Chapter 74: Chaos

Ying Huai felt as if his whole body was suspended in a void of chaos.

Wave after wave of tightness came from his heart, making his already-struggling lungs unable to expand at all.

Ying Huai unconsciously opened his mouth, wanting to draw in more air, but only convulsed uselessly, like a fish out of water.

Someone seemed to be holding him tightly beside him, seemed to be anxiously saying something to him, and someone was pressing quickly and rhythmically against his chest.

But Ying Huai couldn't hear anything clearly.

He could feel his heart's originally rapid and irregular beating gradually slowing toward stillness, as a thick wave of exhaustion and darkness swept him up.

·

He didn't know how long had passed before some sound returned to Ying Huai's ears.

The first thing to reach his ears was the familiar, steady beep, beep of the monitor.

Ying Huai's awareness was still muddled. He forced his eyes open, but all he saw was a distorted, spinning mass of colors that made him want to retch.

He couldn't hold back a soft, choking cough.

A figure beside him immediately sat up, supporting his body to sit up slightly.

The pressure in Ying Huai's chest finally eased enough for him to catch a breath.

He forced his eyes open and, through the blur, saw Liang Shining's face—tired and tense—floating into view.

Liang Shining seemed to be asking him something in a low voice, but Ying Huai's sluggish brain couldn't make sense of the words.

He could only watch wearily as Liang Shining's lips moved soundlessly.

After a few seconds, Liang Shining seemed to realize something and slowly fell silent as well.

Ying Huai blinked, somewhat at a loss.

He felt he couldn't quite catch his breath, lips slightly parted, breathing in small shallow sips, while cold sweat gradually beaded across his forehead.

The heel of his palm pressed against his chest unconsciously, not noticing that he was pressing down with force because of the tightness in his chest.

The next second, a warm sensation reached his fingertips, and immediately after, Ying Huai felt his chest lighten.

Liang Shining gently moved his hand away from his chest and began slowly kneading and pressing his chest with his own palm.

Ying Huai let out a soft breath, feeling drowsiness surge over him again.

He didn't want to fall asleep again, but the act of waking just now had nearly drained all his strength.

He forced himself to stay awake a little longer, but finally, unable to bear it, turned his head to the side again, his eyelids closing bit by bit.

His consciousness seemed to scatter and then be forcibly pulled back together. Ying Huai's half-closed eyelids drooped slowly, his unfocused gaze still unable to settle.

He felt very tired, and his awareness gradually blurred again.

He fell unconscious once more.

Liang Shining beside him felt a sudden weight settle in the crook of his arm. The person before him's lashes trembled slightly, and his eyelids closed tiredly once again.

A flash of panic crossed Liang Shining's face. Song Si Lan, who had hurried over from the door after hearing the call bell, quickly stepped forward.

He pressed his fingers to Ying Huai's pulse, glanced at the monitor beside him, and shook his head slightly: 'He's fine, he just woke up too tired and has fallen unconscious again.'

'But he didn't look fully lucid just now...'

Liang Shining spoke, his voice hoarse.

Song Si Lan frowned slightly, glanced at the blood oxygen monitor beside him, and said quietly: 'There's nothing to be done. His blood oxygen is still a bit low, and his heart can't supply enough blood. Even if he forces himself awake, it won't feel good.'

He lowered his eyes as he spoke.

Ying Huai's head tilted weakly to one side, resting against Liang Shining's chest.

He was clearly already unconscious, but his brow was still slightly furrowed, and his whole body still trembled faintly with each breath, as if he was still very uncomfortable.

Song Si Lan helped him switch the nasal cannula to an oxygen mask, and let out a silent sigh.

'Letting him keep sleeping now will actually be more comfortable for him.'

Liang Shining was silent for a few seconds.

He said nothing more, raised the head of the bed a few degrees, and continued to hold the person carefully against his chest.

Song Si Lan, who was adjusting the IV drip rate beside him, watched Liang Shining's movements and couldn't help but say quietly: 'You don't have to keep holding him like this. His body is still very weak, and the next time he wakes up won't be until evening at the earliest.'

'It's fine,' Liang Shining shook his head. 'This way he's more comfortable.'

A heart patient basically can't sleep lying flat during the period around an episode, but lying in a semi-upright position for too long inevitably causes some strain on the lower back.

With Liang Shining holding him like this, the stiffness in Ying Huai's lower back could clearly be felt loosening considerably.

