Raul came running back, grinning from ear to ear. "Ha! Old Pedro, you should've reminded me sooner. Look at the good news I've brought—this opponent is practically God's arrangement. He's already lost two straight matches, so his strength is definitely..."
Mid-sentence, Raul noticed the uneasy looks on Pedro and Jason Luo's faces. "Hey, what's wrong with you two? We won, didn't we? Jason's only 18, and this is his first tournament. Such a great result, things are looking bright. We should be celebrating..."
Pedro cut him off. "His father's being discharged tomorrow. Without his father's support, that brat might just walk away from the tournament. Do you think we can celebrate so easily?"
"Oh, damn, I completely forgot about that..." Raul's mood soured instantly. He paced in circles, messing his hair into a bird's nest, but no solution came to mind.
"Anyway... tomorrow we'll do everything we can. If it still doesn't work out... Jason, I... I think sometimes people need to think about themselves too. That's not unreasonable. I hope you understand what I mean." Raul stammered through his words.
Jason Luo lowered his head in silence. Pedro shrugged. "It's useless. I've already tried persuading him. But honestly, his thinking isn't wrong. Maybe it's just cursed fate playing tricks on us..."
"Alright, Jason, listen. This all depends on your father's attitude, so there's no point in us debating it. Tomorrow, follow my plan: first, pick up your father from the hospital. Then, find the right moment to sound him out. Remember—whether he agrees or not, don't argue with him. If things don't go well, send me a message and we'll step in to handle him. Got it?"
Raul quickly nodded. "That's the only way. Jason, at least this gives you some wiggle room."
Jason Luo also felt this was better and slowly nodded.
"Good. Now go home, take a shower, and get some proper rest. That's how you invite good luck."
After pushing Jason off, Pedro gave Raul a bitter smile. "Truth is, I'm no less stressed than him. Tomorrow, we must win this battle where there's no room to retreat..."
...
After Tony Huo drove Jason Luo home, Jason pulled him inside. "Tomorrow we're picking up my dad. I want you to stay over tonight. Otherwise, I'm afraid I'll break down."
Tony Huo, who understood everything best, sat down quietly. "Jason, didn't Dr. Miao say Uncle Luo already kicked the drinking habit? What are you most worried about?"
Jason Luo thought for a while. "I'm most afraid he hasn't moved on mentally, that he'll keep tormenting himself..."
"Second, I'm afraid he won't approve of my boxing. Sure, I could survive doing something else, but I can't give up this sport—or Coach, or Mr. Raul, or the others. Boxing gave me confidence and hope. If I let go of it all, I don't know what kind of life I'd have..."
"Oh, right—there's also Grace. I want my dad to recognize her as his goddaughter!"
"That's the best angle we've got." Tony Huo stood up, thinking carefully. "Who wouldn't be happy to suddenly have such a lovely daughter? That could be our breakthrough. Once he accepts that, his mood will definitely improve. Then when we talk about the other things, it'll go much smoother."
Jason Luo's eyes lit up. "That makes sense! Tony, you're really full of clever tricks. This plan is great—let's go with it."
Tony Huo grinned. "Leave it to me. Tomorrow, let's have Grace cook a meal and wait at home. When your dad walks in—a warm home, a new daughter, delicious food in the air... the atmosphere will be perfect. It'll be a real surprise!"
Jason Luo nodded again and again. The young men immediately got busy...
The next day, Tony Huo and Jason Luo first called Dr. Miao, who told them all the discharge papers were ready. They just needed to come and pick him up, and he'd personally see them off...
Meeting Dr. Miao had saved them countless troubles, something Jason Luo would never forget.
When they arrived at the hospital, Jason saw Dr. Miao already waiting with his father at the entrance. He jumped out of the car and rushed over.
His father had changed!
His hair was cut, his clothes clean, and with his beard shaved, he looked much sharper. Only his face was still pale, and his expression a bit gloomy...
"Dad!" Jason Luo called, but suddenly didn't know what else to say.
Hearing that word—Dad—Henry Luo flinched as if struck. His lips moved, but no words came.
Dr. Miao smiled. "Save the words for later. Oh, I should remind you—your father's recovery is very good, both physically and mentally. But years of heavy drinking damaged his stomach. He'll need gradual care and good nutrition to make up for what's been lost. I recommend waiting a year or two before going back to work."
Jason Luo nodded earnestly. "Thank you, Dr. Miao. Once my father settles in, we'll invite you over to thank you properly."
Dr. Miao chuckled. "After your tournament, then. Good luck, Jason. I've got other business, so I won't walk you out."
"Go ahead, Uncle Miao..."
As Dr. Miao left, Tony Huo grabbed the luggage while Jason held his father's hand. "Dad, let's go home..."
He tugged, but his father didn't move!
Henry Luo studied his son closely, his gaze heavy and complex. After a long silence, he finally nodded.
Jason and Tony helped him into the car. Both were sweating nervously, but at least he seemed stable—for now.
The car ride was silent. Tony drove slowly, afraid even a bump might shatter the fragile calm.
But then a voice broke the quiet...
"Do you... hate me?"
Tony nearly slammed on the brakes. Jason Luo couldn't believe his ears. After a long stunned pause, he stammered, "Dad, how could you think that? I'm your son. We're the closest in the world. How could I ever hate you? I... I..."
Henry Luo's eyes filled with tears. "Son, you should hate me. I wasn't a good father. I don't deserve to be your father. I made mistake after mistake. I failed to protect the woman I loved, and I ruined your childhood and your life. I truly..."
No one could understand Jason Luo's feelings at that moment. It wasn't joy—it was as if a massive weight that had pressed on his heart for years suddenly shattered, leaving the sky clear and full of light.
Like ice that had been frozen for ages suddenly melting, with spring bursting back to life, birds singing, and flowers blooming...
Tears poured out like a flood, but Jason Luo gripped his father's hand with joy. "Dad! You finally came through. I never blamed you—not once! I knew this day would come... I've waited six years for it..."
Wiping his tears hard, Jason smiled again. "Dad, this is amazing! As long as you've let go, our family has hope. Everything will get better. If we live well, Mom will be happy for us... Tony, step on it—let's go home!"
Tony Huo wiped his own tears and shouted back, "Alright! Home! Let's go home!"
He stomped on the gas. The car spewed a puff of blue smoke and sped off toward a brighter future...