CM: C10

Chapter: 10 | Chapter Ten

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Chapter Ten

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This novel was posted on cnt18 [dot] blogsp0t [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{"Yeah." Han Yang nodded.}
In the bathroom, Han Yang washed his face in the sink. He had tossed and turned for so long earlier in night, all the sweat on his body had now dried, leaving him feeling rather dirty. Smearing the clear liquid over his face one last time, he shook his hands dry, opened the door and left the lavatory.

"Yeah." Han Yang nodded.

_{"Want some of this?" Helian Qing asked him.}Chapter Ten

"Want some of this?" Helian Qing asked him.

_{A few minutes passed by, and Han Yang, who was still up, couldn't help but part his lips to say, "Helian Qing."}
He had taken no more than a couple steps outside the small room before being suddenly held by his waist, then lifted into an embrace, in an action so swift it caused a yelp to escape him. Hearing his cry, Helian Qing responded, "What're you yelling about?"

A few minutes passed by, and Han Yang, who was still up, couldn't help but part his lips to say, "Helian Qing."

_{Without even waiting for Han Yang's reply, the moment he finished speaking—he lifted off the covers, shed his shoes and climbed onto the bed.} "There's a twenty-four-hour congee shop not too far from this hospital," the nurse explained before she continued, "So he left to go buy you some porridge, huh? That'll definitely be good for you to eat when you take your medication. By the way I have to say, he treats you very well. He kept an eye on you for most of the night. When I did my rounds earlier, I even saw him wiping away your sweat a few times, just so you know."

Without even waiting for Han Yang's reply, the moment he finished speaking—he lifted off the covers, shed his shoes and climbed onto the bed.

_{"I bought them." Helian Qing simply stated.}
"You... first just let me downT/n: I think this line got misheard while he whispered." Han Yang whispered.

"I bought them." Helian Qing simply stated.

_{Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.}"...I never said that." Han Yang said those words, however the corners of his lips unconsciously lifted.

Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.

_{"Thank you." Han Yang said.}But now he had no chance to show this mercy of his.

"Thank you." Han Yang said.

_{Did he especially make the congee diner do this? Han Yang thought as he stealthily peeped at the other man, not at all expecting to be caught red-handed.}
"I still haven't left you, so you hate that I'm still here." Helian Qing said.

Did he especially make the congee diner do this? Han Yang thought as he stealthily peeped at the other man, not at all expecting to be caught red-handed.

_{"..." {Would a little honesty kill you?}}"What are you looking at? Eat your porridge." Helian Qing chided, eating a bite of his own congee, "This one isn't your share."

"..." Would a little honesty kill you?

_{"You don't need to. I was hungry myself." Helian Qing mentioned while he carried his own container of *pork-bone congee, sitting beside to eat.}When Helian Qing finally came back he saw the boy staring blankly out the window, he was at a complete loss as to what the lad could have been thinking of at that time, but once his own arrival was noticed, the boy soon snapped back to reality.

"You don't need to. I was hungry myself." Helian Qing mentioned while he carried his own container of *pork-bone congee, sitting beside to eat.

_{"You don't need to. I was hungry myself." Helian Qing mentioned while he carried his own container of *pork-bone congee, sitting beside to eat.}
"...That's not what I meant." Han Yang corrected.

"You don't need to. I was hungry myself." Helian Qing mentioned while he carried his own container of *pork-bone congee, sitting beside to eat.

_{Han Yang followed him, not fully understanding if it was something about his current mentality that made him not struggle to be released from Helian Qing's grasp.}
"Then just be quiet." The man added.

Han Yang followed him, not fully understanding if it was something about his current mentality that made him not struggle to be released from Helian Qing's grasp.

_{Han Yang immediately released his grip. Helian Qing simply said "Behave and wait" right before exited the room.}"I'm alright." Han Yang did not know whether to laugh or cry as that man's doings seem to be beyond any cure.

Han Yang immediately released his grip. Helian Qing simply said "Behave and wait" right before exited the room.

_{Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.}But contrary to expectations, Helian Qing was quite calm as he laid down embracing him from behind, with both their heads now squeezed onto one pillow.

Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.

_{Helian Qing shamelessness was simply much more than he could bear.}
"..." Oh, just forget it then, the boy thought. He was not in the mood to talk any more either.

Helian Qing shamelessness was simply much more than he could bear.

_{"I had eaten a hotpot with my classmates." Han Yang replied. He himself had guessed the hotpot must have been the cause of his issues.} "What are you looking at? Eat your porridge." Helian Qing chided, eating a bite of his own congee, "This one isn't your share."

"I had eaten a hotpot with my classmates." Han Yang replied. He himself had guessed the hotpot must have been the cause of his issues.

_{Could that tongue of yours be any sharper, Princess Qing. Han Yang thought.}
Once he was returned to his seat on the bed, Han Yang's eyes caught sight of the man's feet, especially the shoes that now covered them, prompting him to ask out of curiosity, "Where did you get those shoes?"

Could that tongue of yours be any sharper, Princess Qing. Han Yang thought.

_{{Huh? What's with this rapid plot development ?!} Han Yang was stupefied.}"I'm going out to get you some congeeT/n: Congee is a simple rice porridge.. If anything happens, just push the button by the bedside." The man announced just as he started for the door. He had not gotten very far before Han Yang quickly caught hold of him, "You don't have to trouble yourself, I'm not even hungry."

Huh? What's with this rapid plot development ?! Han Yang was stupefied.

_{Without even waiting for Han Yang's reply, the moment he finished speaking—he lifted off the covers, shed his shoes and climbed onto the bed.} The used cup in his hand, containing the left-over liquid, was soon taken away by Helian Qing, who made his way to the bathroom to dispose of the remnants. Next, the man switched the old cup for a new one, filled it with water then handed it to the boy again, "Drink some."

Without even waiting for Han Yang's reply, the moment he finished speaking—he lifted off the covers, shed his shoes and climbed onto the bed.

_{"Oh." Helian Qing shrugged his shoulders, then helped him close the car door before he led Han Yang into the congee diner.}During his wait for Helian Qing to return, a nurse had stopped by during one of her rounds. Seeing the boy was awake she asked him how he was faring.

"Oh." Helian Qing shrugged his shoulders, then helped him close the car door before he led Han Yang into the congee diner.

_{"Oh, where is that gentleman who was keeping you company earlier? Did he leave?" The nurse asked.}
"I bought them." Helian Qing simply stated.

"Oh, where is that gentleman who was keeping you company earlier? Did he leave?" The nurse asked.

_{"I bought them." Helian Qing simply stated.}"You... first just let me downT/n: I think this line got misheard while he whispered." Han Yang whispered.

"I bought them." Helian Qing simply stated.

_{Meanwhile, Han Yang became aware of something of his own, the realisation that since earlier that night, he seemed to have built up a higher tolerance towards Helian Qing's sharp tongue. As he held on to the cup and brought it to his lips, he caught a glimpse of the older man's foot pushing the trash bin beside the bed, then stepping on the pedal to open the lid, saying, "Rinse your mouth out first.}Despite the empty state Han Yang's stomach was in, he was still unable to eat much due to his present condition. After finishing off a good amount of the gruel, Helian Qing cleared away the used containers—tossing them into the trash, before going to pour Han Yang a glass of water so he could take his medication.

Meanwhile, Han Yang became aware of something of his own, the realisation that since earlier that night, he seemed to have built up a higher tolerance towards Helian Qing's sharp tongue. As he held on to the cup and brought it to his lips, he caught a glimpse of the older man's foot pushing the trash bin beside the bed, then stepping on the pedal to open the lid, saying, "Rinse your mouth out first."

_{He had taken no more than a couple steps outside the small room before being suddenly held by his waist, then lifted into an embrace, in an action so swift it caused a yelp to escape him. Hearing his cry, Helian Qing responded, "What're you yelling about?"}
"When could you have found the time to buy them?" After all, he was only in the restroom for maybe two or three minutes.

He had taken no more than a couple steps outside the small room before being suddenly held by his waist, then lifted into an embrace, in an action so swift it caused a yelp to escape him. Hearing his cry, Helian Qing responded, "What're you yelling about?"

_{Han Yang immediately released his grip. Helian Qing simply said "Behave and wait" right before exited the room.}Helian Qing soon followed him, but not before first drawing the boy's back into his close embrace.

Han Yang immediately released his grip. Helian Qing simply said "Behave and wait" right before exited the room.

_{Thanks to this single action by that man, Han Yang was left dumbstruck as he stared off blankly in the direction where Helian Qing left. A good while passed before he was able to react and say a proper word, but his hand only lifted to touch the place Helian Qing had rubbed, as he just blinked.}
"While you were sleeping." Helian Qing replied, pouring a glass of water before handing it to him.

Thanks to this single action by that man, Han Yang was left dumbstruck as he stared off blankly in the direction where Helian Qing left. A good while passed before he was able to react and say a proper word, but his hand only lifted to touch the place Helian Qing had rubbed, as he just blinked.

_{Helian Qing then paused, not moving an inch, Han Yang asked, "Is there something else?"}"Thank you." Han Yang said.

Helian Qing then paused, not moving an inch, Han Yang asked, "Is there something else?"

_{Parked, Han Yang undid his seat belt, but before he was able to get out the car, Helian Qing had already left his seat on the other side, came to over to his own to help him open the car door, even having a hand outstretched to support him.}
"..." Han Yang was once again left speechless. It turned out that man had had a new pair of shoes but neglected to tell him, making it so the he had to borrow the ones the man wore since, other than the man himself, there was no one else there.

Parked, Han Yang undid his seat belt, but before he was able to get out the car, Helian Qing had already left his seat on the other side, came to over to his own to help him open the car door, even having a hand outstretched to support him.

_{When Helian Qing finally came back he saw the boy staring blankly out the window, he was at a complete loss as to what the lad could have been thinking of at that time, but once his own arrival was noticed, the boy soon snapped back to reality.}
Noticing Han Yang had not yet reached for the cup being handed to him, Helian Qing picked up the smaller man's hands himself and placed the filled vessel within them, all the while sneering, "Is it your stomach that's hurt or your hands? Do you want me to feed you too?"

When Helian Qing finally came back he saw the boy staring blankly out the window, he was at a complete loss as to what the lad could have been thinking of at that time, but once his own arrival was noticed, the boy soon snapped back to reality.

_{"You're back." Han Yang saw him carrying some items in his hand, so he lifted his covers with the intention of giving the man a hand.}"Thank you." Han Yang said.

"You're back." Han Yang saw him carrying some items in his hand, so he lifted his covers with the intention of giving the man a hand.

_{"Want some of this?" Helian Qing asked him.}"Got it." Han Yang answered while muttering internally: I'm not a child.

"Want some of this?" Helian Qing asked him.

_{Frozen for a moment, Han Yang soon became aware of the subtle rise of heat within his ears. He then quietly drew his gaze away from the man before, little by little, burying his face under his covers.}Thanks to this single action by that man, Han Yang was left dumbstruck as he stared off blankly in the direction where Helian Qing left. A good while passed before he was able to react and say a proper word, but his hand only lifted to touch the place Helian Qing had rubbed, as he just blinked.

