CHAPTER 37

When they got to the hospital, everything moved quickly.

Wenlang stayed right beside Gaotu the whole time, not letting go of his hand. From the entrance, to now where he lay on the bed.

It wasn't chaotic. The nurses moved quickly but calmly, making sure everything was in place before proceeding. They prepared Gaotu, changing his clothes, setting up the IV and checking everything carefully.

Before long, the operating room was ready. There was no delay. His bed was wheeled in and everything began.

Gaotu was awake, with Wenlang right beside him.

"It will be over soon," Wenlang said softly, not letting go of his hand.

Gaotu nodded faintly, holding onto him.

The doctors worked behind the curtain, focused on his lower body. Because of the anesthesia, Gaotu didn't feel any pain. Just light pressure... small movements around his stomach where they were working.

Still, he felt tense and a little panicked.

Not being able to move, feeling numb like that felt strange. Like his body wasn't fully his in that moment. Like he was confined or caged. It made his chest tighten a little.

So he held onto Wenlang tighter.

That was enough.

Wenlang being there..., reminded him that this would be over soon.

"You're doing fine," Wenlang murmured.

Gaotu didn't reply, but his grip didn't loosen.

Luckily, the process didn't take long. Soon, a cry was heard behind the curtain.

Both of them froze. Gaotu's eyes widened as he turned his head slightly toward Wenlang, who mirrored his reaction.

"...Lele..." Gaotu whispered.

Wenlang paused for a second, then let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.

"...He's here," he said softly, lifting Gaotu's hand to his lips.

Gaotu's eyes grew wet, a small smile forming. "...Is he okay?"

"He's okay," the doctor confirmed.

Relief washed over both of them instantly.

A nurse gently brought the baby closer so they could take a proper look.

Wenlang's grip tightened around Gaotu's hand as they both looked.

The baby still cried, moving his whole body. Probably because of coming to an unfamiliar environment.

Gaotu stared, his expression softening completely. "...He's so small..."

Wenlang didn't speak for a moment. His eyes stayed on the baby, something quiet settling in his chest.

~~~~

Gaotu woke up hours later, after sleeping off the effects of the anesthesia.

When he opened his eyes, the room was bright. It was already midday.

His body felt heavy.

After his eyes adjusted, he tried to lift himself slightly, but a sharp pain shot through him, making him grit his teeth and stop immediately.

Before he could try again, Wenlang was already by his side.

"You're finally awake," he said, his voice low but filled with relief.

Gaotu blinked slowly.

It wasn't just Wenlang in the room.

Aunt Liu and Qing were there too. They had all been waiting for him to wake up.

Especially Qing.

When Aunt Liu had called her in the middle of the night, telling her the baby was coming, naturally she couldn't go back to sleep. She had changed immediately and rushed to the hospital. By the time she arrived, Gaotu was already in the operating room. So, she stayed with Aunt Liu, waiting outside.

When Gaotu was wheeled out, he had already fallen asleep.

Now, seeing him awake, Qing quickly stood up and walked closer to the bed.

"Qing?" Gaotu called, his voice hoarse, his lips dry.

Wenlang reached for the water beside the bed and gently brought the straw to his lips. "Slowly."

Gaotu took a small sip.

Then he looked around.

Aunt Liu stood nearby, a warm smile on her face. "Congratulations," she said softly. "You did well."

Gaotu returned a smile, though he still looked tired.

He didn't say much. He didn't have the energy to speak much yet.

Instead, his eyes kept searching. Wenlang noticed immediately and without a word, he stepped aside and gently pulled the bassinet closer to the bed.

"...He's here, sleeping soundly," Wenlang said quietly.

Gaotu turned his head.

Inside, Lele was fast asleep. Wrapped in soft clothes and a small blanket, his face calm and peaceful, nothing like the crying baby from earlier.

Gaotu's gaze softened instantly.

"...He's quiet," he murmured.

Wenlang leaned slightly, looking into the bassinet as well. A small, natural smile appeared on his face.

"He tired himself out," Wenlang said.

Qing leaned in from the other side, her eyes bright. "So cute."

Aunt Liu chuckled softly. "After a bath and feeding, they naturally fall asleep."

Gaotu didn't respond. He just kept looking. Slowly, he lifted his hand, though it was weak.

Wenlang gently supported it, guiding it closer.

Gaotu's fingers brushed lightly against the blanket near Lele.

"...Looks so fragile," he spoke, his voice low.

Wenlang adjusted his hand under Gaotu's, steadying him. "Do you want to hold him?"

Gaotu paused.

"...Is it possible?" he asked.

"Of course," Aunt Liu said.

Wenlang carefully moved the bassinet closer, then gently picked Lele up, supporting his small body with practiced care. For a brief second, Gaotu just watched, eyes following every movement.

Then Wenlang lowered the baby slowly into Gaotu's arms.

"Support his head," he said softly, guiding him.

Gaotu nodded faintly, though his movements were slow and careful. The moment Lele settled against him, something in his expression changed.

He stilled.

Lele shifted slightly, making a small sound, his tiny face scrunching for a second before relaxing again.

Gaotu froze. "...Did I do something?"

Qing covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. "No, he's just... noticed his father's arms."

Gaotu frowned slightly. "He looked like he was about to complain."

He looked down again, his gaze softening.

"...Lele," he said under his breath.

As if hearing his name, the baby moved slightly again, his tiny fingers curling weakly.

Gaotu's eyes widened just a little. "...Oh...He's responding."

Gaotu didn't say anything after that.

He just kept looking. As if analysing his small facial features. Like he was trying to memorize everything at once.

Wenlang watched him from the side, his expression calm, but his eyes softer than usual.

"He doesn't look like me at all." Gaotu suddenly said.

Wenlang glanced down at the baby, then back at him. "He's only a few hours old, how can you see clearly?"

Gaotu didn't reply. He kept staring, his expression focused like he was trying to solve something important.

After a moment, he spoke again, softer this time. "...His nose..."

Wenlang leaned slightly. "What about it?"

"...It's small."

Wenlang nodded. "He's small."

Gaotu ignored that. "...It looks like yours."

Wenlang glanced at him. "You can see that?"

Gaotu nodded seriously. "Yes."

Qing smiled as he also leaned in as he looked between father and son. "Brother is right, I can see it too."

Wenlang didn't argue.

He just watched the two of them quietly, as they studied the baby.

And in a moment, the room was filled with soft voices and quiet laughter, careful not to wake the baby.