Demons Beside You

In three days, the two kilometers of asphalt road was completed.

Asphalt had many advantages over cement. It was easier to lay down, more efficient, and easier to maintain. A cement road needed to be dried for at least a week before it could be used. Cement also swelled. If the difference in temperature was too much, it could crack or break.

On the other hand, asphalt could solidify within a few hours under regular temperature. Cars could go on it in 24 hours.

There weren’t many pure asphalt roads anymore because it could produce carcinogens under high temperatures. Now, most asphalt roads used mixed materials. Asphalt was the main ingredient with fiber and other materials mixed in. This reduced the toxins released.

The cost also rose considerably, but Chen Zhao was willing to spend more money.

Large amounts of construction materials were sent to the site.

First, they had to build the foundation. The earth by the river was looser and damp. Plus, a portion of the building would be underground, so the foundation had to be pretty deep.

Another portion would be built in the river, so construction would be more troublesome. Of course, Chen Zhao didn’t have to worry about this. Felwood would take care of everything.

…

Just as Chen Zhao returned from the construction site, he received Dell’s call.

“Chen, can you come over? I think there’s something wrong with Faith.”

“Oh? Mary didn’t take care of her?”

“It’s not Mary’s problem. It’s best if you can come over because I’m not really sure.”

Judging from Dell’s tone, he didn’t seem to be joking. Usually, when Dell asked for Chen Zhao, he would say some playful things even if something was wrong. But today, Dell was serious the entire time. Chen Zhao felt like something really was wrong.

When he arrived at Dell’s home, Dell hurriedly led Chen Zhao in. It was obvious that he really cared about Faith.

Dell was unreliable usually, but for this, he acted as serious as a parent should.

“Dell, what’s wrong with Faith?”

He didn’t answer. Entering the living room, Chen Zhao saw Mary holding Faith.

“Mary.”

“Chen, you’re here.”

“Let me see Faith.” Chen Zhao took Faith, but he couldn’t see anything wrong with her. “What exactly is wrong?”

“I think that she can’t see,” Dell said.

“Huh?”

Chen Zhao sat on the sofa. He took out a small flashlight and shone into Faith’s eyes. She didn’t have any reaction.

Then Chen Zhao snapped his fingers by Faith’s ears. She immediately reacted, reaching toward Chen Zhao while making noises.

His preliminary judgment now was that Faith really couldn’t see.

“Did you take her to the hospital to check?”

“Not yet.”

“Do it immediately. I’ll go with you.”

“Chen, what if Faith can’t see?” Dell asked worriedly.

“You’re her guardian even if she can’t see.”

“That’s not what I meant. I mean, if she can’t see, what will her future be like… I want her to grow healthily and play like the other kids. I don’t want her life to be in darkness.” Dell’s expression was serious.

“Go to the hospital to check first. We can discuss this when the results come out.”

Chen Zhao and Dell brought Faith to the hospital. She was quickly taken to a dust-free room for testing by the ophthalmologist. Chen Zhao and Dell could only sit in the hallway, waiting for the results.

Just then, Faur came over. Seeing Chen Zhao there, she was surprised.

“Chen, why are you here? Don’t tell me your patient is in there again.”

“It’s my friend’s child,” Chen Zhao said.

“Come here. I have a question,” Faur said, pulling Chen Zhao to the side.

“What’s wrong?”

“How are you and Fali?”

“We’re dating,” Chen Zhao answered. “Is there a problem?”

“I don’t have a problem, but my dad is really conservative. He might not agree with you two dating.”

Chen Zhao rolled his eyes. What year was it? How could there still be such an old-fashioned parent?

“My dad is really authoritative and not easy to talk to. If he thinks that you and Fali can’t be together, he might use force.”

“Me and Fali don’t need other people to point around,” Chen Zhao said, just as forcefully. “Even if that person is Fali’s father.”

“Fine. I hope you can convince him.”

After Faur left, Dell moved over. “Chen, who’s that pretty doctor? You guys seem to have a special relationship? Did you two have sex yet?”

“She’s my girlfriend’s sister. That’s it,” Chen Zhao said. “So you’ve been acting the entire night and now you’re being stupid again?”

“I’m worried inside, but it’s useless,” Dell said helplessly.

An hour later, the doctor responsible for the test came out with the report. A nurse carried Faith.

“Mr. Dell, the situation isn’t good.”

“What’s bad?” Dell instantly grew nervous.”

“Your daughter has congenital choroidal hypoplasia. She can’t react to light.”

“Can you do surgery?” Dell asked.

“The child is too young and can’t undergo surgery. Also, this condition is congenital, so it can’t be fixed. In addition, she has the Diego blood type.”

“Chen, what’s that?”

“Diego was discovered in 1955. It’s named after the first patient who produced a new blood antigen. This patient gave birth to an infant with neonatal hemolytic disease. An antigen was found that could attack the infant’s red blood cells through the placenta. In 1967, the second Diego antigen was found and more kept being discovered in 1995.”

“Say it more simply.”

“It’s a rare blood type.”

“And then?”

“Faith’s choroid is underdeveloped, so if she does surgery, someone will have to donate their eyes. This means that if Faith wants to see, she’ll need to switch out her entire eye. But with how rare the Diego blood type is, there might not be one match in decades. Do you understand?”

“Can you buy it on the black market? I’m willing to spend as much money as needed if I can buy it. Is one million dollars enough?”

Chen Zhao slapped Dell’s head. “Idiot.”

The doctor walked away, shaking his head. Chen Zhao glared at Dell. “Watch your language. This isn’t your house. Thank god the doctor didn’t take it seriously. Otherwise, you could’ve gotten reported.”

“Why? I didn’t do anything. I can’t even talk about it?”

“You know how the organs on the black market get there?”

“How?”

“There are organ harvesting places everywhere in the world. Some organ harvesters get their eyes on tourists. Then they’re dragged to the place and their organs are taken out. Sometimes, their bodies are found in the rivers or beaches.”