Chapter 47
All around them, it was utterly silent, as if time had stopped at that very moment.
In the pitch-dark, oppressive space, the only thing they could hear was each other’s breathing.
Breathing in the familiar scent of body wash, Yu Chen gradually stopped being afraid. Feeling at ease, he leaned against He Zhen’s chest and slowly opened his eyes.
“Boss.”
By his ear was the fierce pounding of a heartbeat. He lifted his head a little, and his forehead accidentally brushed He Zhen’s neck, where he felt a fine layer of sweat.
“Did you run here too fast?”
Yu Chen’s emotions gradually settled. He raised his hand and touched him lightly, only to discover that He Zhen’s cheek was damp with sweat too.
He licked his dry lips, pulled a tissue from his pocket, and gently wiped it away for him.
Though there was no light around them, the understanding between them was especially natural. He Zhen lowered his head slightly to make it easier for Yu Chen.
Ten minutes had already passed since the power outage, but the school’s backup generator still had not started.
Yu Chen was resting against He Zhen’s shoulder, and he had not let go either.
“Why did you come?”
The moment he asked that, Yu Chen already knew the answer in his heart.
In just a few minutes, if He Zhen had rushed all the way here, who else could it possibly have been for except him?
“I was worried you’d get scared.”
He Zhen caught hold of Yu Chen’s slender arm, his fingertip resting over his pulse. “Still scared?”
Yu Chen’s lashes trembled lightly. “Not anymore.”
A chill passed across He Zhen’s palm, and only then did he realize Yu Chen’s back was soaked in sweat, nearly dampening his short sleeves through.
He lowered his head a little. “You sweated this much?”
“I got scared,” Yu Chen answered honestly. “I was extracting the pigment, and then suddenly the power went out. I almost thought the end of the world had come.”
He Zhen chuckled softly, pulled a tissue from Yu Chen’s pocket, and wiped his face for him. “If the end of the world really came, what would you do?”
Yu Chen murmured, “I’d bring Dad, you’d bring Grandpa, and we’d wander the world together.”
A faint smile lingered at the corner of He Zhen’s lips. After making sure there was no sweat on Yu Chen’s head, he handed him another tissue. “Wipe your back. Don’t catch a chill when you go out later.”
“Oh.” Yu Chen couldn’t quite reach his back, but he did his best to wipe at it. “Done.”
“Don’t fool around.” He Zhen flicked him lightly on the shoulder. “If you catch a cold, I’m taking you to the hospital for a shot.”
“Tch, stop trying to scare me.” Back in elementary school, He Zhen had always used that threat on Yu Chen. Since Yu Chen was afraid of pain, he had naturally behaved himself.
“Hurry up and wipe it.” He Zhen laughed in a low voice. “There’s only one tissue left. Don’t waste it.”
“I can’t reach.” Yu Chen complained as he struggled to rub his arm across his back. “It’s more or less fine.”
“Mm.” A few ripples stirred in He Zhen’s usually calm eyes as his gaze fell on Yu Chen’s face so close to his own. “Wait a bit longer. The power should come back soon.”
“Okay.” Yu Chen planned to throw the tissue into the trash, but still remembered to hold on to He Zhen. “Boss, good thing you came. Otherwise, if I had stayed here alone this long, my heart disease would’ve acted up.”
“Don’t talk nonsense.” Though He Zhen was not superstitious, he still copied Li Huan and patted Yu Chen on the head. “Say ‘pooh pooh pooh.’”
Yu Chen pursed his lips and obediently muttered it under his breath.
With nothing else to do, the two of them sat side by side by the window, whispering to each other.
“Boss, what’s going on in class right now?”
“They’re using flashlights. Some of them are even singing in the hallway.”
“Hehe, I thought school might let us out early.”
“They’ll definitely restore the power as soon as possible. There are still plenty of boarding students here. It wouldn’t be safe for students from the upper floors to go home.”
“Boss, do you think any little couples are secretly kissing while they’ve got the chance?” Yu Chen grabbed He Zhen’s arm, his tone full of excitement.
“Yu Chencheng.” He Zhen cast him a flat glance. “You really are gossipy.”
Yu Chen snickered. “I’m just a little curious. When we get back, I’ll ask Xiao Yu. He knows everything. Oh right, do you know how many people in our class are secretly dating?”
