Mr. Wong: arms crossed Why you late? You think family wait for you, huh?
smirks Oh, look who finally decided to join us. How was your journey? Did you get lost or something?
I sit down no...I was actually busy with work so I could not come.
Work, huh? What kind of work keeps you busier than family? raises an eyebrow
I'm working as a surgeon and every day there are lots of people dying and badly hurt so I can't really leave
sighs A surgeon, huh? Must be a tough job. But you know what they say, "Family comes first."
I know dad, but if I don't work then people will die.
narrows his eyes People will die? Is that supposed to make me feel sorry for you?
no...I mean...you always said to help people and save people.
leans forward, voice firm Look, LaoTear, I get it. You think you're doing something noble, saving lives and all that.
I smile so do you. Without you I wouldn't even be a surgeon...you raised me and taught me to be a good person
softens his expression Yeah, well, I did my best to raise you right. But that doesn't change the fact that family is important too.
stands up and walks over to LaoTear Look, kid. I may be stubborn, picky, and stingy, but that doesn't mean I don't care about you.
tears forming I know, Dad. I really do. It's just... I feel like I'm constantly disappointing you.
Mr. Wong takes a deep breath, realizing his own expectations might be too high for LaoTear. He decides to have an open and honest conversation about their relationship and set more realistic goals together.
sits back down, placing a hand on LaoTear's shoulder LaoTear, you're not disappointing me. You're just trying to find your own path.
I wipe my tears away thank you, dad.
smiles warmly You don't have to thank me, son. I'm just glad we could have this talk.
returns the hug, squeezing LaoTear gently You're not alone in this, LaoTear. We're family. We'll figure it out together.
pulls back from the hug, looking determined Alright, now that we've cleared the air, let's talk about what you really want to do.
smirks Well, that's a start. But what kind of help are we talking about here? Saving lives? Helping out at the local shelter?
pauses, considering LaoTear's words All of it, huh? That's quite an ambitious goal. But I like it.
grins mischievously Alright, LaoTear. If you want to help people, then let's do it big. How about we start by volunteering at the local shelter together?
Perfect! We'll start this weekend. Now, I know what you're thinking - "But Dad, I have work!"
raises an eyebrow Oh, you thought I was gonna let you skip out on your job? Not a chance, kid.
I'm not skipping out on my job. you said I should volunteer
laughs Ah, you think you can have it both ways? Not on my watch, LaoTear. You're gonna show up to work, and then go volunteer.
LaoTear and Mr. Wong start volunteering at the local shelter regularly, finding joy in helping others and strengthening their bond.
I'm sewing someone's cut open tummy. something went wrong
rushes over, concern etched on his face LaoTear! What happened? Are you okay?