Childhood Chronicles: C06

C06: Returning Home

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

_{Ye Cheng stared at his father so firmly that he couldn’t help but shift his butt on the sofa before looking back at them pensively and shaking his head. Right then, whatever food was in his stomach had long been digested, so his gaze lingered towards the kitchen as the pangs of hunger hit him in waves.}
As the car drove along the road, all the streetlights shone. For half of their journey, Ye Cheng Cheng had sat there quietly before finally managing to completely calm himself down. He turned to face Gu Shaofan, who had sat across from him very quietly all along, before saying, “Thanks for what you did today. If it wasn’t for you, my bike would be gone.”

Ye Cheng stared at his father so firmly that he couldn’t help but shift his butt on the sofa before looking back at them pensively and shaking his head. Right then, whatever food was in his stomach had long been digested, so his gaze lingered towards the kitchen as the pangs of hunger hit him in waves.

“But how can you do it yourself when both your arm and legs have been injured? How will you wash yourself?” Zhou Ni frowned, then gently but firmly took off that beef stew-soaked shirt of Ye Cheng’s. “You also can’t bathe normally in this state; you have to be wiped down.”

_◈◇◈After saying this, Ye Cheng sniffed himself and realised there were still a lot of oily stains on his clothes, the sheer number enough to make everyone who does laundry faint. With a screwed-up expression, he continued, “How could a person even act like that, huh? She saw a fight and acted like she saw nothing. If not for your student ID getting left there as collateral, she wouldn’t get a red cent.”

◈◇◈

_{Despite thinking it was not as serious as that, Gu Shaofei remained silent because his knowledge of such things was also lacking.}From upfront, the driver glanced at the boys through the rearview mirror; the unexpectedly serious atmosphere between them made him somewhat amused. That child who spoke like an adult yet still thought very much as a child would, combined with his serious appearance, caused a dissonance that made one feel such a thing was incredibly cute.

Despite thinking it was not as serious as that, Gu Shaofei remained silent because his knowledge of such things was also lacking.

_{Ye Cheng let out two snorts in anger and sent a nod to Gu Shaofan. The other boy was obviously confused by his actions on top of his rambling method of speech, so he simply responded, “You don’t have to worry about the compensation for the pot of food. I’ll take care of it.”}
“It’s my first time getting robbed. Can the police go catch them?” Ye Cheng wasn’t the type to stop once he started chattering, so while fiddling with the edge of his bandages, he continued as if only half-understanding, “This was aggravated assault and robbery, right? That’s what they called it on the news.”

Ye Cheng let out two snorts in anger and sent a nod to Gu Shaofan. The other boy was obviously confused by his actions on top of his rambling method of speech, so he simply responded, “You don’t have to worry about the compensation for the pot of food. I’ll take care of it.”

_{“Do you travel to school every day by car? Oh, by the way, you were so cool back there when you kicked that guy, and he got knocked down with a thwack! It’s too bad those other guys just got to run away.” He paused for a regretful sigh before adding, “I don’t think that pot of beef stew tastes very good, either. It sure didn’t smell all that great when it spilt.”}Ye Cheng anxiously grabbed his pants, but he had no strength and also didn’t dare truly resist. So he only grabbed on a couple of times before they were pulled off as well. Seeing his incredible embarrassment, Zhou Ni went no further and left him in his underwear. So with a solemn look on his face, Ye Cheng stood there and let her wrap thick layers of plastic wrap around his bandages.

“Do you travel to school every day by car? Oh, by the way, you were so cool back there when you kicked that guy, and he got knocked down with a thwack! It’s too bad those other guys just got to run away.” He paused for a regretful sigh before adding, “I don’t think that pot of beef stew tastes very good, either. It sure didn’t smell all that great when it spilt.”

_{“I can do it myself…” The blushing boy whispered.}This was also Ye Cheng’s first—the first time anyone called him specifically at home.

“I can do it myself…” The blushing boy whispered.

_{Then, after ten full seconds where their eyes stayed locked, Ye Cheng regained his senses, bowed towards him, and happily skipped away.}“Did that classmate buy all these for you?” Ye Chenghui enquired about the medicines as he flipped through the bag. Finding no prescription or bill, which meant it was not put in. “How much does it cost?”

Then, after ten full seconds where their eyes stayed locked, Ye Cheng regained his senses, bowed towards him, and happily skipped away.

_{C06: Returning Home}
Despite thinking it was not as serious as that, Gu Shaofei remained silent because his knowledge of such things was also lacking.

C06: Returning Home

_{There was a carefree kind of sincerity that wiggled out from those upturned brows as he spoke with the power to move any soul bearing it witness. It was the same for Gu Shaofan, who stared at that joyful face while nodding slowly in return.}The second he heard this, the chair fell back in place with a loud snap. But before Ye Chenghui could get mad at him, Ye Cheng hurried over to the sofa. After flipping back the hair hanging in front of his face due to its dampness, he picked up the receiver his father left next to the landline and curiously listened in.

There was a carefree kind of sincerity that wiggled out from those upturned brows as he spoke with the power to move any soul bearing it witness. It was the same for Gu Shaofan, who stared at that joyful face while nodding slowly in return.

_{“Do you travel to school every day by car? Oh, by the way, you were so cool back there when you kicked that guy, and he got knocked down with a thwack! It’s too bad those other guys just got to run away.” He paused for a regretful sigh before adding, “I don’t think that pot of beef stew tastes very good, either. It sure didn’t smell all that great when it spilt.”}
“Do you travel to school every day by car? Oh, by the way, you were so cool back there when you kicked that guy, and he got knocked down with a thwack! It’s too bad those other guys just got to run away.” He paused for a regretful sigh before adding, “I don’t think that pot of beef stew tastes very good, either. It sure didn’t smell all that great when it spilt.”

_{From upfront, the driver glanced at the boys through the rearview mirror; the unexpectedly serious atmosphere between them made him somewhat amused. That child who spoke like an adult yet still thought very much as a child would, combined with his serious appearance, caused a dissonance that made one feel such a thing was incredibly cute.}There was a carefree kind of sincerity that wiggled out from those upturned brows as he spoke with the power to move any soul bearing it witness. It was the same for Gu Shaofan, who stared at that joyful face while nodding slowly in return.

From upfront, the driver glanced at the boys through the rearview mirror; the unexpectedly serious atmosphere between them made him somewhat amused. That child who spoke like an adult yet still thought very much as a child would, combined with his serious appearance, caused a dissonance that made one feel such a thing was incredibly cute.

_{Nonetheless, Ye Cheng didn’t linger on such feelings, and with a scratch of his head, his mind found another topic of interest. “Oh, and about what happened a few days ago, I didn’t mean to ignore you.”}
After saying this, Ye Cheng sniffed himself and realised there were still a lot of oily stains on his clothes, the sheer number enough to make everyone who does laundry faint. With a screwed-up expression, he continued, “How could a person even act like that, huh? She saw a fight and acted like she saw nothing. If not for your student ID getting left there as collateral, she wouldn’t get a red cent.”

Nonetheless, Ye Cheng didn’t linger on such feelings, and with a scratch of his head, his mind found another topic of interest. “Oh, and about what happened a few days ago, I didn’t mean to ignore you.”

_{Although his words were brief, the intention within them was still properly conveyed. Ye Cheng was a bit shaken at having his hair rustled. But it wasn’t because he never had his head touched; it was just the usual suspects for such an act were aunties and uncles.}
Ye Cheng let out two snorts in anger and sent a nod to Gu Shaofan. The other boy was obviously confused by his actions on top of his rambling method of speech, so he simply responded, “You don’t have to worry about the compensation for the pot of food. I’ll take care of it.”

Although his words were brief, the intention within them was still properly conveyed. Ye Cheng was a bit shaken at having his hair rustled. But it wasn’t because he never had his head touched; it was just the usual suspects for such an act were aunties and uncles.

_{Besides, even if she were his biological mother, he was already eleven years old. So how could he not be embarrassed?}
But as Gu Shaofan spoke, Ye Cheng was still tucked away in his own thoughts, calculating his pocket money. Most of it was deposited into his bank account, and it was made up of the lucky money he received every New Year. The cash he had in his immediate possession was money he was given by Zhou Ni, who was anything but stingy when it came to giving pocket money. Ye Cheng never used much of it, nor did he use it often. So once he saved up a full hundred, he would run to the bank to deposit it.

Besides, even if she were his biological mother, he was already eleven years old. So how could he not be embarrassed?