He Zhen said, “No idea.”
Yu Chen said dramatically, “Xiao Yu said there are at least five couples.”
A smile glimmered in He Zhen’s deep eyes. “So?”
Yu Chen blurted out, “There’s no so what.”
He Zhen teased, “I thought you were going to become the sixth.”
Yu Chen froze for a moment, then slowly shifted himself and sat on the windowsill with his back to He Zhen, no longer saying anything.
Everything around them was quiet.
In a small voice, Yu Chen muttered, “The teacher said we’re not allowed to date this early.”
As he said it, he was clearly paying attention to He Zhen behind him, his thoughts already thrown into complete disorder.
“Fine. Then no early dating.”
“We’ll date later.”
Yu Chen’s pupils suddenly tightened. The tips of his ears turned red, and in a soft, sticky voice he asked, “Boss, when is the power coming back?”
“Soon.” He Zhen raised his hand and pinched the back of Yu Chen’s neck. “Alright, stop sitting on the ledge. It’s cold.”
“Oh.” Yu Chen’s body went a little stiff. He blankly picked at the window frame in front of him, suddenly having no idea what he should say to He Zhen.
A quarter of an hour later, the lights around them finally came back on.
Yu Chen turned around, and the moment he noticed He Zhen’s dark, intent gaze, his face flushed bright red. He hurriedly began packing up the lab equipment in a fluster.
“Boss, I’ll be done in a second.”
“No rush.”
Yu Chen deliberately tried to make conversation. “I’ve already finished extracting the pigment. Next I just need to go to the library to look up materials.”
He Zhen said, “Our project group is organizing a group activity this Saturday. We’re going to visit a professor at the research institute and ask him to be our academic support for the project. Do you want to come with me?”
“Can I go?” Yu Chen wanted to, but since he counted as an outsider, he felt a little embarrassed.
He Zhen glanced over the lab instruments. “You can. We don’t have any other classes this Saturday. After we visit the professor, I’ll take you to the museum to look up materials.”
“Okay.” Yu Chen smiled, full of anticipation.
The blackout was dealt with quickly, and everyone left school as usual, though the hallways were full of complaints.
Still, before school ended, the homeroom teacher announced a piece of fairly good news. On the eve of National Day, the school was preparing to hold a sports meet.
The class committee elections had not been held yet. After all, unlike elementary school, students at this age were not especially enthusiastic about running for class positions.
As the only student athlete in the class, Liu Chong took on the task.
That night, after Yu Chen and He Zhen finished showering, they sat together memorizing vocabulary. While rubbing lotion on himself, Yu Chen asked, “Boss, are you signing up for any events at the sports meet?”
He Zhen said, “Mm. Most likely a long-distance run.”
Winning a place at the sports meet could earn points for the class, and with enough points they could even win the Sportsmanship Award.
Wanting to contribute somehow, Yu Chen tapped his forehead with his fountain pen and thought hard. “Boss, I’m no good at sports. Can I sign up to be an announcer instead?”
He Zhen took the pen out of his hand. “That’s dangerous. What if you poke your eye?”
Yu Chen fretted, “Boss, do you think the broadcasting station would pick me?”
He Zhen lifted his brows slightly. “Yes. Your recitation skills are actually pretty good.”
He deliberately emphasized the words recitation skills.
The tips of Yu Chen’s ears turned red with embarrassment, and he could not help remembering the time he had written He Zhen a love letter.
He Zhen’s tone rose slightly. “At the interview, you could perform a poetry recitation of ‘My Boss.’”
Yu Chen quickly covered his mouth. “Don’t bring that up!”
He Zhen smiled around it and, taking the chance, grabbed Yu Chen’s hand. “If you really want to join the broadcasting station, I can have Grandpa hire a teacher to give you a couple days of intensive training. It should be enough for the sports meet.”
Yu Chen’s eyes lit up. “Really?”
“Mm.” He Zhen stared at him without blinking. “That way, when holidays come around in the future and you do poetry recitations, you can sound even more professional.”
Yu Chen deliberately nudged him with his leg and turned his head away, the tips of his ears burning red.
“You two busy?”
After knocking, Li Huan walked in carrying walnut and red date milk. “Once you finish your homework, go to sleep right away. Don’t stay up late.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Yu Chen quickly took it and had a sip. “Today’s milk is really good.”
