Doctor Lu Always Wants To Steal My Baby! Chapter 61
byChapter 61 Of Course Snakes Have Tails
“Why is Daddy angry?” He Leyan asked curiously.
“Because Daddy did something wrong,” He Chen said, lowering his head as he pulled a change of clothes from the ward’s closet.
“What did Daddy do? Did you eat something you shouldn’t have?”
Huh? “Do you often make your Daddy angry by doing that?” He Chen turned back to him.
“Not often,” He Leyan mumbled, lowering his little head.
Liar. He Chen rubbed his head, then, thinking of something, picked him up and placed him on the bed. Looking at him, he asked, “Leyan, tell Daddy, what does your Daddy look like when he’s angry?”
He Leyan thought for a moment, tilted his head, narrowed his big eyes slightly, and spoke slowly, “Tell me, how much did you eat?”
So accurate! He Chen’s slightly heavy mood lifted, and his lips curled into a wide grin. “So what exactly did you eat?”
“Ice cream…” He Leyan said, suddenly looking down at his round belly. He sighed sadly, “I wish people had two stomachs.”
One for meals and one for snacks? He Chen chuckled, laid the cub down, and massaged his stomach. “Exercise more, burn more energy, get stronger, and then you can eat anything.”
“Mhm, Leyan wants to be as awesome as Gege and Daddy!”
“I think you can do it,” He Chen said cheerfully.
As he spoke, he felt He Moyan, who was playing a game, glance at him. He winked, signaling Moyan not to speak.
Anyone who had tried to train He Leyan even a little would realize that the child’s hand-eye coordination was… almost nonexistent—which was why learning a simple somersault took him several days.
He Chen didn’t know why the child hadn’t inherited any of Han Jin’s martial arts talent, but he couldn’t bear to discourage him, so he changed the subject. “So, after Daddy gets angry, what do you do?”
“Admit my mistake!” He Leyan said decisively. “Daddy says the bravest people are those who dare to admit their mistakes.”
You’ve been completely trapped by your Daddy’s rhetoric… He Chen thought silently.
Then he asked, “Does Daddy stop being angry after you admit your mistake?”
He Leyan nodded.
After nodding, he thought again. “And also—”
“Also what?”
“Also this.” He Leyan suddenly lifted his upper body, wrapped his arms around He Chen’s neck, and pressed his soft, sweet-smelling little face against He Chen’s, giving him a loud smack on the cheek.
“That way, Daddy will be too embarrassed to stay angry.”
You have quite the bag of tricks yourself…
He Chen smiled, kissed He Leyan back, and then laid him flat again.
“Did you learn it?” He Leyan, having shared all his secrets, looked at He Chen seriously and asked.
“I learned it, but your method isn’t quite right for me…” He Chen’s face flushed as he thought of something. He lowered his head to pull up He Leyan’s pajamas, covering his tummy. “Go to sleep first. Daddy is going to wash up.”
“Wait, Daddy, look at the drawing I made today.” He Leyan called out to He Chen, climbed up, pulled his drawing book from the bedside, and presented it to He Chen like a treasure.
He Leyan’s talent for drawing was on par with his talent for martial arts—equally nonexistent. He Chen took the sketchbook, examined it for a long time, and tentatively asked, “Is this… a butt?”
“This is Daddy!”
“…Where are Daddy’s hands and feet?”
“Feet are bad, so I drew wings for Daddy!”
“…Thank you.” He Chen’s expression was complicated.
“This is a house,” He Leyan pointed to the bottom left corner of the paper.
“I see that. Is the house dancing?” He Chen asked—the house was long and twisted; if it wasn’t dancing, what was it doing?
“It’s a house in an earthquake!” He Leyan explained.
“Oh…” He Chen understood and praised sincerely, “That’s good. It’s a very vivid drawing.”
“Daddy flew into the earthquake house to save people, he saved the store manager uncle’s mom and dad, he’s a big hero!” He Leyan pointed to “He Chen” and then to the house, using gestures and explanations to finally convey the intention of his drawing.
Only then did He Chen realize that the two black circles behind the windows in the house were a pair of elderly people…
And the massive golden star above “himself” was probably the “Big Hero” medal Leyan had awarded him?
“Thank you, Leyan.” He Chen curved his lips, his eyes bright. “Can I keep this drawing?”
He Leyan nodded, looking at He Chen: Daddy’s smile was so beautiful, too bad he couldn’t draw it.
He Chen then carefully tore the drawing from the sketchbook. As he did, he saw the next page and looked at it in confusion for a while. “What is this?”
