Old Zhou knew Xiao Xiao was right.
If he had said he hadn't given it much thought before coming, now that Xiao Xiao had laid things out so clearly, how could he not understand?
But...
He just couldn't accept it.
"You..."
Old Zhou's lips trembled. "What if we tried?"
"Maybe it'll work?"
"That's right."
The old man raised his voice a little. "We'd only be trying."
"So many days have passed. Maybe he's cooled off by now?"
"If someone went to ask him at this point, gave him a way to save face, maybe he'd agree?"
A hint of excitement showed on Old Zhou's face.
"Xiao Xiao?"
Meeting the old man's earnest gaze, Xiao Xiao's eyes curved slightly. "Wouldn't Zhou Mingbao seem more sincere if he went in person?"
Old Zhou's expression changed.
"Heh."
He laughed awkwardly twice, then explained, "Zhou Zhou hasn't fully recovered from his injury."
"He's still lying in bed."
"Then, Grandpa Zhou, you could go talk to Mister Wang."
"I think that for your sake, Grandpa Zhou, Mister Wang wouldn't have the heart to keep making things difficult for Zhou Mingbao."
Xiao Xiao continued, his slightly curved eyes gentle and calm.
Old Zhou's expression grew even stiffer.
"If I go and tell him I'm Zhou Mingbao's father, I'm afraid it'll upset him."
"If that reminds him of something unpleasant... then I wouldn't just have made the trip for nothing. I'd have made things worse."
"It'd be better to have someone else talk to him."
"Xiao Xiao, could I trouble you to go?"
"Whether it works or not, Grandpa Zhou would be very grateful."
Xiao Xiao glanced at his watch.
It was almost time for lunch.
"Grandpa Zhou."
Xiao Xiao stood up. "I'm sorry, but I can't help with this."
Old Zhou looked up. Before