HLM -Chapter 1321 Almost Hit the Wrong Person

“You need to understand your father. Your life has only just begun—what about his? He’s already halfway down the road. And all these years, he’s been walking forward while carrying the guilt he feels toward your mother. Can you help him take off that heavy backpack?”

“In heaven, your mother must be much happier now than she was five years ago, because she can see the ice between you and your father slowly melting. Make her a little happier—support your father in pursuing Aunt Vanessa, okay?”

“Show the responsibility and maturity an adult should have. Make your father see you in a new light, let him know you’re no longer that child who only knew how to throw tantrums, all right?”

Little Hani looked up at the sky. Night had fallen, the city lights were coming on, and the spring night sky of New Zealand was brilliant and serene.

Listening to Wang Bo’s persuasion, Little Hani stared at the night sky, a confused expression appearing on his face.

Seeing this, Wang Bo knew he needed to push a bit more. He drove to the church and said, “Come on. This is the place closest to God. Your mother was a devout believer—go talk to her.”

Father Rooney was cleaning when he saw them come in. He nodded and asked, “Is there anything I can help you with?”

Wang Bo said, “Thank you, Father. This child wants to talk to his mother in heaven. Where should we go?”

Father Rooney led them to a side room in front of the statue of the Virgin Mary. Placing both hands on Little Hani’s shoulders, he said, “My child, this is the mother of us all. Your mother is here. Talk to her—tell her everything you want to say. Remember, God and your mother will always love you.”

Little Hani’s eyes grew moist. In a low, heavy voice he said, “Thank you, Father. Please let me be alone for a while. Thank you, Boss.”

Wang Bo patted him on the shoulder, then left together with the priest.

They sat outside chatting. Father Rooney said, “Another suffering soul has received the Lord’s salvation. Mayor, you should be able to feel the Lord’s mercy and glory now. When will you bring your child for baptism?”

In New Zealand, infant baptism is the initiation sacrament for Christians. Whether it’s an actual baptism or one by desire, once baptized, the child is considered a Christian.

According to doctrine, this washes away the sins carried from a previous life, allowing the child to receive the Lord’s forgiveness early.

The new Code of Canon Law has regulations regarding infant baptism. Under normal circumstances, parents are responsible for arranging the baptism within a few weeks after birth.

If the infant is not healthy enough after birth or is in danger of death, baptism should be administered immediately.

Wang Bo’s baby had been born for nearly three months—already well over ten weeks—yet he still hadn’t brought her for baptism. This made the priest anxious: so many unpious believers under his care, progress going so poorly—how was he supposed to explain this to God?

Wang Bo coughed lightly and said, “Personally, I’m opposed to infant baptism. I think it interferes with a child’s freedom. If she’s baptized now, wouldn’t that be forcing a religious obligation onto her—one she might oppose in the future? Wouldn’t that violate the child’s human dignity?”

Father Rooney said anxiously, “How can you think that way?”

Wang Bo waved his hand. “That’s just how it is. I think we should wait until my daughter reaches an age where she can freely choose her faith before letting her be baptized. Before that, both we as parents—and you as the godfather—should stay out of it. It’s best not to put pressure on her.”

Father Rooney set aside his anxiety and put on a harmless, gentle smile. “Listen to me, Wang. Do you know about the Instruction on Infant Baptism? It was issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on October 20, 1980.”

Wang Bo shook his head. “Sorry, I’m not very familiar with it.”

“Then let me explain,” the priest continued with a smile. “In fact, there is no such thing as a purely human freedom completely unaffected by any influence. Even at the level of nature itself, parents make many choices on behalf of their children regarding fundamental matters of life and future value orientations. The so-called neutral attitude of a family toward a child’s religious life is actually a negative choice, sufficient to deprive the child of the most necessary benefits.”

Wang Bo translated, “So you’re saying that, in choosing Christian rites, neutrality is actually a negative stance? And baptizing a child is the most necessary benefit of her life?”

The priest nodded approvingly. “Yes, you’ve understood it very correctly.”

Wang Bo said, “I still don’t quite get it. Huh—he’s coming out. We’ll talk about my daughter’s baptism later.”

Little Hani strode out. It was obvious he had cried—his eyes were a little red.

Father Rooney asked with concern, “Are you all right, my child?”

Little Hani smiled. “Thank you, Father. I’m fine. I think I understand what my mother meant.”

The two drove back. On the way, Wang Bo asked, “What do you think your mother’s attitude would be?”

“If she were still alive, she’d definitely scratch Aunt Vanessa’s face,” Little Hani said.

“What?!” Wang Bo slammed on the brakes. What the hell—had all his effort been wasted?

Little Hani quickly added, “But she’s already in heaven. So I think she’d want me and the old man to live more happily. If marrying Aunt Vanessa would make him happier, then I’m willing to give them my blessing.”

Wang Bo restarted the car, pulling back his fist. “Next time, finish what you’re saying. Don’t stop halfway. I almost hit the wrong person.”

Little Hani: “……”

The next morning, after going to work, Wang Bo first took Little Hani to the Salvation Army store. Aunt Vanessa was sorting through some old clothes—mostly freshly washed jeans. She carefully attached price tags and hung them on the racks.

“Hi, ma’am,” Wang Bo greeted her.

Aunt Vanessa smiled. “Good morning, Mayor. Oh—Carlson, good morning to you too.”

Little Hani’s name was Carlson. His father’s name was Carl. Carlson meant “Carl’s son,” a naming style quite common in New Zealand.

Wang Bo looked at Little Hani. With a stiff smile, he said, “Aunt Vanessa, good morning. It’s like this—I want to tell you something. My dad hasn’t told you about it. Mayor Wang told me I should come and do it for him.”

Vanessa led the two of them to a quiet corner. “What is it?”

Little Hani shrugged. “Well… my dad actually likes you a lot, Aunt Vanessa. If you’re willing, I’d be very happy to see you and him together.”

Wang Bo beamed. Good kid. Well said.

Vanessa froze for a moment, then laughed softly. “You’re a good son, Carlson. I don’t know what to say. I’m proud of Carl for having a son like you.”

“But,” she continued, changing her tone, “some things can’t be done by others—they have to be done by oneself. Still, I really appreciate you coming to see me today and saying these things. I know it wasn’t easy for you, and I’m very grateful.”