“This is a beastkin grandpa,” He Leyan replied.
“Beastkin… grandpa?” He Chen frowned. “Where did you see them?”
“Grandpa Fang took me,” He Leyan said.
“Elder Fang, what did he take you there for?” He Chen’s tone unconsciously became serious.
“Grandpa Fang said it was psychological therapy. If we talk to them, they will get better faster.”
“You’re so small, what can you talk to them about? Don’t go again next time. Daddy will talk to Elder Fang.”
In his view, even with isolation measures, those beastkin were still very dangerous. Even if they couldn’t breach the isolation, their appearance and their frenzied state could still frighten Leyan.
Elder Fang must have become obsessed with his research to take Leyan to interact with them.
“I can talk too… Grandpa Fang said the beastkin grandpas like little kids,” He Leyan argued.
“Then aren’t you scared of them?”
“No, I only saw one grandpa. The grandpa is very well-behaved and quiet.”
What kind of description was that? Was he sure he was describing a beastkin?
He Chen still felt something was deeply wrong, but he didn’t want to scare He Leyan or make the cub associate the “well-behaved grandpa” with the terrifying monsters that attacked them during the Star Capital camping trip. He simply resolved to talk to Elder Fang first thing tomorrow morning.
“Can’t I go see that grandpa?” He Leyan sensed something from He Chen’s expression. “But this is my job.”
He Chen twitched his mouth. “You’re only three years old. Who gave you a job?”
What’s wrong with being three? He Leyan had a stubborn streak. “I’ve been working since the earthquake!”
“I’ve also been helping at the free clinic Daddy and Papa built.”
Free clinic? He Chen was stunned. When did he build that? Why didn’t he know about it?
However, He Chen quickly guessed the answer: Lu Changqing probably built it and just put his name on it. No wonder when he went out today, passersby treated him with exceptional respect. Aside from the earthquake rescue, which he genuinely did, he was probably benefiting from Lu Changqing’s reputation.
“What do you do at your free clinic?” He Chen asked curiously.
“We treat people injured in the earthquake, and later, people who weren’t injured in the earthquake too,” He Leyan answered methodically. “Daddy goes there for half an hour every day, and the line is super long then!”
Of course, it was long; that was an academician providing free consultations.
So, even when he was busy settling severely agitated patients and barely had time to sleep, he still went to the free clinic every day?
Was he a superhuman? And why did he do it? Was it purely out of genuine compassion for the world, or was it for public support, serving his political agenda?
Or perhaps, a combination of both.
He Chen recalled the video of Lu Changqing rescuing people during the earthquake—that was his first reaction, uncalculated.
He Chen’s mind was troubled. He rubbed He Leyan’s hair, told him to sleep, and stood up to head to the bathroom.
As he prepared to undress, he remembered something and pulled the black “scale” from his pocket.
Lu Changqing had explained other things, but not this: why his subordinate had shed such a thing.
Was he also a semi-beastkin warrior? He Chen thought of how the man had been completely covered up last time.
Lu Changqing was like a cloud of mist. Even when He Chen got a little closer and saw a little clearer, he still felt he was unfathomable.
“I understand, it was thoughtless of me. I won’t let Leyan near them again.” Early in the morning, Elder Fang nodded in agreement after hearing He Chen’s concerns. “However, the beastkin’s condition is actually improving quite a bit. Little He, when you have time, you should go take a look.”
Elder Fang looked at He Chen, seemingly casual but full of expectation.
“Do you want me to go chat with them too?” He Chen asked.
“That would be even better, of course!” Elder Fang was overjoyed, but he deliberately suppressed his excitement and rationally explained to He Chen, “Richer communication stimulates their neural recovery. Little He, you must come when you have time.”
This old man was truly a bit obsessed, yet also admirable. He Chen agreed, “I’ll go when I have time.”
As he spoke, he sniffed the air. “What’s that smell? It’s delicious.”
“So you followed your nose here,” Elder Fang chuckled, patting He Leyan. “Leyan, go see who’s in the kitchen.”
Who? He Leyan didn’t understand yet, but He Chen quickly realized and turned toward the kitchen.
Elder Fang smiled at his reaction, then whispered something to He Leyan. Leyan understood, jumped up, and ran toward the kitchen. “Daddy!”
They were only separated for a day, there was no need for this… He Chen thought, yet he stood up from the sofa, watching the direction of the kitchen, his fingers tapping like someone with restless syndrome.
“Come on, let’s eat.” Elder Fang smiled and beckoned He Chen to the dining table. “I don’t know whose good fortune I’m sharing today, but Director Lu personally cooked breakfast.”
