On the journey again residence, Ji Ruan slipped right into a deep slumber contained in the automobile. 

It was a sleep that may very well be thought of one of the crucial oblivious since his arrival on this world. 

Even after the automobile got here to a cease and the door swung open, permitting the solar’s rays to flood in, Ji Ruan merely curled up subconsciously, undisturbed by the exterior stimuli. 

Gu Xiuyi leaned towards the automobile door body, calling out to Ji Ruan a number of occasions, however the particular person within the seat remained unresponsive. Gu Xiuyi contemplated whether or not Ji Ruan could not hear him or if he had succumbed completely to his slumber. 

After ready for a couple of seconds, Gu Xiuyi reluctantly bent down and leaned into the automobile to evaluate Ji Ruan’s situation. 

Ji Ruan’s head was tilted towards the backrest, his proper ear pressed towards it. Gu Xiuyi pinched Ji Ruan’s face to reveal his ear, and the small exterior gadget was turned off once more. 

Actually, he had fallen right into a deep sleep, feeling remoted from the world… 

Shifting Ji Ruan’s cochlea away, Gu Xiuyi realized that he had inadvertently left two clear fingerprints on Ji Ruan’s truthful pores and skin, inflicting his cheeks to blush. They’d been in such shut proximity that Gu Xiuyi might scrutinize the positive hairs on Ji Ruan’s face, observing how smooth and supple his pores and skin was – a texture that always accompanied the blossoming freshness of youth. 

“…” 

Gu Xiuyi’s palms stiffened. 

He could not assist however be enamored with this youthful eighteen-year-old physique. 

Patting Ji Ruan’s face, he spoke in a nervous tone, “Ji Ruan, it is time to get up.” 

Instantly, clear sounds stuffed Ji Ruan’s ears. His eyelashes trembled vigorously, just like the wings of a hummingbird caught in a summer season storm. They picked up the refrain of cicadas, the rustling wind, and Gu Xiuyi’s voice softly calling his identify. The sound was like a symphony to him, a ravishing and chaotic melody. 

In that second, the world appeared to awaken, painted in vivid hues. 

Gu Xiuyi shortly retreated a second earlier than Ji Ruan’s eyes fluttered open. 

The midsummer solar shone brilliantly, its rays like golden arrows piercing the azure sky. Ji Ruan shielded his eyes from the glare and regarded up, solely to be momentarily blinded by the sight of Gu Xiuyi standing beside the automobile door. The daylight appeared to caress Gu Xiuyi’s determine, outlining his good options in a halo of sunshine. For a second, Ji Ruan thought he had been transported to a different world, a realm of magnificence and perfection. 

“Why did you sleep so soundly?” Gu Xiuyi inquired. 

Ji Ruan instinctively raised a hand to defend his eyes. “I…,” he started however shortly realized one thing was amiss – his voice sounded off, his throat felt scratchy. 

Earlier than his sluggish consciousness absolutely returned, a sudden and intense tickling sensation ignited in his throat, inflicting a burst of involuntary coughing. 

“Cough cough cough—!” 

Ji Ruan bent ahead abruptly, clutching his knees and coughing uncontrollably. 

If it weren’t for Gu Xiuyi’s sharp eyes and swift reflexes, Ji Ruan would have tumbled out of the automobile, collapsing onto the cobblestone path within the courtyard. 

“Cough…cough cough cough—Rattling it!—cough!” 

Caught off guard by this sudden and extreme bout of coughing, Ji Ruan hunched over, his face flushed. The coughing intensified, inflicting immense ache. 

Gu Xiuyi had by no means witnessed such a battle earlier than. It took him a couple of seconds to react and place his hand on Ji Ruan’s again, gently patting him. “What’s taking place?” 

Ji Ruan was rendered speechless. 

Gu Xiuyi fumbled together with his cellphone, making an attempt to take photos, however every snap appeared to worsen Ji Ruan’s coughing suits. 

Perplexed by his personal method, Gu Xiuyi shunned additional makes an attempt and easily remained by Ji Ruan’s facet, providing bodily assist and luxury. 

