translator: Eve

editor: kara

On the way back after lunch, Xiao Yuanmu got a phone call.

Song Xuanhe hadnt thought much of it at first, but when he had noticed the others sinking gaze upon receiving it, he couldnt help but ask, Whats wrong?

Xiao Yuanmu came closer and grabbed hold of Song Xuanhes hand. Song Xuanhe raised a brow but didnt throw him off.

The silence continued until they had reached the elevator of Xiao Yuanmus apartment. There, Xiao Yuanmu said in a heavy tone: Somethings happened to Xiao Lin.

Song Xuanhe mulled over this for a few seconds before he was able to associate the name, Xiao Lin, with the person. Your father? What happened to him?

He didnt know why, but he didnt have any favourable opinions of the Xiao Family. He was only inquiring out of politeness.

He fell after being knocked over. Seems like he hit his head. There was no concern in Xiao Yuanmus voice either. Hes at the hospital right now.

You should go over then, Song Xuanhe said, Ill take care of Xiao Huang.

No, its fine.

The elevator door opened, and Xiao Yuanmu gave Song Xuanhe a profound look. Its not safe for you to stay here in Y City right now. Ill buy you a plane ticket. You should go back to China as soon as possible.

Why?

Song Xuanhe retorted back instinctively like a rebellious teen upon hearing what had sounded like a command. But when he saw the concern in Xiao Yuanmus eyes, he paused. I was planning on heading back soon anyway. I can buy my own ticket.

Xiao Yuanmu quietly said, Alright.

The two of them walked out of the elevator together. Song Xuanhe glanced at the unopened suitcase sitting by the entrance and clicked his tongue. Well, I wont need to pack up.

Xiao Huang came running over after hearing them, barking happily. His tail wagged, and he circled around their feet, hopping every now and then. He was evidently free of any worries.

Xiao Yuanmu hadnt expected that the slight deviations he had made would cause Xiao Lins accident to occur earlier than it had had in his previous life. Although he didnt regret the things he had done, when he thought about how difficult it had been to reunite and spend time with Song Xuanhe, his eyes still dimmed.

Xiao Yuanmu quietly said, Ill take you there.

Song Xuanhe paused while buying his ticket. He looked up, his gaze meeting Xiao Yuanmus.

Its okay. Ive already bought the ticket. My flights in three hours. Song Xuanhe looked away. You should hurry to the hospital. Regardless, he is your.

I want to take you. Xiao Yuanmu grabbed Song Xuanhes suitcase and turned his back to the other. Lets go.

Song Xuanhe looked down at Xiao Huang, who was still looking at them jubilantly. He squatted down and rubbed the dogs head. Eat less.

When Xiao Huang had excitedly laid down for him to rub his stomach, Song Xuanhe walked over to the elevator instead.

Xiao Huang didnt understand what they were saying. Nevertheless, he knew that his owner was going to be leaving him alone whenever he entered that elevator. So, when he saw that the two of them were going to leave him after having just come back, he couldnt help but shamelessly dash into the elevator. He flopped onto Xiao Yuanmus leg and whined.

What should we do about him? Song Xuanhe looked at the dog, hanging onto Xiao Yuanmus leg. Hes heavy, isnt he?

Xiao Yuanmu bent down to carry Xiao Huang in his arms. Well take him with us. I probably wont be able to come back home tonight. After sending you off, Ill have Louis take him for a few days.

Song Xuanhe nodded and pressed the close button.

The two of them went to the car with Xiao Huang. Song Xuanhe and Xiao Yuanmu sat in the front. Xiao Huangs snout poked through the space between their seats. Occasionally, he would turn his head to look at both of them and bark. He seemed very excited.

Song Xuanhes worry was completely swept away by Xiao Huang. He relaxed. Will Mr. Xiaos accident affect you?

