Chapter 61

"Father Li, I feel that the mechanical leg is just fine. I don't need my leg restored. I also want to remember my mother. If it weren't for her protecting me, I would've lost more than just one leg." Nick's voice was firm as he spoke.

Qin Li replied seriously, "No problem, Nick. As you wish."

Frank had finished his phone call and quietly approached Nick from behind. Hearing Nick's words, this man, hardened like steel, had tears welling up in his eyes.

Frank placed his hand on Nick's head and ruffled his hair. "Don't worry, I'll always protect you, Nick."

Nick then turned and hugged Frank, but seeing the heavy atmosphere, he spoke up. "But I really want a little brother. I want to train in martial arts with him, and we can play basketball together."

Qin Li burst out laughing, while Frank was caught off guard by Nick's sudden playful remark, coughing a few times. Finally, Qin Li smiled and said, "Don't worry, Nick. I think your dad will definitely work hard on that. Maybe your little brother will be here next year. But what if it's a little sister?"

Frank was also curious, glancing at Nick, wondering how he would respond.

Nick put his hand on his chin, frowning. "If it's a sister, I'll protect her well and take good care of her. She definitely shouldn't end up like Sister Jessica, a violent maniac." After saying that, as if realizing something, Nick dashed off quickly.

"Nick! Stop right there!" Jessica's angry voice rang out from nearby, and soon, she was seen flipping over the table to chase after Nick.

Watching this lively scene, Qin Li chuckled and said to Frank, "Nick is going to be a good older brother, looks like you don't need to worry about that."

Frank nodded in satisfaction, then said, "Selina said Friday works. If we're going to Tony Stark's place this weekend, she doesn't have any classes, so she can join us."

"Woohoo~ That's great. Frank, so your lady love is actually a teacher?" Qin Li bumped Frank with his shoulder.

Frank stumbled when Qin Li bumped him but quickly regained his balance, giving Qin Li an irritated look. "She teaches piano. Maybe she rescheduled her weekend classes."

Qin Li teased, "Oh? Looks like Nick might end up learning piano under your girlfriend's tutelage."

Afterward, seeing Nick running around aimlessly, Qin Li's tone softened. "He grew up without a mother's love. Maybe in the future, that kid will be hiding behind your wife, making faces at you."

Frank clearly envisioned the scene Qin Li described and laughed. "Then, I can discipline him properly. Can't let both of us spoil him, right?"

Qin Li laughed, "Well, in that case, you might lose ten years off your life. Good luck, Frank."

Frank wasn't bothered by Qin Li's jests. If it weren't for Nick, he would have been long dead, not sitting here watching his son.

As night fell, everyone went to Old Chen's place for dinner, and they also shared the good news with him. Old Chen, with a smile, said to invite him to the wedding, so he could give a big red envelope to celebrate Frank and Nick finding a new home.

Afterward, Frank had too much to drink, repeatedly apologizing to Nick for not having visited him all these years. Nick comforted Frank like a little adult, but he was also crying. As for Qin Li? He was recording it all on his phone.

What a black history, Qin Li thought, laughing loudly as he watched Frank with snot dripping from his nose. Then he received a punch from Jessica. After everyone had eaten, drank, and had their fun, they went home to sleep.

As the days passed, it soon became Friday. Jessica was urging Nick to hurry up, while Frank looked at Qin Li and asked, "Aren't you going to call her?"

Qin Li, who had been on the receiving end of Frank's persistent questions, reluctantly dialed Natasha Romanoff's number, even though he thought it unlikely.

"Natasha!" Clint Barton's voice reached Natasha Romanoff's ears, pulling her out of her distracted state.

"Barton? What's up?" Natasha forced a smile and asked.

"You've been off since completing the mission at Qin Li's place. Is everything okay? Maybe I can help?" Clint asked, concern in his voice.

"Oh, just some minor issues. Maybe I'll feel better after a drink or two," Natasha rubbed her forehead, pretending to be exhausted.

"Natasha, stop pretending. I know when you're acting. You're in the same state my wife was in before we got married," Clint said.

Natasha was taken aback. "You're exaggerating, Barton."

"It seems like Father Li has broken down the walls you've built in your heart," Clint said, nodding as he noticed her expression.

Natasha sighed in resignation. "Alright, maybe you're right." She looked at Clint. "You know I had that surgery to become the Black Widow."

Clint fell silent. He knew that Nick Fury had once sent Clint to assassinate the original Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff. During that mission, Clint had learned about Natasha's painful past—how she had been brainwashed from childhood to become a top-tier agent in the Red Room. Among the many candidates, she was selected and underwent a procedure to remove her uterus. Clint knew that this was why she was in the state she was in now.

Clint then broke the silence. "Your problem, Natasha, maybe Father Li can help. You've seen his godlike abilities, haven't you?"

Natasha hesitated before shaking her head, "Forget it. I escaped from the Red Room and joined S.H.I.E.L.D. If I leave now, I'm afraid there'll be no place left for me in this world."

Clint scoffed. "Why can't you be both a girlfriend and an agent? If you're not into espionage anymore, be like me and work in field ops. The pay's not as good, but it's a good life."

Natasha was tempted by Clint's words but still said stubbornly, "But Father Li's abilities... it's not entirely real."

Clint shrugged. "Reality is rarely romantic, Natasha."

Before Natasha could respond, her phone suddenly rang.