Frozen for a moment, Han Yang soon became aware of the subtle rise of heat within his ears. He then quietly drew his gaze away from the man before, little by little, burying his face under his covers.

_N/A
"No." Han Yang shook his head.

N/A

_{"Want some of this?" Helian Qing asked him.}
Helian Qing groaned, thinking to himself: If you really wanted me to feed you, I would've shown you some mercy.

"Want some of this?" Helian Qing asked him.

_{"I'm alright." Han Yang did not know whether to laugh or cry as that man's doings seem to be beyond any cure.}"Thank you." Han Yang said.

"I'm alright." Han Yang did not know whether to laugh or cry as that man's doings seem to be beyond any cure.

_{As soon as he heard what the boy had asked, Helian Qing did not utter a word, just simply rising to his feet before walking towards the boy's bedside, lowering his gaze while he quietly looked upon the younger fellow.}
But now he had no chance to show this mercy of his.

As soon as he heard what the boy had asked, Helian Qing did not utter a word, just simply rising to his feet before walking towards the boy's bedside, lowering his gaze while he quietly looked upon the younger fellow.

_N/A Han Yang, "..."

N/A

_{Without even waiting for Han Yang's reply, the moment he finished speaking—he lifted off the covers, shed his shoes and climbed onto the bed.} "Tsk." Helian Qing frowned, "In the future don't go out and eat at those messy places."

Without even waiting for Han Yang's reply, the moment he finished speaking—he lifted off the covers, shed his shoes and climbed onto the bed.

_{"Thank you." Han Yang said.}
Meanwhile, Han Yang became aware of something of his own, the realisation that since earlier that night, he seemed to have built up a higher tolerance towards Helian Qing's sharp tongue. As he held on to the cup and brought it to his lips, he caught a glimpse of the older man's foot pushing the trash bin beside the bed, then stepping on the pedal to open the lid, saying, "Rinse your mouth out first."

"Thank you." Han Yang said.

_{{Huh?} Han Yang looked at him in shock. Was this Helian Qing's way of explaining it to him? Was this his explanation as to why he never replied to him the day before, rather than being about him not receiving the message to begin with?}Han Yang nodded honestly, seeing that, Helian Qing smiled wickedly, teasing, "You can only look though, I don't want to end up watching over you for the entire night again."

Huh? Han Yang looked at him in shock. Was this Helian Qing's way of explaining it to him? Was this his explanation as to why he never replied to him the day before, rather than being about him not receiving the message to begin with?

_{"Want some of this?" Helian Qing asked him.}Without even waiting for Han Yang's reply, the moment he finished speaking—he lifted off the covers, shed his shoes and climbed onto the bed.

"Want some of this?" Helian Qing asked him.

_{Helian Qing groaned, thinking to himself: {If you really wanted me to feed you, I would've shown you some mercy.}}"Tsk." Helian Qing clicked his tongue, "Fine, next time I'll take you to go eat something else so stop showing me that downtrodden expression of yours."

Helian Qing groaned, thinking to himself: If you really wanted me to feed you, I would've shown you some mercy.

_{A sweet fragrance emanating from the steamed buns and pancakes mixed itself into the air surrounding Han Yang, arousing him, making him unable to help himself from lifting his head to sneak a few peeks as well as feeling that the plain congee in his mouth was actually extremely dull and tasteless.}
Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.

A sweet fragrance emanating from the steamed buns and pancakes mixed itself into the air surrounding Han Yang, arousing him, making him unable to help himself from lifting his head to sneak a few peeks as well as feeling that the plain congee in his mouth was actually extremely dull and tasteless.

_{{Huh?} Han Yang looked at him in shock. Was this Helian Qing's way of explaining it to him? Was this his explanation as to why he never replied to him the day before, rather than being about him not receiving the message to begin with?}"..." Han Yang was once again left speechless. It turned out that man had had a new pair of shoes but neglected to tell him, making it so the he had to borrow the ones the man wore since, other than the man himself, there was no one else there.

Huh? Han Yang looked at him in shock. Was this Helian Qing's way of explaining it to him? Was this his explanation as to why he never replied to him the day before, rather than being about him not receiving the message to begin with?

_{{Huh?} Han Yang looked at him in shock. Was this Helian Qing's way of explaining it to him? Was this his explanation as to why he never replied to him the day before, rather than being about him not receiving the message to begin with?}"When could you have found the time to buy them?" After all, he was only in the restroom for maybe two or three minutes.

Huh? Han Yang looked at him in shock. Was this Helian Qing's way of explaining it to him? Was this his explanation as to why he never replied to him the day before, rather than being about him not receiving the message to begin with?

_{Helian Qing groaned, thinking to himself: If you really wanted me to feed you, I would've shown you some mercy.}
The used cup in his hand, containing the left-over liquid, was soon taken away by Helian Qing, who made his way to the bathroom to dispose of the remnants. Next, the man switched the old cup for a new one, filled it with water then handed it to the boy again, "Drink some."

Helian Qing groaned, thinking to himself: If you really wanted me to feed you, I would've shown you some mercy.

_{"Next time something happens just give me a call." Helian Qing stated, pausing, before he added, "I only got the message you sent yesterday not too long ago."}Chapter Ten

"Next time something happens just give me a call." Helian Qing stated, pausing, before he added, "I only got the message you sent yesterday not too long ago."

_{Han Yang, "..."}He had taken no more than a couple steps outside the small room before being suddenly held by his waist, then lifted into an embrace, in an action so swift it caused a yelp to escape him. Hearing his cry, Helian Qing responded, "What're you yelling about?"

Han Yang, "..."

_{Han Yang nodded honestly, seeing that, Helian Qing smiled wickedly, teasing, "You can only look though, I don't want to end up watching over you for the entire night again."}
"Thank you." Han Yang accepted the glass and took a drink. The warm water flowing into his stomach, made him more at ease.

Han Yang nodded honestly, seeing that, Helian Qing smiled wickedly, teasing, "You can only look though, I don't want to end up watching over you for the entire night again."

_{The following day, Han Yang already felt heaps better. His next doctor's exam had nothing other than questions and a few things to pay attention to after he was discharged.}
"I'm going out to get you some congeeT/n: Congee is a simple rice porridge.. If anything happens, just push the button by the bedside." The man announced just as he started for the door. He had not gotten very far before Han Yang quickly caught hold of him, "You don't have to trouble yourself, I'm not even hungry."

The following day, Han Yang already felt heaps better. His next doctor's exam had nothing other than questions and a few things to pay attention to after he was discharged. Helian Qing had bought them both some toiletries which they used to wash up while they were still at the hospital prior to their leaving. Afterwards, he drove Han Yang to the congee diner, where he had bought their earlier meal, to have breakfast.

_{"Next time something happens just give me a call." Helian Qing stated, pausing, before he added, "I only got the message you sent yesterday not too long ago."}"Just behave and stay put." Suddenly, Helian Qing reached out, tussled Han Yang's hair, then picked up his coat and left.

"Next time something happens just give me a call." Helian Qing stated, pausing, before he added, "I only got the message you sent yesterday not too long ago."

_{"Sit still." Helian Qing said to stop him. He then walked over, placed the bought congee on the cabinet beside the bed then placed the bed-tray on the mattress, arranging the congee and its side dishes on the tray for the younger man.}"You... first just let me downT/n: I think this line got misheard while he whispered." Han Yang whispered.

"Sit still." Helian Qing said to stop him. He then walked over, placed the bought congee on the cabinet beside the bed then placed the bed-tray on the mattress, arranging the congee and its side dishes on the tray for the younger man.

_{After they ate breakfast, they returned to the apartment sometime around ten in the morning. Luckily, it was the weekend so Han Yang could just stay at home and rest. Helian Qing however, was not that carefree since today at his company there was a very important client arriving in L-City that he must accompany.}A few minutes passed by, and Han Yang, who was still up, couldn't help but part his lips to say, "Helian Qing."

After they ate breakfast, they returned to the apartment sometime around ten in the morning. Luckily, it was the weekend so Han Yang could just stay at home and rest. Helian Qing however, was not that carefree since today at his company there was a very important client arriving in L-City that he must accompany.

_{Helian Qing's action was not gentle, but however inexplicable the act itself was, in the end—it still felt quite warm.}
Helian Qing turned his head to look at the boy, his gaze then dropped to his own arm where the boy held, "Let go."

Helian Qing's action was not gentle, but however inexplicable the act itself was, in the end—it still felt quite warm.

_{Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.}Huh? What's with this rapid plot development ?! Han Yang was stupefied.

Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.

_{"Then just be quiet." The man added.}Han Yang, "..."

"Then just be quiet." The man added.

_{"What are you looking at? Eat your own." Helian Qing said, pushing the dish on table a bit awkwardly.}
Han Yang immediately released his grip. Helian Qing simply said "Behave and wait" right before exited the room.

"What are you looking at? Eat your own." Helian Qing said, pushing the dish on table a bit awkwardly.

_{"Oh." Han Yang responded, shutting his eyes soon after.}
Following his departure, Han Yang checked the time to discover it was already past four in the morning.

"Oh." Han Yang responded, shutting his eyes soon after.

_{"What are you looking at? Eat your porridge." Helian Qing chided, eating a bite of his own congee, "This one isn't your share."}"Yeah." Han Yang nodded.

"What are you looking at? Eat your porridge." Helian Qing chided, eating a bite of his own congee, "This one isn't your share."

_{{Huh? What's with this rapid plot development ?!} Han Yang was stupefied.}Helian Qing had a shower, tidied up and was just about to head out before he told Han Yang, "At noon I'll have someone come over to deliver your lunch. If anything happens give me a call, so just relax and don't move about."

Huh? What's with this rapid plot development ?! Han Yang was stupefied.

_{"I don't want to eat yours." Han Yang murmured before he bowed his head and drank his own congee.}
"Where is he going to buy congee at this hour..." Han Yang thought aloud. A dose of fatigue struck him, causing him to lay back on the bed, and tug the blanket up over his legs.

"I don't want to eat yours." Han Yang murmured before he bowed his head and drank his own congee.

_{"You... first just let me downT/n: I think this line got misheard while he whispered." Han Yang whispered.}Helian Qing's action was not gentle, but however inexplicable the act itself was, in the end—it still felt quite warm.

"You... first just let me downT/n: I think this line got misheard while he whispered." Han Yang whispered.

_{Helian Qing had a shower, tidied up and was just about to head out before he told Han Yang, "At noon I'll have someone come over to deliver your lunch. If anything happens give me a call, so just relax and don't move about."}"..." Would a little honesty kill you?

Helian Qing had a shower, tidied up and was just about to head out before he told Han Yang, "At noon I'll have someone come over to deliver your lunch. If anything happens give me a call, so just relax and don't move about."