Song Si Lan didn't say anything more. He glanced at the time, turned, and walked toward the door of the room: 'Fine, suit yourself.'

'Call me when he wakes up again. If he's still not fully lucid, just let him keep sleeping. This time it's just because he's too exhausted—let his body adjust on its own.'

Song Si Lan spoke while flipping through the medical chart in his hands, and couldn't help but let a hint of gritted-teeth frustration creep into his voice.

'Next time I believe Ying Huai's "I'm fine" bullshit, I'm a dog.'

Liang Shining: ........

He lowered his eyes to look at the person in his arms, was still for a few seconds, and couldn't help but nod slightly as well.

·

Ying Huai woke up twice more in between.

But each time he basically just blinked tiredly before falling unconscious again.

By the time he was truly fully awake, it was already the next morning.

Still half-dazed, Ying Huai didn't notice his surroundings. His body instinctively moved to reach for the water cup beside him, but the next second, he felt a sudden tightness around his waist.

Immediately after, a hand skillfully began kneading his chest bit by bit: 'It's okay, it won't feel bad in a moment, Shifu.'

Ying Huai instantly became a bit more alert.

A flash of surprise crossed his expression.

—Only now did he belatedly realize that he was lying entirely in Liang Shining's arms.

Liang Shining, half-asleep and half-awake, only thought that Ying Huai was having trouble breathing again in his sleep.

He drew the person up to sit a little higher, but felt that the body in his arms hadn't relaxed back down as it had before.

Liang Shining opened his eyes slightly and asked, somewhat muzzily: 'Does Shifu feel uncomfortable anywhere else?'

After a few seconds, he heard what seemed to be a soft cough from in front of him, and said quietly: '...Thirsty.'

Liang Shining had watched over Ying Huai for two days. During those two days, Ying Huai's fever had kept going up and down, only finally stabilizing last night.

Liang Shining had stayed on watch until midnight, unable to feel at ease, before finally drifting into a dazed sleep with the person in his arms.

So for a moment he didn't catch the teasing hidden in Ying Huai's tone, and only patted Ying Huai's shoulder in a soothing way before getting up to reach for the water cup beside him.

The person lying in his arms had no strength to begin with, so he simply didn't move, watching Liang Shining's series of actions with great interest.

He watched as Liang Shining skillfully tested the temperature of the cup with his fingertips, then picked up the cup—and took a sip himself.

Ying Huai was stunned for a moment, belatedly realizing something was off.

He instinctively tried to push himself up: 'Wait a moment...'

But before he could finish speaking, the next second, he saw Liang Shining, eyes slightly lowered, skillfully supporting the back of his neck with one hand, and slowly passing a mouthful of warm water to him.

Ying Huai's eyes suddenly widened.

Perhaps because Liang Shining's movements were too practiced and natural, his throat moved slightly and he actually swallowed that mouthful of water.

The sensation on his lips finally disappeared. Ying Huai, gasping slightly, raised his eyes and watched the person in front of him straighten up again, turn as if to reach for the cup once more—and his flustered awareness instantly sharpened.

He could no longer be bothered with teasing: 'Liang Shining!'

Liang Shining's movements froze.

He instinctively turned his head back, met Ying Huai's slightly flushed face, and instantly realized something.

His whole body instantly froze in place.

'...Shifu.'

Liang Shining opened his mouth soundlessly, his voice carrying a panic he couldn't hide: 'You're awake... Shifu.'

Ying Huai propped himself up to sit against the head of the bed, glanced at him with a strange expression, and for a moment said nothing.

He wanted to press Liang Shining on what he had just done, but instinctively didn't want to recall what had just happened.

Although Liang Shining had fed him water like this before, it had always been in unavoidable circumstances, nothing like just now—so practiced and natural.

—As if he had done it many times already.

An awkward atmosphere fell over the room for a moment. Liang Shining opened his mouth soundlessly, seeming to want to explain something: 'I just...'

Before he could finish speaking, the door to the hospital room was suddenly pushed open from the other side.

'Oh, you're finally awake?'

Song Si Lan walked in carrying several bags of IV fluid, raising his head in some surprise.

The two people in the room both breathed a sigh of relief at the same moment.

Liang Shining instantly stood up from the bedside, muttered something in a low voice, and walked straight toward the door.

Ying Huai, meanwhile, let out a silent breath.

—He had never been so glad to see Song Si Lan.

He raised his head and curved his eyes at Song Si Lan: 'Long time no see, Doctor Song.'