Ultimately, Ji Ruan’s coughing match subsided by itself. 

Ignoring Gu Xiuyi, he tremulously rose to his toes and made his means in the direction of the doorway in three unsteady steps. 

Gu Xiuyi instructed Tune Ling to depart fairly than proceed trailing behind. He hurriedly adopted Ji Ruan, offering help. 

However after strolling for a brief distance, Ji Ruan succumbed to a different bout of coughing. He was compelled to squat on the bottom, unable to rise, tears streaming down his face from the pressure. 

Gu Xiuyi discovered himself in a predicament as he squatted down alongside Ji Ruan, gently lifting his chin to watch his expression. 

The solar was a relentless tyrant, its fiery gaze scorching the earth beneath it. The bottom was like an oven, baking all the pieces in its path to a crisp. The air was so sizzling that it was exhausting to breathe. 

Ji Ruan’s brow quickly glistened with sweat, and his complexion appeared unusually pale. 

Gu Xiuyi had a hunch that if the coughing continued, Ji Ruan would possibly find yourself vomiting. 

Nevertheless, Ji Ruan’s lack of mobility made the brief path within the yard appear for much longer than it truly was. 

The warmth was insufferable. 

Decided to not delay their keep outdoors any additional, Gu Xiuyi took issues into his personal palms and wrapped Ji Ruan’s arms round his shoulders with none deliberation. “Shall I carry you?” 

Regardless of his dizziness from coughing suits, Ji Ruan managed to catch Gu Xiuyi’s phrases. 

In fact, Ji Ruan had longed for Gu Xiuyi’s help, be it by holding him, carrying him, or supporting him. It did not matter what kind the help took, so long as it received him indoors. Ji Ruan was keen to simply accept something at this level. 

Nevertheless, his incessant coughing prevented him from successfully speaking, lowering him to nothing greater than sobbing. Subsequently, Gu Xiuyi’s phrases served as a well timed savior from the inferno Ji Ruan discovered himself in. 

Ji Ruan nodded vigorously with teary eyes, tapping Gu Xiuyi’s shoulder in eagerness thrice. 

Hug me, hug me, hug me! 

It was akin to urging a horse ahead by whipping its hindquarters. 

Gu Xiuyi: “…” 

For some cause, he discovered the scenario a bit peculiar. 

Contained in the villa, Aunt Zhao hummed a tune, getting ready to begin cooking dinner. Upon listening to their arrival, she washed her palms and hurriedly approached them. To her shock, she discovered Gu Xiuyi standing upright whereas—hanging onto him like a sun-melted koala—there was Ji Ruan. 

“Nicely, what’s occurred?!” Aunt Zhao stepped ahead swiftly and frivolously tousled Ji Ruan’s fluffy hair. “What’s mistaken, Ruan Ruan?” 

Ji Ruan had at all times held a particular fondness for Aunt Zhao. 

Listening to her voice, his ears perked up, and he lifted his head from Gu Xiuyi’s shoulder, intending to talk. Nevertheless, Gu Xiuyi pressed the again of his head, forcing it again down. 

“It is alright, Aunt Zhao. Please name a health care provider,” Gu Xiuyi mentioned. 

Then, he stared fiercely at Ji Ruan’s spherical head. “Do not discuss, you will cough throughout me.” 

What did he imply—cough throughout him?! 

Ji Ruan was bowled over. He made certain to cowl his mouth when coughing, okay! 

Not solely did Gu Xiuyi prohibit him from chatting with Aunt Zhao, however he additionally appeared to dislike Ji Ruan. 

Seething with anger, Ji Ruan retaliated by touchdown a tough punch on Gu Xiuyi’s shoulder, solely to be kicked in retaliation mere seconds later. The power of the kick shook him so violently that his coronary heart and lungs protested, main to a different bout of coughing. 

Gu Xiuyi settled Ji Ruan on the mattress, and with Aunt Zhao’s steerage, he washed his palms outdoors. Upon his return, he was met with a wholly totally different scene. 