_{"What are you looking at? Eat your porridge." Helian Qing chided, eating a bite of his own congee, "This one isn't your share."}
During his wait for Helian Qing to return, a nurse had stopped by during one of her rounds. Seeing the boy was awake she asked him how he was faring.

"What are you looking at? Eat your porridge." Helian Qing chided, eating a bite of his own congee, "This one isn't your share."

_{Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.}"There's a twenty-four-hour congee shop not too far from this hospital," the nurse explained before she continued, "So he left to go buy you some porridge, huh? That'll definitely be good for you to eat when you take your medication. By the way I have to say, he treats you very well. He kept an eye on you for most of the night. When I did my rounds earlier, I even saw him wiping away your sweat a few times, just so you know."

Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.

_{"..." Would a little honesty kill you?}
"Oh, where is that gentleman who was keeping you company earlier? Did he leave?" The nurse asked.

"..." Would a little honesty kill you?

_{Without even waiting for Han Yang's reply, the moment he finished speaking—he lifted off the covers, shed his shoes and climbed onto the bed.}
"He went out to buy something." Han Yang replied, knowing she was referring to Helian Qing. Thinking for a while, he then asked, "Excuse me, do you know if there are any shops that sell congee around here?"

Without even waiting for Han Yang's reply, the moment he finished speaking—he lifted off the covers, shed his shoes and climbed onto the bed.

_N/A Han Yang, "..."

N/A

_{Helian Qing soon followed him, but not before first drawing the boy's back into his close embrace.}"There's a twenty-four-hour congee shop not too far from this hospital," the nurse explained before she continued, "So he left to go buy you some porridge, huh? That'll definitely be good for you to eat when you take your medication. By the way I have to say, he treats you very well. He kept an eye on you for most of the night. When I did my rounds earlier, I even saw him wiping away your sweat a few times, just so you know."

Helian Qing soon followed him, but not before first drawing the boy's back into his close embrace.

_{"..." Oh, just forget it then, the boy thought. He was not in the mood to talk any more either.}
"There's a twenty-four-hour congee shop not too far from this hospital," the nurse explained before she continued, "So he left to go buy you some porridge, huh? That'll definitely be good for you to eat when you take your medication. By the way I have to say, he treats you very well. He kept an eye on you for most of the night. When I did my rounds earlier, I even saw him wiping away your sweat a few times, just so you know."

"..." Oh, just forget it then, the boy thought. He was not in the mood to talk any more either.

_{"What now?!" The man responded rather harshly after noting the boy was still awake.}
Soon after the nurse left, Han Yang again laid back on the bed, dumbfounded. He had known that man was beside him from the very beginning but hearing those things from someone else felt entirely different, but what specifically felt different about it, he could not say for sure.

"What now?!" The man responded rather harshly after noting the boy was still awake.

_{Frozen for a moment, Han Yang soon became aware of the subtle rise of heat within his ears. He then quietly drew his gaze away from the man before, little by little, burying his face under his covers.}Noticing Han Yang had not yet reached for the cup being handed to him, Helian Qing picked up the smaller man's hands himself and placed the filled vessel within them, all the while sneering, "Is it your stomach that's hurt or your hands? Do you want me to feed you too?"

Frozen for a moment, Han Yang soon became aware of the subtle rise of heat within his ears. He then quietly drew his gaze away from the man before, little by little, burying his face under his covers.

_{Helian Qing groaned, thinking to himself: {If you really wanted me to feed you, I would've shown you some mercy.}}"Thank you." Han Yang accepted the glass and took a drink. The warm water flowing into his stomach, made him more at ease.

Helian Qing groaned, thinking to himself: If you really wanted me to feed you, I would've shown you some mercy.

_{"When it hurts that much don't you know you're supposed to go to the hospital? Are you an idiot?" Helian Qing asked.}
When Helian Qing finally came back he saw the boy staring blankly out the window, he was at a complete loss as to what the lad could have been thinking of at that time, but once his own arrival was noticed, the boy soon snapped back to reality.

"When it hurts that much don't you know you're supposed to go to the hospital? Are you an idiot?" Helian Qing asked.

_{Helian Qing had a shower, tidied up and was just about to head out before he told Han Yang, "At noon I'll have someone come over to deliver your lunch. If anything happens give me a call, so just relax and don't move about."}Helian Qing shamelessness was simply much more than he could bear.

Helian Qing had a shower, tidied up and was just about to head out before he told Han Yang, "At noon I'll have someone come over to deliver your lunch. If anything happens give me a call, so just relax and don't move about."

_{But now he had no chance to show this mercy of his.}Han Yang nodded honestly, seeing that, Helian Qing smiled wickedly, teasing, "You can only look though, I don't want to end up watching over you for the entire night again."

But now he had no chance to show this mercy of his.

_{Han Yang, "..."}
"You're back." Han Yang saw him carrying some items in his hand, so he lifted his covers with the intention of giving the man a hand.

Han Yang, "..."

_{Han Yang's plain congee was watery, and definitely perfect to drink given his current state. Helian Qing had also asked for some light side dishes of pickled radishes along with boiled pak-choi, diced very finely so they would be easier to digest.}
"Sit still." Helian Qing said to stop him. He then walked over, placed the bought congee on the cabinet beside the bed then placed the bed-tray on the mattress, arranging the congee and its side dishes on the tray for the younger man.

Han Yang's plain congee was watery, and definitely perfect to drink given his current state. Helian Qing had also asked for some light side dishes of pickled radishes along with boiled pak-choi, diced very finely so they would be easier to digest.

_{Despite the empty state Han Yang's stomach was in, he was still unable to eat much due to his present condition. After finishing off a good amount of the gruel, Helian Qing cleared away the used containers—tossing them into the trash, before going to pour Han Yang a glass of water so he could take his medication.}
"Thank you." Han Yang said.

Despite the empty state Han Yang's stomach was in, he was still unable to eat much due to his present condition. After finishing off a good amount of the gruel, Helian Qing cleared away the used containers—tossing them into the trash, before going to pour Han Yang a glass of water so he could take his medication.

_{"I'm alright." Han Yang did not know whether to laugh or cry as that man's doings seem to be beyond any cure.}
"You don't need to. I was hungry myself." Helian Qing mentioned while he carried his own container of *pork-bone congee, sitting beside to eat.

"I'm alright." Han Yang did not know whether to laugh or cry as that man's doings seem to be beyond any cure.

_{"What are you looking at? Eat your porridge." Helian Qing chided, eating a bite of his own congee, "This one isn't your share."}Han Yang, "..."

"What are you looking at? Eat your porridge." Helian Qing chided, eating a bite of his own congee, "This one isn't your share."

_{During his wait for Helian Qing to return, a nurse had stopped by during one of her rounds. Seeing the boy was awake she asked him how he was faring.}"..." Oh, just forget it then, the boy thought. He was not in the mood to talk any more either.

During his wait for Helian Qing to return, a nurse had stopped by during one of her rounds. Seeing the boy was awake she asked him how he was faring.

_{"He went out to buy something." Han Yang replied, knowing she was referring to Helian Qing. Thinking for a while, he then asked, "Excuse me, do you know if there are any shops that sell congee around here?"}
"..." Would a little honesty kill you?

"He went out to buy something." Han Yang replied, knowing she was referring to Helian Qing. Thinking for a while, he then asked, "Excuse me, do you know if there are any shops that sell congee around here?"

_{"Oh, where is that {gentleman} who was keeping you company earlier? Did he leave?" The nurse asked.}"So what did you eat yesterday?" Helian Qing questioned.

"Oh, where is that gentleman who was keeping you company earlier? Did he leave?" The nurse asked.

_{"Where is he going to buy congee at this hour..." Han Yang thought aloud. A dose of fatigue struck him, causing him to lay back on the bed, and tug the blanket up over his legs.}The congee diner's ambiance was pretty good, the two soon found a place to sit. Han Yang could only eat plain rice congee with some simple side dishes at this time but Helian Qing on the other hand, had ordered steamed dumplings stuffed with shrimps, along with egg pancakes as sides to his own chicken congee. His order compared to the boy's was as different as the sky was to the earth.

"Where is he going to buy congee at this hour..." Han Yang thought aloud. A dose of fatigue struck him, causing him to lay back on the bed, and tug the blanket up over his legs.

_{"Thank you." Han Yang said.}Helian Qing groaned, thinking to himself: If you really wanted me to feed you, I would've shown you some mercy.

"Thank you." Han Yang said.

_{Helian Qing then paused, not moving an inch, Han Yang asked, "Is there something else?"}
Han Yang's plain congee was watery, and definitely perfect to drink given his current state. Helian Qing had also asked for some light side dishes of pickled radishes along with boiled pak-choi, diced very finely so they would be easier to digest.

Helian Qing then paused, not moving an inch, Han Yang asked, "Is there something else?"

_{"..." Han Yang was once again left speechless. It turned out that man had had a new pair of shoes but neglected to tell him, making it so the he had to borrow the ones the man wore since, other than the man himself, there was no one else there.}"Where is he going to buy congee at this hour..." Han Yang thought aloud. A dose of fatigue struck him, causing him to lay back on the bed, and tug the blanket up over his legs.

"..." Han Yang was once again left speechless. It turned out that man had had a new pair of shoes but neglected to tell him, making it so the he had to borrow the ones the man wore since, other than the man himself, there was no one else there.

_{Noticing Han Yang had not yet reached for the cup being handed to him, Helian Qing picked up the smaller man's hands himself and placed the filled vessel within them, all the while sneering, "Is it your stomach that's hurt or your hands? Do you want me to feed you too?"}
Did he especially make the congee diner do this? Han Yang thought as he stealthily peeped at the other man, not at all expecting to be caught red-handed.

Noticing Han Yang had not yet reached for the cup being handed to him, Helian Qing picked up the smaller man's hands himself and placed the filled vessel within them, all the while sneering, "Is it your stomach that's hurt or your hands? Do you want me to feed you too?"

_{Soon after the nurse left, Han Yang again laid back on the bed, dumbfounded. He had known that man was beside him from the very beginning but hearing those things from someone else felt entirely different, but what specifically felt different about it, he could not say for sure.}"I'm going out to get you some congeeT/n: Congee is a simple rice porridge.. If anything happens, just push the button by the bedside." The man announced just as he started for the door. He had not gotten very far before Han Yang quickly caught hold of him, "You don't have to trouble yourself, I'm not even hungry."

Soon after the nurse left, Han Yang again laid back on the bed, dumbfounded. He had known that man was beside him from the very beginning but hearing those things from someone else felt entirely different, but what specifically felt different about it, he could not say for sure.

_{The used cup in his hand, containing the left-over liquid, was soon taken away by Helian Qing, who made his way to the bathroom to dispose of the remnants. Next, the man switched the old cup for a new one, filled it with water then handed it to the boy again, "Drink some."}Han Yang immediately released his grip. Helian Qing simply said "Behave and wait" right before exited the room.

The used cup in his hand, containing the left-over liquid, was soon taken away by Helian Qing, who made his way to the bathroom to dispose of the remnants. Next, the man switched the old cup for a new one, filled it with water then handed it to the boy again, "Drink some."

