erlie could hold me in his arms like in the past, but my physical condition doesn't allow it. The nurse sister said there's a sign of internal bleeding in my body, so I should avoid large movements.
"I feel better, Erlie. Is the baby okay?" This is my biggest concern. Both Erlie and I have worked hard and endured for such a long time. Besides physical exhaustion, the mental pressure is immense, often making me feel like I can't catch my breath. We've done all this hoping that the baby will be born healthy.
I'm so afraid that all our efforts will come to naught.
"Don't worry, the baby is fine. You should worry about yourself too! Maybe add me in, I feel like I'm about to have a heart attack."
"Ha ha!" Seeing Erlie exaggerate, I laughed.
"Still laughing? What I said is true... Erbai, you must promise me, work hard and don't give up, alright? If you're gone, even if I don't have a heart attack, I would die because of it, you know? In fact, after all this time, I've never been able to prepare for losing you."
"Erlie... don't make me cry..."
Feeling the large palms holding my hands colder than mine, and trembling, I want to warm him, but I can't find the temperature or strength.
"Because I know, losing you is something I will never be prepared for