Depends how serious it is. Xiao Yuanmu rubbed Xiao Huangs head. He then dropped his hand. Song Xuanhe didnt know if it had been on purpose or not, but the others hand landed on his own.

Xiao Yuanmus gaze was focused in front of them. In a mild voice, Song Xuanhe said, I hope hes fine.

Song Xuanhe didnt think that things were as simple as Xiao Yuanmu made them seem. If this matter could be so easily resolved, Xiao Yuanmu would not be making him leave America.

He frowned. What will happen if its serious?

The Xiao Family will fall into anarchy.

Xiao Yuanmus tone was very mild. Song Xuanhe didnt know if he was imagining things, but it had sounded like there was a sliver of ridicule in his voice.

The Xiao Family shouldnt fall into chaos just because something has happened to Xiao Lin, Song Xuanhe said, In any case, the Xiao Family is a huge family that has withstood the test of time. Aside from Mr. Xiao, there are many others in control. I dont think those people will let the Xiao Family get messy.

Xiao Yuanmus gaze grew heavy. The corner of his lips rose when he heard what Song Xuanhe had said, derision on the curve of his lips. If I hadnt come back, those people would not let the Xiao Family fall into chaos. But with me here, in their minds, the more chaotic the situation gets, the better.

Song Xuanhe pursed his lips. When he felt Xiao Yuanmus hand start to leave his, he flipped his own hand over and locked their fingers together.

Xiao Yuanmu turned to look at Song Xuanhe in astonishment, but Song Xuanhes eyes were to the window. His lips were drawn into a straight line.

Dont worry.

A smile bloomed on Xiao Yuanmus face. Mn. I wont worry.

The two of them held hands silently, but the atmosphere in the car wasnt awkward due to Xiao Huangs occasional barks. Rather, it felt warm and comforting.

Xiao Yuanmus body heat transferred over to him through the palms of their hands. Song Xuanhe watched the passing scenery, his mind a mess.

Many things flashed through his mind, but at the same time, it felt like he was thinking of nothing at all. It wasnt until he saw a pedestrian rushing down the street with a hand on his stomach that a coherent thought suddenly popped into his mind.

Your stomach Song Xuanhe turned to ask, Whats wrong with it?

Its been like this for a really long time, Xiao Yuanmu said plainly, I dont remember what exactly caused it anymore.

Song Xuanhe frowned. His intuition told him that Xiao Yuanmu was lying. While he wasnt the type to pry, for the first time, he really wanted to know the answer.

When was the first time your stomach hurt? Did you see a doctor? What did the doctor say?

Xiao Yuanmu said, I dont remember.

Did you not see a doctor?

No.

Xiao Yuanmu held Song Xuanhes hand tightly and then let go, placing it back onto the steering wheel. His eyes were looking forward as he said, I had been too busy. I hadnt had the time.

Was it in high school? Song Xuanhe guessed. He then thought that wasnt right. How old were you then?

It was a long, long time ago.

The car came to a steady stop as he said this. Xiao Yuanmu looked at Song Xuanhe and said, I dont remember why it started. It was too long ago. Its not really important either.

Song Xuanhe gazed deeply into Xiao Yuanmus eyes. His lips twitched, but in the end, he didnt ask anything else. He simply opened the cars door.

Aside from Xiao Yuanmu himself, Song Xuanhe knew best just how excellent Xiao Yuanmus memory was. Even if he were to inadvertently catch sight of an unfamiliar face, he would be able to remember that person. There was no way he would forget the cause of something this important. It was something that had affected his life all this time, after all.

But, Song Xuanhe wouldnt ask about it if Xiao Yuanmu didnt want to talk about it.

There were some things that were not appropriate to bring up. If Xiao Yuanmu wanted to avoid talking about it, it must be like a heavy wound to him. Song Xuanhe didnt want to reopen that wound.

