Chill chapter. 

Third Person POV

What's with Yin Yu!? He can just call me. Hua Cheng wanted his time with Xie Lian during this crucial period of recovery to be undisturbed. He just wanted Xie Lian all to himself. But more than that, he knew Xie Lian didn't want any other people to come near him. 

It was hard coaxing him to let the doctor see him!

Hua Cheng looked at Xie Lian and he saw him tighten his hold on the blanket. He's uncomfortable. And he hated it. He hated making Xie Lian uncomfortable if he could do something about the situation. 

"I'm sorry, gege. I haven't informed Yin Yu you woke up and didn't want to see other people except for this San Lang." He offered a smile which Xie Lian barely returned. 

"It's okay, San Lang. He's- He's important to you... And I feel better. He can come in."

If Hua Cheng raised his brow, Xie Lian feigned ignorance to it. 

Important, huh. Yin Yu was indeed important to him but he didn't expect Xie Lian to say that. He didn't know whether he'd feel warm at the words or not. Hua Cheng had no idea but he could sense a distinct tone in how Xie Lian said those words. 

"Alright, gege. I'll introduce you to him."

Xie Lian, on the other hand, was drowning in the myriad of thoughts and conclusions he had in his mind. I'm gonna meet San lang's very important person. I'm gonna meet the love of his life. He didn't know what to say or how to react or how to compose himself. 

Mastering the art of masking what he truly felt, Xie Lian just inhaled deeply, though it was painful to do so, as he watched Hua Cheng stand up and walk towards the door to open it. 

Entered in a handsome man, probably around Hua Cheng's age but shorter in height. He looked neat in his black clothes that fitted him well. His face showed indifference but it was soft. Xie Lian didn't envy his overall appearance but he envied the way San Lang was showing his familiarity with that person. 

"Why are you here?" San Lang asked. 

What Hua Cheng couldn't understand was Yin Yu could just update him through a text message if it wasn't urgent! But at the same time, he was probably just visiting Xie Lian too. That didn't lessen the urge to slap the back of Yin Yu's head. 

Yin Yu just gave him a look and knew that he wouldn't do it in front of Xie Lian. 

Hua Cheng turned around as Yin Yu followed him behind and closed the door. 

"Hi, gege," Yin Yu greeted.

Xie Lian's eyes widened. 

Hua Cheng might combust and burst into small butterflies with how appalled and furious he was hearing that from Yin Yu. How preposterous! Only he could call Xie Lian that!

He stepped closer to Yin Yu yet maintained a smile on his lips. With gritted teeth and a low voice, he said, "Do you want me to kill you?"

Oh, they're too close. Xie Lian bit his lower lip from the inside. It was painful and he could taste the blood. But he was also hurting and was disgustingly jealous. It didn't feel right. It didn't feel good. And he absolutely hated how ridiculous he was. 

If San Lang knew, he would be repulsed. 

"Hello, Yin Yu. Nice meeting you. I'm sorry I can't greet you properly," he said as he shrugged. He couldn't even sit up straight to greet Hua Cheng's important person. 

"Gege!" San Lang exclaimed. "I should be the only one calling you gege, right?"

"Man-child," Yin Yu whispered. 

Hua Cheng couldn't believe what he was hearing! Yin Yu was surely taking advantage of the fact that he couldn't react just how he would react if he weren't in front of Xie Lian. 

Xie Lian just smiled softly, as expected. And Hua Cheng could just melt. My gege is so good. "You may call me Xie Lian, Yin Yu. I'd be... more comfortable with that."

Yin Yu curtly nodded. 

Hua Cheng could punch the air. Yes, baby. That's it. Only I, this San Lang, can call you gege. 

"I'm just here to visit you, Xie Lian." Yin Yu's voice was steady. 

"Oh," Xie Lian couldn't help but react. Not here for San Lang? "Thank you. I'm doing better."

Yin Yu just nodded. 

"Now, go." Hua Cheng crossed his arms. "You've already seen him."

"Hmm~ I must stay for a while." Yin Yu walked over to the couch and made himself comfortable. 

Hua Cheng smiled painfully. This friend of his was testing their friendship. Yin Yu knew he would be easily jealous and angry, especially during these times and this friend of his was really putting him under fire. 

Settling himself on the seat beside Xie Lian's bed, Hua Cheng brought out his phone and started tapping. 

To Yin Yu: "I will kill you."

From Yin Yu: "Xie Lian knows me now. He would be sad if I die."