_{“Why prattle on about so much nonsense, huh? Your food is getting cold again." Ye Chenghui grimaced at Ye Cheng as he put down the receiver before adding, “Do you blabber on like that when you’re in class, too?”}“It’s okay. We’re still gonna be friends from now on anyways—” Ye Cheng beamed before adding in a solemn tone, “—best friends.”

“Why prattle on about so much nonsense, huh? Your food is getting cold again." Ye Chenghui grimaced at Ye Cheng as he put down the receiver before adding, “Do you blabber on like that when you’re in class, too?”

_N/AFor a moment, she left for the kitchen before returning with a roll of plastic wrap. Then affectionately taking Ye Cheng by the hand and leading him to the bathroom. Ye Cheng was still not used to close contact between them, but he still obediently let her take his hand. Once in the bathroom, after dodging a few times when she tried to help him change out of his clothes, Zhou Ni noticed his face was covered in a blush. “Aw, our Chengcheng has grown up enough to be all shy.”

N/A

“Me?” Ye Cheng looked over to his father, his hair still a bit damp. At his age, even though they had shared each other’s numbers, it was still quite rare that anyone would make phone calls.

As he spoke, he pressed his hand to his forehead. He had no idea what constituted a fever, so he figured as long as his body wasn’t hot and his head didn’t hurt, he should be fine, right?

_{From upfront, the driver glanced at the boys through the rearview mirror; the unexpectedly serious atmosphere between them made him somewhat amused. That child who spoke like an adult yet still thought very much as a child would, combined with his serious appearance, caused a dissonance that made one feel such a thing was incredibly cute.}Gu Shaofan said nothing and only looked at him, his dark eyes especially beautiful under the car’s shadows. Ye Cheng felt a bit embarrassed at the sight, so he quickly averted his gaze before he continued, “Okay, the truth is that I was still a bit bothered about what everyone in class was saying about you. You never explained anything, and I stood up for you without knowing a thing. It made me look really stupid, you know? It really hurt my pride a lot, too.”

_{Ye Cheng froze after hearing the question. Gu Shaofan never gave the matter any importance the entire time, which gave Ye Cheng the feeling it was his father who took him to the hospital, so he simply forgot to ask. “I-I don’t know.”}
From beside him, Gu Shaofan heard him mutter, so reaching out, he rested a hand on Ye Cheng’s head before repeating with that ever-deadpaned face, “You don’t have to worry. I’ll handle it.”

Ye Cheng froze after hearing the question. Gu Shaofan never gave the matter any importance the entire time, which gave Ye Cheng the feeling it was his father who took him to the hospital, so he simply forgot to ask. “I-I don’t know.”

_{Ye Cheng anxiously grabbed his pants, but he had no strength and also didn’t dare truly resist. So he only grabbed on a couple of times before they were pulled off as well. Seeing his incredible embarrassment, Zhou Ni went no further and left him in his underwear. So with a solemn look on his face, Ye Cheng stood there and let her wrap thick layers of plastic wrap around his bandages.}
Although his words were brief, the intention within them was still properly conveyed. Ye Cheng was a bit shaken at having his hair rustled. But it wasn’t because he never had his head touched; it was just the usual suspects for such an act were aunties and uncles.

Ye Cheng anxiously grabbed his pants, but he had no strength and also didn’t dare truly resist. So he only grabbed on a couple of times before they were pulled off as well. Seeing his incredible embarrassment, Zhou Ni went no further and left him in his underwear. So with a solemn look on his face, Ye Cheng stood there and let her wrap thick layers of plastic wrap around his bandages.

_{The one caught following him with his eyes felt not an ounce of embarrassment at being caught, still staring quietly.}C06: Returning Home

The one caught following him with his eyes felt not an ounce of embarrassment at being caught, still staring quietly.

_{As he spoke, he pressed his hand to his forehead. He had no idea what constituted a fever, so he figured as long as his body wasn’t hot and his head didn’t hurt, he should be fine, right?}“Me?” Ye Cheng looked over to his father, his hair still a bit damp. At his age, even though they had shared each other’s numbers, it was still quite rare that anyone would make phone calls.

As he spoke, he pressed his hand to his forehead. He had no idea what constituted a fever, so he figured as long as his body wasn’t hot and his head didn’t hurt, he should be fine, right?

_{“Go wash up first; you’ll eat afterwards. I knew you would be hungry, so I kept your dinner.” Zhou Ni smiled at him then placed the bag of medicines under the coffee table before adding, “I’ll find you something to wrap those bandages with; your wounds can’t get wet.”}The one caught following him with his eyes felt not an ounce of embarrassment at being caught, still staring quietly.

“Go wash up first; you’ll eat afterwards. I knew you would be hungry, so I kept your dinner.” Zhou Ni smiled at him then placed the bag of medicines under the coffee table before adding, “I’ll find you something to wrap those bandages with; your wounds can’t get wet.”

_N/A
So being treated like that by Gu Shaofan simply felt somewhat strange. It made it seem as though he was far younger.

N/A

_{Ye Cheng anxiously grabbed his pants, but he had no strength and also didn’t dare truly resist. So he only grabbed on a couple of times before they were pulled off as well. Seeing his incredible embarrassment, Zhou Ni went no further and left him in his underwear. So with a solemn look on his face, Ye Cheng stood there and let her wrap thick layers of plastic wrap around his bandages.}Not even a second after asking, he slapped his forehead and said to himself, “Oh, I forgot that you called my house before. Oh, sorry, I meant that your driver did. Did you save the number?”

_{When Ye Chenghui received the phone call about his son’s accident and the other party’s polite description of the injury being nothing too grievous, he assumed a bit of iodine here and there would fix the problem in no time at all. So when Ye Cheng walked in with bandages ranging from his arm to his legs combined with a crutch, he and Zhou Ni were both scared out of their wits.}
Nonetheless, Ye Cheng didn’t linger on such feelings, and with a scratch of his head, his mind found another topic of interest. “Oh, and about what happened a few days ago, I didn’t mean to ignore you.”

When Ye Chenghui received the phone call about his son’s accident and the other party’s polite description of the injury being nothing too grievous, he assumed a bit of iodine here and there would fix the problem in no time at all. So when Ye Cheng walked in with bandages ranging from his arm to his legs combined with a crutch, he and Zhou Ni were both scared out of their wits. They checked and inspected every inch of him and asked for every last detail involving the matter.

_{Ye Cheng stared at his father so firmly that he couldn’t help but shift his butt on the sofa before looking back at them pensively and shaking his head. Right then, whatever food was in his stomach had long been digested, so his gaze lingered towards the kitchen as the pangs of hunger hit him in waves.}“Do you travel to school every day by car? Oh, by the way, you were so cool back there when you kicked that guy, and he got knocked down with a thwack! It’s too bad those other guys just got to run away.” He paused for a regretful sigh before adding, “I don’t think that pot of beef stew tastes very good, either. It sure didn’t smell all that great when it spilt.”

The car then stopped at the entrance of an apartment complex before he turned and asked, “How about I give your folks a call so your dad can come down and carry you up?” Then, with a glance at the little boss he worked for, he added, “Or should I just carry you up myself?”

_{“Did that classmate buy all these for you?” Ye Chenghui enquired about the medicines as he flipped through the bag. Finding no prescription or bill, which meant it was not put in. “How much does it cost?”}“Why prattle on about so much nonsense, huh? Your food is getting cold again." Ye Chenghui grimaced at Ye Cheng as he put down the receiver before adding, “Do you blabber on like that when you’re in class, too?”

“Did that classmate buy all these for you?” Ye Chenghui enquired about the medicines as he flipped through the bag. Finding no prescription or bill, which meant it was not put in. “How much does it cost?”

_{But as Gu Shaofan spoke, Ye Cheng was still tucked away in his own thoughts, calculating his pocket money. Most of it was deposited into his bank account, and it was made up of the lucky money he received every New Year.}
Gu Shaofan said nothing and only looked at him, his dark eyes especially beautiful under the car’s shadows. Ye Cheng felt a bit embarrassed at the sight, so he quickly averted his gaze before he continued, “Okay, the truth is that I was still a bit bothered about what everyone in class was saying about you. You never explained anything, and I stood up for you without knowing a thing. It made me look really stupid, you know? It really hurt my pride a lot, too.”

