Chapter 1907: Illness

The joy of victory did not last long, for Li Hao knew this was only temporary peace. The forces of Black Wind Stronghold and Meihua Sect still existed; they would surely launch another attack.

"We must prepare for a long war," Li Hao said to the villagers. "We must strengthen the village's defenses and improve our combat abilities."

"That's right; we must be prepared for the unexpected," Li Xiaohao agreed. "We must make preparations in advance and not give the enemy any opportunity."

In the following days, the villagers began to busy themselves. They reinforced the village's defensive works, built more traps and obstacles. At the same time, they intensified their training and improved their own combat abilities.

One month later, the allied forces of Black Wind Stronghold and Meihua Sect launched another attack. This time, they did not underestimate the enemy as before but treated every battle seriously. With every attack, they paid a heavy price.

But the villagers were not easy to bully. Relying on their courage and wisdom, they repelled the enemy's attacks time and again. With every battle, they achieved victory.

Thus, under the unity and effort of the villagers, the village repelled the enemy's attacks time and again. Although the fighting was fierce, the villagers never gave up.

Finally, the allied forces of Black Wind Stronghold and Meihua Sect had to retreat. They knew this village had become their nightmare. They dared not launch an attack lightly again.

The villagers cheered; they knew their efforts had not been in vain. Li Hao and Li Xiaohao also felt very gratified. They knew this was the result of everyone's joint effort.

"We have won!" Li Hao shouted excitedly. "We must cherish this fruit of victory and continue to work hard to protect our home."

"That's right; we must unite and jointly defend our home," Li Xiaohao also said. "We cannot give the enemy any opportunity." Until one day, they encountered something unforgettable in their lives.

"You're awake? How is your body?" Li Hao asked the man lying beside the bed. This man was his father, Li Hao.

"Mm! Thank you for saving me," Li Hao said. He still remembered the situation after being captured by the bandits of Black Wind Stronghold. If Li Hao had not arrived in time back then, he would probably have died under a hail of bullets.

"No need for thanks," Li Hao waved his hand. "You just woke up; eat something first."

"Mm," Li Hao replied.

Afterwards, Li Hao took the food brought to the table, sat down beside the bed, and fed Li Hao a bowl of porridge.

After finishing, Li Hao cleaned up the other dishes. "Dad, I'll boil water for you to bathe." After saying this, Li Hao walked toward the kitchen.

After Li Hao boiled the water, Li Hao had already finished bathing and changed his clothes. This was a simple room; the walls leaked wind everywhere. This was because Li Hao's family was poor; otherwise, he wouldn't be unable to afford even a new piece of clothing.

"Dad, you sleep on the bed and rest tonight; I plan to move to the next room," Li Hao said.

"What? You're moving out?" Li Hao asked in surprise. "Don't you want to live with me?"

"During this time, we haven't been separated. So I decided to move out and live separately," Li Hao replied. "Your wounds have just healed; you need rest. I don't want to affect your recovery. Besides, you can also consider the matter of taking a wife."

Li Hao fell silent; he had also thought about taking a wife.

"Dad, I think it's better for me to stay and take care of you," Li Hao said. "After all, we are father and son; I believe deep down you still love me very much."

"Sigh!" Li Hao let out a sigh. "Alright. I'll listen to you. You move to the next room; come over at night to chat with me and help me cook."

"No problem," Li Hao smiled. "We father and son should communicate properly. We can't always do our own things separately."

"Alright, go ahead. I'm tired too; I want to sleep."

After Li Hao left, Li Hao lay alone in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep for a long time.

Scenes from his childhood constantly surfaced in his mind; back then, the two had relied on each other for survival. But time is ruthless; in a blink, more than twenty years had passed. Now, his son had grown up. Moreover, his own body had worsened. The only thing he worried about now was: what if one day he passed away, what would become of his son? He couldn't bear to leave his son behind, but he was also afraid of burdening him.

After Li Hao left, Li Hao returned to his own room, his mind full of thoughts. He knew his father's physical condition was not optimistic, and he also knew his father must have some unspeakable worry in his heart.

"Sigh, no matter what, let's not make father worry for now," Li Hao thought silently.

The next morning, Li Hao brought breakfast to his father as usual. Seeing his father's complexion was good, his worry eased slightly.

"Dad, how do you feel today?" Li Hao asked.

"Mm, much better. Thanks to you," Li Hao said with emotion.

"Then what are your plans for today? Do you want to go out for a walk?" Li Hao suggested.

"No need; my body hasn't fully recovered yet. Besides, I'm a bit tired," Li Hao shook his head.

"Alright, then rest first. I'm in the next room; call me if you need anything," Li Hao said.

Li Hao left the room, leaving Li Hao lying quietly on the bed alone. He looked at the ceiling, his heart filled with helplessness and worry. He knew his physical condition was not optimistic, and he also knew his son was striving hard for him.

"Sigh, I hope I can do more for him," Li Hao thought silently.