"I see that you've met Hua Cheng's devil."

"Devil?" Xie Lian wondered which Yin Yu was referring to. 

"E-ming." 

Xie Lian's brows furrowed. "He's not a devil. E-ming is adorable. They're eating inside San Lang's office."

"He's just bitter, gege. Even after years of living here, basically seeing E-ming grow, E-ming still growls at him from time to time. That dog can be threatening if he wanted to."

Oh. Years, Xie Lian. You're competing against someone who had been there for San Lang for years. At that, it wasn't even a competition. There wasn't a competition, to begin with. He zoned out while Hua Cheng and Yin Yu were talking. 

"Alright." Hua Cheng stretched his arms. "You still have to go somewhere, Yin Yu, right?" 

Xie Lian turned his focus back to them.

Yin Yu still held that impassive look on his face. 

"Yeah, I think so too." Yin Yu stood up and tipped his head to the side. "I'll see you, Xie Lian."

"See you, Yin Yu, and uhm, thank you for visiting."

Yin Yu left without saying another word. 

It wasn't that bad. Xie Lian thought. The two didn't look like lovers. Is it because they've been so familiar with each other for so long even though San Lang might not say all sweet things to him or haven't officially made him his boyfriend? There was still that undeniable air of familiarity. But other than that, there wasn't anything. 

Still, Xie Lian's heart wasn't at peace. And he was still undeniably heartbroken. 

"Gege, how's that with Yin Yu?" Hua Cheng patted his head. 

"It's fine. He's cool." 

"Cooler than San Lang?"

Xie Lian didn't answer that. Instead, he asked for the pets. "Can you let E-ming and Ruoye in?"

Hua Cheng felt the sudden urge to pout. What's with gege's behavior towards me? Not that he was seeking for more, although he really was, he knew there was something different. "Okay, gege."

He let the two out and immediately, Ruoye went to the couch while E-ming went to Xie Lian's side. As soon as Xie Lian tapped the mattress, the dog jumped and snuggled. And remarkably, it was as if E-ming knew that Xie Lian was injured because he was so gentle with him. 

San Lang sat back on the seat. "Gege, let me know if you need anything."

"Aren't you going out?" Xie Lian didn't look at him. 

"I'm not leaving you." His nose scrunched. 

"I'm taking too much of your time."

"Gege, it hasn't been a week. Besides, I can still work here. I cannot leave you, okay?" The fear and wounds were still fresh. Hua Cheng didn't want to feel that same fear again and Xie Lian needed to heal. It was good for both of them. 

Xie Lian nodded. "Can I take a bath?"

"It would be painful for you to move."

"I still have to go to the comfort room," Xie Lian said, blinking, blushing. So cute. 

"You could barely sit up without wincing from the pain, gege." Hua Cheng was so worried. 

"It'll make me feel better. Please, San Lang. I can't do anything with the pain but I will feel good if I can clean myself." 

"I-Can I..." Hua Cheng scratched the back of his neck. His ears felt hot. "Can I help you clean up yourself?"

The alarms in Xie Lian's brain went blaring! How shameless! How could this San Lang ask such a thing when he was in a romantic entanglement with Yin Yu? 

Hua Cheng waved his hands quickly. "I don't mean to be disrespectful, gege! I just want to make sure you'll be fine! I can- Can I just clean your body with warm water and a towel? You don't have to walk with wet feet and have a chance of slipping... or I-"

"Stop." Xie Lian covered his face with his hands. "I-I can manage..."

"But-" Cute, Hua Cheng thought. "I won't do anything, gege. I promise you. I won't look at you. I'll stay on the side. I promise. This San Lang just wants to make sure you'll be well anywhere you'll go." Whether you like it or not was what his other side of him was saying. 

"You won't-" Xie Lian took in a deep breath. "Look at me?" Why would he look at you, Xie Lian?

"Yeah, I want you to be comfortable." Hua Cheng stood up and sat on the bed. With a softer voice, he said, "I'm sorry if I appear too brazen for you this day, gege. I will be in the coming days. I just want you to be okay, alright? When you're well, you can do anything you want."

There was a fluttering warmth enveloping Xie Lian's heart. San Lang, the man he romantically liked, was just concerned and worried. He could only give in. "Thank you, San Lang. You can- can you assist me to the bathroom?"

It was rewarding to see San Lang smile widely that his exhaustion seemed to be gone. "Of course, gege. Of course." 