Song Si Lan looked at the smiling person in front of him with some novelty: 'Did two days of fever change your personality?'

'Every time before you looked guilty around me—today you're actually greeting me on your own initiative?'

Song Si Lan walked up to Ying Huai, bent down curiously: 'I'm giving you antipyretics and nitrates—didn't I drug you stupid?'

Ying Huai: ???

He couldn't help but laugh.

'When did I ever not welcome Doctor Song?'

Song Si Lan snorted, gave him a smirk that didn't reach his eyes, and didn't bother with his nonsense.

'Alright, is there anywhere that still feels uncomfortable?'

Ying Huai instinctively wanted to shake his head, but the next second heard Song Si Lan let out a cold laugh.

'Just now you told me lies and I didn't bother with it,' Song Si Lan said slowly, arms crossed, 'that doesn't mean you can still hide things from me now.'

If you keep playing games with me here, I'm going to extend your hospital stay, Teacher Ying.

Ying Huai's expression paused.

His eyes flickered, and after a moment, he finally gave in to Song Si Lan's cold gaze.

'My chest feels a bit tight. When I was lying down just now, I couldn't quite catch my breath. Sitting up feels a little better now.'

Song Si Lan frowned.

He took out his stethoscope and placed it on Ying Huai's chest, then spoke again after a moment: 'Do you feel anything in your lungs?'

Ying Huai hesitated a few seconds: 'It's okay, just that when I talk for too long... my chest feels a bit constricted.'

'A bit constricted? You're already starting to wheeze—didn't you notice?'

Song Si Lan said, not pleased.

He put away the stethoscope and picked up the nebulizer beside him. Ying Huai didn't dare say anything more and obediently put the nebulizer mouthpiece in his mouth.

Song Si Lan put the nasal cannula back on Ying Huai, and during this time, helped him redo a series of routine checks.

Only when he saw a hint of color finally return to Ying Huai's face did Song Si Lan's tone soften slightly.

'Feeling better?'

Ying Huai nodded.

Song Si Lan didn't say anything. He stepped forward, sat on the edge of his bed, and pressed his fingers to Ying Huai's pulse. After a few seconds, he finally let out a real sigh of relief.

Ying Huai looked up, somewhere between amused and exasperated: 'Doctor Song still doesn't believe me?'

'Sorry, you have too much history—still need to double-check.' Song Si Lan replied casually.

The anger he'd been holding back for two days could no longer be contained: 'Teacher Ying is really something, isn't he? I haven't even settled accounts with you for sneaking off to the Hospital last time, and now you've gone and done something big again.'

Ying Huai knew he was in the wrong.

He gave Song Si Lan an apologetic smile, hesitated, then asked softly: 'How many days have I been asleep?'

'Two days,' Song Si Lan snorted. 'The first day your fever went straight up to nearly forty, and you threw up everything we tried to feed you.'

Ying Huai immediately thought of Liang Shining's behavior when he had first woken up.

The tips of his ears heated uncontrollably. He cleared his throat lightly and quickly changed the subject: 'So I... had an episode?'

Song Si Lan frowned.

He lowered his eyes and stared at Ying Huai for a few seconds, then said quietly after a moment: '...No. Close call.'

Ying Huai let out a silent breath.

When he had fainted earlier, his feeling had been very bad. Now, even though he'd been awake for a while, his body was still a bit numb and his mind sluggish—he often needed a moment to process what others were saying.

Ying Huai knew his current condition wasn't quite right, but at least his heart was... a little better than he'd expected.

But the next second, he heard Song Si Lan speak again through gritted teeth: 'But this time it was already very dangerous. You're aware of that, right?'

Ying Huai paused and said nothing.

'Overwork plus emotional agitation almost triggered a full cardiac episode. Congratulations—all those weeks of recuperation were for nothing.'

Song Si Lan said, not pleased.

Ying Huai came back to himself and sheepishly curved his eyes at Song Si Lan.

'Sorry.'

Ying Huai covered his mouth and coughed a few times, then said softly: 'I was just a bit too worked up at the time. After I came back to myself, I only felt some chest tightness. I didn't expect it would...'

...would be that serious.

Song Si Lan frowned.

What he hadn't told Ying Huai was that this episode could be considered to have come completely without warning.

When he'd discovered earlier that Ying Huai had snuck off to the Hospital, he'd checked all his indicators and hadn't found any obvious problems.

