The x-ray result showed that the crack on his ribs indeed worsened, but fortunately, it was not life-threatening. Nonetheless, Jia Molei still could not be rest assured and asked He Juan to stay over for the night for further monitoring, only to be rejected outright.

"It’s only some broken bones. Not like I haven’t gone through something worse," He Juan said, mildly amused. "Don’t be such a worrywart, Doctor Jia. If it can reassure you, then let me give you my word that I will recuperate obediently and not run around anywhere. At least until I feel better. How about it?"

Angry as he was, Jia Molei could find no words to retort. He Juan was right, broken ribs were not the worst thing that could happen – at least for people like them. As long as He Juan did not actively seek trouble and aggravate his wounds, then he would definitely return to full health in two weeks at most. After all, superior alphas were known for their potent self-healing ability that worked twice or even thrice faster than average people. He Juan had also promised that he would take time to recuperate, and everyone in the underworld knew better than to doubt his words.

In the end, Jia Molei could only glower and said menacingly, "Don’t let me see you here again so soon!"

He Juan laughed, knowing fully well that he had won this time. He stood up with his x-ray result folder in hand and waved cheerfully at the doctor. "I should get going now. Thank you again for this, Doctor Jia."

He turned to walk out of the door, intending to return to his room to check up on Mu Yuze first. Now that he had discovered the boy’s low blood sugar, the urge to feed him delicious and nutritious food seemed to have become stronger than ever.

He could still vividly recall how his heart had stopped a few beats when he opened the door only to find the pale and weak Mu Yuze slumped on the couch. The self-control and composure he was so proud of evaporated in an instant, only to be replaced with sinking dread and utter panic. In that split second, his brain had gotten ahead of him and come up with multiple scenarios, one was worse than before.

But fortunately... it was just a false alarm this time. Mu Yuze was safe and healthy, and he was currently sleeping in He Juan’s room, surrounded by He Juan’s scent that would deter enemies from approaching. Only then could he be reassured enough to leave.

Still, it was not something he wanted to see for the second time.

Walking down the hallway, He Juan was thinking about what to buy for breakfast when Jia Molei called out behind him, "XIU."

He Juan turned to find the doctor leaning against the doorframe, a thoughtful look on his face. "What are you going to do about that boy? Are you taking him in?"

"Yes, for the time being." He Juan let out a sigh. "You know it, Doc, our world is too cruel for someone like him. Just until he has grown up tall and healthy..."

Then... what? What was he going to do when that time came?

He Juan’s breath abruptly snagged on his throat and his mind drew a blank. But fortunately, it seemed like Jia Molei could fill in the blanks without him needing to elaborate on it. The doctor merely nodded and told him, "Well, good luck, I guess."

***

He Juan carefully pushed open the door and smiled when he saw a small lump curling on top of the king-sized bed. He tried to close the door and crossed the room without making a sound, only to be startled when he met a pair of huge, round eyes that stared at him unblinkingly, taking in each and every movement he made.

"Sorry, Xiao Ze. Did I wake you up?" He asked in a hushed voice.

Mu Yuze slowly sat up and let the blanket pooled around his lap. Shaking his head, he said, "Can’t sleep. How about you? Your ribs..."

He Juan had to bite down a grin when he heard the question. Despite the awkward and stiff way Mu Yuze worded it, He Juan could still sense the underlying concern hidden beneath and it made his chest swell in happiness.

Look at how far they have come! If it was Mu Yuze from a few days ago, He Juan was certain that the boy would choose to keep the question to himself and wait until He Juan took the initiative to explain it. Even though he had not obtained Mu Yuze’s trust yet, at least he had succeeded in melting his hard shell!

Feeling giddy with joy, He Juan sat down on the bedside and ruffled the boy’s hair. "Oh, are you worrying about Gege now?" He couldn’t help but tease and in response, Mu Yuze swatted his hand away with a dark glare. Chuckling, He Juan took back his paw and gave a proper answer this time. "Don’t worry, nothing that can’t be healed with proper rest."

"So... you need to stay here?" Mu Yuze asked tentatively.

"Of course not." A grin spread across his face, silver eyes gleaming like a sea of stars. "If you’re feeling well enough, let’s take our leave. What do you think about congee, steamed buns and youtiao?"

As if on cue, a muted growl sounded from Mu Yuze’s stomach, causing the boy’s face to flush in a bright shade of red.

He Juan threw his head back and laughed uproariously. "I will take it as a yes, then." He stood up and offered his hand to the boy. "Let’s go?"

Mu Yuze jumped down from the bed and smacked his hand in passing with a cold harrumph. Caught off guard, He Juan barked out another laugh. It was really strange how each and every action Mu Yuze took amused him to no end, filling him with nothing but utter joy and delight.

But right now, He Juan was unwilling to question more about the reason behind it. He only wanted to bask in this simplicity, this rare moment of peace and tranquility he could only find in Mu Yuze.

Until the boy grew up tall and healthy... until then, He Juan would continue to stay by his side. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

...

In the end, they shared a delicious pot of meat congee, two portions of steam buns and a plate of youtiaos. He Juan noted how Mu Yuze tended to scarf down the strong-flavored meat buns while nibbling restlessly on the sweet ones. But in the end, he still finished everything He Juan put on his plate.

From then on, He Juan took care not to order anything sweet for Mu Yuze’s food.