Hua Cheng immediately stood up and assisted Xie Lian to sit in the wheelchair. He wanted to carry him but he figured out that it would hurt Xie Lian because he had bruises everywhere. The wheelchair was the safest option.

Warm large hands seemingly embraced Xie Lian as he was assisted to sit up. It felt too long ago when Hua Cheng held him this close. It was his own undoing because he wanted to respect this man's relationship with Yin Yu. But it would be a lie to say that he didn't miss it. 

Ha! It was shameless but Xie Lian didn't feel that much pain when Hua Cheng assisted him to sit up and transfer to the wheelchair. "I got you, gege," San Lang whispered so close to his ear that he could certainly feel his lips hover over his ear. "There you are. Do you feel any pain or discomfort?"

Xie Lian shook his head. 

"Why are you red, gege? Are you keeping the pain in?" Hua Cheng bent his other leg and looked at him with a worried expression.

"I'm fine. I'm fine." Well, that made him blush more. 

Hua Cheng sighed. "If you say so. Let's clean you up." He just had to be more, more, extra careful.

Xie Lian felt like he was burning. 

When they were finally in the bathroom, Hua Cheng assisted him again to stand up and brush his teeth. As Xie Lian was brushing his teeth, the man prepared his bath. 

After he rinsed his mouth, Hua Cheng walked toward him and stood so close to him, probably just five inches apart from him. And when the taller man reached out and tucked his hair behind his ear, Xie Lian inhaled sharply. "Look at you~ If only I didn't leave you."

Xie Lian gazed up at him. "It's not your fault," he mumbled. "You were out there with Yin Yu and it was important."

"No one and nothing is more important than you, gege." Hua Cheng brushed his knuckles over his cheek. "And I mean it."

Huh? "But- Yin Yu..." Xie Lian's heart was about to burst out of his chest! Did he assume incorrectly?

Hua Cheng frowned ever so slightly. "What about Yin Yu?"

"You-you love him."

Hua Cheng tilted his head to the side. His mismatched eyes held confusion. "When... how could you say that? He's not the man I love."

"You-?" But you said you love him! I heard it. Right? I heard it. That night. I heard it. 

"I don't know how you got that impression, gege. But I'm in love with someone." Hua Cheng smiled carefreely. It's you, gege. I'm in love with you, hopelessly in love.

"You love someone?"

"Uh huh... You probably have an idea by now, gege."

Hua Cheng stepped closer and Xie Lian couldn't move. Aside from his aching body, he just couldn't move because he didn't want to move. (HINDOWT haha)

"So, stop pushing me away, gege. I don't want to go out. If possible, I don't want to step a foot outside the door. I don't want to look away from you. Hmmm, is that okay?" Hua Cheng made sure his voice was steady although he felt a whole mess of emotions inside. 

Xie Lian mutely nodded. 

"Good." Hua Cheng reached out to the button of the loungewear Xie Lian was wearing. "May I?"

Xie Lian swallowed thickly. It isn't like that, okay? He's just helping me. Yes, he is just helping me. 

"Tell me if I make you uncomfortable." Hua Cheng's voice was a pitch lower.

Xie Lian nodded again. 

Slowly, Hua Cheng started unbuttoning Xie Lian's top. There wasn't anything in his mind other than doing what was best for Xie Lian at that moment. Any selfish desire he had was put aside and although he knew they were clawing inside his treacherous heart, he ignored them. 

Little by little, he could see Xie Lian's bruised skin underneath the cloth. I still have to put balm into those. 

There were still parts that were swelling. 

If only he hadn't left... Fuck. 

"San Lang, I'm fine." 

Hua Cheng didn't know what expression he was showing for Xie Lian to sense and see that he was getting worked up again with his condition. But it was surely obvious for Xie Lian to speak up. 

"I'm sorry, gege. I just can't..." see you again like this. I don't want you to experience pain such as this ever again. And if I have to cover you from any form of hurt to keep you safe, I will. 

"Your gege is fine." Xie Lian smiled and shrugged off the rest of the top. 

"Okay, okay." Hua Cheng sniffled. "I'll take off your pants, alright?"

Xie Lian wished a pail of cold water would be poured on him just to hide away the heat that was creeping from his chest up to his neck and cheeks. "Okay, San Lang." It's not as if he hasn't seen me, right? Who else dressed me up? 

And why do I care?

Hua Cheng kept his eyes on Xie Lian's as he pulled down his pants. Xie Lian was still left wearing comfortable, flimsy boxers. But the hell did Hua Cheng care. He quickly assisted Xie Lian in stepping into the tub which was ready for bathing.

