"Neil, are you alright?""Neil, are you feeling any discomfort?""Could you two please step aside so I can check on Neil?"Since this wasn't our home turf, we all moved aside. Harry immediately pressed the button by the bedside and started examining Neil. Shortly after, the attending physician arrived. After a brief exchange, the physician proceeded to check on Neil. Following the examination and a simple conversation with Neil, the doctor confirmed that Neil hadn't lost his memory. However, whether he had fully recovered his memory was something we, his acquaintances, would need to ascertain through further interaction.In truth, none of us three knew Neil before his memory loss. Even if we had questions, they would be quite limited, unless they pertained to Richard Lee. We had all agreed that we didn't want too many people to know about Neil's past. So, Harry asked the doctor and nurses to leave, and it was just the three of us and Neil left in the room. Harry was the most qualified
Harry was strict. Despite our shameless insistence on staying at his place, he didn't allow us near Neil's room outside of visitation hours. To ensure Neil's absolute rest, Neil didn't leave his room, not even for meals, which were brought to him. While Harry cared for Neil, I was left facing the annoying Peter Black, keeping a close watch on him to prevent any harm to Neil. Annoyingly, he adapted quickly, treating the place as if it were his own home."Neil told me he remembers most things now," Harry said as he sat down to eat the dinner prepared by Peter Black."You asked him?" I was eager to know about Neil's past as well."Yes," Harry began. "Neil said he used to live alone in the mountains. One day, an old Chinese doctor moved there to retire. The doctor liked Neil a lot and took him in as an apprentice. Their life was very peaceful. The old doctor enjoyed his retirement while Neil learned traditional Chinese medicine. When Neil was old enough, the doctor arranged for him to att
"My original name is Peter River. About ten years ago, my family was attacked by a large group of vampires. Few of us survived, just me and some distant relatives. Later, I discovered that these were not rogue vampires but organized family. These family are known as the Cairn Family and the Wayne Family.""Cairn?""Yes, like Harry Cairn. Initially, I suspected him, but I couldn't find much evidence. He doesn't have much connection with vampires; in fact, his closest associate is you. Besides, if he can run a hospital, his likelihood of being involved is low.""Aren't you afraid he might use the hospital to obtain a blood supply?""I looked into it. His hospital—no, I should say your hospital—has an impeccable record. It genuinely adheres to the principles of medical ethics and maintains high-quality care. Otherwise, I wouldn't have allowed Neil to be treated there.""You've investigated quite thoroughly.""Better safe than sorry."Of course, Peter couldn't find anything. Harry was a r
My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might leap out of my chest. Whether it was Neil Caster, Neil Lee, or Neil Black, it seemed none of the Neils could escape the grasp of Roy. If it hadn't been for the timely arrival of Richard Lee and his men just as Roy was about to rush out and find Neil, Neil might have been caught by Roy. Roy quickly hid the body of the old doctor and even put on the doctor's coat, putting on quite a show at the front door. Sadly, Richard Lee's men encountered the murderous Roy and lost their lives, but their sacrifice has earned my deepest gratitude.I replied to Ethan's message, expressing how it seemed like fate was never on our side. Roy, who had committed countless heinous acts, had once again managed to encounter Neil so easily, plunging Neil back into danger. Why was it that someone like Roy could receive divine protection? Ethan quickly responded, saying that he now hoped the last resurrection ritual could somehow alter the fact that Roy had see
We left Neil's room and, instead of returning to the living room or kitchen, we headed to the backyard. The three of us sat at the outdoor table and chairs under the sunlight. Some smoked, some sipped tea, and some nibbled on snacks. Thanks to Neil, the usual discord between us had dissipated. We even started to notice some commonalities and occasionally teased each other, enjoying the newfound camaraderie."Don't you all have work?" Harry asked, clearly annoyed by our presence."I've already informed my assistant. Missing a day isn't a problem," Peter replied, his assistant being quite capable indeed."I can afford to miss two days," I added, confident in my own assistant's competence too."It seems you don't plan on going back to work as long as Neil is here," Harry said, seeing right through us."You're perceptive," Peter responded."To be honest, I do need both of your help with something," I said, wanting to discuss the matter concerning Roy."Ah, yes, that mysterious thing you m
Waking up, I found myself still in the dungeon, my hands and feet bound by iron chains. The room was empty except for me; Roy was gone. At that moment, a terrifying thought crossed my mind: Could it be that I was set up by Roy and ended up taking his place? But that seemed impossible. Even though we were blood brothers, such a deception couldn't be kept hidden. Wait, what did he say back then...?"You silly child, are you worried about me like that? If my magician can restore my limbs, can't he change my face too? Yours as well."Could it be that he really changed my face? How was that possible? Was I doomed to stay here for the rest of my life? No, if I was here, where would Roy go? Was he planning to use my face to meet Neil? As these questions kept swirling in my mind, the door creaked open.The sudden noise startled me, pulling me out of my thoughts. I squinted against the dim light spilling into the dungeon from the open door. A figure stood there, cloaked and hooded, casting a l