“Elder Fang is joking. The meal was made by the chef; I only added some seasoning. I wouldn’t dare take credit,” Lu Changqing said, walking out of the kitchen, holding Leyan’s hand.
Meeting He Chen’s gaze, he looked composed. “Come and try the chicken noodle soup.”
“When did you get back?” He Chen asked.
“Just a little while ago,” Lu Changqing said, pulling out a chair.
He Chen sat next to him, watching him wipe He Leyan’s hands clean and lift the child onto the dining chair.
The chef brought in a tray, serving everyone a steaming bowl of noodles and a side dish.
He Chen sniffed again: Lu Changqing had made him a bowl of noodles once in Star Capital, and it smelled just like this.
Suddenly, some distant memories were awakened. He remembered smelling the aroma of stewing meat from restaurants or homes on the street when he was little. He was always craving it, always thinking about it—not just the smell, but what lay behind that smell, something he didn’t have.
Something called “home.”
Gripping his chopsticks, He Chen maintained a normal expression and began eating the noodles heartily.
After breakfast, Leyan was handed over to someone else, and Lu Changqing invited He Chen into his office.
“Why did Senior Brother rush back so quickly? The patients should all be fine,” He Chen asked, making small talk after entering the room.
“I needed to explain something to you. It’s clearer to do it face-to-face.”
“Senior Brother has already explained.” He Chen looked at him seriously. “I was small-minded. I apologize to Senior Brother.”
“It’s alright. As I said, it’s normal for you to be suspicious of me,” Lu Changqing said. “I am also a suspicious person; I understand your caution.”
“You, suspicious?” He Chen was puzzled. Lu Changqing didn’t look suspicious at all; he seemed certain about everything.
Lu Changqing paused, then admitted, “You should know that I observed you for a long time, as L.”
“Because of observation, I understand. Because of understanding, I trust you. But you don’t have that understanding of me, so it’s natural for you not to trust me.”
That sounded very reasonable, and He Chen suddenly felt less guilty. However—
“Even if I observed, I wouldn’t necessarily understand. I’m a bit slow,” he murmured.
“Your academic record was all excellent, your military service was distinguished, and you excel in both civil and martial arts. How could you be slow?” Lu Changqing said. “Besides, you are meticulous and perceptive—”
“Ahem, I know, Senior Brother, please stop ‘praising’ me.”
He Chen almost nodded at the first half of the sentence, but the latter half made him feel awkward again. He timidly picked up the watering can on Lu Changqing’s desk and watered the potted plants.
Lu Changqing watched his actions with a smile. After a moment, he sobered his expression and spoke. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”
He Chen’s heart stirred. “Who?”
Lu Changqing didn’t answer, simply saying into his terminal, “Come in.”
The door opened, and He Chen turned to look.
Unsurprisingly, he saw the heavily “armed” masked man.
“His name is Qiao Bu. He’s the person you saw last time,” Lu Changqing said.
“Do you remember Fu Chen, whom we discussed before?” he suddenly asked.
He Chen withdrew his gaze from Qiao Bu. “I remember. Why?”
“Fu Chen conducted some experiments that required Mysterians.”
Mysterians? He Chen’s gaze sharpened instantly. His hand rested on the weapon at his waist as he looked at Qiao Bu again. “Senior Brother, are you saying he is a Mysterian?”
Lu Changqing sighed silently at his reaction. But after a moment of hesitation, Lu Changqing spoke. “Uncover yourself.”
Qiao Bu, silent like a shadow in his black clothes, heard the command, raised his hands, and began to remove the mask covering his head.
As he did, Lu Changqing spoke. “The Mysterians in the lab are of various races. They are not prisoners of war who invaded the Star River. Most of them belong to vulnerable groups, smuggled into the Star River Empire through various channels and ending up in Fu Chen’s lab. Before this, they hadn’t even heard the name Star River Empire.”
“They were smuggled in?” He Chen understood somewhat.
It takes all kinds to make a world. With the Star River Empire’s massive population, some people had strange, morbid curiosity. Thus, underground forces would “collect” Mysterians, locking them up or displaying them to satisfy this curiosity.
“Those smugglers should be arrested and sent to Myster to be locked in cages for the Mysterians to observe,” He Chen said coldly.
“Don’t you dislike Mysterians?”
“That’s two different things,” He Chen said, narrowing his eyes slightly as he looked at Qiao Bu, who had removed his mask.