_{A sweet fragrance emanating from the steamed buns and pancakes mixed itself into the air surrounding Han Yang, arousing him, making him unable to help himself from lifting his head to sneak a few peeks as well as feeling that the plain congee in his mouth was actually extremely dull and tasteless.}Helian Qing soon followed him, but not before first drawing the boy's back into his close embrace.

A sweet fragrance emanating from the steamed buns and pancakes mixed itself into the air surrounding Han Yang, arousing him, making him unable to help himself from lifting his head to sneak a few peeks as well as feeling that the plain congee in his mouth was actually extremely dull and tasteless.

_{But contrary to expectations, Helian Qing was quite calm as he laid down embracing him from behind, with both their heads now squeezed onto one pillow.}
"What are you looking at? Eat your porridge." Helian Qing chided, eating a bite of his own congee, "This one isn't your share."

But contrary to expectations, Helian Qing was quite calm as he laid down embracing him from behind, with both their heads now squeezed onto one pillow.

_{Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.}Seeing the boy flushed with embarrassment by his words, Helian Qing's mood became very good. His long legs extended, kicking the foot of the bed, "Hurry up and sleep. If you don't sleep, I can't sleep."

Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.

_{The congee diner's ambiance was pretty good, the two soon found a place to sit. Han Yang could only eat plain rice congee with some simple side dishes at this time but Helian Qing on the other hand, had ordered steamed dumplings stuffed with shrimps, along with egg pancakes as sides to his own chicken congee. His order compared to the boy's was as different as the sky was to the earth.}"Got it." Han Yang answered while muttering internally: I'm not a child.

The congee diner's ambiance was pretty good, the two soon found a place to sit. Han Yang could only eat plain rice congee with some simple side dishes at this time but Helian Qing on the other hand, had ordered steamed dumplings stuffed with shrimps, along with egg pancakes as sides to his own chicken congee. His order compared to the boy's was as different as the sky was to the earth.

_{"Got it." Han Yang answered while muttering internally: {I'm not a child}.}"Aren't you cold?" Han Yang inquired with much hesitation since unlike the warmth experienced during the daytime, nightfall brought with it a drop in temperature and the man beside him had only worn a very thin shirt after all.

"Got it." Han Yang answered while muttering internally: I'm not a child.

_{Han Yang looked on as the man skilfully pressed his fingers between his brows on a face marred with faint traces of exhaustion. With such a sight before him, a twinge of guilt forming within his heart was inevitable.}
"I don't want to eat yours." Han Yang murmured before he bowed his head and drank his own congee.

Han Yang looked on as the man skilfully pressed his fingers between his brows on a face marred with faint traces of exhaustion. With such a sight before him, a twinge of guilt forming within his heart was inevitable. With his gaze locked on the other man, Han Yang wanted to say something, but he did not know where to start. The few attempts he had made to speak up were noticed by Helian Qing, who thought his behaviour was rather odd so he said, "If you still can't fall asleep, what's staring at your husband going to do?"

_{"What are you looking at? Eat your porridge." Helian Qing chided, eating a bite of his own congee, "This one isn't your share."}"...That's not what I meant." Han Yang corrected.

"What are you looking at? Eat your porridge." Helian Qing chided, eating a bite of his own congee, "This one isn't your share."

_{"..." Han Yang was once again left speechless. It turned out that man had had a new pair of shoes but neglected to tell him, making it so the he had to borrow the ones the man wore since, other than the man himself, there was no one else there.}"When it hurts that much don't you know you're supposed to go to the hospital? Are you an idiot?" Helian Qing asked.

"..." Han Yang was once again left speechless. It turned out that man had had a new pair of shoes but neglected to tell him, making it so the he had to borrow the ones the man wore since, other than the man himself, there was no one else there.

_{Once he was returned to his seat on the bed, Han Yang's eyes caught sight of the man's feet, especially the shoes that now covered them, prompting him to ask out of curiosity, "Where did you get those shoes?"}Parked, Han Yang undid his seat belt, but before he was able to get out the car, Helian Qing had already left his seat on the other side, came to over to his own to help him open the car door, even having a hand outstretched to support him.

Once he was returned to his seat on the bed, Han Yang's eyes caught sight of the man's feet, especially the shoes that now covered them, prompting him to ask out of curiosity, "Where did you get those shoes?"

_{Not too long after the younger man had taken his pills, Helian Qing urged him to get some rest and the lad, being quite tired himself, laid down then reached for the blanket to pull all the way up. Standing beside him, Helian Qing assisted the boy by tucking him under the covers properly, then—just as before—took a seat on the nearby chair.}
"Tsk." Helian Qing clicked his tongue, "Fine, next time I'll take you to go eat something else so stop showing me that downtrodden expression of yours."

Not too long after the younger man had taken his pills, Helian Qing urged him to get some rest and the lad, being quite tired himself, laid down then reached for the blanket to pull all the way up. Standing beside him, Helian Qing assisted the boy by tucking him under the covers properly, then—just as before—took a seat on the nearby chair.

_{"So what did you eat yesterday?" Helian Qing questioned.}
"...I never said that." Han Yang said those words, however the corners of his lips unconsciously lifted.

"So what did you eat yesterday?" Helian Qing questioned.

_{"I had eaten a hotpot with my classmates." Han Yang replied. He himself had guessed the hotpot must have been the cause of his issues.}
Despite the empty state Han Yang's stomach was in, he was still unable to eat much due to his present condition. After finishing off a good amount of the gruel, Helian Qing cleared away the used containers—tossing them into the trash, before going to pour Han Yang a glass of water so he could take his medication.

"I had eaten a hotpot with my classmates." Han Yang replied. He himself had guessed the hotpot must have been the cause of his issues.

_{"Where is he going to buy congee at this hour..." Han Yang thought aloud. A dose of fatigue struck him, causing him to lay back on the bed, and tug the blanket up over his legs.}"...That's not what I meant." Han Yang corrected.

"Where is he going to buy congee at this hour..." Han Yang thought aloud. A dose of fatigue struck him, causing him to lay back on the bed, and tug the blanket up over his legs.

_{"Oh." Helian Qing shrugged his shoulders, then helped him close the car door before he led Han Yang into the congee diner.}Han Yang's plain congee was watery, and definitely perfect to drink given his current state. Helian Qing had also asked for some light side dishes of pickled radishes along with boiled pak-choi, diced very finely so they would be easier to digest.

"Oh." Helian Qing shrugged his shoulders, then helped him close the car door before he led Han Yang into the congee diner.

_{Huh? What's with this rapid plot development ?! Han Yang was stupefied.}
Not too long after the younger man had taken his pills, Helian Qing urged him to get some rest and the lad, being quite tired himself, laid down then reached for the blanket to pull all the way up. Standing beside him, Helian Qing assisted the boy by tucking him under the covers properly, then—just as before—took a seat on the nearby chair.

Huh? What's with this rapid plot development ?! Han Yang was stupefied.

_{"When could you have found the time to buy them?" After all, he was only in the restroom for maybe two or three minutes.}
Han Yang looked on as the man skilfully pressed his fingers between his brows on a face marred with faint traces of exhaustion. With such a sight before him, a twinge of guilt forming within his heart was inevitable. With his gaze locked on the other man, Han Yang wanted to say something, but he did not know where to start. The few attempts he had made to speak up were noticed by Helian Qing, who thought his behaviour was rather odd so he said, "If you still can't fall asleep, what's staring at your husband going to do?"

"When could you have found the time to buy them?" After all, he was only in the restroom for maybe two or three minutes.

_{"Want some of this?" Helian Qing asked him.}"...no." On that night, Han Yang had originally thought he could bear the pain, he had believed if he just endured, it would have eventually passed. But it had gotten to where he could not hold on any longer, so he phoned the hospital and not too long after that, Helian Qing had appeared.

"Want some of this?" Helian Qing asked him.

_{"When it hurts that much don't you know you're supposed to go to the hospital? Are you an idiot?" Helian Qing asked.}"When could you have found the time to buy them?" After all, he was only in the restroom for maybe two or three minutes.

"When it hurts that much don't you know you're supposed to go to the hospital? Are you an idiot?" Helian Qing asked.

_{"...no." On that night, Han Yang had originally thought he could bear the pain, he had believed if he just endured, it would have eventually passed. But it had gotten to where he could not hold on any longer, so he phoned the hospital and not too long after that, Helian Qing had appeared.}"I don't want to eat yours." Han Yang murmured before he bowed his head and drank his own congee.

"...no." On that night, Han Yang had originally thought he could bear the pain, he had believed if he just endured, it would have eventually passed. But it had gotten to where he could not hold on any longer, so he phoned the hospital and not too long after that, Helian Qing had appeared.

_{"Next time something happens just give me a call." Helian Qing stated, pausing, before he added, "I only got the message you sent yesterday not too long ago."}
Han Yang, "..."

"Next time something happens just give me a call." Helian Qing stated, pausing, before he added, "I only got the message you sent yesterday not too long ago."

_{Huh? Han Yang looked at him in shock. Was this Helian Qing's way of explaining it to him? Was this his explanation as to why he never replied to him the day before, rather than being about him not receiving the message to begin with?}
Frozen for a moment, Han Yang soon became aware of the subtle rise of heat within his ears. He then quietly drew his gaze away from the man before, little by little, burying his face under his covers.

Huh? Han Yang looked at him in shock. Was this Helian Qing's way of explaining it to him? Was this his explanation as to why he never replied to him the day before, rather than being about him not receiving the message to begin with?

_{"Want some of this?" Helian Qing asked him.}"You... first just let me downT/n: I think this line got misheard while he whispered." Han Yang whispered.

"Want some of this?" Helian Qing asked him.

_{"Thank you." Han Yang accepted the glass and took a drink. The warm water flowing into his stomach, made him more at ease.}
Helian Qing shamelessness was simply much more than he could bear.

"Thank you." Han Yang accepted the glass and took a drink. The warm water flowing into his stomach, made him more at ease.

_{{Huh?} Han Yang looked at him in shock. Was this Helian Qing's way of explaining it to him? Was this his explanation as to why he never replied to him the day before, rather than being about him not receiving the message to begin with?}The congee diner's ambiance was pretty good, the two soon found a place to sit. Han Yang could only eat plain rice congee with some simple side dishes at this time but Helian Qing on the other hand, had ordered steamed dumplings stuffed with shrimps, along with egg pancakes as sides to his own chicken congee. His order compared to the boy's was as different as the sky was to the earth.

Huh? Han Yang looked at him in shock. Was this Helian Qing's way of explaining it to him? Was this his explanation as to why he never replied to him the day before, rather than being about him not receiving the message to begin with?

_{"When could you have found the time to buy them?" After all, he was only in the restroom for maybe two or three minutes.}"I bought them." Helian Qing simply stated.

"When could you have found the time to buy them?" After all, he was only in the restroom for maybe two or three minutes.