"Master Ryan, are you alright?" Ethan hurriedly helped me out of my predicament."Are you really Ethan?"“Yes, Master Ryan.”“Prove it.”"When you were a child, you mistook my poison for water and drank five bottles. You said it tasted great and asked me to brew more for you," Ethan quickly recounted something only the two of us knew."You really are Ethan.""You've suffered, my Master Ryan.""No, no."Finally freed, I stood up with Ethan's support. I initially wanted to kick that vampire a couple of times, but as soon as I saw him, my rage flared up again. However, a shred of sanity pulled me back because I remembered Neil. Neil was still in danger, and the phone used for the video call earlier showed Roy trying to take advantage of him. I didn't know if he had succeeded by now. What had happened to Neil?"Ethan, Neil... save him quickly!" I stammered anxiously."Master Ryan, are you referring to what Roy is doing to Neil?""Yes, quickly notify Harry to save Neil. No, wait, they were
"But?" I asked."The potion's preparation is complex," Maria explained. "It takes three days to make, and even then, we can only produce one bottle each time.""So that means...""When you use it, you must act swiftly and precisely. If you miss the opportunity, it will be difficult to rectify.""In other words, there's no room for failure.""Do you have that confidence?""No." I admitted honestly and directly.Maria, upon hearing my response, led me to the sofa and headed to her shelf to fetch a bottle of yellow potion. She walked back over and pressed the bottle into my hand. Without asking any questions, I instinctively unscrewed the cap and drank it down. The sensation was reminiscent of the light green drink Ethan had given me before, but this one left me feeling even more relaxed."This is a potion for replenishing energy and relaxing the body.""It tastes pretty good. How about a dozen more?" I joked, earning a playful punch from Maria."Kid, it's not your fault. You haven't enc
Harry stood in the shadows, a subtle smile playing on his lips, his eyes radiating calm confidence. “Of course,” he replied, raising an eyebrow with that trademark mix of humor and certainty, as though he had the situation effortlessly under control. Harry was always like this—composed, astute, unwavering—seemingly born with the spirit of a fighter who refused to bow to fate. I looked at him, filled with gratitude and relief. The bond between us had long surpassed life, death, and honor; no matter the crisis, he was always there.As he turned his gaze toward Ken Yimo, a ripple of relief ran through me. Yes, Ken Yimo had indeed gone to Harry rather than taking some darker course of action. Unable to contain myself, I asked, “Ken Yimo, I’ll admit, I’m glad you actually brought Harry. Now, what about Neil?” My voice betrayed a hint of urgency, a worry that was impossible to hide. Neil’s condition had been weighi
Ken Yimo simply gave a cold smile, completely dismissing my warnings. There was no trace of pity or warmth in his eyes as he turned and walked out of the cell. I stood there, helpless and furious, watching him leave, fully aware that I was trapped here and powerless to stop him. As the heavy door slowly closed behind him, a sense of helplessness overwhelmed me, and despair and anguish surged in my chest. I was locked in this cold, isolated cell, surrounded by thick stone walls that shut out even the faintest trace of light, leaving me in total darkness. There was no way to reach out, no phone, no tool to call for help. My thoughts began to be consumed by the shadows, yet Neil's face lingered in my mind, refusing to fade. Would he, once again, fall prey to Ken Yimo’s control and cruelty, triggering another episode of sleepwalking? The thought twisted my heart with an unshakable sense of dread and fear. As night fell, darkness engulfed
I stared at him, unwilling to waste words. Instead, I asked directly, “Where’s Neil?” The question was like a weight pressing on my chest, and this man before me was the only one who could answer it.Ken Yimo’s expression was one of indifference, as he replied coolly, “Neil? He’s resting. He’s very simple-minded. As long as I tell him to stay put, he won’t wander off. So, unlike with you, I don’t have to keep him chained up.” His words dripped with a detached cruelty, as though Neil were nothing more than a toy he could control at will. My fists clenched involuntarily, and a simmering anger began to burn within me.I knew then—Ken Yimo must have done something to manipulate Neil or force him into submission. I wanted to press him further, but Ken spoke first, a sly smile twisting across his face. “Ah, but it seems that when kids grow up, they’re not so easy to keep
“I’ve had enough.” Finally, my patience wore thin. Soft tactics weren’t working, so it was time to be firm. I stood up, bundled Neil up tightly in his blanket, ignoring his struggles or pleas. Before long, Neil was sitting at the small table, his head poking out from the blanket while the rest of his body was wrapped up snugly—held there by my bear hug, replacing any other form of restraint.I should have done it this way from the start. It saved time, kept the food warm, and, most importantly, even though he was wrapped in a blanket, I could still hold him close, care for him, protect him—letting him sit on my lap and lean against me.“Wow.” Seeing his eager expression, I couldn’t help but feel a bit proud. “I know you love these dishes, so I made them just for you. What do you want to eat?”"My favorite pasta.""My favorite pancakes."
