dognovel Chapter 42 Officially Begins Raising Children
Chapter 42 Officially Begins Raising Children
Shi Shui's mother was also shocked by this luxurious medical center.
Shi Shui's mother was surrounded in a soft wheelchair, which was slowly pushed by medical staff in neat uniforms with warm smiles.
The dazzling crystal chandelier overhead casts a light like fine gold leaf, making the artworks hanging on the corridor walls shine even brighter.
The marble floor beneath your feet is so shiny it reflects the exquisite carvings and magnificent lights on the ceiling. Walking on it feels like strolling on clouds, with every step a dreamlike illusion.
The soft buzzing of advanced medical equipment and the gentle whispers of medical staff filled Shi Shui's mother with unease as they ventured deeper into the room.
Their family had once become extremely wealthy, so they had a glimpse into the world of the rich and powerful. Such a medical club of this standard and such a grand scale was something they had only heard of in that world.
Moreover, this medical club is privately owned by Bai Li. Shi Shui's mother secretly calculated that supporting such a medical team would cost an astronomical amount of money in a year. What kind of strong financial resources must be behind this?
Shi Shui's mother was shocked to realize that she was wrong. She had thought that Bai Li was just a kind-hearted person with a little wealth and a philanthropic nature. Now she realized that Bai Li's level was far beyond her comprehension, far beyond the reach of ordinary people.
When Shui suggested taking care of her at the medical center for a period of time, Shui's mother seemed to have a sensitive nerve touched and came to her senses in an instant.
She held Shi Shui's hands tightly; those hands were rough but strong. Her gaze was fixed intently on Shi Shui's eyes. Her voice was slightly low due to weakness, but it was firm and resolute: "I have everything here. My food, drink, and even my daily needs are all taken care of perfectly. There won't be a single mistake. Why would I need you to waste your time and energy taking care of me?"
"Good girl, go find President Bai. Just take care of yourself." With that, she gently patted Shi Shui's hand.
Shi Shui always felt that his mother's condition was a bit strange after entering the medical center, with a strange energy that he couldn't figure out.
But Shi Shui didn't think too much about it. After experiencing the facilities in the medical center firsthand, she felt relieved. The medical environment here was very good, and her mother really didn't need her to take care of her.
As Shi Shui's mother watched her son's figure gradually disappear into the distance until he turned the corner of the corridor, a complex expression appeared on her weathered face, a mixture of helplessness and worry, which finally turned into a soft sigh.
"Sigh, this child is still a virgin."
She is clever, but too simple-minded and easily taken advantage of. She has to face someone as high-ranking as Bai Li right away. How many worldly troubles will she encounter in the future?
But what's the use of worrying? Children and grandchildren have their own lives to live, and there's no use in her worrying.
Following the address given by Bai Li, Shi Shui carried her luggage to Bai Li's residence, a house hidden among lush greenery and quiet streets. The white walls and gray tiles exuded a simple and elegant charm. Standing at the half-closed carved iron gate, Shi Shui couldn't help but feel nervous, hesitating whether she should step in directly.
Suddenly, a clear and melodious laugh, like the sound of silver bells, came from inside the iron gate. Shi Shui recognized it immediately; it was Shi Hua's unique laughter, the kind that could dispel gloom.
Shi Shui felt a little more at ease.
He raised his hand, grasped the small, exquisite brass handle on the door, and gently knocked on the carved iron door.
Before long, the door slowly opened from the inside, and a maid dressed in a neat housekeeping uniform poked half her body out.
The servant was an extremely young man. He stood to the side with a meticulous smile, his arm elegantly extended in a gesture of "please," and he said, "Young Master Shi, please come with me."
The maid spoke softly as she led the way.
When Shi Shui was called "Young Master Shi" for the first time, he suddenly stopped in his tracks and froze for a full second. As a child born into an ordinary family, when had he ever been addressed as "Young Master" with such respect? He felt uncomfortable all over, both surprised and embarrassed.
