Athena's gaze made Ben Hong frown. "To be honest, I don't have absolute confidence that I can ensure both mother and child will be safe..."
"At least you can ensure the child's safety?" Athena's eyes lit up.
"I understand." Ben Hong stared deeply into Athena's eyes before finally nodding slowly. "I won't mince words. I truly don't have that confidence. If... I mean, if there comes a time when only one of the child and the mother can be chosen, how should I choose? As the child's parents, you and he must think it through and give me an answer."
Everyone's hearts tightened. They had known Ben Hong for quite some time, and she had never exaggerated the truth. Since she said this, Athena's condition was clearly far from optimistic. And that final question was both heavy and painfully real.
"Athena."
"The child."
The two gave different answers.
"Chen Rui! I have something to say."
"No, listen to me first." Chen Rui took Athena's hand and shook his head, stopping what she wanted to say. "I know what you want to say, but you're wrong. Everyone here, every single one of them, is unique and irreplaceable. This isn't sweet talk; it's the truth from my heart. In many matters, I would choose 'the future,' but in this matter, I choose 'the present,' and I will not change my mind."
That resolute tone made Athena's eyes redden slightly. "But..."
"No 'buts.' Even if I am destined to have only one daughter in this life, I will have no regrets." Chen Rui turned his gaze to Ben Hong. "Besides, this is only an 'if.' The real hope is still great. Isn't it?"
"There is indeed 'hope,' but if we do nothing, there will certainly be more 'ifs.'" Ben Hong pondered for a