While Zhou Tianming was stubbornly studying the "Complete Compendium of Traditional Chinese Medicine" in his hospital room...
While Zhou Hanxiang and Ogsha were teasing Lacus after finishing their research...
Siegel brought Patrick to the hospital entrance.
The moment the black sedan stopped, the left rear door swung open.
Patrick immediately stepped out and strode forward, his expression stern yet eyes gleaming with joy.
"Wait, Patrick!"
Siegel hastily emerged from the same side and grabbed Patrick's arm.
"The gifts, take the gifts."
"What gifts?" Patrick paused mid-step, turning back with a frown.
Releasing Patrick, Siegel went to the trunk and retrieved two fruit baskets. "No one visits hospitals empty-handed like you. Here, take these."
Accepting the baskets, Patrick looked exasperated. "I know hospital visits require gifts, but I'm not here to see a patient."
Siegel facepalmed with a sigh. "Just take them. I wonder how you ever won Lenore over - her emotional intelligence is wasted on you."
Patrick's lips curled into a gentle smile. "She was moved by my sincerity, naturally."
Siegel overtook Patrick, rolling his eyes. "Wait outside first. I'll inform the boy."
Patrick's eyebrows shot up in displeasure. "Don't fill his head with your weak-minded ideas. He—"
"Okay, okay. But he doesn't know you. It's only proper to announce a stranger's visit."
Patrick had no rebuttal.
Arriving at Zhou Tianming's room, Patrick leaned against the wall with crossed arms, eyes closed in waiting. Siegel knocked and entered after hearing Tianming's response.
"Tianming, how's your recovery going?"
He placed a fruit basket on the bedside table as he spoke.
Seeing Siegel, Zhou Tianming asked curiously, "Uncle Siegel? What brings you here?"
Siegel produced a compact flip phone and several ID cards from his coat, waving them at Tianming. "Delivering your payment."
Tianming smiled. "Thanks. Didn't expect it so soon."
Siegel handed over the items one by one. "These are your identity cards with complete records from birth, all through proper PLANT channels - no need to worry about inspections."
"This phone has Ogsha's and my private numbers. Contact us directly if needed. Your electronic account is set up under a pseudonym so you can use it independently from your mother."
He winked at Tianming meaningfully.
Zhou Tianming smiled knowingly as well.
"The cash has been transferred inside. After deducting the lawyer fees, it's slightly under 500 million. You can check the details later. I've prepared a document about the fixed assets in my phone—they're still under my name for now. Who do you want to transfer them to?"
Zhou Tianming thought for a moment and asked, "What use do I have for so many properties? Can I sell them back to you?"
"You wish."
Unfazed, Zhou Tianming met Siegel's gaze without a hint of embarrassment.
"Fine, I don't have cash on hand right now. I'll handle it all together later."
"Thanks, Uncle Siegel."
"Such sweet talk as soon as you get what you want—you're quite the little schemer."
Siegel shook his head in amusement before his expression turned serious. "There's someone who wants to meet you. He saw the combat data from your Mistral and wants to recruit you. He's waiting outside. If you don't want to see him, I'll send him away."
Zhou Tianming was taken aback. Studying Siegel's solemn expression, he pondered.
It didn't take long to guess who it was. The only person around Siegel who would be interested in combat data was Patrick Zala.
Frowning, Zhou Tianming's impression of Patrick wasn't favorable. In the original story, he was portrayed as a warmongering madman.
Early on, he was somewhat reasonable, but later, he was manipulated by Rau Le Creuset and even committed the atrocity of firing on Earth—an act against humanity.
A pure villain and a clown.
At this thought, Zhou Tianming's face twisted with disgust.
Siegel noticed but didn't comment, standing up instead. "No problem if you don't want to see him. I've given you everything. Rest well."
With that, he turned to leave.
Just as Siegel reached the door and grasped the handle, Zhou Tianming called out, "Uncle Siegel, I'm willing to meet your friend."
Siegel glanced back. "No pressure?"
Zhou Tianming shook his head. "None."
He had reconsidered. It was only CE 55—Patrick was still young and might not yet be the man from the original story. Besides, his relationship with Siegel was in its honeymoon phase. There was no need to embarrass him over something minor.
Siegel stepped out, and soon, Patrick entered.
At first glance, Zhou Tianming sensed an overwhelming presence and momentarily struggled for words.
Patrick walked to the bedside and placed an identical fruit basket on the nightstand, his expression unreadable.
Sitting down, he spoke. "I reviewed your combat data—impressive. Would you consider joining me? I'll have elites train you. By the time you're old enough for the military, you'll be an undisputed ace."
"No."
Though Patrick's offer was generous, Zhou Tianming had no intention of joining PLANT and refused outright.
Patrick's brow furrowed, his hawk-like eyes piercing Zhou Tianming. "Why? I believe the terms are more than fair."
"I'm still too young. I don't want to commit to any side yet. I just want to do what I enjoy and grow up peacefully."
Patrick shook his head. "Too idealistic. Your thinking is naive. Those with talent will always face envy and harm. The peace you seek doesn't exist."
"I'll overcome those challenges with my own abilities and live as I choose."
Zhou Tianming radiated confidence.
Patrick froze for a moment, then burst into laughter. "I'm liking you more and more."
"Seems I can't persuade you, but confidence is a good thing. When you're young, you should follow your own path."
Zhou Tianming was taken aback, giving the man before him a surprised look. He hadn't expected Patrick to give up so easily.
"By the way, I haven't thanked you for saving Siegel. Did he pay you?"
Still studying Patrick curiously, Zhou Tianming instinctively raised his hand and spread five fingers.
"Hmph, petty. Is your life worth so little?"
As he spoke, Patrick spotted the phone on the bed and picked it up without asking.
Since Zhou Tianming had just gotten the phone and hadn't set a password yet, Patrick easily accessed the digital payment app and input a series of numbers.
An AI voice announced from the phone—"Account credited: $500,000."
Snapping back to reality, Zhou Tianming wore a strange expression.
"Don't think it's too much. Siegel is my good friend, and I won't be stingy with someone who saved him. Keep it."
Taking the phone back from Patrick, Zhou Tianming didn't dare say a word.
"If you change your mind, you're always welcome to join me."
With that, he turned and left.
Zhou Tianming glanced at his phone, then at Patrick's retreating figure.
As Siegel and Patrick walked toward the car outside the hospital, Patrick remarked, "Siegel, what's wrong with you? Usually, you're quite generous—how could you only give $50,000 to someone who saved your life? Don't dismiss him just because he's a kid."
"Huh?"
Siegel was confused at first, then caught on. Putting on a serious face, he asked, "How much did you give the boy?"
Patrick snorted proudly. "$500,000. Enough to buy your life, right?"
Siegel's shoulders shook as he lowered his head to stifle a laugh. "Thanks, that's more than enough."
Suddenly, Siegel's phone buzzed. He checked it—a message from Zhou Tianming: He gave me $500k. Seems like a good guy, but kinda broke.
Siegel could no longer hold back and burst into laughter.
Patrick turned around, bewildered, staring at this lunatic.