Li Huan’s smile deepened. “Really? I made it.”
“When Dad makes a move, of course it’s different.” Yu Chen urged He Zhen, “Hurry and try it.”
He Zhen said, “Thank you, Uncle.”
Li Huan rarely interrupted when the two were studying. He picked up the tray and pressed a hand to his abdomen. “I’m heading out first. Call me if you need anything.”
“Dad, what’s wrong?” Yu Chen had sharp eyes. The moment he noticed Li Huan’s movement, he quickly set down the milk. “Does your stomach hurt?”
“I probably ate something bad.” Li Huan rubbed his head. “Dad’s fine. I’ll just take some medicine.”
Yu Chen was not reassured at all. He hurried over and felt Li Huan’s stomach. “Dad, you should hurry and go to the hospital to get checked.”
“I’m really fine. I just got chilled yesterday.” Li Huan patted his shoulder. “Finish your milk and go to bed early.”
“Okay.” Yu Chen sat back down, but he did not withdraw his worried gaze until Li Huan had left.
He Zhen gently pinched Yu Chen’s cheek. “Don’t worry. If Uncle still isn’t better tomorrow, then in a couple days when the doctor comes to do Grandpa’s follow-up check, I’ll ask him to take a look at Uncle too.”
“Mm-hmm.” Yu Chen picked up his word book and hurried back to work.
…
In the blink of an eye, Saturday arrived.
Yu Chen got up early in the morning to pack his bag, preparing to go with He Zhen to the group activity.
Ever since entering high school, Yu Chen had become more and more fond of looking good. Usually he could only wear the school uniform, but now that he finally had a chance to go out, he spent ages choosing before settling on a blue-and-white plaid shirt as an outer layer.
He Zhen stared at Yu Chen’s clothes, then casually picked up a denim jacket.
Their agreed meeting place was at the entrance of the professor’s residential complex. As soon as Yu Chen and He Zhen arrived, the other group members showed up one after another.
When Chen Ru saw Yu Chen, he waved in surprise. “Yu Chen, you came too?”
Yu Chen had a white crossbody bag slung over his shoulder, looking fresh and neat. “Mm. After you all finish, Boss and I are going to the city library.”
“The two of you really look like you’re wearing couple outfits.” Chen Ru scratched his head and smiled. “They’re both blue too.”
Lin Yiyi’s gaze paused, and she took the initiative to greet them. In a gentle voice, she asked, “What are you going to the library for?”
Yu Chen replied, “To look up materials for my project group.”
Lin Yiyi said, “What a coincidence. I was planning to go too. Want to go together?”
Yu Chen smiled awkwardly and turned to look at He Zhen.
In a low voice, He Zhen answered, “It’s not very convenient. We already have other plans.”
Lin Yiyi smiled softly. “It’s okay. Maybe next time.”
The group arrived at the security office. He Zhen gave his name, and before long a middle-aged man came hurrying out to greet them. “You must be Young Master He and his classmates. I’m really sorry. Our sir is on the phone right now, so he can’t come out to receive you.”
“We came here to ask for guidance. How could we let the professor come out to greet us? Sorry to trouble you with leading the way.”
The man nodded. “This way, please.”
It was Yu Chen’s first time visiting this kind of garden villa complex, and everything he saw felt wonderfully novel. He Zhen held out a hand to him and teased, “Keep up. Don’t get lost.”
Yu Chen had been admiring the little ducks in the lake. He ran over and hooked onto He Zhen’s arm. “Boss, how come we don’t keep ducks at home?”
He Zhen asked, “You like them?”
Yu Chen hesitated. “Kind of. I just think it’s cute when the mama duck takes the ducklings swimming.”
He Zhen clasped his hand. “Fine. We’ll raise a whole nest one of these days. You’ll be in charge of looking after them.”
Yu Chen clicked his tongue. “Even our cat gets looked after by my dad. If I raise ducklings too, my dad is going to lose it.”
He Zhen laughed softly as the man stopped in front of a gray-and-white villa.
Chen Ru nudged his companion. “This professor’s house is way too luxurious.”
His companion whispered back, “He’s a professor at the city research institute. Of course he’s rich.”
