AAWOMAHI Chapter11

On the other end of the phone, Father Song finally spoke, “Oh, Lu Xingmian ah, we’re very busy right now. If there’s nothing urgent, I’ll hang up.”

 

Before Lu Xingmian could say anything else, Mother Song’s voice came from the other side, “Why are you still on the phone? We’ll be late if we don’t leave now.”

 

Father Song hung up the phone directly; they were eager to go see their biological son.

 

This period was the peak season for viral colds, and at that time, Father and Mother Song even wondered if Lu Sihang would get infected. Lu Sihang looked like a very strong young man, so he shouldn’t get sick so easily.

 

But unexpectedly, the very next day they heard the news that Lu Sihang had a fever and was sick. The two of them immediately couldn’t sit still and decided to go to Yancheng to see their son right away.

 

Upon learning that Lu Sihang was their son, they felt incredibly close to him when they met him. The more they looked, the more they liked him. This was probably that subtle connection of blood relation that could never be severed, no matter what.

 

Lu Sihang became exceptionally angry when he heard Father and Mother Song say those words.

 

Although Lu Sihang was very distant towards them, Father and Mother Song not only weren’t angry, but felt somewhat guilty as well. It was their fault for not taking care of Lu Sihang since he was little. They promised Lu Sihang they wouldn’t force him to come back with them, letting him stay with the Lu family with peace of mind.

 

Lu Sihang said he was originally a child of the Lu family.

 

During this time, Father and Mother Song also contacted Lu Sihang and visited him. However, the Lu couple’s intention was that Lu Sihang was about to take his college entrance exams, and now was a critical time. They didn’t want Lu Sihang to be affected at this moment.

 

It seemed the Lu couple were still somewhat unwilling for Father and Mother Song to get too close to their precious son. Father and Mother Song also knew this, and they knew Lu Sihang would live better in the Lu family, but they just couldn’t help wanting to get closer to Lu Sihang.

 

Especially after learning that Lu Sihang was sick, the two of them couldn’t sit still anymore. They hastily took the high-speed train to Yancheng to see Lu Sihang.

 

No one cared about Lu Xingmian, who was in the corner of the health clinic, receiving an IV drip for his high fever.

 

Lu Xingmian looked at the hung-up phone and gave a bitter smile. So, when Lu Sihang was sick, Father and Mother Song would worry and be anxious too.

 

Since he came here, Father and Mother Song hadn’t visited Lu Xingmian and rarely called him. The only time they actively called him was because of Lu Sihang.

 

Lu Sihang had jumped into the pond himself, framing Lu Xingmian for pushing him into the water. That day, Father and Mother Lu were with Lu Sihang at the hospital, while Mother Song called Lu Xingmian directly and scolded him for a full half-hour.

 

At that moment, Lu Xingmian understood what it felt like to be numb.

 

He had originally held a glimmer of hope, a trace of fantasy, thinking that since they had spent so much time together, there must be some affection. Lu Yan and Xia Yuefang had deep feelings for Lu Sihang; Lu Xingmian envied it but wasn’t jealous.

 

But now, Lu Xingmian looked at the hung-up phone with a calm expression. He was fine, he was okay because he had already anticipated this outcome.

 

So, Lu Xingmian felt like it wasn’t as sad anymore. He was only sad because he had a fever and felt unwell.

 

Looking at the people around him, Lu Xingmian felt an unprecedented sense of loss and loneliness.

 

He thought that after living alone outside for so long, he should have adapted to the solitude. But upon hearing Father and Mother Song’s voices, he still yearned for their concern.

 

However, it seemed everyone had forgotten about Lu Xingmian.

 

The boy sitting next to Lu Xingmian, also on an IV drip, looked to be the same age as him.

 

His parents were both by his side. When the liquid was almost finished, his father went to call the nurse to change the IV bag, and his mother asked the boy if he was feeling better, if he was still uncomfortable, and what he wanted for lunch.

 

It looked like an ordinary, warm family of three. Looking around, besides Lu Xingmian himself, everyone else was accompanied.

 

It was also inconvenient to go to the restroom alone. Lu Xingmian held up the IV bag with one hand, unzipped his pants with the hand that had the needle, and when he came out of the restroom, the IV tube had even backfilled with blood.

 

Lu Xingmian boredly took out his phone, unsure of what to do. It was ten o’clock in the morning.

 

Everyone else must be busy with their own affairs, whether students or office workers, they all had things to do.

 

His WeChat contacts were all his peers. Song Yihan and Liu Yichen were probably in class right now. Normally at this time, Lu Xingmian would also be in the classroom listening to the teacher’s lecture.

 

He seemed truly unable to find anyone to chat with.

 

When his finger slid to “Lu Ge’s” name, Lu Xingmian paused.

 

He must also be a regular office worker, probably busy with his job in the office at this time.

 

Lu Xingmian had asked him, and Lu Ge said that co-streaming bedtime stories was his part-time job.

 

By the time Lu Xingmian realized it, a message had already been sent.