Added to that, Ying Huai had been genuinely well taken care of by Liang Shining before, so Song Si Lan had let his guard down somewhat.

But based on Ying Huai's description just now and the situation at the time of the episode, if Liang Shining hadn't reacted in time and quickly used medication to control his condition, Ying Huai's illness would definitely have worsened considerably.

'Were you in a lot of pain at the time? Similar to the feeling of the previous major episode?'

Ying Huai hesitated a moment, then shook his head slightly: 'It was okay, about the same as the usual discomfort.'

He paused, then spoke again with a joking tone: 'But it was like I couldn't catch a breath, and then suddenly passed out.'

Song Si Lan paid no attention to his words.

He reached out and pressed Ying Huai's pulse again, picked up the medical chart beside him and flipped through it, his expression growing somewhat grave.

—The values on the chart and Ying Huai's physical condition didn't show any major problems, much better than two days ago.

But Ying Huai did look like his complexion wasn't great, though his spirits... were actually not bad.

Song Si Lan frowned.

He stared at Ying Huai, then suddenly spoke again: 'How do you feel now?'

Ying Huai was startled for a moment.

He looked up and suddenly curved his eyes: 'Didn't Doctor Song just check everything? I'm not feeling any discomfort now.'

Song Si Lan stared at him intently and said nothing.

No matter how sophisticated the medical equipment, it couldn't compare to the patient's own perception. Sometimes, the patient could detect problems with their body faster than the doctor could.

It was as if this sudden fainting had dragged up all the deep-seated issues in Ying Huai's body at once.

But as he regained consciousness, those newly emerging hidden dangers were suppressed once again.

The symptoms Ying Huai had described himself just now were clearly not quite right, but now that Song Si Lan was really starting to press him, he seemed to have realized something and began to clam up.

But if this really was the case, Song Si Lan knew he definitely wouldn't be able to get anything out of him now.

He stared at Ying Huai and suddenly said: 'When is the next treatment appointment Yu Wu made with you?'

Ying Huai was startled.

He didn't understand why, but still didn't hide it: 'It should be after the Concert ends.'

Song Si Lan gave a casual 'oh,' pulled out his phone, and sent a few messages.

Ying Huai vaguely sensed something was off.

'What are you doing, Doctor Song...'

'Nothing, just having Yu Wu move the treatment time up.'

Song Si Lan said without looking up.

Ying Huai: ???

He sat up straight instantly: 'Why...'

But Song Si Lan didn't wait for him to continue questioning and changed the subject first.

'Right, last time you messaged me asking me to come by when I had time—what was it about?'

Song Si Lan looked up at Ying Huai.

'I remember you said... it was something about your throat?'

Ying Huai's eyes flickered.

He smiled and shook his head: 'Nothing, it's just the thing Liang Shining mentioned to you last time—it's already been resolved.'

He paused, then added casually as if it were nothing: 'If anything comes up later... I'll contact Doctor Song again.'

Song Si Lan stared at him with a suspicious expression for a few seconds.

But if there was any problem with Ying Huai's throat, it was most likely caused by his heart and psychological issues. With Yu Wu watching the psychological side, as long as he kept an eye on Ying Huai's heart, nothing major should happen.

Song Si Lan stood up and replied casually: 'Up to you.'

He rose and walked toward the door: 'Alright, if you're tired, keep sleeping. Don't force yourself to stay up here with me. I'll call Liang Shining over for you...'

Ying Huai's eyes flickered.

He suddenly spoke: 'I'm much better now, and I wasn't in that much discomfort just now. Doctor Song doesn't need to tell Liang Shining later...'

'Afraid I'll tattle to Liang Shining?'

Song Si Lan cut straight to the point.

He turned his head with a half-smile: 'Afraid he'll worry about you?'

'Want to take a guess who's been watching over you these past few days?'

Ying Huai curved his eyes: 'That's different. I couldn't control it at the time.'

He raised his head and said unhurriedly: 'So now that I'm awake, he can get some proper rest too.'

Song Si Lan was startled for a moment, then laughed with great interest.

'You two really are something. One's afraid of worrying others and forces himself to keep quiet no matter what; the other's worried to death but refuses to open his mouth and ask.'

Ying Huai was stunned, then watched as Song Si Lan spoke again unhurriedly: 'I can not tell him.'

'But that doesn't mean—he won't worry.'

He suddenly recalled the somewhat strange scene when he had first come in, and instantly understood something.

'You should know how Liang Shining took care of you when you were unconscious.'

