Old father

Ye Qian, Han Xue, and the other orphans, including those referred to as Big Brother and Third Brother, were a group of homeless children taken in by an old man they called "Dad." This old man was not wealthy but merely a scavenger who worked tirelessly to care for them.

"Dad" was their respectful term for the old man who had shown them kindness. From a young age, Ye Qian was a favorite of Dad, but unlike the other orphans, he was quite rebellious. Ye Qian understood early on how much effort it took for the old man to care for them, so he dropped out of school after elementary school to help earn some extra money for the household. However, eight years ago, Ye Qian had to leave his hometown after stabbing a local gang leader to protect the third brother.

Han Xue had been taken in by Dad two years ago. Her parents, who lived in the shantytown, had died in a car accident. Seeing her plight, Dad adopted her. The young girl was sensible, excelling in school and not engaging in petty rivalries. In her spare time, she helped Dad by collecting recyclables to supplement their income.

As they were talking, an elderly man hurriedly entered the house, looking flustered. "Xiaoxue, Xiaoxue, something terrible has happened! Old Yang was beaten and is now in the hospital," he exclaimed.

It was only after speaking that he noticed the stranger in the room. After scrutinizing Ye Qian, he felt a sense of familiarity but couldn't remember where he had seen him before.

Upon hearing that Dad had been hospitalized, Ye Qian stood up abruptly, his face cold and serious. He glanced at the elderly man and asked, "Uncle Zhao, which hospital is Dad in?"

Han Xue, already panicking, looked helplessly at Ye Qian, tears streaming down her face. "Second Brother, what should we do?"

Recognizing the familiar address, Uncle Zhao tentatively asked, "Are you Little Second?"

Ye Qian nodded, "Yes, Uncle Zhao, it's me." He then patted Han Xue's shoulder reassuringly, "Don't worry, Second Brother is here. Uncle Zhao, which hospital?"

"The People's Hospital!" Uncle Zhao replied.

Ye Qian wasted no time on further pleasantries. Thanking Uncle Zhao, he quickly walked out with Han Xue. "Second Brother, this is all the money we have at home. Is it enough?" Han Xue asked, nervously handing over a package wrapped in kraft paper.

Ye Qian glanced at it briefly and said, "Don't worry, Xiaoxue. Second Brother has a way." Money was not an issue for Ye Qian; he had a Swiss Bank Supreme Gold Card that could overdraft millions. However, he didn't want to use it because it would alert certain people to his presence in China, ruining his hopes for a peaceful life. Fortunately, he had a few thousand in cash on him. If that wasn't enough, he'd resort to the card but wouldn't compromise on saving Dad.

Han Xue reluctantly put the money back into her pocket, holding back tears. They hailed a taxi and headed straight to the People's Hospital. Less than an hour later, they arrived. Ye Qian handed the driver a hundred-yuan note without waiting for change and hurried into the hospital.

Ye Qian had hoped to see Dad's kind face after eight years apart and was prepared for a stern talking-to. Instead, he learned that Dad was in the hospital after being beaten, fueling his anger. Revenge could wait; saving Dad's life was the priority.

Inside the hospital, Ye Qian found Dad's room and rushed in. Seeing the old man lying on the bed, wrapped in bandages with one arm in a cast, tears streamed down Ye Qian's face.

"Dad..." Ye Qian choked out, overwhelmed with emotion.

Yang Jianguo opened his tired eyes, saw the young man in front of him, and wept. "Little Second, you're back?"

"Yes," Ye Qian confirmed, unsure of what else to say.

Yang Jianguo smiled weakly. "It's good you're back. I'm fine, don't worry."

"Dad, who did this to you?" Ye Qian asked.

"Little Second, let it go. Those people have money and power. Don't provoke them. They've already paid two thousand yuan for the hospital. Let's just leave it," Dad pleaded, knowing Ye Qian's temperament and fearing he would seek revenge.

Understanding Dad's concern, Ye Qian reassured him, "Don't worry, Dad. I just want to know what happened."

Dad sighed, "I was collecting garbage outside the airport and found someone's wallet. When I returned it, he accused me of stealing and beat me up. He's paid for the medical bills, so let's drop it."

Ye Qian frowned, recalling seeing the familiar old man outside the airport. He knew who had attacked Dad. Being wrongly accused and beaten for returning a wallet, with only a meager compensation, was unacceptable. Ye Qian vowed to seek justice for Dad.

Han Xue, also upset, added, "It's not right. Beating someone like this and only paying two thousand yuan without even visiting. Where's the justice?"

"Dad, you're still in the hospital. I can't leave. I'll bring my books here and study while taking care of you," Han Xue insisted.

Ye Qian turned to her, "Xiaoxue, listen to Dad and go home. I'll be here. Don't worry."

"No, Second Brother, you just got back and must be tired. You should rest. Besides, you're a man. You don't know how to take care of people. Let me do it," Han Xue said firmly.