But as Gu Shaofan spoke, Ye Cheng was still tucked away in his own thoughts, calculating his pocket money. Most of it was deposited into his bank account, and it was made up of the lucky money he received every New Year. The cash he had in his immediate possession was money he was given by Zhou Ni, who was anything but stingy when it came to giving pocket money. Ye Cheng never used much of it, nor did he use it often. So once he saved up a full hundred, he would run to the bank to deposit it.

_{“But how can you do it yourself when both your arm and legs have been injured? How will you wash yourself?” Zhou Ni frowned, then gently but firmly took off that beef stew-soaked shirt of Ye Cheng’s. “You also can’t bathe normally in this state; you have to be wiped down.”}Ye Cheng let out two snorts in anger and sent a nod to Gu Shaofan. The other boy was obviously confused by his actions on top of his rambling method of speech, so he simply responded, “You don’t have to worry about the compensation for the pot of food. I’ll take care of it.”

_{Nonetheless, Ye Cheng didn’t linger on such feelings, and with a scratch of his head, his mind found another topic of interest. “Oh, and about what happened a few days ago, I didn’t mean to ignore you.”}There was no response from the other end of the line, but that was mainly due to Ye Cheng. Once he started asking questions, he shot out each one in rapid succession without waiting for an answer. He was still very lost in the excitement of getting a phone call from Gu Shaofan. It wasn’t until the other boy repeated his initial question that Ye Chang caught hold of himself and answered. “Oh, right. I don’t think I have one.”

_{“You don't have a fever, do you?”}
Ye Cheng let out a heavy sigh after speaking.

“You don't have a fever, do you?”

_{Ye Cheng let out a heavy sigh after speaking.}
For a while, Gu Shaofan also said nothing in return.

Ye Cheng let out a heavy sigh after speaking.

_{“Hey, little man, is the next corner the one I have to turn onto?” The sign of the Trust Mart was now visible; their destination no longer far away. The driver slowed down and turned right at the T-shaped intersection in line with Ye Cheng’s directions.}After he was washed clean, Ye Cheng was taken to get a change of clothes by Zhou Ni before she went to the kitchen to heat his food. Ye Cheng changed into a set wide-sleeved shirt and wide-legged shorts before hopping into the kitchen on one leg. As the scent of the meal filled the air and Ye Cheng helped out by getting his dishes set, the phone in the living room rang.

“Hey, little man, is the next corner the one I have to turn onto?” The sign of the Trust Mart was now visible; their destination no longer far away. The driver slowed down and turned right at the T-shaped intersection in line with Ye Cheng’s directions. Then, with Ye Cheng hanging onto the backrest for the front seat, he pointed out with his right hand as he directed, “There’s a streetlight over there. Yeah, it’s that one. It’s right over there.”

_{Since he was in the living room focused on the television, Ye Chenghui was the one who answered the phone. “Hello?”}
Until he managed just two simple words, “I’m sorry.”

Since he was in the living room focused on the television, Ye Chenghui was the one who answered the phone. “Hello?”

_{After he was washed clean, Ye Cheng was taken to get a change of clothes by Zhou Ni before she went to the kitchen to heat his food. Ye Cheng changed into a set wide-sleeved shirt and wide-legged shorts before hopping into the kitchen on one leg. As the scent of the meal filled the air and Ye Cheng helped out by getting his dishes set, the phone in the living room rang.}
From upfront, the driver glanced at the boys through the rearview mirror; the unexpectedly serious atmosphere between them made him somewhat amused. That child who spoke like an adult yet still thought very much as a child would, combined with his serious appearance, caused a dissonance that made one feel such a thing was incredibly cute.

After he was washed clean, Ye Cheng was taken to get a change of clothes by Zhou Ni before she went to the kitchen to heat his food. Ye Cheng changed into a set wide-sleeved shirt and wide-legged shorts before hopping into the kitchen on one leg. As the scent of the meal filled the air and Ye Cheng helped out by getting his dishes set, the phone in the living room rang.

_{C06: Returning Home}This was also Ye Cheng’s first—the first time anyone called him specifically at home.

C06: Returning Home

_{Ye Chenghui’s brows grew tight at that answer, his dissatisfaction clear on his face. “When you see this classmate of yours again, make sure to ask them how much so we can pay them back, understand?”}
Upon hearing Gu Shaofan’s apology, Ye Cheng felt his heart at ease. He really liked Gu Shaofan. Not just because he brings him delicious food, but because he, um… actually liked him as a person, you see. Being around him felt super comfortable since he never had to worry about anything. Yeah, he didn't talk, but since when did stuff like that matter? He could just talk a bit more for the both of them.

Ye Chenghui’s brows grew tight at that answer, his dissatisfaction clear on his face. “When you see this classmate of yours again, make sure to ask them how much so we can pay them back, understand?”

_{{“Eighty yuan and three cents will be enough to cover it, right?”}}This was also Ye Cheng’s first—the first time anyone called him specifically at home.

“Eighty yuan and three cents will be enough to cover it, right?”

_{Ye Cheng let out a soft “yea” in return, making the man before him even more peeved. “Yea? What the hell is a ‘yea’? Can you not talk properly now? Did no one teach you manners?”}N/A

Ye Cheng let out a soft “yea” in return, making the man before him even more peeved. “Yea? What the hell is a ‘yea’? Can you not talk properly now? Did no one teach you manners?”

_{When the voice behind him turned stern, Ye Cheng secretly stuck out his tongue and dejectedly ran to the kitchen to eat.}
“It’s okay. We’re still gonna be friends from now on anyways—” Ye Cheng beamed before adding in a solemn tone, “—best friends.”

When the voice behind him turned stern, Ye Cheng secretly stuck out his tongue and dejectedly ran to the kitchen to eat.

_{“Hey, little man, is the next corner the one I have to turn onto?” The sign of the Trust Mart was now visible; their destination no longer far away. The driver slowed down and turned right at the T-shaped intersection in line with Ye Cheng’s directions.}From upfront, the driver glanced at the boys through the rearview mirror; the unexpectedly serious atmosphere between them made him somewhat amused. That child who spoke like an adult yet still thought very much as a child would, combined with his serious appearance, caused a dissonance that made one feel such a thing was incredibly cute.

_{For a moment, she left for the kitchen before returning with a roll of plastic wrap. Then affectionately taking Ye Cheng by the hand and leading him to the bathroom.}
There was a carefree kind of sincerity that wiggled out from those upturned brows as he spoke with the power to move any soul bearing it witness. It was the same for Gu Shaofan, who stared at that joyful face while nodding slowly in return.

For a moment, she left for the kitchen before returning with a roll of plastic wrap. Then affectionately taking Ye Cheng by the hand and leading him to the bathroom. Ye Cheng was still not used to close contact between them, but he still obediently let her take his hand. Once in the bathroom, after dodging a few times when she tried to help him change out of his clothes, Zhou Ni noticed his face was covered in a blush. “Aw, our Chengcheng has grown up enough to be all shy.”

_{There was no response from the other end of the line, but that was mainly due to Ye Cheng. Once he started asking questions, he shot out each one in rapid succession without waiting for an answer.}From beside him, Gu Shaofan heard him mutter, so reaching out, he rested a hand on Ye Cheng’s head before repeating with that ever-deadpaned face, “You don’t have to worry. I’ll handle it.”

There was no response from the other end of the line, but that was mainly due to Ye Cheng. Once he started asking questions, he shot out each one in rapid succession without waiting for an answer. He was still very lost in the excitement of getting a phone call from Gu Shaofan. It wasn’t until the other boy repeated his initial question that Ye Chang caught hold of himself and answered. “Oh, right. I don’t think I have one.”

After saying this, Ye Cheng sniffed himself and realised there were still a lot of oily stains on his clothes, the sheer number enough to make everyone who does laundry faint. With a screwed-up expression, he continued, “How could a person even act like that, huh? She saw a fight and acted like she saw nothing. If not for your student ID getting left there as collateral, she wouldn’t get a red cent.”

_{Ye Cheng froze after hearing the question. Gu Shaofan never gave the matter any importance the entire time, which gave Ye Cheng the feeling it was his father who took him to the hospital, so he simply forgot to ask. “I-I don’t know.”}Despite thinking it was not as serious as that, Gu Shaofei remained silent because his knowledge of such things was also lacking.