Song Si Lan walked to the door, turned his head, and said meaningfully: 'You need to use a way he can accept to put his mind at ease.'

Ying Huai was slightly startled.

·

Ying Huai hadn't fully recovered from his illness after all. He'd originally planned to sit up for a while and wait for Liang Shining to come, but before he knew it, he'd fallen asleep again.

When he regained awareness, he felt someone place a Hot Water Bottle next to his IV hand.

Ying Huai's body shifted slightly.

His eyes still couldn't quite open, so he fumbled to grasp Liang Shining's hand first: 'Liang Shining...'

The person beside him seemed to pull his hand back slightly.

Ying Huai instinctively thought Liang Shining was still being cautious about what had just happened.

He opened his eyes slightly and reached straight out to grip 'Liang Shining's' hand.

'What are you dodging?'

Ying Huai turned his head and coughed a few times, then sighed with a half-smile: 'Didn't you always warm them with your hands before? Why today still...'

Before he could finish, he heard a muffled cough from beside him first.

Immediately after, a gentle voice with a hint of laughter came from the person whose hand he was gripping.

'Wake up, Xiao Huai.'

Ying Huai: ???

He instantly sobered up, abruptly raised his head, and looked at Ying Qi before him.

Ying Qi's face was slightly flushed. He looked at his younger brother with a half-smile: 'It seems it's been too long since I came to see you. Next time I'll remember, I won't bring the Hot Water Bottle.'

Ying Huai: ...?

He hurriedly let go of Ying Qi's hand and said with a mix of laughter and helplessness: 'Gege, I was wrong, I was just talking nonsense just now, don't mind it...'

As he spoke, he leaned back, and his gaze inadvertently swept past the doorway, where he suddenly saw something, his pupils contracting instantly.

Ying Father was standing outside the door, leaning on his Cane, his expression slightly dark.

The smile at the corner of Ying Huai's lips vanished instantly.

He froze for a moment, then said softly: '...Father?'

Ying Father remained standing where he was, looking at him with a complicated expression, saying nothing.

The memories before he lost consciousness resurfaced in his mind. Ying Huai felt somewhat dazed, and instinctively turned to look at Ying Qi: 'Gege...'

Ying Qi also realized something.

He glanced at the doorway and sighed silently: 'It's fine, Father just came with me to see you.'

Hearing Ying Huai's breathing quicken again, he reached up to reattach the nasal oxygen tube, and gave a measured pinch to the web between Ying Huai's thumb and index finger.

'Calm down, Xiao Huai, it's fine.'

Ying Qi knew that Ying Father simply didn't know how to face Ying Huai at the moment, and that his younger brother instinctively resisted their father.

Knowing that Ying Huai couldn't afford any more emotional agitation, he sighed and took the initiative to change the subject.

'It seems I really should have come to see you earlier. Too late, Xiao Huai doesn't even care about your big brother anymore.'

Ying Huai barely pulled himself back.

He forced his attention back, belatedly realizing what Ying Qi had said.

He said, half-laughing and half-helpless: 'What are you saying, gege?'

'I didn't say anything wrong.'

Ying Qi said half-jokingly: 'Otherwise, here I am sitting right in front of Xiao Huai, and Xiao Huai's attention still wandered to someone else.'

Ying Qi turned his gaze thoughtfully: 'Xiao Huai isn't going to ask me to call Teacher Liang back too, is he?'

Ying Huai choked, and quickly shook his head: 'Stop teasing me, gege.'

'I really was just talking nonsense because I wasn't fully awake, don't mind it.'

'I'm not minding it at all,' Ying Qi looked at his flustered younger brother and said with some amusement, 'I think Teacher Liang's approach is quite good. Warming with hands is indeed much more comfortable than a Hot Water Bottle.'

He glanced at Ying Huai and laughed casually in a teasing tone: 'No wonder he was able to take care of you so well before.'

The moment his words fell, he saw his younger brother suddenly choke, covering his lips as he coughed muffledly.

Ying Qi froze, and a flash of panic instantly crossed his face: 'What's wrong, Xiao Huai? Where does it hurt...'

He immediately stood up to press the call button, but saw Ying Huai grab his hand.

'Cough, cough, I'm fine, gege.'

Ying Huai shook his head, his face red as he choked and coughed, and said something softly.

Ying Qi: ??

His expression was for a moment caught between tears and laughter, and he let out a slight breath of relief.

