Twain and Shania spent New Year's in the intensive care unit. That period of time happened to be when Twain's condition was the most critical. Neither of them was in the mood to celebrate the new year. After staying in the hospital for a month, at the end of January, Twain finally received approval from Dr. Stanley Meyer to be discharged and go home.
When the news that he was about to be discharged was announced, the entrance of the Royal College of Medicine Affiliated Hospital, which had gradually quietened down, was once again crowded with people. The media from all over wanted to capture a picture of Tony Twain because it was the first time he had appeared in public since being admitted to the hospital. The reporters wanted to ask him the questions they had been holding back for a month. One could imagine the scene at the entrance of the hospital when the time came.
In order not to cause trouble for the hospital and not to affect their normal work, in order not to be harassed by the media when he was discharged, and in order to go against the media to the end even if he had a heart attack, Twain chose a very unexpected time to be discharged — 1: 30 in the morning. Of course, the time announced by the hospital was later, at 9: 30 in the morning.
The procedures had been completed long ago. It was not until the time was up that he went downstairs with Shania accompanying him to the car. At 1: 30 in the morning, the outside of the hospital, whether it was the main entrance, the side, or the streets, there was not a single person to be seen. The sub-zero temperature was enough to freeze water. No reporter would block the entrance of the hospital at this time just to take a picture of Tony Twain appearing in public.
They chose this time to successfully avoid the reporters. At the entrance, they shook hands with Stanley Meyer and the other medical staff who had taken good care of him for the past month and left quietly.
The two did not return to the house at 13 Brede Garden Street. Instead, they went straight to the high-end residential area of the Lace Market and moved into the house that Shania had previously bought here.
Compared to where Twain used to live, not many people knew about this place. At least for a long time, Twain did not have to worry about the reporters waiting at the entrance.
Everything had been arranged. Stanley Meyer hoped that Tony Twain could recuperate during this period of time. Other than recuperating, he did not have to do or care about anything else. It was best not to contact reporters. If the media really wanted to know the latest news about him, they could just call Pierce Brosnan and say a few words. Anyway, Brosnan would be very happy to play the role of "Tony Twain's full spokesperson."
There were no newspapers about sports, and the TV never switched to sports channels. Every day, he would exercise for half an hour, quit smoking and drinking, sleep early and wake up early, and develop a regular routine …
Twain had to start a brand new life here.
The specially hired medical staff also began to work, and Shania could finally rest.
Just like that, another month passed in the blink of an eye.
At the end of February, Shania expressed her gratitude to the fans who were still concerned about her through her official personal website, and revealed the time of her comeback — it would be at the spring Milan Fashion Week.
No matter what the reason was, she had lost most of her endorsements and some popularity. She had suddenly pushed away some of her work willfully, which had caused her to lose a lot of endorsements. The competition in the modeling industry was very cruel. Even though she was once famous, she had to start from scratch. They worked hard on the runway and used their abilities to regain the endorsement contracts and popularity that they had lost.
Twain was a little worried about this, but Shania appeared to be very confident and full of fighting spirit. After confirming her relationship with Twain, she was in a good mood every day. Even when she encountered difficulties at work, she did not take it seriously. If not for Twain's weak health, she might have given her body to Uncle Tony long ago …
As it entered March, Shania began to actively train for the runway show and was very busy with work. The task of taking care of Twain was basically left to the male nurse, Albert Douglas.
Speaking of this Mr. Douglas, Shania had carefully selected him. She had gone through many trials before deciding on the final candidate. He was meticulous in his work, and at the beginning, Twain was tormented. Later, Twain realized that he could only choose to give up when faced with someone who was even more stubborn than him, so he obediently obeyed. Forcing himself to quit smoking and drinking was an abnormally painful thing, both physically and mentally. After a month, he finally realized that he could sleep soundly without thinking about it.
Actually, to Twain, the best thing about Mr. Douglas was not his professionalism and professionalism, but that as an English man, he could actually make authentic Spanish delicacies! Twain finally had the fortune of eating good food. Even Shania gave up the romantic idea of cooking for Uncle Tony after tasting his food …
The days passed uneventfully. Twain would go to the hospital for a checkup every ten days, accompanied by Douglas. He tried his best to keep a low profile when he went out. Even if he was caught by reporters, he did not say much. He wore sunglasses and kept a straight face, making himself look more like a movie star and not a football manager.
