Momentarily taken aback, Mike nodded and stood up. "Yeah, you're right. My son is much tougher than me!"

"In what aspect?" Dominic asked, a question that baffled Mike, Alexander, and Austin, who exchanged a look.

Mike shook his head. "I guess in every aspect."

"It's the mindset," Dominic said meaningfully, shaking his head. "Your son possesses a superior mindset. I've met many people, but few like him." He continued sympathetically, "This situation is hard to bear, especially for a child. Yet, he remains calm and sensible. That's something I admire."

A half-smile touched Mike's lips at the old man's praise, as if he were seeing his son at that moment. "Yeah, Nicky's always been sensible. Many people say he's too mature for his age."

His smile faded. "Sometimes I wish he were more childlike. It's my fault for not being around him enough." He wished he could have spent more time with Nick, who had always lived with his mother.

"Hey, quit dwelling on the past; we can't change it. If your son can move on and fight to survive, how can you be such a wimp?" Dominic asked.

Stumped, Mike gradually calmed. He nodded. "You're right. I was too emotional. I need to pull myself together for my son!"

Dominic looked at him intently, sighing. "I didn't mean to criticize, but we shouldn't waste time feeling sorry for ourselves. We still need to stop the experiment, don't we?"

"Not unless we can change Queen Yasmin's mind," Alexander said, shaking his head. "We've already tried."

"Yes, it's difficult to change that old woman's mind," Dominic sighed. He'd spoken to her several times, seemingly making progress, only to have setbacks at crucial moments.

He shook his head, noticing the trio's amused expressions. "What? Did I say something funny?" he asked, puzzled.

"No, not at all!" The trio coughed, aware that only Dominic would dare call the queen an "old woman."

"Let's go inside," Austin said quickly, wanting to get the old man out of the cold. They entered the mansion.

Dominic sat down, leaning back, looking tired. Alexander asked gently, "Would you like a nap?" The old man glared. "I'm starving! Can I at least eat first?"