He released the arm around Ying Huai, and was just about to say something when he heard a rush of urgent footsteps from behind first.

'What's wrong?'

Ying Father, who had been standing in the corner, had at some unknown point entered the room, walking quickly to stand behind Ying Qi.

Although Ying Huai's sudden collapse a couple of days ago wasn't his fault, it had nonetheless left Ying Father with no small psychological shadow.

Afraid that Ying Huai might have another incident right before his eyes, Ying Father asked in some panic: 'Is something uncomfortable again?'

Ying Qi froze for a moment.

He quickly realized something, and suddenly reached out to pull the person who had been sitting at the head of the bed back into his arms.

'Xiao Huai seems to be having trouble catching his breath, his heart is uncomfortable again.'

Ying Huai, who was coughing so hard he couldn't see straight and had no time to protest: ?

He instinctively raised his head, and the next second, heard Ying Qi speak again: 'I'm going out to call Doctor Song. Father, could you help me hold Xiao Huai for a moment? He has no strength in his body and can't sit steady on his own.'

Ying Huai: ??

Before he could react, the next second, he felt Ying Qi let go of him, and immediately after, someone somewhat stiffly supported him.

Ying Father's voice, unusually tinged with a hint of panic, came from behind.

'It's fine, take deep breaths, don't be afraid.'

Ying Father's tone was as cold and stiff as ever, but he still tried hard to soothe his son.

'I'm here... Dad's here, don't be afraid, tell Dad where it hurts... Dad won't let anything happen to you...'

Ying Huai's body seemed to stiffen for a moment, but Ying Father in his panic didn't notice this anomaly.

His panic reached its peak, and he rambled on incoherently for who knew how long, until he finally felt the coughing in his arms gradually subside.

Immediately after, he felt Ying Huai gently push his arm.

'I'm fine now, Father.'

Ying Father's expression was still uncertain, and he continued to steadily support Ying Huai's arm.

'No, don't move yet. If you feel unwell, lean on me. Wait until the doctor comes in to check you again before we talk...'

Before he could finish, he heard Ying Huai softly interrupt him first.

'I was fine to begin with, Father.'

Ying Father heard his son seemingly let out a soft sigh: 'I just... accidentally choked on my saliva.'

Ying Father: ...?

He lowered his head, meeting Ying Huai's helpless expression with a hint of awkwardness.

·

The hospital room fell quiet for a moment. Ying Father stiffened for a few seconds, then belatedly said 'Oh.'

He didn't know what to do for a moment. After a few seconds, he saw Ying Huai's body shift again.

'Can you let go of me first, Father.'

Ying Huai raised his head, his face somewhat pale: 'Sitting like this... my back feels a bit uncomfortable.'

Ying Father froze for a few seconds, then suddenly came back to himself.

He stood up instantly, but didn't dare let go directly. Instead, with gentle movements, he helped Ying Huai slowly lean back against the head of the bed.

'I didn't know it would be uncomfortable like this... Is it better now?'

Ying Father said softly.

Ying Huai's eyes flickered, and he nodded slightly.

The hospital room fell quiet again. Ying Huai lowered his eyes, unconsciously pinching at his fingertips.

He turned all ten fingers in a circle, and finally couldn't help but speak: 'Father has already seen that I'm fine now. Perhaps you should go back and rest first...'

Before he could finish, he suddenly heard Ying Father say softly: 'Those two cats, I've taken them home.'

Ying Huai was slightly taken aback.

He raised his head somewhat blankly: 'What?'

Ying Father turned his eyes away: 'You were sick a couple of days ago. The Production Team called me and said no one was taking care of those two cats, and Ying Qi was busy with work, so I... brought them back to the Ying Family first.'

'I specially hired someone to take care of them, and I also asked Ying Qi. I'm... learning on my own.'

Ying Father stood sideways facing Ying Huai, but couldn't help glancing to the side, seemingly expecting some reaction from Ying Huai.

But Ying Huai only froze for a moment, a trace of confusion flashing across his expression.

He was quiet for a few seconds, then said softly: 'What does Father want to do this for...?'

Ying Father's expression froze.

He opened his mouth silently: '...Nothing.'

'I just wanted to say, when you have time... you can come home anytime to see them. Look at them and leave, you don't have to stay at the Ying Family.'

Ying Father paused, then said softly: 'Of course, if you want to take them back now, you can do so anytime.'

Ying Huai sat quietly in place.

After a long while, he let out a soft sigh: 'It's fine, Father can help me look after them for now.'