Lin Yiyi silently followed behind He Zhen and Yu Chen, and for the first time she had the feeling of being overlooked.
In the reception room, Professor Lin had already finished his call and was waiting for them.
“Don’t be shy, everyone. Have some snacks and pastries first.”
Looking at the youthful, inexperienced faces in front of him, Professor Lin sighed with emotion. “It’s been a long time since my place was this lively.”
He Zhen nodded to him. “Thank you, Professor Lin, for being willing to give us professional guidance.”
“Not at all.” Professor Lin was already over sixty, and he looked kindly at He Zhen. “How has Old Master He been lately?”
“With your concern, naturally he’s been very well.” He Zhen took the initiative to introduce them. “Professor Lin, this is my younger brother, Yu Chen. The others are all members of my project group.”
Chen Ru and the others all greeted Professor Lin.
Professor Lin smiled and nodded, his gaze settling on Yu Chen’s face. “I haven’t met little classmate Yu before. You’re in first year of high school too?”
Yu Chen smiled. “Mm. I’m one year younger than my brother. I skipped a grade.”
“Well now, you skipped a grade?” Professor Lin seemed interested. “Which grade did you skip?”
Yu Chen tried to hide the embarrassment in his expression. “From little class to middle class.”
The moment those words left his mouth, almost everyone burst out laughing.
Professor Lin could not help laughing too. “Little classmate Yu is very clever. Going from little class to middle class is a real test of self-care skills. That shows you were an independent child from a very young age.”
Yu Chen blushed a little from the praise and scratched his head shyly.
With a smile in his eyes, He Zhen reminded everyone with a look that it was time to get to the main point.
Before coming, he had specifically organized everyone’s questions and screened them, making sure each person had a chance to ask the professor for advice. As for himself, he was responsible for sorting and summarizing everything.
Lin Yiyi went first. She had even specially brought a book written by Professor Lin and asked him questions from it.
Chen Ru quietly shot his friend a look.
Sure enough, Lin Yiyi really knew what she was doing.
Though Yu Chen had no interest in math, he still treasured this learning opportunity. Unfortunately, his attention was easily drawn away, and before long it drifted to the snacks Professor Lin had prepared for them.
Everyone was being very polite, and no one touched the food.
Naturally, Yu Chen did not want to embarrass He Zhen, so he copied the others and sat there pretending to be reserved, though his eyes had already swept over the brownie red-date cake countless times.
Professor Lin had an easygoing, outgoing personality. He did not despise the childish questions from the kids at all. Instead, he used his professional knowledge and explained them in simple, easy-to-understand ways.
Gradually, the atmosphere loosened more and more.
“Don’t just talk, eat something.”
Afraid everyone was still too restrained, Professor Lin personally handed utensils to He Zhen. “Go on, try some. We have plenty of time.”
He Zhen nodded politely. “Thank you, Professor Lin.”
Then he picked up a piece of brownie red-date cake and passed it to Yu Chen.
“Try it and see whether the auntie at Professor Lin’s house has good cooking skills.”
With several gazes landing on him at once, Yu Chen’s ears slowly turned red. “Thank you, Professor Lin.”
Professor Lin smiled. “Don’t be polite. You should all eat.”
Holding the plate, Yu Chen quietly chewed, his cheeks puffed out. He sneaked a glance at He Zhen, really wanting to ask how on earth he had known that he had desperately wanted to eat that.
The brownie red-date cake was seriously delicious. Later he was definitely going to pester his dad into making it for him.
After eating one piece, Yu Chen was still debating whether he should shamelessly take a second when He Zhen picked out a few more for him.
He licked the sweetness from the corner of his lips and smiled slyly.
His boss really was like the tapeworm in his stomach.
By noon, everyone’s questions had been answered.
He Zhen stood up and took the initiative to say goodbye. “Thank you for your professional guidance. We’re really sorry to have taken up your whole morning.”
Professor Lin shook his hand. “Not at all. Anything for Old Master He is also my business. How about this—you all stay for a simple meal? If you head home now, you probably won’t get to eat until afternoon.”
He Zhen declined politely. “You’ve already spent the whole morning on us, so you must be tired. We still need to have a group meeting, so we won’t trouble you further.”
Yu Chen echoed, “Thank you, Professor Lin.”
Professor Lin smiled. “Alright then, I’ll walk you out.”
