Yu Qingchuan was so startled that his mind went blank. He wondered if he was trapped in a dream within a dream-if, despite feeling awake, he was actually still dreaming.
But that was impossible. The sensation of being massaged was so clear. Yet how could this be happening?
How had Lu Shiyi woken up?
Lu Shiyi hadn't expected Yu Qingchuan to wake so suddenly either. Lately, he had been able to stay conscious for longer and longer, and he could control his body enough to make some simple movements. But standing and walking again would still take time and exercise.
Ever since that change in his heartbeat, Yu Qingchuan would watch him from time to time. Afraid of giving himself away, Lu Shiyi hadn't dared open his eyes during the day. He only looked at him at night, though most of the time, all he could see was the adorable top of his head.
Today, he had simply felt bad about Yu Qingchuan having to undergo acupuncture, so he had thought he would massage him during the night. Perhaps it would make him feel a little better.
He hadn't expected to give himself away ahead of time.
Lu Shiyi froze for only a moment before turning his hand to catch Yu Qingchuan's wrist, keeping him from suddenly running away. But that movement snapped Yu Qingchuan out of his daze. Like a frightened rabbit, he sprang up and bolted for the door. When the grip on his wrist stopped him, he frantically tried to pry Lu Shiyi's hand loose.
All the while, he kept repeating, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
Panic gave him tremendous strength, and Lu Shiyi hadn't fully recovered yet. He actually managed to break free.
"Yu Qingchuan, don't go." As Lu Shiyi struggled to sit up, he hurriedly delivered the words he had long prepared. "I know you didn't mean to deceive Shiming. I've been aware of how you've cared for me all this time. I woke up because you were near me. I don't blame you. On the contrary, I'm very grateful to you!"
Lu Shiyi was always calm and composed. This was the first time he had ever spoken so quickly.
But Yu Qingchuan was already beside himself with fear. The thing he dreaded most had happened, and he had only one thought: escape as quickly as possible. He didn't want to face the disgust and contempt in Lu Shiyi's eyes.
He had no time to process or respond to anything Lu Shiyi said. With reddened eyes, he rushed out.
Perhaps because he had rehearsed his escape route so many times in his head, Yu Qingchuan deftly grabbed his phone and ID and stuffed them into his bag before leaving. He even remembered to snatch his phone charger from the nightstand.
Even in his anxiety, Lu Shiyi couldn't help finding him adorable.
After running all the way outside with his bag, Yu Qingchuan finally released the breath he had been holding. But then a web of pain spread through his heart, leaving him unsteady on his feet. Drained of strength, he leaned against a wall.
Happy times were always so fleeting. Yu Qingchuan had long prepared himself for Lu Shiyi to wake up.
But when that day truly arrived, he discovered he couldn't accept it calmly.
He really loved living here. He loved nestling beside Lu Shiyi as he drew, loved cooking for Lu Shiming and hearing him cheerfully call him Sister-in-Law.
This stolen time had felt like a dream. For a while, he had believed he had a warm, loving family.
Yu Qingchuan wanted to hold back his tears, but no matter what he did, he couldn't.
He covered his face and cried quietly in the autumn night.
He ought to have been content, really. Lu Shiming had treated him so well, and Lu Shiyi had kept him company through so many lonely, uncertain days and nights.
Still, it was truly wonderful that Lu Shiyi had woken up.
Yu Qingchuan's mind was a tangled mess. He didn't even know what he was thinking.
Standing downstairs, he looked up toward the floor where Lu Shiyi lived. The bedroom light was on, but he couldn't make out anyone inside.
It's time to go, Yu Qingchuan told himself. This place doesn't belong to me anymore. I'll find a chance to apologize to them.
Silently, he wished him well. Brother Yi, may everything go smoothly for you from now on. May you live in peace and happiness.
Thank you. And I'm sorry.
Yu Qingchuan pulled his coat tighter around himself and headed out of the residential complex.
The guardhouse by the entrance was still lit. Seeing Yu Qingchuan wearing only a long trench coat over his lounge clothes, the security guard looked puzzled. "Mr. Yu, are you going out this late? Would you like us to arrange for someone to accompany you?"
The services in this upscale residential complex were very attentive, but Yu Qingchuan shook his head. "No, thank you."
The guard was still a little concerned, but Yu Qingchuan was an adult. Even if safety was part of his duties, he couldn't stop a resident from going out late at night. He could only remind him to stay safe before opening the gate.
Yu Qingchuan checked the time. It was half past midnight. The night wind was chilly enough to make him sneeze several times.
He waited by the roadside for a while, hailed a taxi, and asked the driver to take him to any nearby hotel. Fortunately, Yu Chenyi had paid him his commission on the project-a full one and a half million. Though it wasn't enough to buy a home in this city, it would last him a long time.
Lu Shiyi hadn't actually recovered completely. By his estimate, he needed about three more days. Even though he forced himself to control his body and get out of bed, he still couldn't walk normally. There were no crutches at home either, so he couldn't go after him.
He could only call Lu Shiming.
Half asleep, Lu Shiming was a little annoyed to hear his phone ring. But the instant he saw who was calling, he jolted awake and hurried to answer. "Brother, what's wrong?"