Ji Ruan’s coughing confirmed no indicators of subsiding. Aunt Zhao sat by the mattress, cradling Ji Ruan in her arms and soothing him. 

“Oh, why does our baby really feel so unwell each time we step outdoors?” 

“Have you ever caught a chilly, or is it the warmth?” 

“Oh, our baby…” 

Aunt Zhao had at all times been soft-hearted, particularly in the direction of youngsters. And when it got here to cute children like Ji Ruan, regardless of being eighteen years outdated, she handled him with none burden, wholeheartedly showering him with care and a focus as if he had been a three-year-old. 

Gu Xiuyi had at all times been conscious of this, but listening to her seek advice from Ji Ruan as “child” by no means didn’t tire and unsettle him. He pinched his brows in frustration. 

It was okay for Aunt Zhao to really feel drained, however what actually stunned him was Ji Ruan’s willingness to nestle in her arms and search consolation. 

Maybe the nurturing aura that Aunt Zhao exuded was too robust. As a baby who misplaced his mom at an early age, Ji Ruan’s dependence on her grew each time he felt unwell. 

Confronted with this realization, Gu Xiuyi could not deliver himself to criticize Ji Ruan’s neediness. 

He noticed the scene within the room silently. Aunt Zhao pressed her palms towards Ji Ruan’s again, making use of mild stress that step by step eased his coughing after a couple of repetitions. 

Was this the answer? 

Gu Xiuyi reminisced in regards to the forceful slap he had delivered to Ji Ruan’s again, feeling a way of embarrassment as he coughed and lined his lips. 

Aunt Zhao tried to assuage Ji Ruan for some time, and though his coughing had subsided from its preliminary severity, it continued intermittently. 

Frowning, she checked out Gu Xiuyi. “Little Gu, why do not you go and fetch a glass of heat water and produce up the cough syrup?” 

Leaning towards the door body, Gu Xiuyi eliminated his swimsuit jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt to his elbows. The collar of his shirt was creased from Ji Ruan’s grip, and he unbuttoned two buttons. 

His aloof demeanor contrasted with the nice and cozy scene contained in the room. Though it was his personal villa, he appeared like an outsider standing there. 

Gu Xiuyi was barely bowled over. “Me?” 

Aunt Zhao paused, realizing that it was unreasonable to count on Gu Xiuyi to fetch issues in his present state. 

She shortly patted her brow and smiled. “Little Gu, come and maintain Ruan Ruan, I will get the syrup.” 

Maintain him? 

That was not doable. 

The boy was far too stressed. The second he was in his arms, he scratched, poked, and thrashed about, leaving Gu Xiuyi’s shirt in disarray. 

Maintain him? 

He would by no means maintain Ji Ruan once more in his life. 

Gu Xiuyi turned and left. “The syrup… is it within the cupboard on the primary ground?” 

Aunt Zhao suppressed a smile and referred to as into the hall, “Sure! It is within the medication field on the left facet of the second shelf on the second row!” 

Ji Ruan had certainly caught a chilly, the precise trigger unknown. It might have been as a result of chilly air outdoors, or maybe the drastic temperature adjustments after being uncovered to the solar all day. 

Your entire villa was in disarray due to Ji Ruan’s situation. It wasn’t till the physician arrived and administered remedy that issues started to calm down. 

Gu Xiuyi and Aunt Zhao exited Ji Ruan’s room collectively, gently closing the door behind them. They heaved an extended sigh and exchanged glances. “Zhao Ma, please chorus from frying meals for him sooner or later, and do not let him drink ice-cold water. It worsens his situation…” 

Aunt Zhao suppressed a smile. “Understood. I by no means anticipated you to take pleasure in fried rooster with Ruan Ruan. I recall you being fairly adamant about it being unhealthy once you had been youthful.” 

Gu Xiuyi’s shirt carried the scent of fried rooster. Pinching his collar, he sniffed it and immediately wrinkled his nostril in disgust earlier than sighing. “However he is nonetheless so younger…” 

At such a young age, some issues might be ignored. 