At the same time, a question arose in my mind: I was clearly meeting this maid for the first time, so how could she recognize me so easily as if we were old acquaintances?
Before he could think any further, the servant was already walking steadily along the path. Shi Shui quickly suppressed his distracting thoughts, nodded slightly to express his gratitude, and hurried after her.
The cobblestone path underfoot meanders and twists, with flowers blooming in profusion on both sides, their vibrant colors filling the air with a rich fragrance.
After walking to a uniquely shaped rockery, the view suddenly opens up. In the very center of the garden, an exquisite pavilion stands gracefully, with vermilion pillars and a glazed tile roof, shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight.
Bai Li and Shi Hua sat facing each other, laughing and chatting.
Shi Hua, dressed in a pink dress with her hair tied up with a matching ribbon, looked like a little princess from a fairy tale. Holding a box of delicate pastries, she was sharing interesting stories with Bai Li with her eyes crinkling. Her clear, childlike voice and cheerful laughter mingled as she opened and closed her mouth.
Bai Li leaned lazily against the stone bench, her beige casual clothes accentuating her graceful figure and gentle temperament. She listened attentively, nodding occasionally in agreement, and gently brushed away the pastry crumbs from Shi Hua's cheek with her hand, her eyes full of doting affection.
"Brother's here!"
The sharp-eyed Shi Hua spotted Shi Shui first. Her face lit up with surprise, her eyes shone, and she cheered. She jumped up excitedly and rushed into Shi Shui's arms like a happy little deer, her face beaming with an extremely bright smile.
Shi Shui caught her younger sister steadily, then affectionately ruffled her hair and asked dotingly, "Are you happy here with Sister Bai Li?"
Shi Hua nodded vigorously, the bow in her hair swaying as she pulled Shi Shui's hand toward Bai Li, saying, "I'm so happy here! Sister Bai is so good to me. Brother, look, these snacks were specially made by Sister Bai, they're so delicious!"
Shi Shui looked up at Bai Li. At that moment, the sunlight shone on Bai Li, outlining a golden halo around her, making her even more gentle and charming.
Shi Shui said sincerely, "President Bai, thank you for taking such good care of Xiao Hua and for arranging such a good medical club for my mother."
Seeing Shi Shui's reserved demeanor, Bai Li pondered, "Why are you so distant after just a few days?" She gracefully rose and walked over, pulling Shi Shui to sit on a stone bench. She personally poured a cup of floral tea and handed it to her, teasingly saying, "Didn't you always call me 'sister'? Why are you suddenly calling me 'President Bai'?"
Shi Shui took the tea.
He didn't know how he started calling him "President Bai".
Perhaps it was because everyone in the medical center called him "General Manager Bai," and my mother also called him "General Manager Bai." In addition, I was really nervous when I entered Bai Li's unusual residence, and subconsciously felt that calling her "sister" was inappropriate, so I called her "General Manager Bai."
Shi Shui accepted the cup of flower tea with both hands. The warmth passed through the porcelain cup to her palms, dispelling some of her inner tension and unease.
His ears turned slightly red, and he stammered, "Sister..." His voice was a little hoarse.
Bai Li noticed that Shi Shui's complexion had improved a lot recently, looking rosy and as if she had gained some weight. She secretly asked Xiao Hao in her mind, "Xiao Hao, what's Shi Shui's current looks score?"
"79 points!" Xiao Hao's clear voice rang in her mind.
Bai Li was overjoyed. She was just one point away from getting her looks back above 80! She became even more determined to stay and slowly cultivate Shi Shui.
"How is your mother doing? Is she settling in comfortably there?"
"Thank you for your concern, sister. Mother is much better now..."
As Shi Shui spoke, his tone unconsciously quickened as he recounted his mother's illness in detail. Once he started talking, he became increasingly relaxed and natural.