_{{Huh?} Han Yang looked at him in shock. Was this Helian Qing's way of explaining it to him? Was this his explanation as to why he never replied to him the day before, rather than being about him not receiving the message to begin with?}Helian Qing groaned, thinking to himself: If you really wanted me to feed you, I would've shown you some mercy.

Huh? Han Yang looked at him in shock. Was this Helian Qing's way of explaining it to him? Was this his explanation as to why he never replied to him the day before, rather than being about him not receiving the message to begin with?

_{"..." Han Yang was once again left speechless. It turned out that man had had a new pair of shoes but neglected to tell him, making it so the he had to borrow the ones the man wore since, other than the man himself, there was no one else there.}
Seeing the boy flushed with embarrassment by his words, Helian Qing's mood became very good. His long legs extended, kicking the foot of the bed, "Hurry up and sleep. If you don't sleep, I can't sleep."

"..." Han Yang was once again left speechless. It turned out that man had had a new pair of shoes but neglected to tell him, making it so the he had to borrow the ones the man wore since, other than the man himself, there was no one else there.

_{Thinking of how Helian Qing watching over him for most of the night and was also really tired, Han Yang said nothing more. Anyway, it was not the first time they would be sleeping together, so he complied with the request. Furthermore, he was himself quite worn out, so not long passed before his mind soon lost its consciousness and his eyes gradually sealed themselves as he fell asleep.}
"Oh." Han Yang responded, shutting his eyes soon after.

Thinking of how Helian Qing watching over him for most of the night and was also really tired, Han Yang said nothing more. Anyway, it was not the first time they would be sleeping together, so he complied with the request. Furthermore, he was himself quite worn out, so not long passed before his mind soon lost its consciousness and his eyes gradually sealed themselves as he fell asleep.

_{"You're back." Han Yang saw him carrying some items in his hand, so he lifted his covers with the intention of giving the man a hand.}
A few minutes passed by, and Han Yang, who was still up, couldn't help but part his lips to say, "Helian Qing."

"You're back." Han Yang saw him carrying some items in his hand, so he lifted his covers with the intention of giving the man a hand.

_{"Oh, where is that {gentleman} who was keeping you company earlier? Did he leave?" The nurse asked.}Helian Qing's action was not gentle, but however inexplicable the act itself was, in the end—it still felt quite warm.

"Oh, where is that gentleman who was keeping you company earlier? Did he leave?" The nurse asked.

_{"...no." On that night, Han Yang had originally thought he could bear the pain, he had believed if he just endured, it would have eventually passed. But it had gotten to where he could not hold on any longer, so he phoned the hospital and not too long after that, Helian Qing had appeared.}
"What now?!" The man responded rather harshly after noting the boy was still awake.

"...no." On that night, Han Yang had originally thought he could bear the pain, he had believed if he just endured, it would have eventually passed. But it had gotten to where he could not hold on any longer, so he phoned the hospital and not too long after that, Helian Qing had appeared.

_{Han Yang immediately released his grip. Helian Qing simply said "Behave and wait" right before exited the room.}
"Aren't you cold?" Han Yang inquired with much hesitation since unlike the warmth experienced during the daytime, nightfall brought with it a drop in temperature and the man beside him had only worn a very thin shirt after all.

Han Yang immediately released his grip. Helian Qing simply said "Behave and wait" right before exited the room.

_{The following day, Han Yang already felt heaps better. His next doctor's exam had nothing other than questions and a few things to pay attention to after he was discharged.}Han Yang nodded honestly, seeing that, Helian Qing smiled wickedly, teasing, "You can only look though, I don't want to end up watching over you for the entire night again."

The following day, Han Yang already felt heaps better. His next doctor's exam had nothing other than questions and a few things to pay attention to after he was discharged. Helian Qing had bought them both some toiletries which they used to wash up while they were still at the hospital prior to their leaving. Afterwards, he drove Han Yang to the congee diner, where he had bought their earlier meal, to have breakfast.

_{Han Yang followed him, not fully understanding if it was something about his current mentality that made him not struggle to be released from Helian Qing's grasp.}Chapter Ten

Han Yang followed him, not fully understanding if it was something about his current mentality that made him not struggle to be released from Helian Qing's grasp.

_{Han Yang, "..."}Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.

Han Yang, "..."

_{In the bathroom, Han Yang washed his face in the sink. He had tossed and turned for so long earlier in night, all the sweat on his body had now dried, leaving him feeling rather dirty. Smearing the clear liquid over his face one last time, he shook his hands dry, opened the door and left the lavatory.}
As soon as he heard what the boy had asked, Helian Qing did not utter a word, just simply rising to his feet before walking towards the boy's bedside, lowering his gaze while he quietly looked upon the younger fellow.

In the bathroom, Han Yang washed his face in the sink. He had tossed and turned for so long earlier in night, all the sweat on his body had now dried, leaving him feeling rather dirty. Smearing the clear liquid over his face one last time, he shook his hands dry, opened the door and left the lavatory.

_{"Sit still." Helian Qing said to stop him. He then walked over, placed the bought congee on the cabinet beside the bed then placed the bed-tray on the mattress, arranging the congee and its side dishes on the tray for the younger man.}The following day, Han Yang already felt heaps better. His next doctor's exam had nothing other than questions and a few things to pay attention to after he was discharged. Helian Qing had bought them both some toiletries which they used to wash up while they were still at the hospital prior to their leaving. Afterwards, he drove Han Yang to the congee diner, where he had bought their earlier meal, to have breakfast.

"Sit still." Helian Qing said to stop him. He then walked over, placed the bought congee on the cabinet beside the bed then placed the bed-tray on the mattress, arranging the congee and its side dishes on the tray for the younger man.

_{Han Yang, "..."}
With his sight set directly on Helian Qing, a cold shiver was sent down Han Yang's back thinking he must have done something wrong. Just then he heard the man say, "Oh, are you cold? I'll help you warm up then, alright."

Han Yang, "..."

_{Frozen for a moment, Han Yang soon became aware of the subtle rise of heat within his ears. He then quietly drew his gaze away from the man before, little by little, burying his face under his covers.}
Without even waiting for Han Yang's reply, the moment he finished speaking—he lifted off the covers, shed his shoes and climbed onto the bed.

Frozen for a moment, Han Yang soon became aware of the subtle rise of heat within his ears. He then quietly drew his gaze away from the man before, little by little, burying his face under his covers.

_N/A "I still haven't left you, so you hate that I'm still here." Helian Qing said.

N/A

_{"What are you looking at? Eat your own." Helian Qing said, pushing the dish on table a bit awkwardly.}"..." Oh, just forget it then, the boy thought. He was not in the mood to talk any more either.

"What are you looking at? Eat your own." Helian Qing said, pushing the dish on table a bit awkwardly.

_{Following his departure, Han Yang checked the time to discover it was already past four in the morning.}Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.

Following his departure, Han Yang checked the time to discover it was already past four in the morning.

_{"There's a twenty-four-hour congee shop not too far from this hospital," the nurse explained before she continued, "So he left to go buy you some porridge, huh? That'll definitely be good for you to eat when you take your medication. By the way I have to say, he treats you very well.}
Huh? What's with this rapid plot development ^[1]?! Han Yang was stupefied.

"There's a twenty-four-hour congee shop not too far from this hospital," the nurse explained before she continued, "So he left to go buy you some porridge, huh? That'll definitely be good for you to eat when you take your medication. By the way I have to say, he treats you very well. He kept an eye on you for most of the night. When I did my rounds earlier, I even saw him wiping away your sweat a few times, just so you know."

_{"...I never said that." Han Yang said those words, however the corners of his lips unconsciously lifted.}
But contrary to expectations, Helian Qing was quite calm as he laid down embracing him from behind, with both their heads now squeezed onto one pillow.

"...I never said that." Han Yang said those words, however the corners of his lips unconsciously lifted.

_{"I'm alright." Han Yang did not know whether to laugh or cry as that man's doings seem to be beyond any cure.}A few minutes passed by, and Han Yang, who was still up, couldn't help but part his lips to say, "Helian Qing."

"I'm alright." Han Yang did not know whether to laugh or cry as that man's doings seem to be beyond any cure.

_{"Oh." Han Yang responded, shutting his eyes soon after.}"Oh, where is that gentleman who was keeping you company earlier? Did he leave?" The nurse asked.

"Oh." Han Yang responded, shutting his eyes soon after.

_N/A "Thank you." Han Yang said.

N/A

_{Once he was returned to his seat on the bed, Han Yang's eyes caught sight of the man's feet, especially the shoes that now covered them, prompting him to ask out of curiosity, "Where did you get those shoes?"}
"You..." he wanted to continue but Helian Qing interrupted him, "Just be good and go to sleep."

Once he was returned to his seat on the bed, Han Yang's eyes caught sight of the man's feet, especially the shoes that now covered them, prompting him to ask out of curiosity, "Where did you get those shoes?"

_{"{Tsk}." Helian Qing frowned, "In the future don't go out and eat at those messy places."}"..." Han Yang was once again left speechless. It turned out that man had had a new pair of shoes but neglected to tell him, making it so the he had to borrow the ones the man wore since, other than the man himself, there was no one else there.

"Tsk." Helian Qing frowned, "In the future don't go out and eat at those messy places."

_{Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.}"Just behave and stay put." Suddenly, Helian Qing reached out, tussled Han Yang's hair, then picked up his coat and left.

Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.

_{The congee diner's ambiance was pretty good, the two soon found a place to sit. Han Yang could only eat plain rice congee with some simple side dishes at this time but Helian Qing on the other hand, had ordered steamed dumplings stuffed with shrimps, along with egg pancakes as sides to his own chicken congee. His order compared to the boy's was as different as the sky was to the earth.}
Thinking of how Helian Qing watching over him for most of the night and was also really tired, Han Yang said nothing more. Anyway, it was not the first time they would be sleeping together, so he complied with the request. Furthermore, he was himself quite worn out, so not long passed before his mind soon lost its consciousness and his eyes gradually sealed themselves as he fell asleep.

The congee diner's ambiance was pretty good, the two soon found a place to sit. Han Yang could only eat plain rice congee with some simple side dishes at this time but Helian Qing on the other hand, had ordered steamed dumplings stuffed with shrimps, along with egg pancakes as sides to his own chicken congee. His order compared to the boy's was as different as the sky was to the earth.

_{Helian Qing turned his head to look at the boy, his gaze then dropped to his own arm where the boy held, "Let go."}
Helian Qing soon followed him, but not before first drawing the boy's back into his close embrace.

Helian Qing turned his head to look at the boy, his gaze then dropped to his own arm where the boy held, "Let go."

_{Chapter Ten}
The following day, Han Yang already felt heaps better. His next doctor's exam had nothing other than questions and a few things to pay attention to after he was discharged. Helian Qing had bought them both some toiletries which they used to wash up while they were still at the hospital prior to their leaving. Afterwards, he drove Han Yang to the congee diner, where he had bought their earlier meal, to have breakfast.