The feedback from the hospital was getting better and better, and the time between his check-ups was getting longer and longer. The two surgeries were very successful — one to treat the heart disease, and the other to install a pacemaker.
On the last day of March, Twain went to the hospital for another checkup.
After the checkup, Meyer asked, "Mr. Twain, why didn't I hear you complaining about your living conditions this time? Every time you came, didn't you say that the nurses were too strict and that not allowing you to smoke or drink was killing you? Why not this time? "
Twain chuckled and was very proud. "I stopped smoking and drinking a long time ago. I completely quit."
"Then I really have to congratulate you, Mr. Twain. Oh, is there anything else that you're not used to? "
Twain hesitated for a moment before touching his nose and saying, "I've forced myself to stay away from football for three months, and I still can't get used to it every day."
Stanley Meyer smiled and nodded. "I don't think you'll get used to it either. In fact, I think you can start gradually returning to your previous life. "
Twain did not understand at first. He was stunned for a moment before he reacted. He was a little surprised. "You mean I can go back to work?"
Dr. Meyer shook his head. "No, that's not what I mean, Mr. Twain. I mean … there's nothing wrong with your heart anymore. From now on, let your body slowly get used to that kind of atmosphere. You still can't work … Actually, it's just letting your heart warm up now. "
Twain was a little depressed, but he quickly recovered his optimism. "This is not bad. At least I can know what Forest's ranking is now …"
Meyer was a little surprised. "You still don't know?"
"I never look at anything with the word 'football' in it. How would I know?"
Hearing Twain say this, Meyer sighed. "I thought you would more or less understand a little. I didn't expect you to completely block out 'football.'"
"Since I've promised, I have to do it." Twain felt that it was a matter of course.
"But it's fine." Meyer smiled again. "It's better for you to understand it yourself than to hear it from someone else's mouth. Also, Mr. Twain. From today onwards, you don't need to come so frequently. You can also have a checkup once every six months. You really live up to your 40-year-old body. You're recovering faster than I thought. "
Twain was very happy that he could say this. Only when he was sick could he understand how important health was. During this period of time, the greeting he most wanted to hear was definitely not "successful in your career" or "Congratulations on getting rich." Instead, it was "I wish you good health."
After saying goodbye to Meyer and coming out of the hospital, Douglas went to the parking lot to get his car. Twain stood by the street and looked at the newspaper stand opposite him.
The outside of the black kiosk was hung with colorful newspapers and magazines. But Twain did not cross the street to buy a newspaper until Douglas drove the two white Mercedes-Benz jeeps over.
Don't be fooled by how excited he appeared at Meyer's place. When things came to the point, he actually shrank back. He was a little worried. Although he had never heard of Nottingham Forest's recent situation, he guessed that it would not be good. The situation was bad enough when he was around. He did not think that Dunn could do better than him. Otherwise, when he was previously suspended for three matches, Dunn would not have taken over to command the team without winning a single match.
It was not hard to imagine what kind of predicament Nottingham Forest, who had no money to bring in reinforcements and had suddenly lost their manager, would face. This team was personally built by Twain. He was familiar with every part, every part, and every person. Even with his eyes closed, he knew that the team was not doing well.
But he still felt that his heart was not fully prepared. He was afraid that if he bought a newspaper, he would be greeted with the worst news. If that happened, he might be sent back to the hospital again. But it was much more convenient this time. If he were to faint, he would directly faint at the entrance of the hospital. Perhaps he would even have the chance to witness the power of a nuclear-powered pacemaker. Could it be so powerful that it could directly make him climax?
Douglas parked the car next to him and got down to open the door for him. He noticed that Twain's gaze was always on the newspaper kiosk across the street. So he asked, "Do you need me to go over and buy a few newspapers for you, Mr. Twain?"
Twain shook his head and got into the car. "No, there's no need. Now is not the time. "
※ ※ ※
When Shania finished her work in Milan and returned, she had already signed a new endorsement contract with three world-renowned brands. Her own strength, popularity, and Mr. Fasal's methods had made her trip to Milan fruitful.
And when she came back and found out that Twain's heart was no longer a problem, she even happily announced that she would bring Uncle Tony back to Brazil for a vacation!
Tang En was startled. Of course, he knew that the vacation was actually just an excuse. Since they were in Brazil, how could they not meet Shania's parents?
