Chapter 1098: Chapter 1098: Bai Tianlong’s Urging

At the entrance of Xianglong Building, a man and a woman were wearing white cartoon sweatshirts, holding each other’s arms, beaming with the sweetest smiles.

"Where do you plan to take me on our date?" Bai Shishi asked, holding onto Lin Tian’s arm. This was their first date as a couple, and she felt content to let Lin Tian take the lead.

Lin Tian said, "How about we visit the rehabilitation center to see your dad first?"

Bai Tianlong’s condition was still quite similar to before. Although his legs were recovering quickly, he remained in a wheelchair, often choosing to be alone, saying nothing, even when Bai Shishi visited him, their conversations were brief.

Fortunately, Bai Shishi had moved Bai Tianlong to a well-equipped rehabilitation center where he was taken care of better than at the hospital.

Returning home was not an option since too much had happened, too many people had died there. It was now a place of sadness for Bai Tianlong, and going there would only be detrimental. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Upon hearing Lin Tian mention her father, Bai Shishi’s smile froze momentarily, but she still nodded.

They drove to a shopping mall intending to buy some gifts, as visiting empty-handed would be inappropriate.

Since the season was changing, they mostly bought long sleeves and shirts, along with some fresh fruits, and a bouquet of carnations.

These weren’t expensive items but were tokens of thoughtfulness.

After wandering around a bit, when they were about to leave, Lin Tian suddenly paused in front of a pet shop, "What do you think about getting Uncle a pet?"

Bai Shishi glanced towards the pet shop, hesitating, "My dad hasn’t kept pets before... And given his current state, it doesn’t seem suitable for him to have one now, does it?"

Lin Tian gently kneaded her hand, smiling, "We can buy one and have someone take care of it. It doesn’t need Uncle to clean up after it; it’s just for companionship. Even though you frequently visit him, what elderly people need most is companionship. Now that Long, Long, and Long are gone, there’s no one in the hospital for him to talk to, and with his mental state, it’ll only get worse."

Hearing this, Bai Shishi’s expression shifted slightly. If that were truly the case, she couldn’t bear it.

Lin Tian again squeezed her delicate hand, smiling, "Don’t worry, I’m only speaking hypothetically. Let’s pick out a couple, shall we?"

"Alright!" This time Bai Shishi hesitated not at all, even more eagerly than Lin Tian as she rushed into the store.

The pet shop was located at an intersection on the pedestrian street, furnishing a cozy atmosphere and a sizable space, naturally drawing good business.

Upon entering, a sales associate in store uniform greeted them with a smile, "Are you two looking to buy a cat?"

With an inquisitive look, Bai Shishi glanced at Lin Tian, unsure of how to choose. The sales associate likely asked this because their matching outfits featured a printed cat design.

"Please show us around. It’s intended as a gift for an elderly person, any recommendations?" Lin Tian inquired.

"Certainly, please follow me."

As they walked, Lin Tian surveyed the pet store, noting its considerable size. Besides cats and dogs, there were some birds, all appeared well cared for.

The sales associate guided them through the aisles, introducing the various breeds of cats in the cages, all looking rather adorable.

After a thorough selection process of over half an hour, Bai Shishi decided on a gray and white Scottish Fold cat and a Golden Retriever puppy. Both were young, just recently born, having already undergone medical checks and vaccinations. Once paid for, they could be taken home immediately.

Lin Tian drove while Bai Shishi amused herself with the little creatures in the back seat, occasionally laughing gleefully.

Upon arriving at the rehabilitation center, Bai Shishi led Lin Tian adeptly to Bai Tianlong’s room.

It was less a room and more a suite, complete with two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, a balcony, and fully equipped with furniture and facilities, all within a pristine environment. One room was Bai Tianlong’s, the other for his caregiver.

Understandably, the cost of such accommodation was steep.

Bai Tianlong still enjoyed sitting on the balcony as usual, not doing anything, eerily quiet like a wooden figure.

Witnessing this scene always made Bai Shishi’s heart sink, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Uncle," Lin Tian greeted with a smiling face, carrying various gifts as he approached.

Bai Tianlong shifted his gaze from the window, glancing at Lin Tian, and replied indifferently, "You still remember to come see me?"

Though there was a hint of complaint in his tone, Lin Tian was unfazed. Given Bai Tianlong’s mental state, any response was a good sign.

"Dad, he’s just busy," Bai Shishi interjected on his behalf.

For a rare moment, Bai Tianlong smiled, "When a daughter marries, she pours away like water. You haven’t even married yet, and you’re already siding with him when I just said one thing."

"Dad, listen to yourself. He took the time to visit you, and you’re still finding fault. He might not dare to come next time," Bai Shishi said, laughing as she held her father’s hand.

Bai Tianlong seemed in better spirits today than usual, something Bai Shishi was glad to see.

"It’s alright, I’m thick-skinned, say whatever you want, Uncle, I’m listening," Lin Tian said with a grin.

Bai Tianlong paused momentarily, then chuckled, "You haven’t changed—just as shameless as ever."

His gaze then shifted to the cat and dog in Lin Tian’s hand, his face expressionless, "These for me?"

"Yes, we selected them especially for you," Bai Shishi replied.

"Hmm," Bai Tianlong nodded gently, his feelings unclear. He merely remarked, "Instead of giving me these, why don’t you two have a child? Even though I’m old and not well, I can still look after a grandchild."

Lin Tian had promised that he and Bai Shishi’s first child would bear the Bai surname, so Bai Tianlong calling it a grandson was accurate.

Bai Shishi blushed with a faint nod of agreement.

Hearing this, Lin Tian vigorously nodded, having been nudged by Yan Xinrou many times before, he was used to it, and quickly assured, "Don’t worry, Uncle. I’ll work on it, and you’ll have a chubby grandchild soon."

"Hehehe, good," Bai Tianlong chuckled heartily for the first time, shedding his earlier false smile.

Bai Shishi gave Lin Tian an exasperated look, this mischievous guy agreeing so readily. She knew exactly what he was thinking.

Truth be told, Bai Shishi also wanted a child, not just due to her father’s urging, but because she was getting older, and it was the right time for one. Especially earlier when playing in the car with the kitten and puppy, there was a moment she truly felt like a mother.