Chapter Ten

_{With his sight set directly on Helian Qing, a cold shiver was sent down Han Yang's back thinking he must have done something wrong. Just then he heard the man say, "Oh, are you cold? I'll help you warm up then, alright."}
Parked, Han Yang undid his seat belt, but before he was able to get out the car, Helian Qing had already left his seat on the other side, came to over to his own to help him open the car door, even having a hand outstretched to support him.

With his sight set directly on Helian Qing, a cold shiver was sent down Han Yang's back thinking he must have done something wrong. Just then he heard the man say, "Oh, are you cold? I'll help you warm up then, alright."

_{"Just behave and stay put." Suddenly, Helian Qing reached out, tussled Han Yang's hair, then picked up his coat and left.}Helian Qing soon followed him, but not before first drawing the boy's back into his close embrace.

"Just behave and stay put." Suddenly, Helian Qing reached out, tussled Han Yang's hair, then picked up his coat and left.

_{The used cup in his hand, containing the left-over liquid, was soon taken away by Helian Qing, who made his way to the bathroom to dispose of the remnants. Next, the man switched the old cup for a new one, filled it with water then handed it to the boy again, "Drink some."}
"I'm alright." Han Yang did not know whether to laugh or cry as that man's doings seem to be beyond any cure^[2].

The used cup in his hand, containing the left-over liquid, was soon taken away by Helian Qing, who made his way to the bathroom to dispose of the remnants. Next, the man switched the old cup for a new one, filled it with water then handed it to the boy again, "Drink some."

_{"...That's not what I meant." Han Yang corrected.}
"Oh." Helian Qing shrugged his shoulders, then helped him close the car door before he led Han Yang into the congee diner.

"...That's not what I meant." Han Yang corrected.

_{Frozen for a moment, Han Yang soon became aware of the subtle rise of heat within his ears. He then quietly drew his gaze away from the man before, little by little, burying his face under his covers.}"...I never said that." Han Yang said those words, however the corners of his lips unconsciously lifted.

Frozen for a moment, Han Yang soon became aware of the subtle rise of heat within his ears. He then quietly drew his gaze away from the man before, little by little, burying his face under his covers.

_{"..." {Oh, just forget it then}, the boy thought. He was not in the mood to talk any more either.}Han Yang's plain congee was watery, and definitely perfect to drink given his current state. Helian Qing had also asked for some light side dishes of pickled radishes along with boiled pak-choi, diced very finely so they would be easier to digest.

"..." Oh, just forget it then, the boy thought. He was not in the mood to talk any more either.

_{"You don't need to. I was hungry myself." Helian Qing mentioned while he carried his own container of *pork-bone congee, sitting beside to eat.}In the bathroom, Han Yang washed his face in the sink. He had tossed and turned for so long earlier in night, all the sweat on his body had now dried, leaving him feeling rather dirty. Smearing the clear liquid over his face one last time, he shook his hands dry, opened the door and left the lavatory.

"You don't need to. I was hungry myself." Helian Qing mentioned while he carried his own container of *pork-bone congee, sitting beside to eat.

_{"Oh." Helian Qing shrugged his shoulders, then helped him close the car door before he led Han Yang into the congee diner.}
Han Yang followed him, not fully understanding if it was something about his current mentality that made him not struggle to be released from Helian Qing's grasp.

"Oh." Helian Qing shrugged his shoulders, then helped him close the car door before he led Han Yang into the congee diner.

_{"What are you looking at? Eat your porridge." Helian Qing chided, eating a bite of his own congee, "This one isn't your share."}Han Yang followed him, not fully understanding if it was something about his current mentality that made him not struggle to be released from Helian Qing's grasp.

"What are you looking at? Eat your porridge." Helian Qing chided, eating a bite of his own congee, "This one isn't your share."

_{Soon after the nurse left, Han Yang again laid back on the bed, dumbfounded. He had known that man was beside him from the very beginning but hearing those things from someone else felt entirely different, but what specifically felt different about it, he could not say for sure.}"Tsk." Helian Qing frowned, "In the future don't go out and eat at those messy places."

Soon after the nurse left, Han Yang again laid back on the bed, dumbfounded. He had known that man was beside him from the very beginning but hearing those things from someone else felt entirely different, but what specifically felt different about it, he could not say for sure.

_{"Then just be quiet." The man added.}
The congee diner's ambiance was pretty good, the two soon found a place to sit. Han Yang could only eat plain rice congee with some simple side dishes at this time but Helian Qing on the other hand, had ordered steamed dumplings stuffed with shrimps, along with egg pancakes as sides to his own chicken congee. His order compared to the boy's was as different as the sky was to the earth.

"Then just be quiet." The man added.

_{"You..." he wanted to continue but Helian Qing interrupted him, "Just be good and go to sleep."}
A sweet fragrance emanating from the steamed buns and pancakes mixed itself into the air surrounding Han Yang, arousing him, making him unable to help himself from lifting his head to sneak a few peeks as well as feeling that the plain congee in his mouth was actually extremely dull and tasteless.

"You..." he wanted to continue but Helian Qing interrupted him, "Just be good and go to sleep."

_{"Thank you." Han Yang said.}"When it hurts that much don't you know you're supposed to go to the hospital? Are you an idiot?" Helian Qing asked.

"Thank you." Han Yang said.

_{"I'm alright." Han Yang did not know whether to laugh or cry as that man's doings seem to be beyond any cure.}Han Yang followed him, not fully understanding if it was something about his current mentality that made him not struggle to be released from Helian Qing's grasp.

"I'm alright." Han Yang did not know whether to laugh or cry as that man's doings seem to be beyond any cure.

_{The used cup in his hand, containing the left-over liquid, was soon taken away by Helian Qing, who made his way to the bathroom to dispose of the remnants. Next, the man switched the old cup for a new one, filled it with water then handed it to the boy again, "Drink some."}"Tsk." Helian Qing frowned, "In the future don't go out and eat at those messy places."

The used cup in his hand, containing the left-over liquid, was soon taken away by Helian Qing, who made his way to the bathroom to dispose of the remnants. Next, the man switched the old cup for a new one, filled it with water then handed it to the boy again, "Drink some."

_{Helian Qing soon followed him, but not before first drawing the boy's back into his close embrace.}
"Want some of this?" Helian Qing asked him.

Helian Qing soon followed him, but not before first drawing the boy's back into his close embrace.

_{Helian Qing had a shower, tidied up and was just about to head out before he told Han Yang, "At noon I'll have someone come over to deliver your lunch. If anything happens give me a call, so just relax and don't move about."}Seeing the boy flushed with embarrassment by his words, Helian Qing's mood became very good. His long legs extended, kicking the foot of the bed, "Hurry up and sleep. If you don't sleep, I can't sleep."

Helian Qing had a shower, tidied up and was just about to head out before he told Han Yang, "At noon I'll have someone come over to deliver your lunch. If anything happens give me a call, so just relax and don't move about."

_{Following his departure, Han Yang checked the time to discover it was already past four in the morning.}But contrary to expectations, Helian Qing was quite calm as he laid down embracing him from behind, with both their heads now squeezed onto one pillow.

Following his departure, Han Yang checked the time to discover it was already past four in the morning.

_{{Huh?} Han Yang looked at him in shock. Was this Helian Qing's way of explaining it to him? Was this his explanation as to why he never replied to him the day before, rather than being about him not receiving the message to begin with?}"Thank you." Han Yang said.

Huh? Han Yang looked at him in shock. Was this Helian Qing's way of explaining it to him? Was this his explanation as to why he never replied to him the day before, rather than being about him not receiving the message to begin with?

_{But now he had no chance to show this mercy of his.}
Han Yang nodded honestly, seeing that, Helian Qing smiled wickedly, teasing, "You can only look though, I don't want to end up watching over you for the entire night again."

But now he had no chance to show this mercy of his.

_{"Got it." Han Yang answered while muttering internally: {I'm not a child}.}Thinking of how Helian Qing watching over him for most of the night and was also really tired, Han Yang said nothing more. Anyway, it was not the first time they would be sleeping together, so he complied with the request. Furthermore, he was himself quite worn out, so not long passed before his mind soon lost its consciousness and his eyes gradually sealed themselves as he fell asleep.

"Got it." Han Yang answered while muttering internally: I'm not a child.

_{"Where is he going to buy congee at this hour..." Han Yang thought aloud. A dose of fatigue struck him, causing him to lay back on the bed, and tug the blanket up over his legs.}
Han Yang, "..."

"Where is he going to buy congee at this hour..." Han Yang thought aloud. A dose of fatigue struck him, causing him to lay back on the bed, and tug the blanket up over his legs.

_{"You don't need to. I was hungry myself." Helian Qing mentioned while he carried his own container of *pork-bone congee, sitting beside to eat.}"What now?!" The man responded rather harshly after noting the boy was still awake.

"You don't need to. I was hungry myself." Helian Qing mentioned while he carried his own container of *pork-bone congee, sitting beside to eat.

_{During his wait for Helian Qing to return, a nurse had stopped by during one of her rounds. Seeing the boy was awake she asked him how he was faring.}Han Yang, "..."

During his wait for Helian Qing to return, a nurse had stopped by during one of her rounds. Seeing the boy was awake she asked him how he was faring.

_{Han Yang followed him, not fully understanding if it was something about his current mentality that made him not struggle to be released from Helian Qing's grasp.}"Want some of this?" Helian Qing asked him.

Han Yang followed him, not fully understanding if it was something about his current mentality that made him not struggle to be released from Helian Qing's grasp.

_{"Sit still." Helian Qing said to stop him. He then walked over, placed the bought congee on the cabinet beside the bed then placed the bed-tray on the mattress, arranging the congee and its side dishes on the tray for the younger man.}
Could that tongue of yours be any sharper, Princess Qing. Han Yang thought.

"Sit still." Helian Qing said to stop him. He then walked over, placed the bought congee on the cabinet beside the bed then placed the bed-tray on the mattress, arranging the congee and its side dishes on the tray for the younger man.

_{A few minutes passed by, and Han Yang, who was still up, couldn't help but part his lips to say, "Helian Qing."}"Where is he going to buy congee at this hour..." Han Yang thought aloud. A dose of fatigue struck him, causing him to lay back on the bed, and tug the blanket up over his legs.

A few minutes passed by, and Han Yang, who was still up, couldn't help but part his lips to say, "Helian Qing."

_{"..." Han Yang was once again left speechless. It turned out that man had had a new pair of shoes but neglected to tell him, making it so the he had to borrow the ones the man wore since, other than the man himself, there was no one else there.}Chapter Ten

"..." Han Yang was once again left speechless. It turned out that man had had a new pair of shoes but neglected to tell him, making it so the he had to borrow the ones the man wore since, other than the man himself, there was no one else there.

_{Thanks to this single action by that man, Han Yang was left dumbstruck as he stared off blankly in the direction where Helian Qing left. A good while passed before he was able to react and say a proper word, but his hand only lifted to touch the place Helian Qing had rubbed, as he just blinked.}"Got it." Han Yang answered while muttering internally: I'm not a child.