"Sit down carefully, gege." He was scared Xie Lian would slip! 

"Ahh~" Xie Lian audibly breathed out as the warm water covered his body. "This feels nice."

"Hmm?" Hua Cheng smiled lazily and sat on the tub's edge. "Do you want me to wash your hair?"

"Is it okay?" Hua Cheng was in love with someone. Xie Lian knew that. It was just ten minutes ago when Hua Cheng said that. But Xie Lian figured out that Hua Cheng wasn't in a relationship with the person he loved since he considered him the most important person.

Or is it because I am... Xie Lian didn't want to assume! That would be embarrassing! Who was he for Hua Cheng to be in .... with him? But he said I probably have an idea by now.

Who else... would he be in love with...

"Why wouldn't it be fine? Come on. Tip your head back a little, gege." Hua Cheng picked up the shower nozzle and cautiously wet Xie Lian's hair. 

"Hmmnh~" Xie Lian moaned a little. It felt so good!

"I take that I'm doing such a good job?" Hua Cheng chuckled. 

"Yeah~ San Lang is so good."

Hua Cheng preened at the praise. Oh yeah, I'm good. "Hmm, am I?" Shameless! Brazen! Impudent! "Is San Lang really good?"

"The best." Xie Lian smiled with his eyes closed. 

"Ha!" I have to tell Yin Yu and He Xuan about this. "Thank you, gege. It's an honor to take care of you."

Xie Lian giggled a little. "What are you even saying, San Lang?"

"Nothing. This San Lang is just so happy to be able to take care of gege." Hua Cheng poured shampoo on his palm and lathered Xie Lian's hair with it. "By the way, gege, how can you say that I love Yin Yu?" He might as well puke at the mere thought.

"Oh, I just thought you're romantically involved with him."

Hua Cheng scrunched his nose. The only person I will be romantically involved with is you. "Take that thought off your mind, gege. I would never. Yin Yu's a best friend like He Xuan."

Xie Lian hummed. "I see that now." Then, he opened his eyes. 

Hua Cheng was blown away. Although bruised, Xie Lian looked handsome as ever. He wanted to animatedly clutch his heart with how smitten he was.

"I'm happy," Xie Lian said. He was, truly. 

What? Hua Cheng's breath was stolen for a few seconds. He was an assuming brat. But was he assuming correctly now? Did Xie Lian think he was in love with Yin Yu thus all the pushing away since he woke up?

He didn't like the pushing away part (and it hadn't sunk in yet because he was distracted). But the implication that Xie Lian might be... a little bit... a tiny bit... teensy-weensy... jealous was sending him to paradise. 

"I'm glad I make you happy. That's all I want." Hua Cheng massaged Xie Lian's scalp gently. He had to be extra careful because those bastards, pieces of shit, hurt Xie Lian's head too. He couldn't wait to get his hands on them and make them suffer long. 

Those people were already suffering now in the hands of He Xuan and Yin Yu. He would've wanted to see it for himself. But he couldn't leave Xie Lian under anyone's care. He couldn't trust anyone to take care of Xie Lian with the same amount of care he would give him. 

Since San Lang seemed to be in a good mood, Xie Lian opened up more. "San Lang, can you please let me message Feng Xin?"

What?! Feng Xin? "What about him?"

"Or Mu Qing. I just want to message them that I'm alright? Or call them? I want them to tell Mayor too that I would probably return in a week or so."

"What a week? Gege, you couldn't possibly be thinking of going back to work in a week." Hua Cheng breathed heavily. 

"San Lang, I haven't messaged Mayor yet. I can't afford to lose my job if I still haven't yet."

You have me! You can have everything! Hua Cheng wanted to say with conviction but it wouldn't be good to sound as if he was arguing with Xie Lian because that wasn't his intention. "Gege, don't worry. I've got you. We'll tell Feng Xin and Mu Qing that you're fine and you're with me. Then, we'll call the Mayor himself and inform him that you need to take time off of work for some personal matters for a month."

"San Lang, a month is too much. One week."

"Three weeks." Jun Wu's partly at fault for what happened to you. If only he didn't send you to watch over that Li Jun. 

"Two weeks! But minimal workload." Xie Lian was looking at him with puppy eyes and slightly pouted lips. (They're acting like boyfriends. 💀💀)

Hua Cheng couldn't say no! "Okay. We'll call them tomorrow morning." 

