The Sickly Villain Only Wants to Survive

60

Zhu Tong didn't inform Zhu Shoushan in advance about his trip back to City A for a hospital check-up. In fact, he hadn't even considered calling him.

Zhu Shoushan had neglected him since childhood. In the past, Zhu Tong could remain calm when receiving calls from his father, knowing that the conversation wouldn't last long and would end quickly. However, ever since his father mentioned a "new friend" during their last call, Zhu Tong had developed a sense of resistance towards his father's calls.

Because the conversations were no longer just simple "greetings."

Since you've already decided not to care, why can't you stick to it until the end?

Zhu Tong thought to himself, feeling a bit frustrated.

On the phone, Zhu Shoushan's voice was gentle, "Tong Tong, I heard you've returned to City A? Where are you now? Why didn't you call me when you got back?"

Zhu Tong calmly replied, "I'm at the hospital. I planned to tell you after the check-up."

"At the hospital?" There was a pause on the other end before he asked, "When will the check-up be over?"

"..."

He didn't even ask about the results.

Well, with every check-up, the results are either worse or the same. There's never anything new.

Zhu Tong felt indifferent and didn't mention his recovery.

He replied blandly, "I don't know yet. There are still many tests to be done."

"Really?" Zhu Shoushan went silent for a moment, seemingly in thought. "Then tell me when you're done, and I'll have someone take you home."

Zhu Tong frowned slightly and said, "There's no need. I'll go back after the check-up..."

"Why are you in such a hurry?"

Zhu Tong: "..."

It seems like you're the one in a hurry.

Zhu Tong couldn't be bothered to go in circles with him and asked directly, "Do you need something?"

Zhu Shoushan hesitated for a moment before getting straight to the point. "Since you rarely come back, there's a birthday banquet at the Huantian Entertainment Club in three days. Will you accompany me?"

Zhu Tong: "..."

A birthday banquet? What would I do there?

Zhu Shoushan continued, "The person hosting the banquet was a close friend of your mother. She recently returned from abroad and said she'd like to see you and your sibling. Since Xiao Xin has school and can't leave, I thought if you're willing, I'd take you to meet her."

"..."

Xiao Xin can't leave because of school, but I'm here on medical leave.

Although skipping school is more of a norm for me.

It wasn't that he felt this was a case of favoritism, but his father's behavior struck him as odd.

Zhu Shoushan was a man who cared greatly about his reputation and was highly prideful. In front of others, he always maintained the image of a polished gentleman, a dedicated worker, and a responsible family man.

His second marriage was, in theory, for the better care of his two children. Although he and his current wife were not particularly loving, there was no neglect or betrayal.

He had a successful career, and fortune seemed to favor him. Whenever his business faced risks, he always managed to avert disaster.

But that's just what outsiders saw. What they didn't know was that every time he dodged a crisis, someone had been helping him.