Time passed quickly; in a blink, a week had gone by. Li Hao's body gradually recovered, and he began to gradually adapt to the current life. He knew he couldn't keep burdening his son, but he also didn't want to leave this world.

"Dad, the weather is nice today; let's go out for a walk," Li Hao suggested.

"Okay," Li Hao nodded.

The two walked slowly through the village; their figures looked especially warm in the sunlight. They chatted, talking about interesting things in the village and Li Hao's plans. Although Li Hao's physical condition was not optimistic, his mindset was very good; he knew he couldn't keep burdening his son.

Walking along, they arrived at a small square in the village. Many villagers gathered here; they were happily dancing and singing. Li Hao and Li Hao also joined their ranks; their dancing skills were not beautiful, but their smiles were brilliant.

After the dance ended, the villagers flocked around Li Hao and Li Hao. They praised the two for their chemistry and dancing, and asked about some questions regarding illness recovery and rehabilitation. The two patiently answered the villagers' questions until they were satisfied.

After returning home, Li Hao and Li Hao discussed today's experiences at the dining table. Their topics ranged from dancing to village affairs, to the father-son bond and future plans. The two chatted very happily, as if returning to the days of their childhood when they relied on each other for survival. The next morning, Li Hao was busy in the kitchen preparing breakfast. Li Hao sat quietly by the dining table, watching his son's skilled cooking, his heart filled with warmth and satisfaction.

"Dad, come eat breakfast," Li Hao said, walking over with steaming hot porridge and pickled vegetables.

"Okay," Li Hao nodded, took the chopsticks, and tasted the breakfast his son made with his own hands.

"How is it? Is the taste okay?" Li Hao asked nervously.

"Very delicious," Li Hao smiled and nodded in praise; he knew his son's cooking skills were already quite good.

After the meal, the two walked in the courtyard. In the early spring morning, a gentle breeze blew, and the sun shone brightly. In the corner of the courtyard, flowers bloomed, presenting a scene full of vitality.

"Dad, look at that flower; it is striving to bloom," Li Hao said, pointing to a blooming flower.

"Yes, this flower may not be the most beautiful, but it grows very hard," Li Hao said with emotion.

The two fell silent, quietly watching that flower striving to bloom. They knew this flower was like them, father and son; although ordinary and common, they must also strive to bloom their own lives.

"Dad, I want to go out and make a name for myself," Li Hao suddenly spoke.

"What? You want to leave me?" Li Hao's tone was somewhat surprised and disappointed.

"No, Dad. I want to go out to see the world and learn some new things. Only then can I better take care of you and this family," Li Hao explained.

Li Hao fell silent for a moment. "Alright, you go. But pay attention to safety; always think of me."

"Mm, I will," Li Hao nodded gratefully.

A few days later, Li Hao shouldered his pack and set off on his journey. At the village entrance, he looked back at his father, his heart filled with reluctance and firm belief. He knew his future depended on his own struggle, but he also understood his father's important position in his heart could never be replaced. In a blink, fifteen years passed quickly; on this day, Li Hao told his parents over the phone that he was about to return.

That evening, Li Hao drove back to the village alone.

During this period, he had not contacted his family, afraid they would worry. Now that he could finally return home openly and honorably, his mood was especially cheerful.

When he opened the door and stepped inside, he heard peals of laughter and cheerful voices coming from the living room.

"Mom! Dad! What are you doing here!" Li Hao strode in quickly, seeing his mother chatting with his grandfather and father.

"Xiaohu's back." The moment his mother saw Li Hao return, her face immediately lit up with joy and excitement.

Li Hao walked over and hugged his mother. "Mom, you've lost weight. I'm sorry for making you suffer."

"Silly child, Mom's fine. But you… have you really decided to leave?" Seeing her son's haggard face, his mother stroked his cheek with heartache.

"Mm. These past few years I've been drifting outside, and if I didn't come back to see you all, I'd be afraid I'd regret it. Besides, I've grown up now too — it's time to be independent and self-reliant." Li Hao nodded as he spoke.

"Good. Since you've decided to stay outside, Mom supports you." His mother gripped Li Hao's shoulders and said solemnly: "Son, remember what I've told you — a man must dare to act and dare to take responsibility, and stand tall between heaven and earth. No matter what difficulties or setbacks you face, don't forget that at home your father and mother are waiting for your return. Mom believes you can definitely do it!"

"Mom! Thank you! I will definitely do it!"

"Old woman, stop your nagging. Our son's grown up, his wings are strong — where would he still need us to worry about him?" Grandfather stood up leaning on his cane and said.

"Yes, Mom, please rest assured. I will definitely take good care of myself, and even more so take good care of our family."

"Mm." Li Hao's mother nodded with relief. She knew these past years Li Hao had suffered quite a few grievances and endured quite a bit of hardship. But now Li Hao had grown up and become sensible — that was better than anything.

"Oh right, Mom, how is Dad's health?" Li Hao released his mother, walked over to his father, and asked with concern.

"Your father's recovery is going quite well. These past two days we took him out to relax a bit, and along the way had him checked to see if there were any problems with his health."