Lu Shiyi's voice lacked its usual composure. He went straight to the point. "Send me your sister-in-law's phone number."
Lu Shiming was puzzled. "You don't have my sister-in-law's number?"
Weren't they a couple? How could he not have his number? How had they kept in touch before?
But after years of being kept in line by his brother, Lu Shiming didn't dare object. He immediately sent Yu Qingchuan's number over, then asked cautiously, "Brother, did you have a fight with my sister-in-law? Are you awake for good now?"
There was even a hint of regret in his tone.
Isn't my brother waking up a little too soon?
His sister-in-law hadn't finished the mecha drawing he was making for him yet.
Once Lu Shiyi received the number, he gave a cold laugh and hung up.
Lu Shiming gripped his phone, trembling with anger. Tomorrow, he was definitely going to complain to his sister-in-law. A jerk like his brother ought to be made to kneel on durian husks every day!
After getting Yu Qingchuan's number, Lu Shiyi didn't call him right away. Given how panicked Yu Qingchuan had been, he probably wouldn't answer.
Instead, Lu Shiyi composed a text and sent it.
Lu Shiyi: Qingchuan, this is Lu Shiyi. I'm sorry I frightened you. Perhaps you didn't hear what I said just now, so please let me explain again. A little over three months ago, a car accident left me in a vegetative state. At first, my consciousness was separate from my body, and I had no awareness of the outside world. But I could feel my condition getting worse. Perhaps one day, I would have passed away in my sleep. Yet when you happened to touch me, I could feel it. I was able to reconnect with my body and gradually improve. I don't know what magic you possess, but I'd rather call it fate. Qingchuan, I know you feel guilty for deceiving Shiming and me. It's all right. Qingchuan, you're kindhearted, gentle, and attentive. I don't blame you. On the contrary, I'm very grateful to you. As for Shiming, I'll explain everything to him too. If he can't accept it, I'll give him a beating. You can come and watch. Shiming sounds like a rooster crowing when he cries. It's stupid and adorable. Also, I'll shamelessly ask one more thing. Qingchuan, I haven't fully recovered yet. Right now, I don't even have the strength to get out of bed. Could I ask you to keep helping me recover?
The text was long, and Lu Shiyi had chosen his words carefully. There was some appeal to pity and some humor, but above all, there was sincerity, so it had taken him a long time to write. After sending it, he was utterly exhausted. He forced himself to lie back down, keeping his phone in his hand as he waited for Yu Qingchuan's reply.
By then, Yu Qingchuan was already in the taxi. He heard his phone vibrate and saw that a message had arrived. The first few words instantly stung his eyes.
It's a text from Lu Shiyi. How does he know my number? Oh, right. He can ask Lu Shiming.
But he didn't dare open it. He was a despicable clown. Yu Qingchuan gripped his phone, his fingers trembling as even breathing became difficult.
There was little traffic at night. Before Yu Qingchuan could agonize over it for long, the car stopped outside a three-star hotel. He paid the fare and got out with his bag.
He checked in and flung himself onto the soft bed, not the least bit sleepy.
What would Lu Shiyi say to me? He desperately wanted to look, but he didn't dare.
Yu Qingchuan covered his face in anguish. Maybe I should just take a look. Lu Shiyi wouldn't curse me out. Even if he didn't know him well, the few things Lu Shiming had said about him were enough to show that he was a very mature, levelheaded person.
Besides, when he had tried to flee earlier, Lu Shiyi had held his wrist.
He didn't want me to leave, did he? Why else would he have held my wrist?
And Lu Shiyi seemed to have said something about being grateful. But he had been too panicked at the time to hear him clearly.
Yu Qingchuan took several deep breaths and told himself that sooner or later, he had to face this-not just Lu Shiyi, but Lu Shiming too. He couldn't hide in this hotel forever.
Then... should I look?
Yu Qingchuan braced himself, even slowing his breathing. Summoning the courage to face whatever came, he was about to open the message when another text arrived: Qingchuan, have you found somewhere to stay? I'm very worried about you.
Those gentle, caring words instantly brought tears to Yu Qingchuan's eyes again. How can Lu Shiyi be so wonderful? He's actually worried about me?
Seeing that, Yu Qingchuan stopped hesitating and opened the previous message.
After reading the long text, Yu Qingchuan didn't know whether to laugh or cry. No wonder Lu Shiming was always trying to rebel against Lu Shiyi. His brother really was wicked.
A rooster crowing? Is that any way to describe your little brother?
But, oh no. I really do kind of want to see how the male lead top manages to crow when he cries.
And does Lu Shiyi mean he woke up because of me?
Considering how the toxins in his own body were also being cleared out rapidly because of Lu Shiyi, perhaps there really was some mysterious magnetic field between them that allowed them to affect each other.
Yu Qingchuan read the message again, inwardly squealing. Ahhh, Lu Shiyi's text is so swoonworthy! That gentle, mature feeling-he's exactly the Lu Shiyi I imagined!
How could I not fall for him?
So what should I do? Go back tonight?
Before you continue