_{Zhou Ni treated him as familiarly as a long-time member of their family, and honestly, she took good care of Ye Cheng. But it had still been less than a year since she’d been with Ye Cheng, and at the end of the day, that sense of unfamiliarity was still in his heart, so he couldn’t truly regard her any differently than a mother.}
“Hey, little man, is the next corner the one I have to turn onto?” The sign of the Trust Mart was now visible; their destination no longer far away. The driver slowed down and turned right at the T-shaped intersection in line with Ye Cheng’s directions. Then, with Ye Cheng hanging onto the backrest for the front seat, he pointed out with his right hand as he directed, “There’s a streetlight over there. Yeah, it’s that one. It’s right over there.”

Zhou Ni treated him as familiarly as a long-time member of their family, and honestly, she took good care of Ye Cheng. But it had still been less than a year since she’d been with Ye Cheng, and at the end of the day, that sense of unfamiliarity was still in his heart, so he couldn’t truly regard her any differently than a mother.

_{The one caught following him with his eyes felt not an ounce of embarrassment at being caught, still staring quietly.}“Why prattle on about so much nonsense, huh? Your food is getting cold again." Ye Chenghui grimaced at Ye Cheng as he put down the receiver before adding, “Do you blabber on like that when you’re in class, too?”

The one caught following him with his eyes felt not an ounce of embarrassment at being caught, still staring quietly.

_{“It’s my first time getting robbed. Can the police go catch them?” Ye Cheng wasn’t the type to stop once he started chattering, so while fiddling with the edge of his bandages, he continued as if only half-understanding, “This was aggravated assault and robbery, right? That’s what they called it on the news.”}
The car then stopped at the entrance of an apartment complex before he turned and asked, “How about I give your folks a call so your dad can come down and carry you up?” Then, with a glance at the little boss he worked for, he added, “Or should I just carry you up myself?”

“It’s my first time getting robbed. Can the police go catch them?” Ye Cheng wasn’t the type to stop once he started chattering, so while fiddling with the edge of his bandages, he continued as if only half-understanding, “This was aggravated assault and robbery, right? That’s what they called it on the news.”

_{Despite thinking it was not as serious as that, Gu Shaofei remained silent because his knowledge of such things was also lacking.}Despite thinking it was not as serious as that, Gu Shaofei remained silent because his knowledge of such things was also lacking.

Despite thinking it was not as serious as that, Gu Shaofei remained silent because his knowledge of such things was also lacking.

_{So being treated like that by Gu Shaofan simply felt somewhat strange. It made it seem as though he was far younger.}
Ye Cheng had already pushed open the car door and had half his butt still on the back seat. His leg shook a bit as he stepped out, but he felt alright, so he smiled and replied to the driver, “Thank you, Uncle, but it’s alright. My house is on the second floor, so I’ll be home really soon.”

So being treated like that by Gu Shaofan simply felt somewhat strange. It made it seem as though he was far younger.

_{Ye Cheng stared at his father so firmly that he couldn’t help but shift his butt on the sofa before looking back at them pensively and shaking his head. Right then, whatever food was in his stomach had long been digested, so his gaze lingered towards the kitchen as the pangs of hunger hit him in waves.}Seeing how tense the atmosphere had gotten, Zhou Ni took it upon herself to change the topic. “Let’s discuss this later, alright? I doubt any of those medicines are expensive, so Ye Cheng can just give his friend the money when he goes to school tomorrow. Look at the state he’s in, so let’s get him a bath and change of clothes first.” She then turned her attention to Ye Cheng and asked, “Chengcheng, have you eaten?”

_{Upon hearing it all, Zhou Ni never expected a bicycle would be the trigger for such a thing. Sitting on the sofa, she sorted out the medicines Ye Cheng brought back while occasionally checking on his arms and legs. “I didn’t think this through properly enough. But how could little kids be such ruffians now?”}
After slipping out of the car, he turned and bent down a bit to wave to Gu Shaofan while wearing a big ol’ grin, “Thank you again. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Upon hearing it all, Zhou Ni never expected a bicycle would be the trigger for such a thing. Sitting on the sofa, she sorted out the medicines Ye Cheng brought back while occasionally checking on his arms and legs. “I didn’t think this through properly enough. But how could little kids be such ruffians now?”

_{There was no response from the other end of the line, but that was mainly due to Ye Cheng. Once he started asking questions, he shot out each one in rapid succession without waiting for an answer.}It wasn’t until Ye Chenghui patted his son on his shoulder with the remote and dissatisfaction in his gaze that Ye Cheng reluctantly told Gu Shafan goodbye.

_{“It’s okay. We’re still gonna be friends from now on anyways—” Ye Cheng beamed before adding in a solemn tone, “—best friends.”}From upfront, the driver glanced at the boys through the rearview mirror; the unexpectedly serious atmosphere between them made him somewhat amused. That child who spoke like an adult yet still thought very much as a child would, combined with his serious appearance, caused a dissonance that made one feel such a thing was incredibly cute.

“It’s okay. We’re still gonna be friends from now on anyways—” Ye Cheng beamed before adding in a solemn tone, “—best friends.”

_{Gu Shaofan said nothing and only looked at him, his dark eyes especially beautiful under the car’s shadows. Ye Cheng felt a bit embarrassed at the sight, so he quickly averted his gaze before he continued, “Okay, the truth is that I was still a bit bothered about what everyone in class was saying about you.}Ye Cheng stared at his father so firmly that he couldn’t help but shift his butt on the sofa before looking back at them pensively and shaking his head. Right then, whatever food was in his stomach had long been digested, so his gaze lingered towards the kitchen as the pangs of hunger hit him in waves.

Gu Shaofan said nothing and only looked at him, his dark eyes especially beautiful under the car’s shadows. Ye Cheng felt a bit embarrassed at the sight, so he quickly averted his gaze before he continued, “Okay, the truth is that I was still a bit bothered about what everyone in class was saying about you. You never explained anything, and I stood up for you without knowing a thing. It made me look really stupid, you know? It really hurt my pride a lot, too.”

_{Seeing how tense the atmosphere had gotten, Zhou Ni took it upon herself to change the topic. “Let’s discuss this later, alright? I doubt any of those medicines are expensive, so Ye Cheng can just give his friend the money when he goes to school tomorrow.}
“Yeah, I’ll see you.”

Seeing how tense the atmosphere had gotten, Zhou Ni took it upon herself to change the topic. “Let’s discuss this later, alright? I doubt any of those medicines are expensive, so Ye Cheng can just give his friend the money when he goes to school tomorrow. Look at the state he’s in, so let’s get him a bath and change of clothes first.” She then turned her attention to Ye Cheng and asked, “Chengcheng, have you eaten?”

_{There was a carefree kind of sincerity that wiggled out from those upturned brows as he spoke with the power to move any soul bearing it witness. It was the same for Gu Shaofan, who stared at that joyful face while nodding slowly in return.}
Closing the door, he then waited for the driver to get out and take his bike out of the trunk, thanking the man again as he did. While he was about to wheel his bike into the complex with a limp, noticing something, he turned back to find Gu Shaofan’s lingering gaze.

_{When the voice behind him turned stern, Ye Cheng secretly stuck out his tongue and dejectedly ran to the kitchen to eat.}Ye Cheng stared at his father so firmly that he couldn’t help but shift his butt on the sofa before looking back at them pensively and shaking his head. Right then, whatever food was in his stomach had long been digested, so his gaze lingered towards the kitchen as the pangs of hunger hit him in waves.

When the voice behind him turned stern, Ye Cheng secretly stuck out his tongue and dejectedly ran to the kitchen to eat.

_{Ye Cheng had already pushed open the car door and had half his butt still on the back seat. His leg shook a bit as he stepped out, but he felt alright, so he smiled and replied to the driver, “Thank you, Uncle, but it’s alright. My house is on the second floor, so I’ll be home really soon.”}“Go wash up first; you’ll eat afterwards. I knew you would be hungry, so I kept your dinner.” Zhou Ni smiled at him then placed the bag of medicines under the coffee table before adding, “I’ll find you something to wrap those bandages with; your wounds can’t get wet.”

Ye Cheng had already pushed open the car door and had half his butt still on the back seat. His leg shook a bit as he stepped out, but he felt alright, so he smiled and replied to the driver, “Thank you, Uncle, but it’s alright. My house is on the second floor, so I’ll be home really soon.”

_{The voice at the other end sounded different as it was carried through the wires into the earpiece, but Ye Cheng still recognised it at once. “Gu Shaofan!” he cried out unexpectedly. “How did you get my number?” He asked instead of replying to the question.}Ye Cheng had already pushed open the car door and had half his butt still on the back seat. His leg shook a bit as he stepped out, but he felt alright, so he smiled and replied to the driver, “Thank you, Uncle, but it’s alright. My house is on the second floor, so I’ll be home really soon.”

