In the Name of Love

Falcon was stunned and looked at his son suspiciously.

“Didn’t you say that? I’ll help you take care of the children,” Falcon said.

Xiaoran knew that he had misinterpreted his meaning and explained, “I mean, what are your plans for your future?”

Falcon was silent for a moment before shaking his head. He was a little confused. “I’ve never thought of this.”

Xiaoran discussed this topic with him seriously. “Dad, you’ve always lived a life of anxiety. Now that you’ve finally retired, you’re only in your fifties. You still have a lot of time to pursue the life you want. For example, travel? For example, love?”

Falcon smiled and shook his head. “I’m too to talk about love. That’s for the young. As for other hobbies, I don’t have them.”

Xiao Ran said, “Don’t you have any other hobbies in your life other than being a police officer?”

Falcon said, “Then I’ll still be a cop.”

Xiao Ran fell silent.

He seemed to understand why Falcon could go undercover for decades and devote a lot of his time to the thankless role of undercover. It was because of his passion.

He was a naturally chivalrous police officer.

Xiaoran recalled Qiao An’s words: “Dad retired because he had no choice. He actually still liked his job. However, because he felt guilty towards his son, he wouldn’t refuse if you asked him to help you take care of the child.”

Xiaoran frowned. He did seem to be making things difficult for his father.

However, even though he knew that it was difficult for him, he did not want him to work.

“Dad, are you used to coming back to us?” Xiaoran probed.

Falcon looked at Xiaoran and knew what he meant.

He said earnestly to Xiaoran, “Son, I’m naturally happy to be with you. My grandchildren are cute and filial. My daughter-in-law is smart and lively, my son is outstanding and kind, and my in-laws are open-minded. When I’m with you, I sleep at ease.”

“It’s just…”

Before he could say the twist, Xiaoran interrupted him domineeringly. “Since you’re so happy living here, don’t think about anything else.”

Falcon opened his mouth, but Xiaoran had already strode away.

Falcon chased after him and said what was on his mind, “Xiaoran, people live either as heavy as Mount Tai or as light as a feather. Everyone has their own mission and shouldn’t waste their youth…”

Huo Xiaoran felt a headache coming on. He suddenly turned around and roared at him, “I only have one father.”

Tears welled in his eyes.

Falcon was stunned and suppressed his ambition. “Xiaoran, Dad will listen to you. I will do whatever you want me to do.”

Xiaoran forced himself to look back at Falcon and said slowly, “Dad, let me think about it again.”

“Okay, okay, okay.” Falcon was almost humble.

As soon as the two of them returned home, they heard Father Qiao reprimanding Qiao An. “An’an, why did you lose your previous fighting spirit after getting married? An’an, you have to remember that you’re an independent person, not Xiaoran’s, not Ki Ki’s or Angel’s. You’re only yours.”

“What you’ve done for this family is only a part of your life. And the greater meaning of your life is to achieve a better version of yourself. Look at you. You lie in bed in the morning and don’t wake up until noon. You muddle along all day. Don’t you feel ashamed? I’m ashamed on your behalf.”

Qiao An placed her hands on her hips and shouted indignantly, “Don’t make it sound so ugly. Just you wait. I’ll create an earth-shattering career for you and show you that I, Qiao An, am not as cowardly as you say.”

Father Qiao said, “I’ll wait and see.”

Huo Xiaoran and Falcon looked at each other. Xiaoran was in awe of his father-in-law. Although he was dissatisfied with how strict he was with An’an, he could only entrust it to his father. “Dad, help me persuade my father-in-law. An’an is not the little girl she used to be. She was in a car accident and gave birth. Her stamina is not as good as before. What career is she going to make?”

Falcon sighed. “I’ll talk to him.”

Seeing Huo Xiaoran and Falcon return, Qiao An and Father Qiao immediately switched to smiles. “Dad, Brother Xiaoran, you’re back.”

Qiao An welcomed him with a smile, her mood unaffected.

Xiaoran sized her up uneasily. “An’an, are you alright?”

Qiao An smiled brightly. “Brother Xiaoran, I’ve been scolded since I was young. One ear in and one ear out.”

Xiao Ran felt relieved.

“Scared the shit out of me. I was worried you would cry.”

When Father Qiao heard Xiaoran’s words, he sneered. “She cries? She doesn’t even know how to write that word.”

Xiao Ran recalled the children saying that An’an had often cried in the past few years and had even given her mother the nickname of “crybaby”. Xiao Ran’s heart felt like it was being pricked by needles.

In the few years he was gone, Qiao An loved to cry. It was obvious how sad she was.

He suddenly pulled Qiao An into his arms.

Seeing that Xiaoran loved Qiao An so much, Father Qiao felt a little uncomfortable. It was as if he had violated Xiaoran’s interests.

Falcon said to Father Qiao, “In-law, let’s talk in private.”

After the two elders left, Qiao An looked up at Xiaoran and said, “Brother Xiaoran, my father is old and can’t scold people. He’s not like when he was young. He was energetic and had a loud voice. If he scolds me, he can alarm a street of neighbors. His voice and attitude have softened now. Let him be.”

“Yeah.”

Qiao An didn’t know that what Xiaoran was sad about wasn’t Father Qiao.

On the other side, Falcon and Father Qiao came to the backyard. Father Qiao was a little embarrassed. “In-law, I know Xiaoran’s heart aches for Qiao An and can’t bear for that girl to be scolded. But I’m An’an’s father. An’an’s habits aren’t good. As her father, I have to warn her.”

Falcon patted his shoulder and said, “In-law, Xiaoran asked me to send you a message just now. He said that An’an had a car accident during her pregnancy and gave birth one after another. Her health is not as good as before.”

Father Qiao’s face turned pale.

“Is this girl in poor health?”

Falcon said, “Xiaoran is a doctor. Since he said so, he can’t be wrong.”

Father Qiao’s heart ached for An’an, and his eyes were filled with tears.

“Sigh. Xiaoran is right. As long as we’re healthy, I don’t care about her career achievements.

Falcon said, “In-law, I don’t know if I should say this.”

“Go ahead,” Father Qiao said with a smile.

“I love Xiaoran but not as much as Qiao An loves him. You love Qiao An but not as much as Xiaoran loves her. If our love goes along with the children, the children will have an easy time. If we go against the children, the children will be tired. I think both Xiaoran and Qiao An are rare outstanding talents in this world. Why don’t we withdraw from their lives and let them be happy and carefree together?”