Chapter Sixty-Nine

From the conversation between the two people before him, Yi Xiaoyu guessed the relationship between this old man and You Yige, though he wasn't entirely certain.
"May I ask... are you You Yige's adoptive father?"
Yi Xiaoyu was nervous as he asked this, for if his guess was correct, this was his first meeting with one of You Yige’s relatives. He couldn't help but feel annoyed that You Yige hadn't told him in advance—at least he could've been mentally prepared. Meeting his father-in-law for the first time, he should at least make a good impression.
"Adoptive father?" The old man furrowed his brows, turning to the son on the bed and asked in a deep voice, "Did you tell him I'm your adoptive father?"
You Yige scratched his head, about to answer, when You Hanzhe, standing by the bed, spoke up, "He’s always been claiming to be an orphan."
"Oh, I see. No wonder." The old man stood up, facing Yi Xiaoyu with a gentle smile. "I'm Yige’s biological father. But he was raised by his adoptive father, so our bond isn’t very deep. It’s no surprise he’d say that to others." As he spoke, the old man sized up the handsome and upright Yi Xiaoyu before him, nodding with a continued smile. "Yige praises you endlessly. For you to tame this rascal so thoroughly—I'm quite impressed."
Yi Xiaoyu finally understood. He shot a glance at You Yige, his gaze carrying the unspoken message: "You actually dared to lie to me?" For two seconds, his eyes bore into You Yige, who swallowed nervously and looked down at the blanket, playing with his fingers in an expression of pure innocence.
Yi Xiaoyu gave the old man a slight bow, maintaining perfect composure as he smiled, "Hello, sir."
The old man chuckled, "You and my son are already married—are you still going to call me 'sir'?"
"...Dad."

"Good." Being addressed as 'Dad' put the old man in a very good mood, his face glowing as he said to You Yige, "Get up, pack your things, and get ready to be discharged. Take Xiaoyu with you to the hotel for lunch. It’s been so long since our family gathered together like this." Sensing You Yige’s reluctance, the old man’s tone deepened, "Your brother already spoke to the doctor. Your injuries healed long ago. It's you who’s been refusing to leave the hospital, so don’t even try to make excuses."
After the old man finished, You Yige sneaked a glance at his spouse, only to find himself once again pierced by that "How dare you lie to me" glare. He could only wail internally, thinking, Dad, you really set me up this time.
Thus ended You Yige’s pleasant days in the hospital.
The family had lunch together at the hotel. During the meal, the old man and Yi Xiaoyu chatted happily; the more he observed his capable and astute new son-in-law, the more satisfied he became.
Throughout, You Yige kept serving Yi Xiaoyu food, diligently attentive, but it did nothing to dispel Yi Xiaoyu’s anger at being deceived. Outwardly, Yi Xiaoyu conversed amiably with the old man, but under the table, he pinched You Yige’s thigh more times than one could count. You Yige dared not let any reaction show, simply pursing his lips in grievance as he carefully peeled shrimp for Yi Xiaoyu in penance.
You Hanzhe kept his gaze on Yi Xiaoyu, surprised by the familiar look he caught in Yi Xiaoyu’s features.
That faint resemblance made him think of Yi Yu.
Near the end of the meal, You Hanzhe’s phone rang. After apologizing, he stepped out of the private room to answer the call.
It was Yi Yu on the line. Over the phone, Yi Yu cheerfully told You Hanzhe he’d also come to Saipan.
"I missed you, so I came looking for you," Yi Yu said with a mischievous laugh. "I can’t sleep without you in my arms."
"Where are you?"

"I just got off the plane, heading to the hotel now. I’ll be there in half an hour."
"Wait for me at the hotel. I’ll come to you in an hour."
"Really?"
Imagining Yi Yu’s delighted face, You Hanzhe’s lips curved into a barely perceptible, contented smile. "Really."
"Hehe, then I’ll get cleaned up and wait for you."
After hanging up, You Hanzhe returned to the private room, his expression as cold as before, though a faint trace of anticipation stirred in his heart.
He looked forward to seeing that person.
After lunch, Yi Xiaoyu and You Yige escorted the old man back to the hotel, while You Hanzhe drove alone to the hotel where Yi Yu was staying.
When Yi Yu opened the door, he didn’t give You Hanzhe any chance to speak. He reached out, pulled him in, and without a word pressed his lips to You Hanzhe’s, shoving him inside and kicking the door shut behind them, before finally pinning You Hanzhe down on the sofa in the living room.