Walking beside He Zhen, Yu Chen realized his boss seemed different somehow. He handled this kind of social interaction with complete ease, much better than when he was little.
…
After saying goodbye to Professor Lin, He Zhen brought everyone to a nearby restaurant and reassigned the new tasks.
It was Chen Ru’s first time coming to such an upscale restaurant. He quietly asked Yu Chen, “Wow, this place looks so delicious. Do you come here often?”
“No, we rarely eat out too.” Yu Chen was still thinking about the brownie red-date cake, so when he looked at the menu he deliberately searched for desserts.
While letting everyone order, He Zhen also laid out the assignments.
In only ten minutes, he raised the new problems and confirmed the group’s next research target.
This had nothing to do with Yu Chen. Yu Chen’s main responsibility was ordering food.
At that moment, Lin Yiyi handed her iPad to He Zhen. “He Zhen, you haven’t ordered the dishes you like yet.”
He Zhen had been typing. He had just lifted his head when Yu Chen answered, “I already ordered for him. You all can choose the dishes you like first.”
Chen Ru smiled. “We already finished too.”
He Zhen lowered his head again. “Everyone order a little more.”
Yu Chen raised a hand. “Leave it to me! I guarantee I’ll order things everyone likes!”
A low laugh escaped from deep in He Zhen’s throat. After writing for a few more minutes, he closed his computer. “Is everyone done ordering?”
Chen Ru nodded. “Yep! So many tasty dishes.”
He Zhen checked once more that the quantity would be enough, then gestured for Yu Chen to pack up his bag. “I’ve already paid the bill. Once you finish eating, make your own arrangements. Yu Chen and I are leaving first.”
Lin Yiyi asked in surprise, “We’re not eating together?”
He Zhen replied, “No. We still have things to do.”
Although Yu Chen had no idea what urgent business they had next, he still obediently stood up and cooperated.
Before leaving with Yu Chen’s hand in his, He Zhen reminded everyone, “I need your assignments by next Friday.”
Chen Ru said, “Don’t worry, Team Leader!”
After the two of them left, everyone started whispering among themselves.
“I think this project group is pretty great.”
“Yeah. He Zhen is generous and knows how to find resources. If our project really wins an award, it’ll even help with early admission to top universities.”
“He Zhen’s great. I really like him.”
“I think being He Zhen’s younger brother must be the happiest thing. Look how well he treats Yu Chen. The two of them are really close.”
“I heard they’re a CP.”
“Yu Chen is handsome enough that even if he and He Zhen are a CP, they’d suit each other really well.”
After interacting with him a few times, Chen Ru’s stereotype about rich second-generation kids had been completely overturned.
He genuinely liked He Zhen a lot—efficient, smart, and never once looking down on kids from ordinary families like theirs.
“If you ask me, next time there’s another project group, I still want to follow He Zhen.” Chen Ru picked up a piece of salmon, looking incredibly satisfied.
Listening to the discussion around her, Lin Yiyi silently packed up her bag.
“You all eat. I still have something to do.”
Chen Ru did not like Lin Yiyi anyway, so he shrugged indifferently. “Sure. Be careful on your way home. We’ll eat your share for you.”
The others were even happier now, chatting noisily while eating and drinking.
Meanwhile, He Zhen had already led Yu Chen onto another street. Yu Chen asked, “Boss, what else do we have to do?”
He Zhen said, “Nothing. I just wanted to eat alone with you.”
The corners of Yu Chen’s lips curved up. “Listen to you. We eat together every day anyway.”
“These two things don’t seem to conflict.” He Zhen pinched the Ultraman hanging from Yu Chen’s crossbody bag. “I know a revolving terrace restaurant that’s really good. Want to go?”
Yu Chen’s eyes lit up, and he nodded hard. “Of course I want to.”
He Zhen tightened his hold on his hand. “It’s right across from the TV tower. We’re almost there.”
When food was involved, Yu Chen had more energy than anyone. He swung He Zhen’s hand back and forth as they walked, childish as an elementary school kid.
A faint smile hooked at He Zhen’s lips. He pulled out a tissue and helped Yu Chen wipe the sweat from his forehead, strolling along with him as though they were out sightseeing.
