【Why not just use regular paper?】
Why use toilet paper that's not very convenient for writing?
【Ji Tingzhou isn’t stupid. All the paper in the base is numbered. If he recognizes it and traces the number back to where I got it, checking the surveillance footage will reveal it was me.】
The System let out an understanding "Oh."
After drawing for a while, Ji Nian unfolded her drawing and said, "I’m done. I want to show it to Dad."
The assistant’s phone translated immediately, and he hesitated.
He said the boss was busy and suggested Ji Nian wait a little longer.
But the previously obedient child now pouted, on the verge of tears, insisting on seeing her dad.
The assistant had no choice but to message Bruce for instructions.
In the next room.
Ji Tingzhou looked at Wei Yang, who had rapidly deteriorated in just one day, lying motionless on the bed, his face twisted and mouth askew. Ji Tingzhou’s expression was dark and stormy.
Wei Yang no longer recognized anyone, unresponsive to any sounds, mumbling incoherently, his language skills regressed to that of an infant.
"It’s been injected."
"It’ll take some time to take effect."
Bruce’s communication device suddenly beeped, and Ji Tingzhou’s sharp gaze immediately turned to him.
After hearing the message, Bruce paused, then said, "Your kid is throwing a tantrum to see her dad."
Ji Tingzhou raised an eyebrow. "She’s found another wild dad?"
Bruce: ???
What do you mean "another"?
"Isn’t she looking for you?"
Bruce watched as Ji Tingzhou’s menacing aura visibly softened, even seeming a bit cheerful.
Bruce: "……" Baffling.
Glancing back at Wei Yang, Ji Tingzhou thought his eyes seemed a bit more alert than before.
Stepping around the bulky medical equipment surrounding the bed, he walked out.
Since the medication would take some time to work, Bruce had his assistant record the data and followed Ji Tingzhou.
So the secret to improving Ji Tingzhou’s mood was calling him "Dad"? Good to know.
Next time I need Ji Tingzhou to upgrade my equipment, I’ll just call him "Dad."
Ji Tingzhou entered the next room, and Ji Nian, like a cat catching a scent, peeked out.
Watching the little girl run over, Ji Tingzhou flicked her cat ears. "Don’t you know I’m busy? So clingy."
Bruce, who had just followed, felt a shiver run down his spine at the tone that carried no real complaint.
Ji Nian’s eyes sparkled when she saw Bruce.
"Look, this is what I drew."
She showed Ji Tingzhou her drawing.
Bruce leaned in for a look.
"What is this, a paramecium?"
Ji Tingzhou’s expression remained blank, his tone matter-of-fact. "Fresh poop."
Bruce: "……"
Ji Nian’s face lit up with a "You get it" expression as she patted Ji Tingzhou’s hip.
"This painting is called ‘Healthy Poop.’"
Ji Tingzhou folded the masterpiece and scoffed lightly. "Good. Let’s save it for your future art exhibition."
He already had the theme in mind: "The Life of a Poop."
Ji Nian nodded happily. "Yes, yes!"
Art exhibitions are great; they make money.
Perhaps she lost her footing, Ji Nian stumbled and accidentally spilled her juice on Bruce.
"Sorry, are you okay?"
"What a shame."
Bruce: "It’s fine, this outfit is quite—"
He looked up and realized Ji Nian’s second comment was about her juice.
Well, anyone who says Ji Nian doesn’t take after Ji Tingzhou is blind.
Bruce took off his jacket and handed it to the assistant.
The assistant took it and, out of habit, checked the pockets, returning the lighter and cigarettes to Bruce.
"Huh?"
He also pulled out a crumpled piece of toilet paper. Though it was scrunched up, the side with writing was facing up. The assistant was about to say something when—
"Huh? Perfect timing for some paper."
Bruce took the crumpled paper from his hand, blew his nose with it, rubbed his reddened nose, and without a second glance, tossed it into the trash.
He even smirked, pleased with his aim.
The assistant’s mouth hung open, but he said nothing.
Ji Nian: "……"
Life, I’m too tired to surrender. Just stab me.
Noticing the child’s odd expression, Ji Tingzhou bent down and picked her up, giving her a little bounce.
The scent of the grapefruit lotion she’d used earlier mixed with the juice, making her smell sweet and fragrant. Ji Tingzhou patted her. "Did you poop your pants?"
Then, frowning, he set her back down.
Ji Nian’s face was blank. "I need to poop."
Five minutes later, Ji Nian closed the bathroom door and silently screamed for a full minute.
Damn you, Bruce!!!!!
Who told you to blow your nose? Who raised you to be so inconsiderate? Why do you have to make your presence known now?!
After venting, Ji Nian quickly washed her hands and came out.
For some reason, Ji Tingzhou felt the child looked a bit dejected.
Even the cat ears on her head seemed to droop.
He suddenly remembered something from "How to Be a Good Dad Using Your Brain": Children need encouragement. Even if they wet their pants, you should praise them for doing it so boldly.
Could it be because he didn’t comment on the "Fresh Poop" painting that she was upset?
Thinking how troublesome kids could be, Ji Tingzhou controlled his strength, bent down, and patted Ji Nian’s head. "Good job pooping."
Ji Nian: ??
She looked up at him as if he were an idiot.
Since Ji Nian’s juice had spilled, Ji Tingzhou took her to buy another one.
When Ji Tingzhou picked out a grapefruit-flavored juice, Ji Nian suddenly spoke up. "I want the peach one next to it."
Ji Tingzhou paused.
His gaze fell on the two bottles with identical packaging, only differentiated by the flavor label in the bottom right corner.
Though his mind was racing, Ji Tingzhou showed no hesitation as he picked the peach-flavored juice as Ji Nian had requested.
Too busy cursing Bruce in her mind, Ji Nian completely missed the fact that Ji Tingzhou had noticed she might be able to read. She took the juice he handed her.
Ji Tingzhou picked her up again. Now accustomed to being carried around, Ji Nian quickly found a comfortable position, her little head resting on his shoulder, her cat ears occasionally brushing his chin.
Looking down at the little girl, lost in thought with juice stains around her mouth, Ji Tingzhou’s dark green eyes swirled with hidden meaning.
He changed direction subtly.
Ji Nian, who had been daydreaming, noticed Ji Tingzhou heading toward the sign that read "← Archive Room 1" and felt puzzled.
Was he going the wrong way, or was he changing locations?
She instinctively glanced at the fork in the road behind them.
Ji Tingzhou observed her reaction, stopped, and threw the trash from wiping the juice bottle into the bin, then turned back.
【Oh, just throwing away trash.】
Though Ji Nian found it a bit odd that Ji Tingzhou had gone out of his way to find a trash can, she didn’t dwell on it.
If it were any other time, Ji Nian would’ve immediately sensed something was off, but her emotions were too frazzled now.
Because Wei Yang couldn’t wait any longer; she had to do something tonight.
【Sigh, I guess I’ll have to do it myself.】
Ji Nian sighed heavily in her heart.
I just hope I don’t get caught.
