Chapter 979 - 971: The Appearance of Not Caring
"Since you don’t even care about your life anymore, why do you choose to stay here and pursue something so elusive? Is it really that difficult for you to leave with us?" Liu Rui asked. Once again, he brought up the topic that was forbidden between them. Whenever this subject was mentioned, it inevitably ended in a quarrel.
"Liu Rui, there are some things that even if I tell you, you wouldn’t understand, just like how I don’t understand why you went through so much trouble to come here and save me." Liu Bailong said. He suddenly realized that his words were too harsh, so he quickly added, "Of course, I’m really moved that you came to save me."
"There’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you these past few days, son, you’ve always been my pride. Even though I didn’t get to watch you grow up and won’t be living with you in the future, you’ve always been my pride, you and Sisi." Liu Bailong’s words caught Liu Rui off guard.
Everyone has a soft spot deep in their hearts. Some might appear fierce and indifferent, but in reality, their hearts may be more tender than many others. They pretend not to care because they fear getting hurt even more.
Liu Rui’s softest part was struck. He had never told anyone that his grandpa, father, and Sisi were the most important people in his life, the most important things. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have insisted on saving his father all these years.
"Dad, I..." Liu Rui called out "father," the first time he did so after meeting Liu Bailong in prison. Although they had acknowledged their father-son relationship, Liu Rui always felt it was awkward to call him that. But under these circumstances, it came naturally, and after saying it, he didn’t know what else to say.
He could never handle such emotional moments well. If he were a girl, he might’ve cried in excitement, but being a man, crying would seem humiliating.
"Liu Rui, you finally called me father. I’ve been waiting for these words for so many days. You’re my son, I’m your father, and this won’t change no matter where we are." Liu Bailong said.
Liu Rui stopped worrying about why his father didn’t want to leave. As long as his father was happy, wasn’t that what life was about—seeking happiness? He came to save his father to show his filial piety, and now that he had, the father-son relationship was somewhat reconciled. This was perhaps the best outcome.
"Dad, if you want to stay in here, stay. As long as you’re happy. But I have some suggestions for managing this prison." Liu Rui said.