Thanks to this single action by that man, Han Yang was left dumbstruck as he stared off blankly in the direction where Helian Qing left. A good while passed before he was able to react and say a proper word, but his hand only lifted to touch the place Helian Qing had rubbed, as he just blinked.

_{"Just behave and stay put." Suddenly, Helian Qing reached out, tussled Han Yang's hair, then picked up his coat and left.}
"So what did you eat yesterday?" Helian Qing questioned.

"Just behave and stay put." Suddenly, Helian Qing reached out, tussled Han Yang's hair, then picked up his coat and left.

_{The used cup in his hand, containing the left-over liquid, was soon taken away by Helian Qing, who made his way to the bathroom to dispose of the remnants. Next, the man switched the old cup for a new one, filled it with water then handed it to the boy again, "Drink some."}Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.

The used cup in his hand, containing the left-over liquid, was soon taken away by Helian Qing, who made his way to the bathroom to dispose of the remnants. Next, the man switched the old cup for a new one, filled it with water then handed it to the boy again, "Drink some."

_{Seeing the boy flushed with embarrassment by his words, Helian Qing's mood became very good. His long legs extended, kicking the foot of the bed, "Hurry up and sleep. If you don't sleep, I can't sleep."}"Sit still." Helian Qing said to stop him. He then walked over, placed the bought congee on the cabinet beside the bed then placed the bed-tray on the mattress, arranging the congee and its side dishes on the tray for the younger man.

Seeing the boy flushed with embarrassment by his words, Helian Qing's mood became very good. His long legs extended, kicking the foot of the bed, "Hurry up and sleep. If you don't sleep, I can't sleep."

_{"Oh." Helian Qing shrugged his shoulders, then helped him close the car door before he led Han Yang into the congee diner.}Not too long after the younger man had taken his pills, Helian Qing urged him to get some rest and the lad, being quite tired himself, laid down then reached for the blanket to pull all the way up. Standing beside him, Helian Qing assisted the boy by tucking him under the covers properly, then—just as before—took a seat on the nearby chair.

"Oh." Helian Qing shrugged his shoulders, then helped him close the car door before he led Han Yang into the congee diner.

_{After they ate breakfast, they returned to the apartment sometime around ten in the morning. Luckily, it was the weekend so Han Yang could just stay at home and rest. Helian Qing however, was not that carefree since today at his company there was a very important client arriving in L-City that he must accompany.}
"I had eaten a hotpot with my classmates." Han Yang replied. He himself had guessed the hotpot must have been the cause of his issues.

After they ate breakfast, they returned to the apartment sometime around ten in the morning. Luckily, it was the weekend so Han Yang could just stay at home and rest. Helian Qing however, was not that carefree since today at his company there was a very important client arriving in L-City that he must accompany.

_{"Just behave and stay put." Suddenly, Helian Qing reached out, tussled Han Yang's hair, then picked up his coat and left.}"..." Han Yang was once again left speechless. It turned out that man had had a new pair of shoes but neglected to tell him, making it so the he had to borrow the ones the man wore since, other than the man himself, there was no one else there.

"Just behave and stay put." Suddenly, Helian Qing reached out, tussled Han Yang's hair, then picked up his coat and left.

_{"You... first just let me downT/n: I think this line got misheard while he whispered." Han Yang whispered.}"You don't need to. I was hungry myself." Helian Qing mentioned while he carried his own container of *pork-bone congee, sitting beside to eat.

"You... first just let me downT/n: I think this line got misheard while he whispered." Han Yang whispered.

_{Helian Qing had a shower, tidied up and was just about to head out before he told Han Yang, "At noon I'll have someone come over to deliver your lunch. If anything happens give me a call, so just relax and don't move about."}Helian Qing's action was not gentle, but however inexplicable the act itself was, in the end—it still felt quite warm.

Helian Qing had a shower, tidied up and was just about to head out before he told Han Yang, "At noon I'll have someone come over to deliver your lunch. If anything happens give me a call, so just relax and don't move about."

_{Following his departure, Han Yang checked the time to discover it was already past four in the morning.}
"Tsk." Helian Qing frowned, "In the future don't go out and eat at those messy places^[3]."

Following his departure, Han Yang checked the time to discover it was already past four in the morning.

_{Helian Qing then paused, not moving an inch, Han Yang asked, "Is there something else?"}"Got it." Han Yang answered while muttering internally: I'm not a child.

Helian Qing then paused, not moving an inch, Han Yang asked, "Is there something else?"

_{Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.}"You're back." Han Yang saw him carrying some items in his hand, so he lifted his covers with the intention of giving the man a hand.

Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.

_{But contrary to expectations, Helian Qing was quite calm as he laid down embracing him from behind, with both their heads now squeezed onto one pillow.}The used cup in his hand, containing the left-over liquid, was soon taken away by Helian Qing, who made his way to the bathroom to dispose of the remnants. Next, the man switched the old cup for a new one, filled it with water then handed it to the boy again, "Drink some."

But contrary to expectations, Helian Qing was quite calm as he laid down embracing him from behind, with both their heads now squeezed onto one pillow.

_{"You... first just let me downT/n: I think this line got misheard while he whispered." Han Yang whispered.}
"Yeah." Han Yang nodded.

"You... first just let me downT/n: I think this line got misheard while he whispered." Han Yang whispered.

_{"Got it." Han Yang answered while muttering internally: {I'm not a child}.}Helian Qing then paused, not moving an inch, Han Yang asked, "Is there something else?"

"Got it." Han Yang answered while muttering internally: I'm not a child.

_{"Tsk." Helian Qing clicked his tongue, "Fine, next time I'll take you to go eat something else so stop showing me that downtrodden expression of yours."}
"When it hurts that much don't you know you're supposed to go to the hospital? Are you an idiot?" Helian Qing asked.

"Tsk." Helian Qing clicked his tongue, "Fine, next time I'll take you to go eat something else so stop showing me that downtrodden expression of yours."

_{Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.}"Uh… okay." Han Yang lowered his head and drank some of his porridge, the corners of his mouth tugging into a smile.

Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.

_{"Aren't you cold?" Han Yang inquired with much hesitation since unlike the warmth experienced during the daytime, nightfall brought with it a drop in temperature and the man beside him had only worn a very thin shirt after all.}Helian Qing soon followed him, but not before first drawing the boy's back into his close embrace.

"Aren't you cold?" Han Yang inquired with much hesitation since unlike the warmth experienced during the daytime, nightfall brought with it a drop in temperature and the man beside him had only worn a very thin shirt after all.

_{"Got it." Han Yang answered while muttering internally: I'm not a child.}
"...no." On that night, Han Yang had originally thought he could bear the pain, he had believed if he just endured, it would have eventually passed. But it had gotten to where he could not hold on any longer, so he phoned the hospital and not too long after that, Helian Qing had appeared.

"Got it." Han Yang answered while muttering internally: I'm not a child.

_{The congee diner's ambiance was pretty good, the two soon found a place to sit. Han Yang could only eat plain rice congee with some simple side dishes at this time but Helian Qing on the other hand, had ordered steamed dumplings stuffed with shrimps, along with egg pancakes as sides to his own chicken congee. His order compared to the boy's was as different as the sky was to the earth.}With his sight set directly on Helian Qing, a cold shiver was sent down Han Yang's back thinking he must have done something wrong. Just then he heard the man say, "Oh, are you cold? I'll help you warm up then, alright."

The congee diner's ambiance was pretty good, the two soon found a place to sit. Han Yang could only eat plain rice congee with some simple side dishes at this time but Helian Qing on the other hand, had ordered steamed dumplings stuffed with shrimps, along with egg pancakes as sides to his own chicken congee. His order compared to the boy's was as different as the sky was to the earth.

_{"I still haven't left you, so you hate that I'm still here." Helian Qing said.}
"Next time something happens just give me a call." Helian Qing stated, pausing, before he added, "I only got the message you sent yesterday not too long ago."

"I still haven't left you, so you hate that I'm still here." Helian Qing said.

_{Helian Qing shamelessness was simply much more than he could bear.}A few minutes passed by, and Han Yang, who was still up, couldn't help but part his lips to say, "Helian Qing."

Helian Qing shamelessness was simply much more than he could bear.

_{"Tsk." Helian Qing frowned, "In the future don't go out and eat at those messy places."}
Huh? Han Yang looked at him in shock. Was this Helian Qing's way of explaining it to him? Was this his explanation as to why he never replied to him the day before, rather than being about him not receiving the message to begin with?

"Tsk." Helian Qing frowned, "In the future don't go out and eat at those messy places."

_{"You..." he wanted to continue but Helian Qing interrupted him, "Just be good and go to sleep."}Han Yang, "..."

"You..." he wanted to continue but Helian Qing interrupted him, "Just be good and go to sleep."

_{Helian Qing had a shower, tidied up and was just about to head out before he told Han Yang, "At noon I'll have someone come over to deliver your lunch. If anything happens give me a call, so just relax and don't move about."}
"What are you looking at? Eat your own." Helian Qing said, pushing the dish on table a bit awkwardly.

Helian Qing had a shower, tidied up and was just about to head out before he told Han Yang, "At noon I'll have someone come over to deliver your lunch. If anything happens give me a call, so just relax and don't move about."

_{Helian Qing turned his head to look at the boy, his gaze then dropped to his own arm where the boy held, "Let go."}Once he was returned to his seat on the bed, Han Yang's eyes caught sight of the man's feet, especially the shoes that now covered them, prompting him to ask out of curiosity, "Where did you get those shoes?"

Helian Qing turned his head to look at the boy, his gaze then dropped to his own arm where the boy held, "Let go."

_{Han Yang immediately released his grip. Helian Qing simply said "Behave and wait" right before exited the room.}Helian Qing then paused, not moving an inch, Han Yang asked, "Is there something else?"

Han Yang immediately released his grip. Helian Qing simply said "Behave and wait" right before exited the room.

_{When Helian Qing finally came back he saw the boy staring blankly out the window, he was at a complete loss as to what the lad could have been thinking of at that time, but once his own arrival was noticed, the boy soon snapped back to reality.}"Thank you." Han Yang said.

When Helian Qing finally came back he saw the boy staring blankly out the window, he was at a complete loss as to what the lad could have been thinking of at that time, but once his own arrival was noticed, the boy soon snapped back to reality.

_{Meanwhile, Han Yang became aware of something of his own, the realisation that since earlier that night, he seemed to have built up a higher tolerance towards Helian Qing's sharp tongue. As he held on to the cup and brought it to his lips, he caught a glimpse of the older man's foot pushing the trash bin beside the bed, then stepping on the pedal to open the lid, saying, "Rinse your mouth out first.}
"Uh… okay." Han Yang lowered his head and drank some of his porridge, the corners of his mouth tugging into a smile.

