18 His Weakness

"Shi Ai, child I am your new guardian."

Shi Ai almost dropped the cup of water she had brought for him and sat on the sofa with a thump.

She cursed herself for not thinking of this earlier. Other than her,Dr Zhang was the only one Mrs Wu had known who was from their country so of course she would trust him with her care. Mrs Wu had been a traditional woman who believed that a doctor was like God so she must have thought that he would be the most suitable person.

After absorbing these facts, Shi Ai wondered why Dr Zhang would accept the responsibility of a stranger.The only person who could answer this was Dr Zhang himself so she questioned him, "Dr Zhang? Why would you take the responsibility of a stranger?"

Dr Zhang laughed awkwardly and said, "Child.. you were my patient for two years.Of course you are not a stranger. And when Mrs Wu requested me, I couldn't say no."

Shi Ai stilled.She could feel that he was telling the truth but not in it's entirety. She wanted to ask more but knew when to choose her battles. Now was not the time to interrogate but the time to negotiate.If he was a reluctant guardian,then she could convince to be her guardian in name only as was her earlier plan.So she said,"Dr Zhang,I know you are a very busy man and would not have the time to cater to a teenager. Actually I am already looking into hostels but I need the consent and recommendation of an adult.If you were to recommend me then there would be no problem and you wouldn't need to worry about me.I am going to be an adult soon."

Dr Zhang stared at the girl and wondered she truly must belong to Knight.The girl was perceptive and to the point.But he had to keep the girl with him.Almost a year ago,Knight had resigned from the army and then caused chaos in many branches of the army.Anyone who had dared to double cross his unit had been dealt with swiftly.Usually the country would treat them as a threat and get them out of the way but Knight was an exception.He had executed everything too neatly to let any fingers point at him.Secondly the man was as slippery as an eel and had dirt on almost every higher up individual.Adding in the fact that the man came from a powerful family made him an unreliable threat.Only a few people knew that Shi Ai may be his only weakness and achilles' heel.Even he was not too sure if that was true.The man was unreliable.Once he had handed Shi Ai into his care,Ah Hai Long had not even looked back at her.Had he really forgotten about her or was this a way to keep her under the radar.There was no way to find out.Dr Zhang did not wish to use Shi Ai against Knight and neither did he intend to let someone else use.He knew if he did not take her into his care then someone from the higher ups may orchestrate some way to make Shi Ai trust them and this would be dangerous to all.Knight was volatile and not easy to corner.

Dr Zhang looked at Shi Ai carefully and said,"There is no need for that.My wife has agreed to take you in as a member of the family.I ask you to please come and stay with us.Rest assured moving in with the family is not going to affect your studies or anything.We have simple rules in the family and from what I have observed you will fit in.What do you think Shi Ai?Would you mind being a part of my family?"

"Family?"Shi Ai wondered what it would be like to have a family.She had never been a part of one and she did not think she would fit well into one after so many years.But she was never one to refuse kindness and she could see that Dr Zhang's intentions,though hidden and suspicious,were not dangerous but were genuine.But she wasn't too sure so she asked for some time to think.Taking a deep breath,she said,"Dr Zhang,I am extremely grateful that you think me worthy of being a part of your family.But if you would not mind,I would like some time to think it over.I have only just found out about this and moving houses would be a huge change."

Dr Zhang nodded in understanding and said,"Of course child.Take your time.But let me assure you,I will try my best to support you even if you choose to go independently.So do not feel pressured.Alright?"

After this Dr Zhang bid goodbye leaving Shi Ai with more questions than answers.