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Nelly gradually calmed her fears as she pondered the situation. ‘I wouldn’t be true to myself if I didn’t admit that I’m impressed. I thought my father’s lineage would end with me, but Tony has taken it to a whole new level! I’m proud of him, but also concerned. In this age of technology, being a hacker is synonymous with danger. And he’s not just any hacker; he’s incredibly skilled. I worry about his safety in the future.’
As her thoughts concluded, she asked, “Have you considered what you want to do in the future, Tony?”
Sensing her tension easing, Tony pulled a chair closer. “Perhaps you should sit down before we continue our discussion.”
She glanced at him and nodded.
They settled near each other as he spoke. “Honestly, I have thought about it, but I’m still unsure about my future path. However, I am certain about my current interests and passion for everything related to computers. So, I am willing to work hard and face the consequences.”Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.
A glimmer of sadness passed through Nelly’s eyes. “You are aware that this profession is dangerous, right?”
He nodded. “I am fully aware. There are many people out there searching for you, Nelly. They would pay a high price for any information about you. Some would want to recruit you, while others would prefer to eliminate you. I know all of this, and if I continue down this path, I will face the same dangers as you.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Aren’t you afraid?”
“I am, but if I have to choose between my fear and my passion, I will always choose my passion!” His voice resonated with determination.
Nelly understood that Tony was resolute in his decision. If he spoke with such conviction, it meant he truly loved what he was doing.
That was probably why he decided to keep his activities hidden from her.
She found it difficult to ask him to stop pursuing his passion if he was already deeply in love with his chosen profession.
Suddenly, he asked, “Was Granddad also a skilled hacker, Nelly?”
Her son’s mention of her father caught her off guard. It left her momentarily stunned. Her delicate lashes trembled as she looked at him.
“Granddad was truly remarkable, and you have inherited his abilities, just as I have inherited yours, Nelly!” he said calmly.
It had been years since Nelly had spoken about her father with such calmness to anyone else. In that moment, she felt an unusual sense of peace.
With a nod, she agreed, “Indeed, he was an extraordinary man.”
Tony’s voice took on a deeper tone as he reassured her, “I know you have sought the truth about Granddad’s death, Nelly. I don’t know if it was because of his hacking activities, but rest assured, such tragedy won’t befall us again!”
She was at a loss for words.
Worries about Tony’s safety still lingered in her mind, but she wasn’t willing to restrain him because of those concerns.
If it was possible, she wanted to support him and allow him to indulge in his passion to the fullest.
The tragedy that had befallen her parents was something she alone had to carry. She simply hoped that her children could be who they wanted to be and do what made them happy. That alone would suffice for her.
As her thoughts came to a close, Nelly nodded. “Yes, I believe such tragedy won’t repeat itself!”
Tony raised an eyebrow in surprise. “So you agree to let me continue hacking?” His expression darkened before he nodded. “If it makes you unhappy, I won’t continue…”
Her serious expression vanished, and she suddenly smiled. “What, are you planning to shower me with unconditional filial piety? Will you do whatever I say?”
“Your happiness is the most important thing!” he replied earnestly. His response touched her deeply. She always knew how much he loved her.
He was her child, one of three. While she loved all of her children dearly, her love was divided between them.
But for Tony, she was his everything and the only one he wanted to shower with his love. He genuinely wanted her to be happy.
It was hard to say whether parents loved their children more or vice versa.
Nelly had no answer, but she still smiled and said, “I don’t always make the right decisions, Tony. I know you value my opinion, but I want you to have a clear conscience and form your own opinions. All I wish for is that you take care of yourself.” His eyes filled with gratitude upon hearing those words. With a nod, he promised, “I will, Nelly.”
“Alright, enough with the sentimentality. It’s time for serious matters now.” She stared at him solemnly. His cheerful smile froze at her words. “What serious matters?”
“How long have you known Sam?”
“I think it’s been less than two years?” he replied uncertainly. “Does he know about your true identity?”