The voice at the other end sounded different as it was carried through the wires into the earpiece, but Ye Cheng still recognised it at once. “Gu Shaofan!” he cried out unexpectedly. “How did you get my number?” He asked instead of replying to the question.

_{“Hey, don’t tilt the chair.” Ye Chenghui warned when he saw Ye Cheng tilting back the chair at a dangerous angle. “It’s your classmate.”}
Then, after ten full seconds where their eyes stayed locked, Ye Cheng regained his senses, bowed towards him, and happily skipped away.

“Hey, don’t tilt the chair.” Ye Chenghui warned when he saw Ye Cheng tilting back the chair at a dangerous angle. “It’s your classmate.”

◈◇◈

_{There was no response from the other end of the line, but that was mainly due to Ye Cheng. Once he started asking questions, he shot out each one in rapid succession without waiting for an answer.}
When Ye Chenghui received the phone call about his son’s accident and the other party’s polite description of the injury being nothing too grievous, he assumed a bit of iodine here and there would fix the problem in no time at all. So when Ye Cheng walked in with bandages ranging from his arm to his legs combined with a crutch, he and Zhou Ni were both scared out of their wits. They checked and inspected every inch of him and asked for every last detail involving the matter.

_{After saying this, Ye Cheng sniffed himself and realised there were still a lot of oily stains on his clothes, the sheer number enough to make everyone who does laundry faint. With a screwed-up expression, he continued, “How could a person even act like that, huh? She saw a fight and acted like she saw nothing.}Ye Chenghui’s brows grew tight at that answer, his dissatisfaction clear on his face. “When you see this classmate of yours again, make sure to ask them how much so we can pay them back, understand?”

_{From upfront, the driver glanced at the boys through the rearview mirror; the unexpectedly serious atmosphere between them made him somewhat amused. That child who spoke like an adult yet still thought very much as a child would, combined with his serious appearance, caused a dissonance that made one feel such a thing was incredibly cute.}Ye Cheng froze after hearing the question. Gu Shaofan never gave the matter any importance the entire time, which gave Ye Cheng the feeling it was his father who took him to the hospital, so he simply forgot to ask. “I-I don’t know.”

_{“It’s okay. We’re still gonna be friends from now on anyways—” Ye Cheng beamed before adding in a solemn tone, “—best friends.”}“Me?” Ye Cheng looked over to his father, his hair still a bit damp. At his age, even though they had shared each other’s numbers, it was still quite rare that anyone would make phone calls.

“It’s okay. We’re still gonna be friends from now on anyways—” Ye Cheng beamed before adding in a solemn tone, “—best friends.”

_{As he spoke, he pressed his hand to his forehead. He had no idea what constituted a fever, so he figured as long as his body wasn’t hot and his head didn’t hurt, he should be fine, right?}
Upon hearing it all, Zhou Ni never expected a bicycle would be the trigger for such a thing. Sitting on the sofa, she sorted out the medicines Ye Cheng brought back while occasionally checking on his arms and legs. “I didn’t think this through properly enough. But how could little kids be such ruffians now?”

As he spoke, he pressed his hand to his forehead. He had no idea what constituted a fever, so he figured as long as his body wasn’t hot and his head didn’t hurt, he should be fine, right?

_{Ye Cheng had already pushed open the car door and had half his butt still on the back seat. His leg shook a bit as he stepped out, but he felt alright, so he smiled and replied to the driver, “Thank you, Uncle, but it’s alright. My house is on the second floor, so I’ll be home really soon.”}Gu Shaofan said nothing and only looked at him, his dark eyes especially beautiful under the car’s shadows. Ye Cheng felt a bit embarrassed at the sight, so he quickly averted his gaze before he continued, “Okay, the truth is that I was still a bit bothered about what everyone in class was saying about you. You never explained anything, and I stood up for you without knowing a thing. It made me look really stupid, you know? It really hurt my pride a lot, too.”

_{“Go wash up first; you’ll eat afterwards. I knew you would be hungry, so I kept your dinner.” Zhou Ni smiled at him then placed the bag of medicines under the coffee table before adding, “I’ll find you something to wrap those bandages with; your wounds can’t get wet.”}
“Did that classmate buy all these for you?” Ye Chenghui enquired about the medicines as he flipped through the bag. Finding no prescription or bill, which meant it was not put in. “How much does it cost?”

_{“Yeah, I’ll see you.”}Since he was in the living room focused on the television, Ye Chenghui was the one who answered the phone. “Hello?”

“Yeah, I’ll see you.”

_{Then, after ten full seconds where their eyes stayed locked, Ye Cheng regained his senses, bowed towards him, and happily skipped away.}The voice at the other end sounded different as it was carried through the wires into the earpiece, but Ye Cheng still recognised it at once. “Gu Shaofan!” he cried out unexpectedly. “How did you get my number?” He asked instead of replying to the question.

Then, after ten full seconds where their eyes stayed locked, Ye Cheng regained his senses, bowed towards him, and happily skipped away.

_{“Eighty yuan and three cents will be enough to cover it, right?”}
Ye Cheng froze after hearing the question. Gu Shaofan never gave the matter any importance the entire time, which gave Ye Cheng the feeling it was his father who took him to the hospital, so he simply forgot to ask. “I-I don’t know.”

“Eighty yuan and three cents will be enough to cover it, right?”

_{“I understand.” Ye Cheng, despite his dreariness, replied obediently after being scolded.}Upon hearing it all, Zhou Ni never expected a bicycle would be the trigger for such a thing. Sitting on the sofa, she sorted out the medicines Ye Cheng brought back while occasionally checking on his arms and legs. “I didn’t think this through properly enough. But how could little kids be such ruffians now?”

“I understand.” Ye Cheng, despite his dreariness, replied obediently after being scolded.

_{“Did that classmate buy all these for you?” Ye Chenghui enquired about the medicines as he flipped through the bag. Finding no prescription or bill, which meant it was not put in. “How much does it cost?”}After he was washed clean, Ye Cheng was taken to get a change of clothes by Zhou Ni before she went to the kitchen to heat his food. Ye Cheng changed into a set wide-sleeved shirt and wide-legged shorts before hopping into the kitchen on one leg. As the scent of the meal filled the air and Ye Cheng helped out by getting his dishes set, the phone in the living room rang.

_{“Do you travel to school every day by car? Oh, by the way, you were so cool back there when you kicked that guy, and he got knocked down with a thwack! It’s too bad those other guys just got to run away.” He paused for a regretful sigh before adding, “I don’t think that pot of beef stew tastes very good, either. It sure didn’t smell all that great when it spilt.”}When Ye Chenghui received the phone call about his son’s accident and the other party’s polite description of the injury being nothing too grievous, he assumed a bit of iodine here and there would fix the problem in no time at all. So when Ye Cheng walked in with bandages ranging from his arm to his legs combined with a crutch, he and Zhou Ni were both scared out of their wits. They checked and inspected every inch of him and asked for every last detail involving the matter.

_{“I can do it myself…” The blushing boy whispered.}
Ye Chenghui’s brows grew tight at that answer, his dissatisfaction clear on his face. “When you see this classmate of yours again, make sure to ask them how much so we can pay them back, understand?”

“I can do it myself…” The blushing boy whispered.

_{This was also Ye Cheng’s first—the first time anyone called him specifically at home.}When the voice behind him turned stern, Ye Cheng secretly stuck out his tongue and dejectedly ran to the kitchen to eat.

This was also Ye Cheng’s first—the first time anyone called him specifically at home.

_{Despite thinking it was not as serious as that, Gu Shaofei remained silent because his knowledge of such things was also lacking.}
Ye Cheng let out a soft “yea” in return, making the man before him even more peeved. “Yea? What the hell is a ‘yea’? Can you not talk properly now? Did no one teach you manners?”

Despite thinking it was not as serious as that, Gu Shaofei remained silent because his knowledge of such things was also lacking.

_{“Me?” Ye Cheng looked over to his father, his hair still a bit damp. At his age, even though they had shared each other’s numbers, it was still quite rare that anyone would make phone calls.}After listening to the other person on the line, Ye Chenghui showed a somewhat surprised expression before covering the receiver and yelling, “Ye Cheng, you have a call.”

