Chapter 172: Alan is out of the hospital Inside the hospital, Noah entered the ward with excitement building in his chest. The white corridors that had become routine over recent weeks would soon be just a memory rather than a regular destination. He found his dad sitting in the bedside chair, a calm, serene look on his face as he sipped coffee and read the morning news. The transformation was remarkable. He was no longer the weakened man who had struggled with his daily basic activities. Rather, in his place sat someone who looked like he was in complete tranquility, radiating the health and vitality that the magical beef jerky had restored. He looks twenty years younger. The beef jerky worked even better than I hoped. Noah smiled at the peaceful scene, feeling deep satisfaction at witnessing his father’s complete recovery from illnesses that had seemed insurmountable just days ago. "Good morning, Dad. Are you ready to go home?" Alan Carter looked up from his newspaper, his face brightening with a smile that carried energy Noah hadn’t seen in months. He stood up with ease, no longer requiring the slow movements of someone managing chronic pain and weakness. "More than ready, I’ve been looking forward to this," Alan replied with obvious enthusiasm. Noah and Alan made their way to the discharge department, walking through the hospital’s corridors. As they walked, Alan provided updates on the final medical evaluations that had sealed his release. "The tests were all conducted yesterday after you left. This morning, early, the doctors came to tell me about the miraculous healing I’d undergone." "Dr. Thompson actually used the word ’unprecedented,’" Alan continued with amusement. "He kept asking what kind of treatment I’d been receiving, but I stuck to our agreement about keeping your... supplements... private." "Everything checked out perfectly," Alan concluded as they approached the discharge desk. "Blood work normal, neurological function excellent, cardiovascular health much better than men half my age. I can leave after completing the checkout procedures." Complete constitutional recovery. The beef jerky’s permanent vitality enhancement worked exactly as intended. The discharge process proceeded smoothly, with medical staff expressing amazement at Alan’s remarkable recovery while processing the paperwork that would officially end his extended hospital stay. Within thirty minutes, father and son walked out of the medical facility together, both satisfied. ... The discharge department informed Noah that the remaining medical billing would arrive at his address within the next week or so. Despite his payments covering the past two weeks of treatment, the earlier months of on-and-off payments had accumulated charges that weren’t covered by him. "The balance should arrive by mail," the administrative clerk explained. But Noah couldn’t care less about the financial burden; he estimated that the bill wouldn’t exceed $50,000 total. By the time the week rolled around and the invoice arrived, he wouldn’t be worrying about such meagre amounts at all. The daily income of nearly three hundred thousand from being Idle alone makes hospital bills feel like pocket change. After completing the discharge procedures, father and son naturally felt the need to celebrate this momentous recovery. But first, Alan expressed a desire to shower and change into his own clothes after weeks of hospital gowns and institutional routines. "I want to feel human again, real clothes, calm shower...you know, real life." Simple pleasures that hospital stays make you appreciate differently. The living situation had become complicated during Alan’s extended hospitalisation. After losing his job due to extended absence, Alan had also lost their family house when medical bills consumed their savings and rent payments became impossible. During that crisis period, Noah had salvaged whatever he could from their family home—his father’s clothes, personal belongings, and sentimental items and stored everything in his small apartment. When Noah had recently moved to his new house, he had carefully transferred those rescued possessions, ensuring his father would have familiar belongings when he finally came home healthy. At least he’ll have his own things. Some continuity despite everything that’s changed. Inside his new house, Noah prepared a quick but nutritious meal for his father’s first home-cooked food in weeks. The dish naturally incorporated healing bread from his storage ring, providing both flavor and continued magical enhancement to support his father’s recovery. One more dose of healing properties can’t hurt. Might as well ensure his improvement continues. In the living room, Alan discovered that his son had prepared an amazing meal that filled the house with appetising aromas. The bread was prominently featured alongside other carefully chosen ingredients. Alan noticed the magical bread but didn’t ask questions about its unusual properties or obvious expense. Everyone had their own secrets, and if his son wanted to share details about his mysterious food sources, he would do so voluntarily. He’s still the same person. That’s what matters. Alan thought. Alan had learned not to pry into matters that didn’t affect their fundamental relationship. His son remained the caring young man he’d raised, and that consistency mattered more than unexplained luxuries or unusual things. After they finished the welcome-home meal, Noah suggested they needed to celebrate the successful recovery properly. "This calls for a real celebration," Noah declared with a smile on his face. Alan nodded enthusiastically. "Indeed. You know what? I loved cooking back in the old days. Why don’t we prepare a meal together? And we should invite your aunt and her family over for dinner." His face brightened with energy as he continued planning. "This way we can celebrate here, as a family, rather than going somewhere impersonal." Noah nodded immediately, accepting his dad’s proposal. "That’s a perfect idea, Dad." Family dinner at home. Much better than a restaurant celebration. And with my items, it would be healthier. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞 The suggestion offered multiple benefits: quality bonding time with his father in the kitchen, an opportunity to increase his cooking skill to level 3, and a chance to create new positive memories after months of medical crisis. Time together doing something we both enjoy. Exactly what we need. The duo headed out to a large supermarket to gather ingredients for their celebratory family feast. They moved through the aisles with enthusiasm. Selecting ingredients without the budget constraints that had previously limited their choices. Shopping without worrying about every dollar...it feels good. Their cart was filled with high-quality beef, fresh chicken, seasonal vegetables, ripe fruits, beverages, and an array of spices. The total price came to about $300, but the quantity and quality would provide meals for approximately a week while ensuring their celebration dinner would be truly impressive. As they loaded their purchases into Noah’s car, both father and son felt satisfied about planning something positive together after so long. Arriving back home, the duo called up Aunt Mei. Aunt Mei who didn’t know about the changes that had occurred for the past two days immediately rejoiced at the news of Alan healing up. When she heard that they were also inviting them for dinner, she rejected saying that she should be inviting them over and that Alan should relax. After some bickering, Aunt Mei surrendered to Alan’s plan and told them that she would be there for lunch. Uncle Smith and Ethan were off since it was a holiday, which made it a perfect time. With that concluded, the son and father began cooking their meal.