Xie Lian nodded.

"Time to rinse and get dry!" Hua Cheng chirped. "I'll dress you up."

"San Lang, I can dress up myself."

"But bending would be painful. Stretching a lot would hurt you. I promise I won't look." He winked. 

Xie Lian was blushing again. "You-"

San Lang just gave him a reassuring smile. 

~

Hua Cheng was staring at the ceiling while Xie Lian was sleeping soundly. Does he like me? Is he okay now? Won't he push me away now? 

Should I just tell him? 

Earlier, before Xie Lian went to bed, he wanted to ask him if he could sleep beside him. But Hua Cheng opted not to. It would be hard not to hug Xie Lian or he might also do that in his sleep. And if he did, he might just end up hurting Xie Lian. 

So, now, he was lying on his sofa. 

He couldn't sleep and his thoughts kept on wandering. 

How could he say that I love Yin Yu?

Why did he even think of it? 

He wondered. 

He was already acting strangely before I left. 

When did he misunderstand our setup? 

As much as possible before, he didn't want to be too direct to Xie Lian with his intentions because he didn't want to scare him away if he showed too much. At the same time, he was trying to let Xie Lian know through his actions. He also didn't want Xie Lian to misunderstand which would cause him to push him away if ever there were already some budding feelings for him.

So, Hua Cheng was bothered and confused. 

Was it because of this? Because of Yin Yu?

If it was, he didn't know if he'd be happy or not. 

Because what if... What if he wouldn't have called me because of that? Because he thought I was out with Yin Yu and Yin Yu was the person I was interested in?

Hua Cheng nipped his thumb. Just thinking of the possible outcome if Xie Lian didn't call him. "Fuck." He wiped his face in frustration. "Fuck," he cursed quietly. 

He also wanted to leave this place because he thought... 

Gege would have left me...

He would have left. 

His jaw was set. He was furious with himself. Ever since he had Xie Lian close to him, whenever he stepped a foot forward, he kept failing. He kept messing things up. And the consequences would be severe. 

The consequence was severe. 

His stomach churned in an ugly way. 

Hua Cheng was resolved to be more careful with his words and probably, just probably, step up his game as soon as Xie Lian was well. He didn't want to focus on that for now. Again, his main focus was for Xie Lian to get better and convince him to stay with him. The second part was probably selfish. But he would try. 

He would die trying. 

Only when Xie Lian would blatantly tell him to stop trying would he stop trying. 

Hua Cheng's phone vibrated and that broke him out of his stupor. He picked it up and saw that it was He Xuan.

From He Xuan: Heard that your Xie Lian is awake. When are you going to visit?

Hua Cheng knew He Xuan meant when was he going to visit those pieces of shit who hurt Xie Lian. 

To He Xuan: Not now. I can't leave Xie Lian yet.

From He Xuan: They might die before you could have your revenge. 

To He Xuan: Then don't fucking kill them yet. 

Hua Cheng frowned. He needed to get his hands on them. 

From He Xuan: They're still perfectly well. We didn't go overboard.  

To He Xuan: That's plus 10% on your debt.

From He Xuan: The fuck, dude? Anyway, Shi QingXuan said she can watch over Xie Lian since they're friends and in that way, you can go here. Let her. She has been such a nuisance. 

To He Xuan: The hell would I allow her to watch over my gege?

From He Xuan: Yeah, I already told her you won't budge. But I'm fucking tired of her constant nagging to ask you... And to force you to. 

To He Xuan: Still a no.

From He Xuan: She told me to let Xie Lian speak to her. Then, decide. 

To He Xuan: I told you. I'm not leaving Xie Lian. 

From He Xuan: Then, please let her visit him instead. Please.

To He Xuan: No. 

From He Xuan: You can add this to my debt. I'm fucking tired. Give me a 15-minute breather. 

To He Xuan: No. 

From He Xuan: Xie Lian might want to talk to other people, you know. 

Maybe... Hua Cheng thought. Maybe because I hurt him. 

He put down his phone and put his arm over his eyes. Hua Cheng was determined to do whatever was best for Xie Lian. Though he might be the sincerest person there was, he knew he wasn't perfect and there would be times when he'd be unknowingly selfish.

So, he'd try to be better. 

But...

Annoyingly, his selfishness was growing. He was becoming greedy. 

~
I can't prolong the misunderstanding because how can I. I don't know how. haha

Anyway, in the next chapter, they might become sweeter to each other 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