“Me?” Ye Cheng looked over to his father, his hair still a bit damp. At his age, even though they had shared each other’s numbers, it was still quite rare that anyone would make phone calls.

_{Hearing this, Gu Shaofan’s lips twitched. Is that really the most important thing here?}
“I understand.” Ye Cheng, despite his dreariness, replied obediently after being scolded.

Hearing this, Gu Shaofan’s lips twitched. Is that really the most important thing here?

_{“It’s okay. We’re still gonna be friends from now on anyways—” Ye Cheng beamed before adding in a solemn tone, “—best friends.”}
Seeing how tense the atmosphere had gotten, Zhou Ni took it upon herself to change the topic. “Let’s discuss this later, alright? I doubt any of those medicines are expensive, so Ye Cheng can just give his friend the money when he goes to school tomorrow. Look at the state he’s in, so let’s get him a bath and change of clothes first.” She then turned her attention to Ye Cheng and asked, “Chengcheng, have you eaten?”

“It’s okay. We’re still gonna be friends from now on anyways—” Ye Cheng beamed before adding in a solemn tone, “—best friends.”

_{The second he heard this, the chair fell back in place with a loud snap. But before Ye Chenghui could get mad at him, Ye Cheng hurried over to the sofa. After flipping back the hair hanging in front of his face due to its dampness, he picked up the receiver his father left next to the landline and curiously listened in.}
Ye Chenghui kept his silence after that. One of his biggest peeves was owing a person a favour. Even though Ye Cheng was young, he was still upset with his son for not understanding the importance of this aspect of such social interactions at all.

The second he heard this, the chair fell back in place with a loud snap. But before Ye Chenghui could get mad at him, Ye Cheng hurried over to the sofa. After flipping back the hair hanging in front of his face due to its dampness, he picked up the receiver his father left next to the landline and curiously listened in.

_{This was also Ye Cheng’s first—the first time anyone called him specifically at home.}
Ye Cheng stared at his father so firmly that he couldn’t help but shift his butt on the sofa before looking back at them pensively and shaking his head. Right then, whatever food was in his stomach had long been digested, so his gaze lingered towards the kitchen as the pangs of hunger hit him in waves.

This was also Ye Cheng’s first—the first time anyone called him specifically at home.

_{For a while, Gu Shaofan also said nothing in return.}
“Go wash up first; you’ll eat afterwards. I knew you would be hungry, so I kept your dinner.” Zhou Ni smiled at him then placed the bag of medicines under the coffee table before adding, “I’ll find you something to wrap those bandages with; your wounds can’t get wet.”

For a while, Gu Shaofan also said nothing in return.

_◈◇◈
For a moment, she left for the kitchen before returning with a roll of plastic wrap. Then affectionately taking Ye Cheng by the hand and leading him to the bathroom. Ye Cheng was still not used to close contact between them, but he still obediently let her take his hand. Once in the bathroom, after dodging a few times when she tried to help him change out of his clothes, Zhou Ni noticed his face was covered in a blush. “Aw, our Chengcheng has grown up enough to be all shy.”

◈◇◈

_{Despite thinking it was not as serious as that, Gu Shaofei remained silent because his knowledge of such things was also lacking.}Gu Shaofan said nothing and only looked at him, his dark eyes especially beautiful under the car’s shadows. Ye Cheng felt a bit embarrassed at the sight, so he quickly averted his gaze before he continued, “Okay, the truth is that I was still a bit bothered about what everyone in class was saying about you. You never explained anything, and I stood up for you without knowing a thing. It made me look really stupid, you know? It really hurt my pride a lot, too.”

Despite thinking it was not as serious as that, Gu Shaofei remained silent because his knowledge of such things was also lacking.

_{“Hey, don’t tilt the chair.” Ye Chenghui warned when he saw Ye Cheng tilting back the chair at a dangerous angle. “It’s your classmate.”}Not even a second after asking, he slapped his forehead and said to himself, “Oh, I forgot that you called my house before. Oh, sorry, I meant that your driver did. Did you save the number?”

“Hey, don’t tilt the chair.” Ye Chenghui warned when he saw Ye Cheng tilting back the chair at a dangerous angle. “It’s your classmate.”

_{Upon hearing Gu Shaofan’s apology, Ye Cheng felt his heart at ease. He really liked Gu Shaofan.}“So you called specifically to ask that, yeah?” Ye Cheng giggled as he thought that the one on the other end was a super interesting person, indeed. Ye Cheng wanted to talk to him more. So he went on chatting about everything from his favourite thing to eat that afternoon to the decoration of his bedroom. From the other end, Gu Shaofan listened intently and would occasionally let out a hum or question about something Ye Cheng had just said to make sure the other boy knew he was given his attention in full.

Upon hearing Gu Shaofan’s apology, Ye Cheng felt his heart at ease. He really liked Gu Shaofan. Not just because he brings him delicious food, but because he, um… actually liked him as a person, you see. Being around him felt super comfortable since he never had to worry about anything. Yeah, he didn't talk, but since when did stuff like that matter? He could just talk a bit more for the both of them.

_{As the car drove along the road, all the streetlights shone. For half of their journey, Ye Cheng Cheng had sat there quietly before finally managing to completely calm himself down. He turned to face Gu Shaofan, who had sat across from him very quietly all along, before saying, “Thanks for what you did today. If it wasn’t for you, my bike would be gone.”}
“I can do it myself…” The blushing boy whispered.

As the car drove along the road, all the streetlights shone. For half of their journey, Ye Cheng Cheng had sat there quietly before finally managing to completely calm himself down. He turned to face Gu Shaofan, who had sat across from him very quietly all along, before saying, “Thanks for what you did today. If it wasn’t for you, my bike would be gone.”

_{From upfront, the driver glanced at the boys through the rearview mirror; the unexpectedly serious atmosphere between them made him somewhat amused. That child who spoke like an adult yet still thought very much as a child would, combined with his serious appearance, caused a dissonance that made one feel such a thing was incredibly cute.}
Zhou Ni treated him as familiarly as a long-time member of their family, and honestly, she took good care of Ye Cheng. But it had still been less than a year since she’d been with Ye Cheng, and at the end of the day, that sense of unfamiliarity was still in his heart, so he couldn’t truly regard her any differently than a mother.

_{For a moment, she left for the kitchen before returning with a roll of plastic wrap. Then affectionately taking Ye Cheng by the hand and leading him to the bathroom.}Until he managed just two simple words, “I’m sorry.”

_{“I understand.” Ye Cheng, despite his dreariness, replied obediently after being scolded.}
Besides, even if she were his biological mother, he was already eleven years old. So how could he not be embarrassed?

“I understand.” Ye Cheng, despite his dreariness, replied obediently after being scolded.

_{Closing the door, he then waited for the driver to get out and take his bike out of the trunk, thanking the man again as he did. While he was about to wheel his bike into the complex with a limp, noticing something, he turned back to find Gu Shaofan’s lingering gaze.}“I can do it myself…” The blushing boy whispered.

Closing the door, he then waited for the driver to get out and take his bike out of the trunk, thanking the man again as he did. While he was about to wheel his bike into the complex with a limp, noticing something, he turned back to find Gu Shaofan’s lingering gaze.

_{When Ye Chenghui received the phone call about his son’s accident and the other party’s polite description of the injury being nothing too grievous, he assumed a bit of iodine here and there would fix the problem in no time at all. So when Ye Cheng walked in with bandages ranging from his arm to his legs combined with a crutch, he and Zhou Ni were both scared out of their wits.}Upon hearing it all, Zhou Ni never expected a bicycle would be the trigger for such a thing. Sitting on the sofa, she sorted out the medicines Ye Cheng brought back while occasionally checking on his arms and legs. “I didn’t think this through properly enough. But how could little kids be such ruffians now?”

_{“Why prattle on about so much nonsense, huh? Your food is getting cold again." Ye Chenghui grimaced at Ye Cheng as he put down the receiver before adding, “Do you blabber on like that when you’re in class, too?”}
“But how can you do it yourself when both your arm and legs have been injured? How will you wash yourself?” Zhou Ni frowned, then gently but firmly took off that beef stew-soaked shirt of Ye Cheng’s. “You also can’t bathe normally in this state; you have to be wiped down.”

_{Not even a second after asking, he slapped his forehead and said to himself, “Oh, I forgot that you called my house before. Oh, sorry, I meant that your driver did. Did you save the number?”}
Ye Cheng anxiously grabbed his pants, but he had no strength and also didn’t dare truly resist. So he only grabbed on a couple of times before they were pulled off as well. Seeing his incredible embarrassment, Zhou Ni went no further and left him in his underwear. So with a solemn look on his face, Ye Cheng stood there and let her wrap thick layers of plastic wrap around his bandages.