Meanwhile, Han Yang became aware of something of his own, the realisation that since earlier that night, he seemed to have built up a higher tolerance towards Helian Qing's sharp tongue. As he held on to the cup and brought it to his lips, he caught a glimpse of the older man's foot pushing the trash bin beside the bed, then stepping on the pedal to open the lid, saying, "Rinse your mouth out first."

_{Helian Qing had a shower, tidied up and was just about to head out before he told Han Yang, "At noon I'll have someone come over to deliver your lunch. If anything happens give me a call, so just relax and don't move about."}Frozen for a moment, Han Yang soon became aware of the subtle rise of heat within his ears. He then quietly drew his gaze away from the man before, little by little, burying his face under his covers.

Helian Qing had a shower, tidied up and was just about to head out before he told Han Yang, "At noon I'll have someone come over to deliver your lunch. If anything happens give me a call, so just relax and don't move about."

_{"Uh… okay." Han Yang lowered his head and drank some of his porridge, the corners of his mouth tugging into a smile.}
After they ate breakfast, they returned to the apartment sometime around ten in the morning. Luckily, it was the weekend so Han Yang could just stay at home and rest. Helian Qing however, was not that carefree since today at his company there was a very important client arriving in L-City that he must accompany.

"Uh… okay." Han Yang lowered his head and drank some of his porridge, the corners of his mouth tugging into a smile.

_{Despite the empty state Han Yang's stomach was in, he was still unable to eat much due to his present condition. After finishing off a good amount of the gruel, Helian Qing cleared away the used containers—tossing them into the trash, before going to pour Han Yang a glass of water so he could take his medication.}"When could you have found the time to buy them?" After all, he was only in the restroom for maybe two or three minutes.

Despite the empty state Han Yang's stomach was in, he was still unable to eat much due to his present condition. After finishing off a good amount of the gruel, Helian Qing cleared away the used containers—tossing them into the trash, before going to pour Han Yang a glass of water so he could take his medication.

_{"..." Han Yang was once again left speechless. It turned out that man had had a new pair of shoes but neglected to tell him, making it so the he had to borrow the ones the man wore since, other than the man himself, there was no one else there.}Han Yang, "..."

"..." Han Yang was once again left speechless. It turned out that man had had a new pair of shoes but neglected to tell him, making it so the he had to borrow the ones the man wore since, other than the man himself, there was no one else there.

_{Seeing the boy flushed with embarrassment by his words, Helian Qing's mood became very good. His long legs extended, kicking the foot of the bed, "Hurry up and sleep. If you don't sleep, I can't sleep."}
Helian Qing had a shower, tidied up and was just about to head out before he told Han Yang, "At noon I'll have someone come over to deliver your lunch. If anything happens give me a call, so just relax and don't move about."

Seeing the boy flushed with embarrassment by his words, Helian Qing's mood became very good. His long legs extended, kicking the foot of the bed, "Hurry up and sleep. If you don't sleep, I can't sleep."

_{The congee diner's ambiance was pretty good, the two soon found a place to sit. Han Yang could only eat plain rice congee with some simple side dishes at this time but Helian Qing on the other hand, had ordered steamed dumplings stuffed with shrimps, along with egg pancakes as sides to his own chicken congee. His order compared to the boy's was as different as the sky was to the earth.}"..." Would a little honesty kill you?

The congee diner's ambiance was pretty good, the two soon found a place to sit. Han Yang could only eat plain rice congee with some simple side dishes at this time but Helian Qing on the other hand, had ordered steamed dumplings stuffed with shrimps, along with egg pancakes as sides to his own chicken congee. His order compared to the boy's was as different as the sky was to the earth.

_{"Oh." Han Yang responded, shutting his eyes soon after.}"I still haven't left you, so you hate that I'm still here." Helian Qing said.

"Oh." Han Yang responded, shutting his eyes soon after.

_{神展开: shèn zhǎn kāi: lit.}
"Got it." Han Yang answered while muttering internally: I'm not a child.

神展开: shèn zhǎn kāi: lit. God unfolds - it's when a story's plot moves along much faster than the viewers expect. [] 病入膏肓: bìng rù gāo huāng: (idiom) lit. the disease has attacked the vitals; fig. A hopeless situation; incurable. [] 乱七八糟: luàn qī be zāo: (idiom) in disorder; very messy.[]Extra notes:~ Porkbone congee: The bone is used to make the broth the rice is boiled in.[]When the nurse said gentleman, the word she used could also be used to refer to someone's husband 😏[]Pics of their meal: Han Yang's Plain/White Congee|Pickled Radish|Pak-choi/Bok-choy (this is why he asked about it being sliced up thinly)[]Helian Qing's Chicken Congee|Shrimp Dumplings|Egg Pancakes[]They're not exact but I hope it gives you the idea why a certain someone was jelly.

_{Seeing the boy flushed with embarrassment by his words, Helian Qing's mood became very good. His long legs extended, kicking the foot of the bed, "Hurry up and sleep. If you don't sleep, I can't sleep."}"...That's not what I meant." Han Yang corrected.

Seeing the boy flushed with embarrassment by his words, Helian Qing's mood became very good. His long legs extended, kicking the foot of the bed, "Hurry up and sleep. If you don't sleep, I can't sleep."

_{"..." {Would a little honesty kill you?}}"I had eaten a hotpot with my classmates." Han Yang replied. He himself had guessed the hotpot must have been the cause of his issues.

"..." Would a little honesty kill you?

_{"..." {Would a little honesty kill you?}}Helian Qing shamelessness was simply much more than he could bear.

"..." Would a little honesty kill you?

_{"Aren't you cold?" Han Yang inquired with much hesitation since unlike the warmth experienced during the daytime, nightfall brought with it a drop in temperature and the man beside him had only worn a very thin shirt after all.}
Helian Qing then paused, not moving an inch, Han Yang asked, "Is there something else?"

"Aren't you cold?" Han Yang inquired with much hesitation since unlike the warmth experienced during the daytime, nightfall brought with it a drop in temperature and the man beside him had only worn a very thin shirt after all.

_{"{Tsk}." Helian Qing frowned, "In the future don't go out and eat at those messy places."}But contrary to expectations, Helian Qing was quite calm as he laid down embracing him from behind, with both their heads now squeezed onto one pillow.

"Tsk." Helian Qing frowned, "In the future don't go out and eat at those messy places."

_{Helian Qing soon followed him, but not before first drawing the boy's back into his close embrace.}Han Yang immediately released his grip. Helian Qing simply said "Behave and wait" right before exited the room.

Helian Qing soon followed him, but not before first drawing the boy's back into his close embrace.

_{"I'm going out to get you some congeeT/n: Congee is a simple rice porridge.. If anything happens, just push the button by the bedside." The man announced just as he started for the door. He had not gotten very far before Han Yang quickly caught hold of him, "You don't have to trouble yourself, I'm not even hungry."}
"Just behave and stay put." Suddenly, Helian Qing reached out, tussled Han Yang's hair, then picked up his coat and left.

"I'm going out to get you some congeeT/n: Congee is a simple rice porridge.. If anything happens, just push the button by the bedside." The man announced just as he started for the door. He had not gotten very far before Han Yang quickly caught hold of him, "You don't have to trouble yourself, I'm not even hungry."

_{Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.}"..." Oh, just forget it then, the boy thought. He was not in the mood to talk any more either.

Having vomited quite a few times earlier, the lad did feel his mouth was indeed tinged with a bitter taste. Amazed by Helian Qing's attentiveness, he did as instructed, using the warm water to wash out his mouth which unsurprisingly, left him feeling much better afterwards.

_{Han Yang's plain congee was watery, and definitely perfect to drink given his current state. Helian Qing had also asked for some light side dishes of pickled radishes along with boiled pak-choi, diced very finely so they would be easier to digest.}"Oh." Han Yang responded, shutting his eyes soon after.

Han Yang's plain congee was watery, and definitely perfect to drink given his current state. Helian Qing had also asked for some light side dishes of pickled radishes along with boiled pak-choi, diced very finely so they would be easier to digest.

_{"While you were sleeping." Helian Qing replied, pouring a glass of water before handing it to him.}"Sit still." Helian Qing said to stop him. He then walked over, placed the bought congee on the cabinet beside the bed then placed the bed-tray on the mattress, arranging the congee and its side dishes on the tray for the younger man.

"While you were sleeping." Helian Qing replied, pouring a glass of water before handing it to him.

_{Soon after the nurse left, Han Yang again laid back on the bed, dumbfounded. He had known that man was beside him from the very beginning but hearing those things from someone else felt entirely different, but what specifically felt different about it, he could not say for sure.}
Thanks to this single action by that man, Han Yang was left dumbstruck as he stared off blankly in the direction where Helian Qing left. A good while passed before he was able to react and say a proper word, but his hand only lifted to touch the place Helian Qing had rubbed, as he just blinked.

Soon after the nurse left, Han Yang again laid back on the bed, dumbfounded. He had known that man was beside him from the very beginning but hearing those things from someone else felt entirely different, but what specifically felt different about it, he could not say for sure.

_{Helian Qing's action was not gentle, but however inexplicable the act itself was, in the end—it still felt quite warm.}Thinking of how Helian Qing watching over him for most of the night and was also really tired, Han Yang said nothing more. Anyway, it was not the first time they would be sleeping together, so he complied with the request. Furthermore, he was himself quite worn out, so not long passed before his mind soon lost its consciousness and his eyes gradually sealed themselves as he fell asleep.

Helian Qing's action was not gentle, but however inexplicable the act itself was, in the end—it still felt quite warm.

_{"Yeah." Han Yang nodded.}"What now?!" The man responded rather harshly after noting the boy was still awake.

"Yeah." Han Yang nodded.

_{"No." Han Yang shook his head.}
Helian Qing's action was not gentle, but however inexplicable the act itself was, in the end—it still felt quite warm.

"No." Han Yang shook his head.

_{"Aren't you cold?" Han Yang inquired with much hesitation since unlike the warmth experienced during the daytime, nightfall brought with it a drop in temperature and the man beside him had only worn a very thin shirt after all.}"Yeah." Han Yang nodded.

"Aren't you cold?" Han Yang inquired with much hesitation since unlike the warmth experienced during the daytime, nightfall brought with it a drop in temperature and the man beside him had only worn a very thin shirt after all.

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

^1. 神展开: shèn zhǎn kāi: lit. God unfolds - it's when a story's plot moves along much faster than the viewers expect.

^2. 病入膏肓: bìng rù gāo huāng: (idiom) lit. the disease has attacked the vitals; fig. A hopeless situation; incurable.

^3. 乱七八糟: luàn qī be zāo: (idiom) in disorder; very messy.

Extra notes:~ Porkbone congee: The bone is used to make the broth the rice is boiled in.

When the nurse said gentleman, the word she used could also be used to refer to someone's husband 😏

Pics of their meal:

Han Yang's Plain/White Congee|Pickled Radish|Pak-choi/Bok-choy

(this is why he asked about it being sliced up thinly)

Helian Qing's Chicken Congee|Shrimp Dumplings|Egg Pancakes

They're not exact but I hope it gives you the idea why a certain someone was jelly.

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