Chapter 214 - 117: Bearing Him Another Son

Chapter 214: Chapter 117: Bearing Him Another Son

Chen Yuan, on the other hand, wasn’t overthinking it. He just focused on soothing the child.

In fact, her fever had reached 39 degrees earlier, but he’d downplayed it so Jiang Wanyi wouldn’t worry.

After she took her medicine, Chen Yuan carried the child to the bathroom. He filled the tub with water, gently placed Mili inside, and began to carefully splash water over her body.

He took Jiang Wanyi’s phone and started trying to book a hospital appointment.

But all the morning slots were full. The earliest available appointment was at 3:00 PM.

Without a second thought, he booked it. It was a little late, but it was better than nothing.

As he continued to splash water on Mili, Chen Yuan kept refreshing the appointment page on the phone.

After more than ten minutes, he saw a canceled appointment pop up.

10:30 AM!

Tapping into the lightning-fast reflexes he’d honed over his many years of being single, Chen Yuan snatched the 10:30 AM slot and then canceled the 3:00 PM appointment.

With all the necessary tasks completed, there was nothing left to do for the moment.

Mili was lethargic and could barely stay upright in the tub. Chen Yuan supported her with one hand, his own heart aching.

"Just hang on a little longer. Once we get to the hospital and they draw some blood, you can eat."

"Mili is the bravest girl..."

"Daddy... cuddles..."

Just as he was comforting Mili, Jiang Wanyi appeared in the doorway. Breakfast was ready, and she had come to call Chen Yuan to eat.

Hearing his gentle words, her eyes couldn’t help but redden.

’He really treats Mili like she’s his own daughter.’

"Breakfast is ready. You should eat something."

Hearing Jiang Wanyi’s voice, Chen Yuan glanced back at her.

"Can you just bring a bowl in here? I’ll stay with her."

"No, you go eat. I can stay with her."

"It’s fine. It doesn’t matter where I eat. If I stay with her, she might feel a bit better."

He glanced at the time on his phone. He’d been busy all morning, and it was already almost 8:00 AM.

"I snagged a 10:30 AM appointment. We should leave at 9:30."

"We have plenty of time. Eat something first."

"Just bring it over."

"Okay."

Since Chen Yuan didn’t want to leave, Jiang Wanyi didn’t press the issue.

She brought him a bowl of porridge and two pre-made savory pastries, then took over his task of splashing water on Mili.

Chen Yuan didn’t touch the pastries. He only had a few spoonfuls of porridge before setting the bowl aside.

"Eat some more."

"I can’t. You should eat, too," Chen Yuan said.

"Come here, let me see your mouth."

Chen Yuan turned his head toward her. "What’s wrong?"

"You have a big blister on the corner of your mouth. Doesn’t it hurt?"

"I didn’t even notice."

Jiang Wanyi’s heart ached. Her eyes reddened again, and tears began to stream down her face.

’She was the mother, and she hadn’t even reacted this badly. Yet here he was, the father-in-name-only, so stressed that he was breaking out in sores.’

"It’s just a blister. What’s there to cry about?"

"I’m so useless. I can’t do anything right. I don’t want to depend on you, but I end up having to rely on you for everything."

She quietly wiped away her tears.

Jiang Wanyi didn’t want to cry, but in that moment, she just couldn’t hold it back.

"I’m a grown man. I’m fine, really. Don’t worry."

"I’m fine, too. I’ll feel better after a good cry."

Chen Yuan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. A mother in her thirties crying so sorrowfully in front of him... it was the kind of scene that would leave anyone at a loss.

"Don’t cry. Go on and eat. We still have to go to the hospital later."

"Just give me your bowl of porridge. I don’t have much of an appetite either."

"But I’ve already eaten from that one."

"So what? It’s not like I mind."

Taking the bowl from Chen Yuan, Jiang Wanyi had a few bites and then forced herself to finish the rest.

After she had soaked in the water for a while longer, Chen Yuan lifted Mili out.

"Sweetheart, let Mama hold you. Daddy’s tired."

Listless, Mili paid her no mind, remaining limply in Chen Yuan’s arms. Her sickly state was heartbreaking to watch.

"She’s not feeling well. Just let me hold her."

Chen Yuan checked the time on his phone.

"The children’s hospital is pretty far from here. You go get our things ready, and we’ll head out soon," Chen Yuan said.

"Okay."

Jiang Wanyi got up and went to her room to get their things.

When she came out again, she had changed her clothes.

She wore gray trousers with a simple top and a jacket. Her hair was unstyled, the whole outfit put together casually.

"Is that what you’re wearing?" Chen Yuan asked.

"What’s wrong? I can’t wear this?"

"It’s a rare chance to go out. You should dress up. I’m not saying you need to be the belle of the ball, but you should at least look prettier than the other moms there."

Chen Yuan was joking, trying to lift her spirits.

"I’m just not in the mood. All I can think about is her fever."

"It’s just a reaction to her vaccine. Right now, it’s only a fever with no other symptoms. It’s not going to be a big deal," Chen Yuan said with a smile.

"Go change into a nice outfit. We’re going to blow all the other moms out of the water."

Chen Yuan’s words worked; Jiang Wanyi’s mood lifted slightly.

"You can pick something out for me. I’ll wear whatever you choose."

"I can do that."

Carrying the child, Chen Yuan went into Jiang Wanyi’s bedroom.

"I saw a really nice outfit yesterday."

Jiang Wanyi recalled how Chen Yuan had been hiding in her closet the day before.

"Which one?"

Chen Yuan picked out a denim jumpsuit.

"I think you’ll look good in this."

"You have great taste. I just bought this a few days ago. I was planning to wear it this fall, but I haven’t had the chance."

"Wear it today."

"And put this on, too. Then you’ll be all set."

Jiang Wanyi was about to change right then and there, but then she saw Chen Yuan pull out her thermal underwear.

"You don’t expect me to wear these underneath, do you?"

"Have you looked at the weather outside? You’ll definitely be cold if you only wear the jumpsuit."