Not even a second after asking, he slapped his forehead and said to himself, “Oh, I forgot that you called my house before. Oh, sorry, I meant that your driver did. Did you save the number?”

_{Upon hearing Gu Shaofan’s apology, Ye Cheng felt his heart at ease. He really liked Gu Shaofan.}The one caught following him with his eyes felt not an ounce of embarrassment at being caught, still staring quietly.

_{“Did that classmate buy all these for you?” Ye Chenghui enquired about the medicines as he flipped through the bag. Finding no prescription or bill, which meant it was not put in. “How much does it cost?”}Ye Cheng let out a soft “yea” in return, making the man before him even more peeved. “Yea? What the hell is a ‘yea’? Can you not talk properly now? Did no one teach you manners?”

_{Ye Cheng let out a soft “yea” in return, making the man before him even more peeved. “Yea? What the hell is a ‘yea’? Can you not talk properly now? Did no one teach you manners?”}
After he was washed clean, Ye Cheng was taken to get a change of clothes by Zhou Ni before she went to the kitchen to heat his food. Ye Cheng changed into a set wide-sleeved shirt and wide-legged shorts before hopping into the kitchen on one leg. As the scent of the meal filled the air and Ye Cheng helped out by getting his dishes set, the phone in the living room rang.

Ye Cheng let out a soft “yea” in return, making the man before him even more peeved. “Yea? What the hell is a ‘yea’? Can you not talk properly now? Did no one teach you manners?”

_{“I can do it myself…” The blushing boy whispered.}Ye Chenghui kept his silence after that. One of his biggest peeves was owing a person a favour. Even though Ye Cheng was young, he was still upset with his son for not understanding the importance of this aspect of such social interactions at all.

“I can do it myself…” The blushing boy whispered.

_N/A
Since he was in the living room focused on the television, Ye Chenghui was the one who answered the phone. “Hello?”

N/A

_{Gu Shaofan said nothing and only looked at him, his dark eyes especially beautiful under the car’s shadows. Ye Cheng felt a bit embarrassed at the sight, so he quickly averted his gaze before he continued, “Okay, the truth is that I was still a bit bothered about what everyone in class was saying about you.}Ye Cheng anxiously grabbed his pants, but he had no strength and also didn’t dare truly resist. So he only grabbed on a couple of times before they were pulled off as well. Seeing his incredible embarrassment, Zhou Ni went no further and left him in his underwear. So with a solemn look on his face, Ye Cheng stood there and let her wrap thick layers of plastic wrap around his bandages.

_{Upon hearing Gu Shaofan’s apology, Ye Cheng felt his heart at ease. He really liked Gu Shaofan.}
After listening to the other person on the line, Ye Chenghui showed a somewhat surprised expression before covering the receiver and yelling, “Ye Cheng, you have a call.”

_{When the voice behind him turned stern, Ye Cheng secretly stuck out his tongue and dejectedly ran to the kitchen to eat.}Not even a second after asking, he slapped his forehead and said to himself, “Oh, I forgot that you called my house before. Oh, sorry, I meant that your driver did. Did you save the number?”

When the voice behind him turned stern, Ye Cheng secretly stuck out his tongue and dejectedly ran to the kitchen to eat.

_{For a moment, she left for the kitchen before returning with a roll of plastic wrap. Then affectionately taking Ye Cheng by the hand and leading him to the bathroom.}As he spoke, he pressed his hand to his forehead. He had no idea what constituted a fever, so he figured as long as his body wasn’t hot and his head didn’t hurt, he should be fine, right?

_{When the voice behind him turned stern, Ye Cheng secretly stuck out his tongue and dejectedly ran to the kitchen to eat.}“Hey, little man, is the next corner the one I have to turn onto?” The sign of the Trust Mart was now visible; their destination no longer far away. The driver slowed down and turned right at the T-shaped intersection in line with Ye Cheng’s directions. Then, with Ye Cheng hanging onto the backrest for the front seat, he pointed out with his right hand as he directed, “There’s a streetlight over there. Yeah, it’s that one. It’s right over there.”

When the voice behind him turned stern, Ye Cheng secretly stuck out his tongue and dejectedly ran to the kitchen to eat.

_{It wasn’t until Ye Chenghui patted his son on his shoulder with the remote and dissatisfaction in his gaze that Ye Cheng reluctantly told Gu Shafan goodbye.}
“Me?” Ye Cheng looked over to his father, his hair still a bit damp. At his age, even though they had shared each other’s numbers, it was still quite rare that anyone would make phone calls.

It wasn’t until Ye Chenghui patted his son on his shoulder with the remote and dissatisfaction in his gaze that Ye Cheng reluctantly told Gu Shafan goodbye.

_{Ye Cheng let out two snorts in anger and sent a nod to Gu Shaofan. The other boy was obviously confused by his actions on top of his rambling method of speech, so he simply responded, “You don’t have to worry about the compensation for the pot of food. I’ll take care of it.”}Gu Shaofan said nothing and only looked at him, his dark eyes especially beautiful under the car’s shadows. Ye Cheng felt a bit embarrassed at the sight, so he quickly averted his gaze before he continued, “Okay, the truth is that I was still a bit bothered about what everyone in class was saying about you. You never explained anything, and I stood up for you without knowing a thing. It made me look really stupid, you know? It really hurt my pride a lot, too.”

_N/AFor a while, Gu Shaofan also said nothing in return.

N/A

_{“But how can you do it yourself when both your arm and legs have been injured? How will you wash yourself?” Zhou Ni frowned, then gently but firmly took off that beef stew-soaked shirt of Ye Cheng’s. “You also can’t bathe normally in this state; you have to be wiped down.”}It wasn’t until Ye Chenghui patted his son on his shoulder with the remote and dissatisfaction in his gaze that Ye Cheng reluctantly told Gu Shafan goodbye.

_{The one caught following him with his eyes felt not an ounce of embarrassment at being caught, still staring quietly.}
“Hey, don’t tilt the chair.” Ye Chenghui warned when he saw Ye Cheng tilting back the chair at a dangerous angle. “It’s your classmate.”

The one caught following him with his eyes felt not an ounce of embarrassment at being caught, still staring quietly.

_{After saying this, Ye Cheng sniffed himself and realised there were still a lot of oily stains on his clothes, the sheer number enough to make everyone who does laundry faint. With a screwed-up expression, he continued, “How could a person even act like that, huh? She saw a fight and acted like she saw nothing.}
The second he heard this, the chair fell back in place with a loud snap. But before Ye Chenghui could get mad at him, Ye Cheng hurried over to the sofa. After flipping back the hair hanging in front of his face due to its dampness, he picked up the receiver his father left next to the landline and curiously listened in.

_{There was a carefree kind of sincerity that wiggled out from those upturned brows as he spoke with the power to move any soul bearing it witness. It was the same for Gu Shaofan, who stared at that joyful face while nodding slowly in return.}Although his words were brief, the intention within them was still properly conveyed. Ye Cheng was a bit shaken at having his hair rustled. But it wasn’t because he never had his head touched; it was just the usual suspects for such an act were aunties and uncles.

_{{“Eighty yuan and three cents will be enough to cover it, right?”}}Despite thinking it was not as serious as that, Gu Shaofei remained silent because his knowledge of such things was also lacking.

“Eighty yuan and three cents will be enough to cover it, right?”

_{After listening to the other person on the line, Ye Chenghui showed a somewhat surprised expression before covering the receiver and yelling, “Ye Cheng, you have a call.”}“Me?” Ye Cheng looked over to his father, his hair still a bit damp. At his age, even though they had shared each other’s numbers, it was still quite rare that anyone would make phone calls.

After listening to the other person on the line, Ye Chenghui showed a somewhat surprised expression before covering the receiver and yelling, “Ye Cheng, you have a call.”

_{Until he managed just two simple words, “I’m sorry.”}
“You don't have a fever, do you?”

Until he managed just two simple words, “I’m sorry.”

_{Upon hearing Gu Shaofan’s apology, Ye Cheng felt his heart at ease. He really liked Gu Shaofan.}When the voice behind him turned stern, Ye Cheng secretly stuck out his tongue and dejectedly ran to the kitchen to eat.

