128 Becoming a Father

The neurology resident was making rounds when he noticed a subtle, but obvious enough, movement of the patient's fingers on verbal command. It was his first time to encounter a locked in syndrome case who showed improvement. It might have taken years, but this is still a great achievement since most patients would suffer for the rest of their lives, comprehending, but unable to express themselves.

"Nice! Good response, Sir." he tried to cheer the patient on. It was good to reinforce the small achievements.

Victor Zhou just stared blankly at him after blinking once.

After his examination, the doctor bid goodbye and left him alone in his room.

Beyond the expressionless face was the great mind of Victor Zhou.

He was reminded of his son's words. "Dad, I'm going to be a dad soon."

If only he could, he would have rejoiced to the news and hugged his son. At that moment, he swore to himself that he cannot die without being able to hold his grandchild from his son.

Then he recalled his cunning wife who revealed her plan to him awhile back. He wanted to strangle her. He wondered if she had just been pretending during the times when they were happy to have their children, especially during the birth of his son.

Verdan Zhou was born in spring, when tea leaves were ready for harvest. To match Victor's name and the greenery before him, he was given his name.

There was true delight in Su Linyu's face when she had him. In truth, she was glad to produce an heir to the company.

She was actually disappointed when her firstborn was a daughter. Thus, she was aloof towards Vanessa.

In contrary, for Victor Zhou, becoming a father is not just because you needed someone to take over the business eventually. To him, being a father is very special. Though he knew love was not between him and his wife, he truly loved their daughter since the day she was born.

It might be said that he doted on Vanessa too much.

She always had the latest in fashion and technology. It was a blessing that she was also smart and skillful. The more her father gave her the world, the more she proved that she deserved it.

It had been difficult for Vanessa's parents to conceive again, mainly due to their stress at work.

Victor Zhou was actually fine with having just one child, but Su Linyu would not give up. She considered it a failure if she could not give him a son.

She did everything she could for this to become possible, from aligning the date of conception to the traditional calendar, to the position to take in bed. She calculated everything, even taking a break from work to go to a secluded place for their 'second honeymoon.'

Victor Zhou recalled how desperate she was, even to the point of seducing him.

Indeed, it all went well eventually. Su Linyu doted on Verdan too much during his infancy, however, for some reason, she became distant to him and buried herself into workloads.

Victor Zhou was also busy running the company that the children were left to the nannies.

Vanessa never envied her brother for her mother's affection. At a young age, she already felt the faint hostility from her mother. She was just grateful that her father made her feel that she is his princess.

When Verdan was born, she became more hesitant to approach her mother. It was as if another woman had possessed Su Linyu in her eyes. Her mother had never cared about anyone before, not even her and her father. Suddenly, the block of ice melted towards the little baby.

This made her interested in her brother. When her mother became a distant block of ice again, she started to play with her brother, at times, spending time with their father.

After some years, it was just her and Dan.

This might have been the greatest regret for Victor Zhou, not spending enough time with his children.

Right now, he could regret all he wants for he could barely express himself.

How could he tell his son the feeling of becoming a father?