TMDP CH 17

Chapter 17: Hurting Others, Hurting Yourself

“Then my first request…” Xia Ye said, taking a deep breath. “I want you and Xiao Li to do a paternity test.”

Han Mingxiu gasped at the demand. “Why? I don’t need…,” he started, reaching out to hold Xia Ye and look him in the eyes. He wanted to understand what Xia Ye was thinking.

“But I need it. I already told you, I don’t like being misunderstood. A paternity test is a straightforward way to clear things up,” Xia Ye replied, looking back at Han Mingxiu with a frown. “Is it too much to ask for my first request? Or do you not even believe in a paternity test?”

Xia Ye was partly saying it out of defiance but also out of the genuine need for tangible proof to protect Xiao Li. He didn’t want to hear any doubts or suspicions in the future. This revolting feeling was something he’d had to endure alone, but he was determined Xiao Li would never have to feel the same.

The request for a paternity test hit Han Mingxiu like a knife, leaving him dazed. Meanwhile, the sharp edge of that blade seemed to plunge deeply into Xia Ye’s heart.

In an effort to harm his opponent, he was hurting himself more than he realized.

With Xia Ye’s self-inflicted request, Han Mingxiu found himself caught, unable to decide whether to accept or reject it.

“There’s no need for a test,” Han Mingxiu said, his voice suddenly louder with frustration. Xia Ye flinched slightly, taken aback by the unexpected outburst.

“No, Xia Ye, Xia… listen, I believe you. I believe Xiao Li is our son, my biological son. We really don’t need to test,” Han Mingxiu quickly softened his voice, trying to soothe him.

Xia Ye responded, “You believe me? But I don’t believe you. Your faith in me is too arbitrary, too fleeting for me to grasp or predict.” Looking at Han Mingxiu’s flustered expression, he added, “Fine. If you’re unwilling to help me clear this up, I won’t push you. We’ve been separated for so long; it does seem ridiculous for me to keep clinging to our past and dredging up old grievances. If you don’t want it, then let’s not do the test.” Xia Ye lowered his head, a helpless retreat that struck Han Mingxiu to the core.

“…Fine, we’ll do the test,” Han Mingxiu said, gritting his teeth in resignation.

Upon hearing Han Mingxiu’s response, a faint glimmer flashed across Xia Ye’s eyes. Though he had been the one to make this request, he felt no joy in Han Mingxiu’s agreement. If anything, the pain seemed to outweigh any satisfaction.

Seeing Xia Ye lower his head, Han Mingxiu understood. Forcing him to agree to a paternity test was Xia Ye’s way of venting his anger, yet ultimately, it was a form of self-inflicted pain designed to punish himself.

Han Mingxiu moved closer and embraced Xia Ye. “Once the test is done, you and Xiao Li can move back in, okay?”

Xia Ye didn’t struggle against the hug, but he simply remained still without reciprocating.

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Han Mingxiu led Xia Ye downstairs, where only Han Junze and Han Junzhou remained in the living room, engaged in conversation. The Han family head immediately released his tightly furrowed brow upon seeing them. Standing up, he addressed Xia Ye, “It’s late. Why don’t you stay the night? We have plenty of guest rooms.”

Xia Ye shook his head. “Thank you, Uncle, but I’d like to go home.”

“Then give me a moment. Xiao Li cried himself to sleep earlier. His grand— your Aunt Han took him to rest in a room. I’ll ask someone to bring him out,” Han Junze said, gesturing to call someone.

“Uncle, it’s all right. If it’s not a bother, could Xiao Li stay here tonight? I’ll pick him up tomorrow,” Xia Ye replied.

Han Junze looked at Xia Ye and nodded. “Of course, no bother at all. Don’t worry; we’ll take good care of him.” Xia Ye nodded back, noticing that the jar of candies on the table had already been put away.

While Xia Ye and Han Junze spoke, Han Mingxiu walked over to Han Junzhou. “Tomorrow, Xia Ye and I will be bringing Xia Li to the hospital to meet with you. We’re going to do a paternity test.”

Han Junzhou was taken aback by this sudden request.

“Why are you doing this out of nowhere?” he whispered, grabbing Han Mingxiu by the arm. “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t go through with it?” Han Junzhou glanced toward Xia Ye. Xia Ye’s eyes were still red, and his nose was slightly swollen. When Xia Ye noticed Han Junzhou’s worried and confused look, he responded with a faint, sad smile.

Seeing that forced smile, which was even more painful to witness than tears, Han Junzhou assumed Han Mingxiu had pushed Xia Ye too far again. Angered, he smacked Han Mingxiu’s arm and whispered harshly, “What the hell are you doing?”

Han Mingxiu didn’t avoid it, his expression looking even worse than Xia Ye’s. It was Xia Ye who finally spoke up. “Director Han, please, we’re counting on you.” Han Junzhou frowned deeply.

“What’s going on?” Han Junze noticed the three of them looking troubled and asked.

Xia Ye lowered his head, remaining silent, while Han Mingxiu looked at Xia Ye, unable to speak. Han Junze turned his gaze to Han Junzhou. “You tell me.”

With a pained expression, Han Junzhou reluctantly said, “They… they’re planning to do a paternity test for Xiao Li.”

“Ridiculous!” Han Junze harshly scolded Han Mingxiu. He felt close to being driven to his wit’s end by this stubborn son who actually had the nerve to ask for a paternity test.

“It was my request, Uncle. Having a definite answer will bring peace of mind to everyone,” Xia Ye replied with a faint smile.

Just then, the butler entered from outside, looking slightly confused. “Did someone call for a car? There’s one waiting outside.”

“Yes, I did.” Xia Ye thanked the butler, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and bid farewell to Han Junze and Director Han. Han Mingxiu followed him out, accompanying him to the car.

“See you tomorrow.” Xia Ye’s gaze was steady and clear. Han Mingxiu echoed, “See you tomorrow,” but the words felt like coarse sand scraping through his throat, coming out so hoarse they were barely audible.

“See you tomorrow”—but there was no joy in the parting.

Tomorrow, the three of them would each have to endure the prick of a needle, the pain piercing right to the heart.

Just get through it, Han Mingxiu reassured himself.

When the results come back, Xia Ye and the child would return. Then, he would cherish them both and never let them suffer an ounce of pain again.

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– End of chapter –

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