"You don't have to answer me now. Think it over carefully, then give me your answer. You should understand that this is the best choice for all of you."
Newspaper Man felt an indescribable affection for the Fatty. His actions were admirable, and that only made Newspaper Man more determined not to let someone like him die over a promise made long ago.
Fatty shook his head, then returned to his usual carefree manner. "No need. I've already thought it through. My friends have never given up on me, no matter how difficult things got. So I won't give up on them either. Even if, like you said, I don't have much time left, I'd rather spend what remains by their side."
At that, Fatty suddenly smiled. "And from what you've said, I'm a pretty useful person. My friends can live better because of me. It feels good to be needed."
Newspaper Man had nothing more to say. He simply looked at Fatty, his blood-red eyes softening. "No wonder he chose you to inherit his part. You really are reliable. As long as you're alive, you'd never let your friends face danger alone."
"Even if the outcome can't be changed, I still hope you'll live. Let's call that... my own selfish wish."
As he spoke, Newspaper Man turned his palm over, revealing a Jade Pendant. The boy also groggily sat up. When he saw Fatty, his face lit up with delight. "Brother Fatty, you're here too! Look, I found my father. I told you I wasn't lying—I really do have a family." Leaning against Newspaper Man, the boy eagerly introduced him to Fatty, as if he couldn't even see Newspaper Man's terrifying face.
Perhaps he could see it, but didn't care. All that mattered to him was that this was