I rambled on while watching the stars twinkle silently in the night sky. The breeze caressed the woods outside the tent, and the night was as gentle as a dream. Unconsciously, fatigue crept into my eyelids, and finally I fell into a deep sleep in the stillness of the night.I didn't know exactly how long I slept until a beam of morning light shone through the transparent tent roof and shone on my face, waking me up from my slumber. In a daze, I blinked, as if last night's worries and hesitations were still swirling in my mind. But the scene that came into my eyes next completely turned all my imaginations upside down.“Neil!!! what are you doing?!” I instantly came to my senses and sat up with a jolt. Right in front of me, Neil was kneeling beside me, head bowed, with a serious look on his face as he tried to help me with my natural morning reaction. He didn't look hesitant at all, as if it was a matter of course.
My heart sank, realizing that it wasn’t just innocent childish behavior—it was a desperate search for affection, a need to please, a struggle to win more care and love from Ken Yimo. In that moment, I suddenly understood that Harry's words might have been true—their relationship was far beyond a typical father-son bond.I struggled to steady the emotions stirring within me, and looked up at Neil’s innocent face. He probably didn’t recognize the true meaning behind those gestures—their intent was not simply familial love, but a deep, almost physical craving for attention, a kind of dependence on being favored. A quiet ache settled in my chest as I wished with all my heart that he would never be caught in that dark emotional whirlpool again.I smiled softly, gently steering the conversation back to where it had started. "So, to get back to the point, I am your one and only, aren't I?" On this quiet night, I
"Yes, every day." Neil nodded firmly, his tone pure, almost childlike."Then, is this kind of missing me something unique?" I pressed on, as though I were hoping to hear a one-of-a-kind answer from him."Unique?" He blinked, looking as though he didn’t quite understand the meaning of the word.I patiently explained, "What I mean is... is this something that only I experience? Like, the way you miss your dad—does it feel the same as the way I miss mine?"Neil shook his head slightly, his voice soft as he replied, "It's different. I miss Ryan more."A flicker of delight stirred within me, but I kept my expression neutral and asked, "What about compared to your elder brother and your little brother? Is it different with them too?"Neil thought for a moment before nodding with certainty. "Yeah, I miss Ryan the most.""So, only I,
As I processed Harry's bombshell, I turned to Ethan and asked, "Have you checked if Fred Yimo is really Ken Yimo's biological son?"Ethan's expression turned serious as he pulled out his phone. "I'll have someone look into it now."Peter furrowed his brow, clearly skeptical. "You suspect Fred Yimo might be adopted too?""I actually hope so," I replied firmly. "It's a lot less messy than the unethical theory.""Ken Yimo really isn't simple," Harry remarked on the phone, sounding almost impressed. "When I was around, Fred was a bit more relaxed. But the moment I left, he turned into a mouse—didn't even dare to breathe too loudly, but a little bit “sticky” though."I let out a cold laugh. "Doesn't that completely clash with the surveillance cameras he set up at home?"Peter nodded thoughtfully. "You’re right. Which of these sides is the r
As Peter and I sat off to the side, watching them laugh and chat, a tangle of emotions stirred within us. The scene was heartwarming, yet there was an undeniable sense of loss. Here we were, two grown men, holding our glasses, sitting on the fringes of this cozy gathering, as if the world had forgotten about us.Peter let out a heavy sigh. "Why does it feel like I'm drifting further away from my own precious one?" His gaze lingered on Nick and Neil, a hint of sadness in his eyes.I took a sip of my drink, my voice low. "It feels like everyone else is getting closer to Neil than I am." The words left a sting in my chest, as though something inside me had been pierced.Ethan, overhearing our conversation, smiled softly and leaned in to offer a quiet word of reassurance. "Don’t rush," he said gently. "You’ll grow closer in time." He set down his soup spoon, his demeanor calm and wise. "When the bond is strong, n