Ying Father let out a silent breath of relief.

He opened his mouth as if to say more, but seeing Ying Huai's face turn a few shades paler, he swallowed the rest of his words.

The hand gripping his Cane tightened little by little, and he said somewhat stiffly in a low voice: 'Then you rest well first. I'll come see you again in a while... and show you how the two cats are doing.'

Ying Huai lowered his eyes, seemingly thinking about something, and didn't answer.

A trace of disappointment flashed across Ying Father's expression.

He opened his mouth, but ultimately swallowed the question about the Concert tickets, and silently turned around little by little.

But just as he reached the door, he suddenly heard Ying Huai's voice from behind again.

'Father.'

A flash of delight instantly crossed Ying Father's expression.

He hurriedly turned his head, and the next second, heard Ying Huai say softly: 'What Father said that day... was it true?'

Ying Father froze for a moment.

He instantly understood something, his expression stiffened for a few seconds, and after a long while, he drew a breath: 'Yes.'

Ying Huai's eyes flickered, but he said nothing.

He had expected Ying Father to fly into a rage, but after a few seconds, the man before him only curved his lips somewhat unnaturally: 'You don't believe me, Xiao Huai?'

Ying Huai's expression went momentarily dazed.

—Ying Father hadn't called him that in a long time.

Ying Father's expression carried an undisguisable sadness. Ying Huai hesitated, then said softly: 'I don't know... if I can believe it.'

'When I was little, I always believed in Father.'

'When I was sick, I believed Father would come see me. On my birthday, I believed Father would wish me a happy birthday. When I told Father I wanted to become a singer... I believed Father would support me.'

Ying Huai curved his lips in self-mockery.

'So after growing up... I can't bring myself to believe it anymore.'

Ying Father's face went pale bit by bit.

He opened his mouth soundlessly, but before he could say anything, he saw Ying Huai prop himself up and slowly lie back down.

'Father should go back first. I'm tired, I want to sleep.'

Ying Father's expression suddenly crumbled.

His whole body instantly hunched over. He said nothing, only gently switched off the room's light.

·

The Hospital room door was gently pulled shut. Ying Qi at the door looked at Ying Father's expression, seemed to realize something, and silently sighed.

'It's fine. Xiao Huai's body isn't feeling well right now, let him rest a while.'

Ying Qi hesitated, then spoke again: 'I'll ask around about those tickets for Father. If it really doesn't work out, I'll ask the Production Team again...'

Before he could finish, he suddenly heard his phone beep softly twice.

Ying Qi instinctively lowered his head.

It was a few messages from Ying Huai.

Xiao Huai: [I just suddenly remembered, a few days ago the Assistant Director gave me a few extra tickets.]

Xiao Huai: [Ge, when you go to the recording place later, look for Chu Ming. I'll have him help get them for you.]

Ying Qi's eyes flickered, and a helpless smile crept into his expression.

He was about to close his phone when he saw another message come in.

Xiao Huai: [Don't tell Father it was from me.]

Ying Qi laughed helplessly.

He glanced up at Ying Father not far away and silently sighed.

—Xiao Huai's temperament and their father's... really are remarkably alike.

·

By the time Liang Shining entered the Hospital room, it was already afternoon.

The person on the bed seemed to have fallen asleep, his breathing light and even.

Liang Shining let out a silent breath of relief.

He slowly lightened his footsteps, skillfully placed his hand on Ying Huai's forehead to check the temperature, and after confirming Ying Huai didn't have a fever, his expression relaxed slightly.

He sat back down by the bed, preparing to keep watch beside him as usual, but the next second, the person on the bed suddenly opened his eyes.

Liang Shining's movements froze for a moment.

'Shifu's awake.'

He turned his eyes away somewhat flustered: 'Did I wake Shifu? I'll be more careful next time...'

'No, I wasn't really asleep anyway.' Ying Huai shook his head.

He glanced up at Liang Shining, then suddenly patted the bed beside him: 'Why don't you come up?'

Liang Shining froze for a moment.

He shook his head hastily: 'No need, I'll just keep watch beside Shifu...'

'Lying here like this makes my chest feel stuffy.'

Ying Huai spoke as if casually, 'If you come up and hold me, I'll feel a bit better.'

Liang Shining's voice cut off abruptly.

He was silent for a few seconds, but in the end still got onto the bed, carefully gathering the person into his arms.

'Is this better, Shifu?'