The two of them took turns saying a few words, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
Shi Hua sat obediently to the side, her pink little mouth gently chewing on her snacks, her cheeks puffing out and puffing out, her big, dark eyes constantly darting between her older brother and sister, her head nodding slightly as they talked, seemingly understanding but not quite.
Seeing her like this, Bai Li's heart softened, and she couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke Shi Hua's little face.
Seeing that Shi Shui was no longer reserved, Bai Li thought it was time and waved to the person behind her.
The maid handed the prepared documents to Bai Li.
The document cover is made of high-quality paper with a light beige sheen and is printed with delicate patterns.
Bai Li turned the document towards Shi Shui and handed it to him: "Open it and take a look."
Upon seeing this, Shi Shui looked puzzled. He gently opened the book, and the words "Admission Notice" were prominently printed on the title page. The characters were strong and powerful, and his name was written below.
"This?" Shi Shui's eyes widened.
Bai Li smiled and explained, "I want to sponsor your university education."
Shi Shui's fingertips trembled slightly as he gripped the two notices tightly. The thick paper felt incredibly heavy to him at that moment. He lowered his eyes and stared at them.
The words "admission notice" seemed to be branded in gold, deeply engraved in his eyes, and also disturbed his original mood.
He clearly understood that when Bai Li handed him this notice, which carried hope and arrangements, her tone was gentle but her unwavering certainty clearly indicated that this was a "gift" that had been predetermined, leaving him no room to refuse.
Bai Li could tell from Shi Shui's expression what kind of internal struggle he was going through.
Shi Shui is too kind; this is both his strength and his weakness.
Kind people are like this; they feel guilty for owing others something. The heavy burden in their hearts makes them feel embarrassed and unable to easily accept the kindness of others.
Given Shi Shui's circumstances, he spent two years in voice chat rooms without making any progress, wasn't it all because of his kindness?
She's too kind; all she can do is sing, she doesn't know how to play the emotional game.
Thinking of this, Bai Li winked at Shi Hua: "Little Flower, do you want your brother to go to school?"
PLAN A: Forced acquisition won't work.
Decisively activate PLAN B; forced flowers are sweeter.
Shi Hua was already delighted with Bai Li, and upon seeing Bai Li's signal, she exclaimed crisply, "I want it!"
Shi Shui looked at Shi Hua, who had already betrayed Bai Li's camp, with a wry smile. Her eyes were full of doting and indulgence as she looked at Shi Hua: "If your brother goes to school, there will be no one to take care of you and Mom. Your brother won't be able to come home often either."
Shi Hua hesitated for a moment after hearing this. Although she was reluctant to part with her brother, she knew the importance of studying, and her brother's grades were so excellent...
Shi Hua nodded firmly: "Little Hua, don't be afraid, your brother has to go to school."
After hearing Shi Hua's words, Shi Shui said it was impossible for him not to be moved.
His gaze then turned to Bai Li, who was smiling and had a magical look in her eyes that gradually broke down his defenses.
Shi Shui paused, her Adam's apple bobbing with difficulty, and nodded, saying, "Okay... but let's sign an agreement, sister. You absolutely cannot give me any of the money for free. I will pay you back in full. Swearing won't work; only a written agreement will do."
Bai Li's motivation for helping Shi Shui was selfish and purposeful; she wanted to gain his favor. If Shi Shui were just an ordinary-looking person, Bai Li wouldn't have done such a thing.
But Shi Shui was unaware of Bai Li's intentions, which is why he felt confused, fearful, and unworthy of her kindness.
Bai Li understood Shi Shui's feelings at this moment and knew the reason why he made this decision.
But the slightly mischievous Bai Li wanted to test the poor, honest man, so she asked Shi Shui in a low voice, "Are you sure? The cost is not small, and you may have to spend your whole life paying me back."
Shi Shui wasn't intimidated by Bai Li at all. In fact, Bai Li's words made him feel much more relaxed. His eyes gradually hardened, and he gave a firm answer: "I'm sure, I'm willing."