After eating and drinking their fill, Yu Chen took He Zhen to the library to start looking up materials. On the second floor, he accidentally spotted a boys’ love comic and secretly borrowed it out of curiosity.
It was exactly the hour when people got sleepy. After they finished taking the serious books, the two of them sat side by side on the sofa. The more Yu Chen read, the sleepier he became, his eyes half-open and half-closed, his chin lazily propped on his hand.
“Boss, what are you doing?”
Out of the corner of his eye, Yu Chen noticed that He Zhen was drawing a mind map on his laptop. Judging by the theme, it looked like an expanded knowledge map on saffron.
“I’m helping you sort it out a bit. JEI accepts submissions. They mainly focus on biology and physics, and it was founded by a Harvard student. If you can get published, it’ll make your résumé look better.”
The moment Yu Chen heard that, he perked up a little.
Watching He Zhen’s serious expression, he lowered his eyes. “Boss, why are you so good to me?”
He Zhen glanced at him. “You’re only noticing now?”
“Tch, I’ve always known.” Yu Chen stared at the screen with full concentration. “Is this hard? Teach me. I’ll work hard and write it.”
“It’s not too hard. I’ll help you organize the framework when the time comes.” He Zhen turned his head and looked at Yu Chen’s drowsy eyes. “Why don’t you close your eyes for a while first?”
“No need.” Yu Chen’s voice was soft, carrying a trace of shyness. “How can I let you do the work for me while I rest?”
He adjusted his posture and stared seriously at the computer. “I’ll learn from you. Next time I’ll write it myself.”
“That works too.” He Zhen continued typing, occasionally explaining to him the format and article structure required for journal submissions.
Yu Chen listened very carefully and wrote down a lot of important points. But because he was concentrating so hard, after two hours his whole body ached.
He Zhen told him to close his eyes for a moment and relax them. Who would have thought that only two minutes later, a small head suddenly dropped onto his shoulder? He looked to the side and saw Yu Chen’s brows and eyes right in front of him.
Without a moment’s hesitation, He Zhen gathered Yu Chen into his arms.
This time Yu Chen completely let go of his book, leaning against He Zhen as he found a comfortable position and fell asleep.
Half-asleep, Yu Chen murmured, “Boss, remember to wake me up.”
He Zhen pinched his ear. “Mm.”
About half an hour later, Yu Chen was woken by the vibration of his phone.
Still groggy, he answered, “Hello?”
“What?!”
Yu Chen instantly snapped awake, sweating all over. “Which hospital is my dad at?”
Forty minutes later, the two of them hurried to the private hospital owned by the He family.
When they reached the operating room doors, Yu Chen was scared out of his wits, his eyes red around the rims. “Uncle, what happened to my dad?”
He Heng comforted him. “Don’t worry. Wasn’t the doctor supposed to examine your dad today? Your dad’s stomach hurt very badly, and after the doctor checked, he said it was acute appendicitis.”
Yu Chen ran to the operating room doors and grabbed at them anxiously, his voice trembling slightly. “Uncle, is acute appendicitis serious? Is there any risk?”
He Heng hurried to reassure him. “It’s fine. Your dad will be out very soon. There’s no risk at all.”
Even after hearing that, the tangle of thoughts inside Yu Chen still would not settle. Sitting on the icy chair, it felt as though countless tiny needles were stabbing at his heart.
He Zhen crouched lightly beside him. “It’s okay. My aunt had appendicitis surgery before too. After the surgery, it never hurt again.”
Yu Chen rubbed his sore, swollen eyes, desperately holding back his tears as he stared at He Zhen.
He Zhen’s brows drew together slightly. He pulled him into his arms and patted his shoulder. “It’s alright. Uncle will be out very soon.”
Yu Chen buried his face in He Zhen’s chest, his eyes aching from the sting. “Boss, I’m okay.”
Feeling Yu Chen’s lightly trembling body, the sharpness instantly faded from He Zhen’s cold, handsome features, leaving only heartache in his eyes.
He Heng had seen all kinds of big scenes before, so seeing two children clutching each other and crying felt rather amusing to him. In his eyes, a surgery like appendicitis was such a minor operation that people could keep working afterward.
An hour later, Li Huan was wheeled out.
With reddened eyes, Yu Chen hurried to the bedside. “Dad, does it hurt?”
