Chapter 305: Recognition of Parentage

After I finished speaking, I said nothing more.

Xiao Shitou smoked and stared off into space.

After a moment of daze, Xiao Shitou tossed the cigarette,

then pressed the butt hard with his hand,

"Dad, I understand now; this recognition isn't just for me, it's also for the big guy, and especially for Da Heng Group's future.

As long as it's for you and the others, I'm willing to acknowledge this dad.

Whether he's my biological father or not doesn't matter.

In my heart, you will always be my dad."

Hearing Xiao Shitou's words, my old tears could no longer be held back.

It was truly dazzling,

"Good child, truly a good child, a child who dares to take responsibility,"

I said while crying.

I was crying from the heart,

Deep down I wanted to shout, Zhou Wei, our Xiao Shitou has grown up and dares to face his own pain.

Xiao Shitou instead comforted me.

Patting my shoulder,

"Dad, if you keep crying, I'll want to cry too; I miss Mom."

"Xiao Shitou, after a while I'll definitely take you to see your mother; she's safe now, so you can rest assured."

I wiped my own tears with my hand.

I finally said that I recognized Xiao Shitou as my child.

That was equivalent to giving Zhang Zong a Calming Pill.

After all, we are living under someone else's roof; now Zhang Zong can squeeze us at any time.

Xiao Shitou and I, the two of us, steadied our emotions,

Then I said, "Xiao Shitou, I've called Zhang Zong."

Xiao Shitou nodded.

I took out my phone,

dialed Zhang Zong's number,

"Zhang Zong, come over. Let's talk in person,"

"Alright, I'm coming over now,"

After only two or three minutes, Zhang Zong knocked and entered.

When Zhang Zong entered the room, he saw the two of us standing,

and he smiled awkwardly,

"Jianqiang, Xiao Shitou, have a seat."

I told Xiao Shitou, "Xiao Shitou, this is Zhang Zong, your biological father. Today you must acknowledge him."

Xiao Shitou stared at Zhang Zong, his mouth as if holding something, unable to speak.

Indeed, Xiao Shitou suddenly called his enemy 'dad'; the process was a bit rushed.

Zhang Zong laughed cheerfully, "Jianqiang, it doesn't matter whether you call him dad; just let the child know. Don't make it hard for the child."

"He must be called dad, Xiao Shitou. Let me reiterate: Zhang Zong is your biological father; you must call him 'dad' to formally recognize him," I said seriously.

Xiao Shitou closed his eyes, opened them again, then opened his mouth and shouted loudly at Zhang Zong, "Dad."

When Zhang Zong heard Xiao Shitou call him dad, tears immediately welled up.

My heart ached,

I know today we made it hard on Xiao Shitou, but we have no choice.

Zhang Zong reached out his hand,

"Come, Xiao Shitou, the two of us will shake hands, marking the recognition. From now on, we are one family, not two,"

"Jianqiang, although he is your adoptive father, he did raise you after all."

"I hope, Jianqiang, that I am your father, and I am also your father."

"These two fathers, you must call both and acknowledge both."

Xiao Shitou shyly extended his hand,

and shook hands with Zhang Zong.

But Zhang Zong held Xiao Shitou's hand tightly and wouldn't let go.

No matter when, only the child is one's everything.

Zhang Zong's face was full of paternal love,

Xiao Shitou was a bit nervous,

Zhang Zong held Xiao Shitou's hand and, with his other hand, grasped mine,

"Jianqiang, no more words; today it's just the three of us here.

Xiao Shitou being able to recognize me is mainly thanks to you.

That is one,

and two, you raised Xiao Shitou; your contribution is the greatest.

Alas, back then I got into trouble, grabbed a stack and fled, causing hardship for Zhou Wei and Xiao Shitou. Remembering that makes my heart ache outside, yet I was powerless.

Fortunately, Jianqiang, you took up the burden, allowing the two mothers to live without worry.

Only then did Xiao Shitou grow up.

I won't say more words of thanks.

All we need is to join hands,

and seize everything we ought to obtain.

Everything is for the child.

I also said happily, "Zhang Zong, don't mention it; actually the one we should thank most is Zhou Wei—without Zhou Wei there would be no Xiao Shitou."

I want to ask you today,

do you know about the car accident involving me and Zhou Wei?

"Jianqiang, originally I didn't want to say much about this; I feared the child might misunderstand me. But I will tell everything I know.

To be honest, you and Zhou Wei's car accident, I don't know much.

Because that matter wasn't my responsibility.

For that matter, I only know that Ruan Wei was in charge.

He knows the whole situation. That's why that day I let you give that kid a hard stab,

considering it avenging you.

Hearing Zhang Zong say that,

I trust Zhang Zong's words, because with Xiao Shitou nearby, he certainly wouldn't reveal everything.

He cannot draw hatred onto himself.

I'll find time later to ask Zhang Zong in detail.

I laughed, "The past is past; we look to the future. Xiao Shitou is a very outstanding child.

The future is promising.

How about this: we have a drink tonight and celebrate properly.

Regardless, this Xiao Shitou has, after all, gained a guide on his life's path.

"Yes, this wine must be drunk.

"I'll have the kitchen prepare a big feast; you inform Shangguan Zhuren, Li Ming, Shi Yong, etc., that tonight we have a gathering. Ha ha, wonderful," Zhang Zong said with a happy laugh.

For Zhang Zong, this is the happiest moment of his life.

No matter what, Xiao Shitou already calls him dad.

His life can be considered fulfilled.

Zhang Zong happily walked out of the room; he went to arrange the banquet.

I took Xiao Shitou down from the elevator,

and then arrived at the fifth floor,

I gathered Shangguan Zhuren and the others together,

introducing Xiao Shitou to Shangguan Zhuren.

Shi Yong, Li Ming, and Xiao Long all know Xiao Shitou.

Everyone was happy to be together again.

Shangguan Zhuren asked, "Jianqiang, has Xiao Shitou recognized his parent?"

I nodded,

"He has; give Zhang Zong a Calming Pill, otherwise his mind will be uneasy, and ours even more so."

Shangguan Zhuren looked at Xiao Shitou,

"It's hard on the child. Not easy, for the child to recognize a parent, to recognize Zhang Zong, shows that Xiao Shitou's heart thinks about the safety of us big ones.

Xiao Shitou, we still have many difficult roads ahead; do you have confidence to keep going?"

Xiao Shitou looked at Shangguan Zhuren and answered firmly, "Shangguan elder, I definitely can."

"Ha ha, good child. Absolutely someone who can do great things. Jianqiang, I admire you; the child is so outstanding," Shangguan Zhuren said with a laugh.

"Shangguan Zhuren is teasing me. Sigh, the child is outstanding, but I, as a father, am not; I haven't run the Group Company as well as the child, leading to today's situation," I said, shaking my head.

"Alright, Jianqiang, as you say. You are already excellent. Some aspects of this business management are not your responsibility at all.

Today Zhang Zong got a son for free; he wouldn't refuse to treat us to drinks, would he?" Shangguan Zhuren said.

"Zhang Zong is overjoyed; he's gone to the restaurant to arrange the banquet. Today we must have a proper drink," I said.

"Me too, I've been wanting a drink for a while," Shangguan Zhuren said happily.

"I want to drink even more. Today I will drink two jin," Shi Yong shouted.

"Today we will all drink our fill," Zhang Zong said as he walked in from outside.