How would he face them when the time came? Even if Shania insisted that her love did not need her parents' interference, as a man, he would still feel awkward …
He still remembered the scene of the last time they met. Clearly, Shania's parents saw him as a friend who could take care of their daughter in England. When they met again this time, his identity had changed from "guardian" to "your daughter's future husband" …
This gap wasn't something that everyone could happily accept.
But looking at Shania's excited little face, he could not refuse and say that he was not going. He could only bite the bullet and bring along a few casual summer clothes. He also brought along the responsible male nurse, Douglas, who knew how to cook and drive to weigh things on the streets. The next day, the three of them flew from England to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
※ ※ ※
Just like the last time they came to Brazil, they saw Shania's parents waiting outside when they came out of the airport. When she saw her parents, Shania threw Twain aside and pounced over, acting like a child. Twain, on the other hand, stood awkwardly behind their daughter, accompanied by Douglas, who had a serious expression on his face.
What should I call the first sentence later?
Call him "Mr. Bruce Tenório"? Wouldn't that seem a little distant? No matter what, I'm his daughter's boyfriend …
Call him "Dad"? Stop joking! We're about the same age … And the most important thing is that Shania and I are not married yet. Why are you calling him that?
Just call him "Bruce"? They did call each other that the last time they met in Brazil, but … now I'm calling Shania's father so intimately. What's going on?
Just as Twain was in a daze, Bruce Tenório had already extended his hand to him. "I'm so happy to see you safe and sound, Mr. Twain."
Calling him "Sir" … Twain thought to himself, I'll call you Sir as well then.
So, he extended his hand and shook it lightly. "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Tenório. Long time no see … "His expression and tone were still a little unnatural when he spoke.
But Tenório did not seem to take it to heart. He then extended his hand to Douglas, who was behind Twain. "Hello, nice to meet you, Mr. Douglas. I'm Shania's father, Bruce Tenório. "
Douglas calmly shook his hand in return.
He was not the main character here, so naturally, he did not care too much.
Twain looked at Shania, who was still in her mother's arms and talking non-stop. It was only at this moment that he felt that the three of them were a family. Shania was indeed their daughter, and they were really Shania's parents. Usually, they were busy with their own things and could only see each other a few times a year. As a result, Twain would always overlook Shania's parents. Now, it seemed that the people he had been overlooking were big trouble … From Mr. Tenório's limited enthusiasm, he could predict that this trip to Brazil would not be easy for him.
Sunshine, waves, palm trees, beach beauties in bikinis … For a vacation like this, I'd rather stay at home in the cold and damp England and watch a football match broadcast …
When Tenório saw this, he laughed as well. "Alright, let's talk about this when we get home. Xiao Qiao. "
Only then did Shania let go of her mother and return to Twain's side. Then, she very naturally reached out to hold Twain's arm. In front of her parents, Twain's body was still a little stiff as he carefully followed her into the car. He also did not forget to observe and realized that in front of everyone, whether it was Shania's father or mother, they did not show any displeasure. Only then did he let out a sigh of relief.
Sitting in the back, Shania snuggled up to him. Twain suddenly felt that his performance just now was too useless. Why was it that the last time they met, they could still talk cheerfully and wittily. But this time, it felt like a junior meeting an elder, so reserved?
On the other hand, Shania had been very proactive the whole way, sticking close to Twain like an octopus. She did not care that there was a third wheel, Douglas, sitting next to her. It looked like she clearly wanted to show her parents how far her relationship with Uncle Tony had progressed.
※ ※ ※
On the way back, Tenório and his wife were very concerned about Twain's health and kept asking him questions about his heart. The atmosphere was quite harmonious.
When they reached home, they settled down. Shania naturally stayed in her own bedroom, while Twain and Douglas slept in the guest room so that it would be convenient for Douglas to take care of Twain.
After settling down, Douglas very cleverly went to the balcony outside to look at Copacabana Beach in the distance. Suddenly, there were only four people left in the living room.
Twain was on guard. He knew that the crucial part had come.
Shania's mother, Giselle Tenório, looked at her daughter and said, "Jordie, don't you have anything to say to your parents?"
Shania pursed her lips, then put her hand on Twain's arm again and said, "I thought I've already made it obvious enough."
Twain felt that in such a family conversation, he was completely unable to interrupt at all. He was like a background prop on a stage. All he needed to do was to show that he and Shania were inseparable, and then … it would be best if he did not speak on his own.
