Translator: _Min_
Nian Yiâan returned from school just as his father, Nian Tingchu, happened to be home.
âDad?â He expressed slight surprise. âArenât you on a business trip? How come youâre back today? Have you finished your work already?â
Nian Tingchu first took a sealed test tube from the freezer, then explained, âI left in such a hurry this morning that I forgot to take something with me, so I came back.â
âItâs rare for you to be so forgetful,â Nian Yiâan commented, curiosity piqued.
âWhatâs got you in such a good mood?â
A smile, seldom seen, played across Nian Tingchuâs face. âYou might be getting an older sister.â
âA sister? Did you and Mom have another child?â Nian Yiâan was taken aback. âWait, that doesnât make sense. Even if you did have another child, I would still be older. Unlessââ
He had an epiphany, his expression turning to one of disdain. âDid you have a child behind Momâs back?â
Nian Tingchu paused, glancing at him with a faint disapproval. âSeems like someone is asking for trouble.â
âIt was you who said I was going to have an older sister,â Nian Yiâan reasoned, as if it was the most natural conclusion. âSo, she must be from before you married Mom. You do have the look of a player boy about you.â
âAlright, itâs your uncleâs daughter,â Nian Tingchu clarified with a slight purse of his lips and a sigh. âItâs not yet confirmed; Iâm taking her for a paternity test.â
The greater the hope, the greater the disappointment.
He also felt that running off to the southern state because someone resembling Nian Hechuan appeared on the news was an extremely abrupt and illogical decision.
But a voice inside him insisted he must go.
Nian Yiâan was taken aback.
This was the first time Nian Tingchu had voluntarily mentioned his uncle.
He vaguely knew his uncle had died young, which is why Nian Tingchu never spoke of him.
Nian Yiâanâs gaze fell on the test tube containing fresh blood, his thoughts deepening.
His uncle had passed away early, so how had his father managed to preserve the blood for so long?
And for what purpose was the blood preserved?
Nian Yiâan took a closer look; the writing on the test tube had faded and was barely legible.
âWhatâs the matter?â Nian Tingchu noticed his gaze. âArenât you happy?
Nian Yiâan shrugged. âSuddenly having an older sister, and not knowing what sheâs like, Iâm definitely not used to it.â
âBeautiful, good-natured, capable, everything about her is good,â Nian
Tinzchuâs smile deepened as he spoke of Si Fuainz. âAnd sheâs verv kind.â
Nian Yiâan raised an eyebrow. âLook at that, the test results arenât even out yet, and youâve already accepted her. Is there still a place for me at home?â
âYou think you donât have a place in this family? Your mom dotes on you so much.â Nian Tingchu squeezed his shoulder. âHow have you been feeling lately? If thereâs anything wrong, remember to tell me.â
âIâm healthy from playing basketball every day,â Nian Yiâan said, his expression unchanged. âYou better go and take care of your things.â
Nian Tingchu nodded and hurried off once more.
After washing his hands and finishing his meal, Nian Yiâan went into his bedroom and, as usual, turned on his computer to log into âOracle.â
âYiâan, NINE the God is going to start a live stream!â exclaimed a teammate through the headset, excited. âAre you going to watch?â
âA live stream?â Nian Yiâanâs interest was piqued. âWhere?â
Nian Yiâan was two months shy of turning eighteen.
At this age, boys and girls are inherently proud, their spirits burning with unquenchable fervor.
Nian Yiâan had never been particularly interested in any of the top players in Oracle.
But after the West Deities teamâs challenge, and NINE the Godâs direct response on the international network followed by a display of overwhelming skill against the West Deities team, he became a fan of this top player.
âYes,â the teammate replied, thrilled. âIâll send you the link. NINE the God is said to be discussing the swordsmanâs combo moves today!â
Nian Yiâan immediately clicked on the live stream link.
The broadcast hadnât started yet, and the room was still dark, but it had already attracted a sizable crowd.
The popularity had pushed it to the homepage of the platform, surpassing other major streamers.
âYiâan, I have to admit, you were really cool playing basketball today,â the teammate said. âYou were literally flying, just like the manga Slam Dunk, leaving everyone else in awe. You must have received a lot of love letters today, right?â
Nian Yiâanâs expression subtly shifted.
He reached back and pressed against the slightly protruding bones, feeling the heat and slight pain emanating from them.
It seemed as though some force was about to erupt within him.
After giving it some thought, Nian Yiâan decided he should visit the hospital.
The family was not well-off to begin with, and the thought of having bone cancer was too frightening to even contemplate.
He didnât want to worry Nian Tingchu either.
With an additional person in the household, expenses would inevitably rise.
Tapping on the keyboard, lost in thought, Nian Yiâan decided he might as well skip further studies and start working right after high school..