The man’s facial features were generally the same as a Blue Star native, except for his eyes, which were a different color with narrower, elongated pupils. Additionally, on both sides of his face, near his ears, there was a covering of ink-black… snakeskin?
He Chen now knew what he had picked up. However, what he found was a lifeless shed skin, while the scales on Qiao Bu shimmered with a faint, moonlit sheen.
“Ahem, is he… shedding?” He turned to Lu Changqing and asked in a low voice.
“You can ask him directly. He understands our language and can communicate. In that regard, they are no different from Blue Star natives.”
He Chen knew there was no difference, of course. In terms of civilization and intelligence, Mysterians and Blue Star natives were fundamentally the same. He Chen had infiltrated Myster multiple times and was probably clearer on this point than Lu Changqing.
“Commander He, I apologize for fighting you without explanation last time,” Qiao Bu spoke first.
“It’s alright,” He Chen said. His hand finally dropped from his waist.
Lu Changqing nodded to Qiao Bu, signaling him to leave first.
Once he was gone, He Chen looked at Lu Changqing. “What is Senior Brother’s relationship with Fu Chen?”
“No relationship. My teacher once partnered with him. After Fu Chen died, the lab disbanded, and some of the beastkin had nowhere to go.”
“So he took those people in, and then they were transferred to Senior Brother?” He Chen automatically filled in the blanks.
Lu Changqing nodded.
“Doesn’t Senior Brother worry about them turning on you and harming people?”
Lu Changqing was not surprised by He Chen’s question.
He seemed to have prepared the answer long ago. “Historically, the Mysterians who invaded the Star River Empire did so for resource plunder and racial survival. They plundered indiscriminately, both internally and externally, because that is their way of life.”
“I’m not saying that’s right.” Seeing that He Chen looked like he wanted to speak, Lu Changqing quickly added—compared to his usual composure, his explanation today was noticeably more lengthy and urgent.
“What I mean is, people like Qiao Bu, whose race is near extinction in Myster, have neither the motive nor the capability to invade Blue Star.”
“Because of that, Senior Brother is comfortable keeping an alien race by your side?” He Chen frowned.
Lu Changqing was silent for a moment.
“I’ve known him since I was young. To me, he is no different from a Blue Star native.”
“I understand,” He Chen said thoughtfully.
With this layer of mist cleared, he felt relieved.
Lu Changqing observed his expression. Seeing no disgust, he also felt relieved.
“So what race is he?” He Chen suddenly asked again.
Lu Changqing’s hand, reaching for his teacup, paused. “The Shadow Scale Tribe.”
“They were once a powerful race, but they are nearly extinct because the land they relied on for survival disappeared.”
In other words, an endangered… snake? He Chen’s pores inexplicably opened. “Um, does he have a tail?”
“Naturally, in his beast form. Why,” Lu Changqing slowly raised his eyes, “do you want to see it?”
“Ahem, no need!” He was not that kind of curious person!
“If you are afraid, I can transfer him somewhere else,” Lu Changqing said.
“Why would I be afraid?” He Chen said loudly.
Lu Changqing chuckled softly. “Understood.”
“Cough!” He Chen coughed awkwardly, snatched the tea Lu Changqing had just poured, and drank it in one gulp.
Fortunately, Lu Changqing had poured it for him, and it was warm water.
“Do you have any other questions?” Lu Changqing poured him a second cup of tea.
He Chen hesitated. “No.”
“If you have questions and are willing to ask them, I will only be happy,” Lu Changqing said, looking at him.
“I’ll ask when I think of them.” He Chen’s tone was steady, but his face felt warm. Half of it was due to the guilt of misunderstanding Lu Changqing, and the other half was because of… Lu Changqing’s boundless tolerance for him, evident in everything he said.
He Chen had received warmth from the old man when he was young and from friends when he grew up, but it was different from the kind of tolerance Lu Changqing gave him.
Somehow, He Chen recalled the moment Lu Changqing placed his hand on his head before leaving that night.
“If I make a mistake, I will apologize to Senior Brother,” He Chen composed himself and said seriously. “Senior Brother doesn’t need to treat me like an ignorant child.”
He Chen had been independent since childhood—a rare kind of independence—and he was certain he didn’t want to be treated like a child.
However, occasionally, very occasionally, those moments of being cherished and protected, those… unprecedented experiences, made him feel a little strange: uncomfortable, but also… not entirely disliked.
“I have never treated you like a child.” Lu Changqing paused, his tone complex. “Do you never look in the mirror? No one would treat you like a child looking at that face of yours.”
His face? He Chen didn’t understand. He raised his hand and touched himself. “Do I look… very old?”