Ying Huai said nothing, naturally curling further into his arms and yawning lazily.

'Mm, much better.'

He lay quietly in Liang Shining's arms for a few seconds, then suddenly spoke offhandedly: 'Sleep with me for a while too. Song Si Lan said you haven't rested properly these past two days.'

Liang Shining was carefully counting Ying Huai's pulse, and shook his head at the words: 'It's fine, I'm not tired. Shifu sleep, I'll keep watch over Shifu.'

Ying Huai didn't press further.

He idly played with Liang Shining's fingertips, then quietly closed his eyes.

Liang Shining's breathing instinctively slowed.

He lowered his eyes, quietly feeling the beating of Ying Huai's pulse.

But whether it was because he was truly too exhausted these past two days, or because the person in his arms made him instinctively relax—

Liang Shining, after a while, really did drift off into a dazed sleep.

When he came to again, he instinctively reached to check the heartbeat of the person beside him.

But his hand reached only empty space.

Liang Shining was instantly startled awake.

He sat up abruptly, 'Shifu—'

Before he could finish, he saw the person sitting beside him turn at the sound, smiling at him: 'What is it?'

Liang Shining was momentarily stunned.

He instinctively grasped Ying Huai's wrist, and after confirming the familiar faint pulse beneath his palm, let out a subtle breath of relief.

'Nothing, why did Shifu get up? Is your chest feeling stuffy...'

Before he could finish, the next second, he suddenly felt a faint coolness on his lips.

Immediately after, a mouthful of warm water was slowly fed over.

Liang Shining's eyes instantly widened.

Ying Huai propped himself up and leaned back slightly, raising his eyes with a half-smile.

Liang Shining's body went rigid. He opened his mouth soundlessly: 'Shifu...'

'I was a bit thirsty just now, so I sat up to have some water.'

Ying Huai smiled and tilted his head: 'I figured since you slept with me for so long, you must be thirsty too, so I gave you some as well.'

His body suddenly leaned forward again, peach-blossom eyes carrying a faint smile, and he spoke softly: 'When I was unconscious, you fed me like this too, didn't you.'

Liang Shining was quiet for a few seconds, then gave a slight nod.

The next second, he watched Ying Huai suddenly break into a smile.

'Thank you for taking care of me, Mr. Liang.'

'You took care of me... very well.'

He still wore a nasal oxygen tube on his face, his complexion as pale as ever, but when he looked at him, his expression carried an undisguisable smile and mischief.

'So Mr. Liang... doesn't need to worry anymore.'

Liang Shining was stunned for a few seconds. He belatedly realized something, and his taut nerves finally relaxed slightly.

Ying Huai sat leaning against the headboard, his breathing a little rapid from the earlier activity, but a smile still lingered at the corners of his lips.

'Then do you want to sleep a bit more? You didn't sleep long just now...'

Liang Shining stared at him for a few seconds, then spoke again, his voice inexplicably hoarse: 'I'm fine.'

Ying Huai didn't notice this.

He was like a cat that had successfully stolen a treat, his expression carrying an inexplicable excitement and pleasure.

He stared at Liang Shining for a few seconds, then suddenly lay down directly.

'Then just sleep with me.'

Ying Huai yawned, curling into Liang Shining's arms: 'Won't learn the good, only the bad. If you're sleepy, just keep sleeping, but you have to be stubborn about it...'

Before he could finish, he suddenly felt something burning-hot against his thigh.

Ying Huai froze for a moment, his expression instantly stiffening.

The next second, he heard Liang Shining speak in a low voice: 'Does Shifu still want... me to sleep with you?'

Ying Huai: ........

He instantly tried to sit up, but in his panic his hand accidentally touched that spot again.

Liang Shining let out a suppressed groan, and Ying Huai felt like he was about to burn up entirely.

'Sorry, I...'

Before he could finish, amid the chaos, he suddenly heard a soft knock on the Hospital room door: 'Huai-ge, are you awake?'

Chu Ming, with Song Xingzhou, carefully peeked his head in.

'I thought I heard some noise just now. Huai-ge, are you okay? I'm coming in...'

Ying Huai instinctively tried to move back, but he was still seriously ill, his body had no strength. He'd barely sat up a little when his arm went weak and he uncontrollably fell to the side.

Liang Shining instinctively gathered him up, and the next second, couldn't help but sharply inhale a breath of cold air.

Chu Ming: ???

He stood at the door, his whole body instantly frozen.