_{Then, after ten full seconds where their eyes stayed locked, Ye Cheng regained his senses, bowed towards him, and happily skipped away.}
The voice at the other end sounded different as it was carried through the wires into the earpiece, but Ye Cheng still recognised it at once. “Gu Shaofan!” he cried out unexpectedly. “How did you get my number?” He asked instead of replying to the question.

Then, after ten full seconds where their eyes stayed locked, Ye Cheng regained his senses, bowed towards him, and happily skipped away.

_{Although his words were brief, the intention within them was still properly conveyed. Ye Cheng was a bit shaken at having his hair rustled. But it wasn’t because he never had his head touched; it was just the usual suspects for such an act were aunties and uncles.}When Ye Chenghui received the phone call about his son’s accident and the other party’s polite description of the injury being nothing too grievous, he assumed a bit of iodine here and there would fix the problem in no time at all. So when Ye Cheng walked in with bandages ranging from his arm to his legs combined with a crutch, he and Zhou Ni were both scared out of their wits. They checked and inspected every inch of him and asked for every last detail involving the matter.

_N/AC06: Returning Home

N/A

_{There was a carefree kind of sincerity that wiggled out from those upturned brows as he spoke with the power to move any soul bearing it witness. It was the same for Gu Shaofan, who stared at that joyful face while nodding slowly in return.}After he was washed clean, Ye Cheng was taken to get a change of clothes by Zhou Ni before she went to the kitchen to heat his food. Ye Cheng changed into a set wide-sleeved shirt and wide-legged shorts before hopping into the kitchen on one leg. As the scent of the meal filled the air and Ye Cheng helped out by getting his dishes set, the phone in the living room rang.

_{“Hey, little man, is the next corner the one I have to turn onto?” The sign of the Trust Mart was now visible; their destination no longer far away. The driver slowed down and turned right at the T-shaped intersection in line with Ye Cheng’s directions.}
Not even a second after asking, he slapped his forehead and said to himself, “Oh, I forgot that you called my house before. Oh, sorry, I meant that your driver did. Did you save the number?”

_{After saying this, Ye Cheng sniffed himself and realised there were still a lot of oily stains on his clothes, the sheer number enough to make everyone who does laundry faint. With a screwed-up expression, he continued, “How could a person even act like that, huh? She saw a fight and acted like she saw nothing.}Upon hearing Gu Shaofan’s apology, Ye Cheng felt his heart at ease. He really liked Gu Shaofan. Not just because he brings him delicious food, but because he, um… actually liked him as a person, you see. Being around him felt super comfortable since he never had to worry about anything. Yeah, he didn't talk, but since when did stuff like that matter? He could just talk a bit more for the both of them.

_{“Did that classmate buy all these for you?” Ye Chenghui enquired about the medicines as he flipped through the bag. Finding no prescription or bill, which meant it was not put in. “How much does it cost?”}
There was no response from the other end of the line, but that was mainly due to Ye Cheng. Once he started asking questions, he shot out each one in rapid succession without waiting for an answer. He was still very lost in the excitement of getting a phone call from Gu Shaofan. It wasn’t until the other boy repeated his initial question that Ye Chang caught hold of himself and answered. “Oh, right. I don’t think I have one.”

_{“Me?” Ye Cheng looked over to his father, his hair still a bit damp. At his age, even though they had shared each other’s numbers, it was still quite rare that anyone would make phone calls.}Closing the door, he then waited for the driver to get out and take his bike out of the trunk, thanking the man again as he did. While he was about to wheel his bike into the complex with a limp, noticing something, he turned back to find Gu Shaofan’s lingering gaze.

“Me?” Ye Cheng looked over to his father, his hair still a bit damp. At his age, even though they had shared each other’s numbers, it was still quite rare that anyone would make phone calls.

_{Despite thinking it was not as serious as that, Gu Shaofei remained silent because his knowledge of such things was also lacking.}Ye Chenghui’s brows grew tight at that answer, his dissatisfaction clear on his face. “When you see this classmate of yours again, make sure to ask them how much so we can pay them back, understand?”

Despite thinking it was not as serious as that, Gu Shaofei remained silent because his knowledge of such things was also lacking.

_{From beside him, Gu Shaofan heard him mutter, so reaching out, he rested a hand on Ye Cheng’s head before repeating with that ever-deadpaned face, “You don’t have to worry. I’ll handle it.”}
As he spoke, he pressed his hand to his forehead. He had no idea what constituted a fever, so he figured as long as his body wasn’t hot and his head didn’t hurt, he should be fine, right?

From beside him, Gu Shaofan heard him mutter, so reaching out, he rested a hand on Ye Cheng’s head before repeating with that ever-deadpaned face, “You don’t have to worry. I’ll handle it.”

_{But as Gu Shaofan spoke, Ye Cheng was still tucked away in his own thoughts, calculating his pocket money. Most of it was deposited into his bank account, and it was made up of the lucky money he received every New Year.}As the car drove along the road, all the streetlights shone. For half of their journey, Ye Cheng Cheng had sat there quietly before finally managing to completely calm himself down. He turned to face Gu Shaofan, who had sat across from him very quietly all along, before saying, “Thanks for what you did today. If it wasn’t for you, my bike would be gone.”

_{Ye Cheng had already pushed open the car door and had half his butt still on the back seat. His leg shook a bit as he stepped out, but he felt alright, so he smiled and replied to the driver, “Thank you, Uncle, but it’s alright. My house is on the second floor, so I’ll be home really soon.”}
“So you called specifically to ask that, yeah?” Ye Cheng giggled as he thought that the one on the other end was a super interesting person, indeed. Ye Cheng wanted to talk to him more. So he went on chatting about everything from his favourite thing to eat that afternoon to the decoration of his bedroom. From the other end, Gu Shaofan listened intently and would occasionally let out a hum or question about something Ye Cheng had just said to make sure the other boy knew he was given his attention in full.

_{The car then stopped at the entrance of an apartment complex before he turned and asked, “How about I give your folks a call so your dad can come down and carry you up?” Then, with a glance at the little boss he worked for, he added, “Or should I just carry you up myself?”}After saying this, Ye Cheng sniffed himself and realised there were still a lot of oily stains on his clothes, the sheer number enough to make everyone who does laundry faint. With a screwed-up expression, he continued, “How could a person even act like that, huh? She saw a fight and acted like she saw nothing. If not for your student ID getting left there as collateral, she wouldn’t get a red cent.”

_{Gu Shaofan said nothing and only looked at him, his dark eyes especially beautiful under the car’s shadows. Ye Cheng felt a bit embarrassed at the sight, so he quickly averted his gaze before he continued, “Okay, the truth is that I was still a bit bothered about what everyone in class was saying about you.}From beside him, Gu Shaofan heard him mutter, so reaching out, he rested a hand on Ye Cheng’s head before repeating with that ever-deadpaned face, “You don’t have to worry. I’ll handle it.”

_{“Yeah, I’ll see you.”}
“Why prattle on about so much nonsense, huh? Your food is getting cold again." Ye Chenghui grimaced at Ye Cheng as he put down the receiver before adding, “Do you blabber on like that when you’re in class, too?”

“Yeah, I’ll see you.”

_{Despite thinking it was not as serious as that, Gu Shaofei remained silent because his knowledge of such things was also lacking.}“Why prattle on about so much nonsense, huh? Your food is getting cold again." Ye Chenghui grimaced at Ye Cheng as he put down the receiver before adding, “Do you blabber on like that when you’re in class, too?”

Despite thinking it was not as serious as that, Gu Shaofei remained silent because his knowledge of such things was also lacking.

_{After listening to the other person on the line, Ye Chenghui showed a somewhat surprised expression before covering the receiver and yelling, “Ye Cheng, you have a call.”}
When the voice behind him turned stern, Ye Cheng secretly stuck out his tongue and dejectedly ran to the kitchen to eat.

After listening to the other person on the line, Ye Chenghui showed a somewhat surprised expression before covering the receiver and yelling, “Ye Cheng, you have a call.”

_{Upon hearing Gu Shaofan’s apology, Ye Cheng felt his heart at ease. He really liked Gu Shaofan.}“Go wash up first; you’ll eat afterwards. I knew you would be hungry, so I kept your dinner.” Zhou Ni smiled at him then placed the bag of medicines under the coffee table before adding, “I’ll find you something to wrap those bandages with; your wounds can’t get wet.”

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

iana: New Story: Selling Cakes

Childhood Chronicles: C06

C06: Returning Home

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