But, it did baffle him. He knew how perseverant and strong Xiao Yuanmu was. There were very few people in this world who could affect him. If one really had to count, Song Xuanhe reckoned that only the director of the orphanage would be able to hurt Xiao Yuanmu. But, he didnt think the Director would ever do that. That was why he was curious. He wanted to know if there was someone else, who had appeared before the plot had started, who was as important to Xiao Yuanmu as the Director.

Only someone that important would be able to hurt Xiao Yuanmu. But if such a person were to exist, why didnt Xiao Yuanmu ever mention that person?

Lets go.

Xiao Yuanmu pulled Song Xuanhes luggage over and came to stand in front of him. He interrupted Song Xuanhes thoughts.

Song Xuanhe looked at Xiao Yuanmus face. He couldnt read his emotions. His lips pulled into a straight line, and he looked away towards Xiao Huang, who was plastered on the car window. Are you going to leave him here alone?

Ive already asked someone to watch him for me, Xiao Yuanmu said coolly, He cant go into the airport. You should say goodbye here.

Song Xuanhe raised a brow. Goodbyes should be done face-to-face. Speaking to him through the window wont feel like saying goodbye.

What would it feel like?

Like Im visiting a prisoner.

Xiao Yuanmu was taken aback. He then grinned. His slender fingers knocked on the window Xiao Huang was lying on. They wouldnt leave a crack in the window at a prison.

When Song Xuanhe saw the gloom dissipate from Xiao Yuanmus eyes, Song Xuanhe also smiled. He stuck his hand through the crack in the window and touched Xiao Huangs paw. I had never liked pets. But, meeting you has made me change my mind. See ya, kiddo.

Xiao Huang barked at Song Xuanhe twice.

Song Xuanhe pulled his hand back before he went to take his luggage from Xiao Yuanmu. You can give me my suitcase. I can head in myself. You should stay with him. Being left alone in an unfamiliar place will scare him.

Being left alone in an unfamiliar place is scary? Xiao Yuanmu asked.

Song Xuanhe didnt think much of this question. He took his luggage and said, Of course. Thats why you should stay with him. Ill be going now.

Xiao Yuanmu grabbed Song Xuanhes hand. Song Xuanhe turned to give him a confused look. Xiao Yuanmus grip tightened slightly before he let go. Give me a call once you reach the boarding area.

Song Xuanhe laughed. Ill reach there in like ten minutes. Why would I call you?

Im afraid youll be scared.

Song Xuanhe was taken aback. He subconsciously asked, What would I be afraid of?

Didnt you just say that being left alone in an unfamiliar place is scary?

Song Xuanhe blinked. He reacted a few seconds later. I was talking about Xiao Huang, not me. Hell be afraid, because hes still young and because hesan animal. A mature man like me wont be afraid.

Its possible.

When Song Xuanhe had heard how certain Xiao Yuanmu had sounded, he nearly spat out a retort. But after meeting Xiao Yuanmus gaze, he swallowed his words back down.

But, it seemed like Xiao Yuanmu had only been casually saying this. He didnt continue to discuss this topic. He simply reminded Song Xuanhe: Remember to give me a call.

Song Xuanhe didnt know why, but he actually agreed to call the other in ten minutes. When he had arrived at the boarding area, he called Xiao Yuanmu right away.

Im here.

Okay.

.

Song Xuanhe once again thought that this was ridiculous. After letting the silence continue for a few seconds, he said, Then, Ill be hanging up.

Okay.

And just like that, he hung up. Song Xuanhe dropped the hand that was holding his phone. After about ten minutes, he suddenly felt sad.

Eve: Aw, this chapter was so cute. And it seems like XYM keeping SXH close was because of other reasons (although his motive was likely still partially selfish). Looks like SXH knows how to miss Mumu now too.

Kara: I love that they can have such cute banter now!! That last line is so cute too; I love imagining a little pouty SXH looking at his phone in the airport. Their relationships growth makes me so soft. () Ugh, not looking forward to the family drama that is being foreshadowed though.