Shania's father, Bruno Tenório, opened his mouth and said, "Actually, I'm not surprised." He gently placed his hand on his wife's and turned his head to say to her. "Our Jordie was very special when she was still very young. She never played with boys of the same age. I remember I specifically asked her why, and guess what she said? She pouted and said, 'They're too childish!' Haha! "
At this point, Mr. Tenório finally could not hold back his laughter.
"I can't forget the way the nine-year-old Jordie said those words with a straight face and a little disdainful." Bruno Tenório turned his gaze to Shania. "We've also seen the interview you did in Hollywood, Jordie. I have nothing to say. This is your own matter. Ever since you were young, your mother and I rarely cared about you. We gave you the maximum amount of freedom. It's the same now. You have the right to choose who you love and who you don't love. Your mother and I will not interfere. "
Hearing him say that, Twain let out a long sigh. His body that was previously tense immediately relaxed.
Sensing his change, Shania looked up at him and smiled at him proudly.
"But your mother is still very unhappy that you didn't call us to tell us after you fell in love with someone, Jordie," Tenório continued.
Shania giggled and said, "Didn't I just bring it back for you to see? Actually, I have another idea. I plan to marry Uncle Tony this year! "
As soon as she said that, the two people opposite her had a look of shock on their faces. With one look, Twain knew that this matter had probably exceeded his parents' expectations. Looks like I can't relax yet …
"No!" Almost without thinking, Giselle's objection blurted out. And the faint smile on her face had completely disappeared this time.
"Jordie, I hope you reconsider this matter." Her father, Mr. Tenório, also had a serious look on his face.
"I knew it …" Shania shrugged and sighed. "The so-called right to freedom is only in matters of no consequence. Once it's the most important thing, you will do this. "
"Jordana." Her father's tone quickly turned cold. "We agree that you and Mr. Tony are dating, but it doesn't mean that we accept your decision to get married immediately. Marriage is a very serious matter. How can you make a decision so easily? "
"Shania, you're getting married so early. What about your modeling career? And your career in Hollywood? Do you know what a woman has to pay once she gets married? "The person who said this was her mother.
Twain remembered that Shania's mother used to be a famous model as well. However, ever since she married her father, she retired from the modeling world and rarely showed her face in public. Shania had once said that her mother had Chinese blood in her. It seemed like it was true. Some traditional things were not so easy to change …
Shania stiffened her neck and refused to compromise. Her stubbornness also flared up. She would do what she set her mind on. "It's my freedom to fall in love with whoever I want. Since when was it not my freedom to marry? I just want to get married to Uncle Tony this year. As for work, I know what I'm doing. I'm not a child who doesn't know anything! "
Seeing that the joyful atmosphere was about to turn stiff, Twain had no choice but to cough. "Sorry … Can you allow me to say a few words? After all, I'm also involved in this matter … "
The three of them turned to look at him.
Twain scratched his head and then said, "Where should I start? To be honest, I only truly understood who I love three months ago. I'm a little slow in this aspect … But Shania has loved me for five years, from the first time we met. The love between Shania and I is very special. At first, I treated her as a junior. Sometimes, I even boasted of being her 'surrogate guardian' in England. After all, I'm older than her by 22 years … I can't escape the issue of age. I'm only younger than you … "He looked at Bruno Tenório." Younger than you by a few years, Mr. Tenório. It's a miracle that we were able to get together in the end. Especially after I went through such a big thing as a heart attack, Shania still stayed by my side, even at the cost of losing her endorsement contract. I'm not a religious person. I can only thank fate for its arrangement. "
"I think I understand your worries and worries, but I also understand Shania's feelings. On September 9th this year, I just celebrated my 40th birthday. Half of my life has passed, and I'm still considered a patient. There's a nuclear battery pacemaker here, and I don't know when I'll suddenly … sleep again. To Shania, I'm someone who's always in danger. She doesn't know when she'll lose me, and I don't know when I'll suddenly lose her. For two people like us, the time we can spend together now is especially precious, and we don't want to waste a single minute or second. Shania's eagerness to marry me must also be out of consideration for cherishing the present. "
"Shania loves me, and I love Shania. There's no problem with that. For someone like me who died once, there's nothing more reassuring than waking up to find the person I love by my side. I cherish everything I have now more than you can imagine. Perhaps you still have some doubts about my feelings for your daughter? In fact, I don't know how many more years I can live, but there's one thing I'm very sure of … My feelings for Shania will not change until I die. "
Shania looked at Tang En's sincere confession in surprise. Even when the two of them were alone, Uncle Tony always had to put on the airs of an elder, and rarely said such straightforward words. She thought the Uncle Tony she fell in love with was a blockhead, unromantic, and incapable of sweet talk.