Aunt Zhao did not say something additional, merely chuckling softly. Gu Xiuyi turned to her. “What are you laughing at?” 

“Nothing, it is alright,” Aunt Zhao waved her hand dismissively. “Go take a bathe. I will begin cooking. It is alright, actually…” 

Gu Xiuyi: “…” 

Ji Ruan’s throat was extra infected than anticipated, virtually leading to full lack of his voice the following day. His listening to was additionally impaired and he even skilled a interval of transient aphonia. It took practically every week for his capacity to talk to step by step return. 

Gu Xiuyi had as soon as once more gone on a enterprise journey, and all through Ji Ruan’s restoration interval, they hadn’t been capable of see one another. 

About half a month later, on a muggy afternoon devoid of daylight, Aunt Zhao was not at residence, and Ji Ruan sat on the lounge ground, cuddling Xiao An as they watched a film. 

It was at the moment that Gu Xiuyi returned. 

Nonetheless impeccably wearing a full swimsuit, he stood tall and strong. As he approached Ji Ruan, a way of familiarity mingled with an air of unfamiliarity. 

He by no means appeared to get drained. Regardless of the lengthy enterprise journey, there was no hint of exhaustion on his face. Quite the opposite, he appeared extra energized. 

He got here again carrying two luggage, washed his palms, and handed them to Ji Ruan. 

Having not seen one another for half a month, Ji Ruan felt surprisingly misplaced and sat there, uncertain of what to say. 

Gu Xiuyi lifted Ji Ruan’s chin with two fingers, calmly observing him for a second. “You have misplaced weight.” 

Caught off guard by his sudden comment, Ji Ruan evaded eye contact for a couple of seconds earlier than decreasing his head and touching his chin. It appeared that he had certainly grown considerably thinner. 

“Ji Ruan,” Gu Xiuyi referred to as his identify as soon as once more. 

Ji Ruan raised his gaze. 

Gu Xiuyi lifted his chin. “Say one thing and hear.” 

The tone resembled the best way one would ask a pet to carry out a trick. 

Ji Ruan, dissatisfied, let loose a smooth snort. “Are you feeling unwell?” 

Nevertheless, Gu Xiuyi chuckled and took a seat on the ground throughout from Ji Ruan. He appeared to be in a fairly jovial temper right this moment. “How is your voice now?” 

Ji Ruan gently stroked Xiao An’s head and replied, “It has practically absolutely recovered.” 

“Mm,” Gu Xiuyi responded vaguely earlier than persevering with, “Then come again with me to the Gu residence later.” 

“The Gu residence?” Ji Ruan instantly regarded up. “Is that… your loved ones’s residence?” 

Gu Xiuyi propped his chin up. “Certainly.” 

Ji Ruan took a deep breath. Wasn’t that the fabled outdated mansion? 

For a rich household like Gu Xiuyi’s, the ancestral residence was akin to a battleground. Simply the considered it made Ji Ruan’s head ache. 

But Gu Xiuyi did not appear to take it severely, shortly shifting the subject. “Give me your hand.” 

Misplaced in his ideas about returning to the ancestral residence, Ji Ruan felt uneasy as he prolonged his hand half-heartedly. At once, his wrist was grabbed. 

Within the subsequent second, one thing cool was positioned on his ring finger. Ji Ruan snapped again to actuality, discovering himself sporting a easy and chic ring. 

Its design was actual, an equivalent match to the ring on Gu Xiuyi’s finger. 

Ji Ruan could not assist however be momentarily surprised. 

Gu Xiuyi did not search for at him, however stored his grip on Ji Ruan’s wrist as if admiring one thing with satisfaction. He casually knowledgeable him, “That is your ring.” 

—– 

The writer has one thing to say: 

Mr. Gu: Ah… Even his wrists are so delicate… Such a younger physique… A present from God… 

Ruan Ruan: Recently, individuals have been asking me why older males like youthful companions. For particulars, please seek advice from the ↑Psychological Actions of an Older Man Surnamed Gu.