Li Huan was in reasonably good spirits. Seeing Yu Chen sobbing in broken gasps, he lifted a hand and wiped away his tears. “It doesn’t hurt. It’s nothing at all.”
“I told you to hurry and go to the hospital.” Tears fell one after another down Yu Chen’s cheek. “Acute appendicitis must have hurt so much.”
The doctor reminded him, “Child, step aside for a moment. Your father needs to be taken to his room.”
Yu Chen nodded lightly and followed the hospital bed in a run.
He Zhen followed behind him. Before entering, he nodded to He Heng. “Is there anything you need me to help with?”
He Heng replied, “Please rest assured. I’ve already arranged everything.”
He Zhen said to him, “Please help Yu Chen pack a few clean changes of clothes. Tomorrow is Sunday, and Yu Chen is definitely staying here tonight with Uncle.”
He Heng nodded. “What about you? Are you going home?”
“No. Please let Grandpa know that I’m staying here with Yu Chen.” He Zhen quickly walked into the hospital room and silently stood behind Yu Chen.
Through the glass window, He Heng watched the two children inside, their closeness making him fall into slight thought.
At midnight, Yu Chen sat in front of Li Huan’s hospital bed and absolutely refused to go rest. No matter how the medical staff and He Zhen tried to persuade him, it was useless.
The room He Heng had arranged for Li Huan was a premium suite. Inside was a family companion room, and beside it was a soft, comfortable sofa bed. Yu Chen could very well have lain down there for a while.
“Chencheng, don’t do this.”
Staring at Yu Chen’s red-rimmed, overtired eyes, He Zhen tested the waters and said, “Tomorrow, when Uncle wakes up in the daytime, you’ll still need to take care of him. If you don’t sleep tonight, your body won’t be able to handle it tomorrow.”
“When I was sick last time, Dad took care of me like this too.” Yu Chen lay lightly against the hospital bed, his face full of patchy tears. “He didn’t sleep for days.”
He Zhen sighed softly and placed a hand on Yu Chen’s shoulder. “How about this—you go sleep first, and I’ll watch for you. I’ll wake you in an hour, and then the two of us can take turns. How does that sound?”
There was actually a caregiver right there, but Yu Chen still could not relax.
Everyone kept saying it was a minor surgery, but if it was so minor, why did it need a blood transfusion?
His dad’s complexion looked especially bad. Just looking at him made it seem painful.
“Boss, you go sleep. I’ll watch him myself.” Yu Chen rubbed his eyes. “I’m his son. I should be the one taking care of him.”
He Zhen’s voice sounded tired and hoarse. “If you’re like this, how am I supposed to sleep?”
“I’ll stay with you.”
Seeing He Zhen sit beside him, Yu Chen got anxious. “Boss, hurry and go sleep. You still have archery class tomorrow.”
“I canceled it. I’m staying here with you.” The hospital room was cool with air conditioning, so He Zhen brought over a blanket and wrapped it around Yu Chen. “If you don’t rest, your resistance will go down. Uncle still hasn’t recovered yet—what if you get sick too?”
“I…” Yu Chen murmured softly, stammering and unable to say anything.
“Fat Chencheng, be good.” He Zhen stroked Yu Chen’s hair, damp with tears, and said gently, “Go sleep first. The two of us will take turns taking care of Uncle.”
Looking at He Zhen’s tired, reddened eyes, Yu Chen finally nodded.
“Okay. Remember to wake me in an hour.”
He Zhen helped him lie down on the sofa. “Alright.”
The night grew deeper and deeper.
Yu Chen slept uneasily, constantly dreaming of things from childhood.
He dreamed that Li Huan had carried the abandoned him back to their little house, fed him sweet biscuits, bought him the warmest cotton pants, and every night before bed read him storybooks to make him happy.
Overlapping with those scenes was the image of He Zhen carrying him away from little class that day, glaring furiously at the bad teacher who had bullied him.
Yu Chen choked softly with sobs. When he woke, he found He Zhen watching him.
For a moment, his damp eyes were unfocused.
“Boss.”
His voice hoarse, Yu Chen first glanced at Li Huan.
Time around him seemed to stand still, slowly overlapping with the dream.
The next second, Yu Chen wrapped his arms tightly around He Zhen’s neck and cried harder than he ever had before.
“Boss, can you and Dad please not leave me?”