"So, out of consideration for cherishing the present, I beg you to agree to me marrying your daughter." Tang En straightened his back, sat on the sofa, and said solemnly to his parents-in-law.
"Uncle Tony …" Shania did not expect Tang En to take the initiative to propose marriage. She thought deep down, Tang En did not want to get married as soon as possible.
Shania's mother still wanted to say something, but was stopped by her husband. Mr. Bruno Tenório smiled and said, "You're indeed a manager known for his eloquence. I don't doubt your feelings for my daughter, Mr. Tang. Just like how I don't doubt my daughter's feelings for you. But have you thought about it? I'm not cursing you on purpose, but your health really can't be completely assured. What if one day you suddenly … What will happen to our daughter? "
"Dad!" Shania stood up abruptly. She was very displeased with her father for saying such things.
Tang En, however, held her hand and made her sit down. Then, he faced Tenório and said, "I can't promise anything about the future, so I can only say that my feelings for Shania will not change before I die. But Mr. Tenório, have you not thought about it? No matter how healthy a person looks now, they will die one day. Maybe like me, I have a heart attack or some other incurable disease. Maybe I'll suddenly get into a car accident or some other accident … I'm no different from them. No one knows when they'll die, and no one knows how they'll die. Instead of worrying about what will happen after death, why not live each day to the fullest? If it's just because you're worried about what will happen after death, then no one should get married. " He shrugged. "But please don't worry. In order to be able to enjoy more time with Shania, I won't die so easily. This heart of mine … "He pointed to his left chest and suddenly became heroic. "This heart of mine is nuclear-powered! The longer the half-life of the elements, the longer my love for Shania. "
Shania suddenly hugged Tang En and buried her face in his shoulder. She suddenly remembered what Mr. Fasal had said to her that afternoon in America.
"Once you walk into his heart, you'll get the most passionate return. When this careless pirate realizes that you've been in the depths of his heart for a long time, I'll be having a headache about what kind of wedding gift to give you. "
Hearing that, Bruno Tenório spread his hands and smiled at his wife. "What else do you have to say? Even when I was young, I didn't say such things to you, Giselle. The longer the half-life of the elements, the longer my love for you … It looks like our daughter has found the best home. "
Then, he turned to Tang En and smiled. "But Mr. Tang En, are you really ready to call me 'Dad'?"
Tang En, who had been acting like a man just now, suddenly froze. Calling a man who was only a few years older than him "Dad" …
Shania was still leaning on his shoulder, immersed in Tang En's heroic declaration of love. She did not notice the predicament her Uncle Tony was in.
At this time, Tang En could not count on Shania to help him. After a long internal struggle, he made the right choice.
Forget it, we don't see each other every day anyway! Let's just pretend that I'm still 26 years old!
"Dad!" Tang En said loudly, his voice stiff.
Not only that, he turned to Giselle Tenório and shouted in the same tone, "Mom!"
Bruno Tenório laughed and patted Tang En's stiff body hard. "You're a good man, Mr. Tang En. I can't be more at ease leaving Jordie to you. Cherish the time you have together! "
Twain gave a stiff smile.
"Are you hungry? Let's go eat together. Let's just treat it as your engagement dinner! "
With that, he pulled his wife to stand up and walked out.
Tang En then got up and realized that Shania was still hanging on him. He turned around and saw Shania raise her head with a flushed face. Her little face was full of shyness. Even so, her bright eyes still shone with a sly light.
"Luckily, I didn't forget this bit of chemical knowledge … The half-life of uranium 238 is 4.5 billion years. Uncle Tony, you must love me for 4.5 billion years! "(Note 1)
※ ※ ※
(Note 1: Actually, the radioactive element in the most commonly used nuclear battery pacemaker is not uranium, but plutonium 238. Its half-life is 89.6 years. However, Shania changed the element in the battery to uranium and chose the longer half-life of uranium 238 on her own accord in order to get a longer love.
Don't worry about why she remembered it so clearly. Of course, the author himself had used Baidu and Google for this. In the plot of the novel, let's just treat Shania as an exceptionally smart little prodigy!
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