 

Lu Xingmian: [Lu Ge, are you busy?]

 

Lu Xingmian hastily withdrew the message, hoping Lu Ge hadn’t seen it. How did he send the message without thinking? It was because he liked Lu Ge’s voice too much, but would sending him a message now disturb him?

 

Their relationship was just an “employer-employee” one; Lu Ge lulled him to sleep every night.

 

Lu Xingmian thought he withdrew it so quickly, Lu Ge probably wouldn’t see it. But just a few seconds after he recalled the message, Lu Ge replied.

 

[What’s wrong?]

 

Lu Xingmian: [Nothing, nothing, I sent it by mistake, I’m sorry.]

 

Lu Shiran: [I’ll contact you in ten minutes.]

 

Lu Shiran was indeed busy. Even though Lu Xingmian immediately recalled the message, Lu Shiran had still seen it.

 

He checked the time; it was precisely when students were in class, and today wasn’t a holiday or weekend. Lu Xingmian sending him a message at this hour likely meant something was up.

 

In less than ten minutes, Lu Shiran messaged Lu Xingmian.

 

Lu Shiran: [What’s wrong? What happened?]

 

Lu Xingmian: [Nothing, nothing.]

 

Lu Xingmian hadn’t expected Lu Ge to actually message him in ten minutes. He thought it was just a polite remark.

 

Lu Shiran: [Shouldn’t you be in class right now? How do you have time to message me? What exactly happened?]

 

They had known each other for two months. Although they hadn’t chatted much, Lu Shiran could tell that Lu Xingmian was never careless with his studies, and he knew his goal was to get into Yancheng University, one of the top three schools in the country.

 

So, he didn’t believe Lu Xingmian would message him during class; something must have happened.

 

Lu Xingmian: [Really nothing, I just got sick, so I didn’t go to school.]

 

Lu Xingmian: [I’m at the health clinic getting an IV, and I’m a bit bored by myself.]

 

Lu Shiran: [Sick? Is it serious?]

 

Lu Xingmian: [Not serious, just a bit of a fever. I’ll be fine after the IV.]

 

Lu Shiran looked at the message, frowning. Lu Xingmian spoke very casually, but Lu Shiran could sense it wasn’t as minor as Lu Xingmian made it sound, just a bit of a fever.

 

Lu Xingmian seemed like the type who wouldn’t show it unless it was very serious.

 

And he wouldn’t message him at this time unless he truly trusted him.

 

Lu Shiran: [I happen to be free right now. I’ll keep you company.]

 

Lu Xingmian: [Won’t that delay your work?]

 

Lu Shiran: [No, the boss isn’t here, everyone’s slacking off.]

 

Lu Xingmian smiled; it seemed Lu Ge often slacked off at work.

 

Lu Shiran asked about his previous temperature, if he was still uncomfortable, and if anyone was looking after him.

 

With Lu Ge accompanying him in conversation, Lu Xingmian felt less sad, and time passed quickly.

 

Before he knew it, it was noon. Lu Xingmian had only one small bag of IV fluid left, and Lu Ge stayed with him until the infusion was finished.

 

He felt much better now; at least he didn’t feel as dizzy as he did in the morning, and his face wasn’t as hot.

 

A nurse came to take his temperature. It was 37.3 Celsius, still a bit feverish, but thankfully it had come down. Taking some medicine and resting at home should bring his temperature back to normal. The nurse advised him to drink more hot water when he got home.

 

Lu Xingmian told Lu Ge that his IV was done, and then he received a red packet from Lu Ge.

 

Lu Shiran: [Eat something good for lunch. Eat fewer instant noodles. You’re still sick.]

 

Lu Xingmian: [Why did you send me a red packet?]

 

Lu Shiran: [I hope you get well soon. Just accept it, it’s a small red packet, only eight dollars and eight cents.]

 

Eight dollars and eight cents wasn’t a lot, and it was a red packet with good wishes, so Lu Xingmian didn’t think too much and opened it.

 

Then Lu Xingmian saw the number 200. It wasn’t eight dollars and eight cents at all, nor was it a small red packet; it was a big one! He was about to reply when Lu Ge called him.

 

Lu Xingmian asked him, “Why did you send me such a big red packet? I’ll transfer it back to you in a bit.”

 

Lu Ge was an office worker who also did a part-time job in the evening, so Lu Xingmian thought Lu Ge’s financial situation wasn’t great.

 

The “struggling worker,” Lu Shiran, said, “Lu Xingmian, don’t transfer it back. If you do, I’ll cancel your order.”

 

Lu Xingmian: “But 200 is too much.”

 

Lu Shiran: “Lu Xingmian, does your home not have any common medicines prepared? When you have time, be sure to get some for emergencies.”

 

Lu Shiran thought of a question: “How are you going to manage lunch? You’re not just going to eat instant noodles again, are you?”

 

“I’m not hungry.” If he were hungry, there would be instant noodles at home, but he didn’t say that. Instead, he said, “There are still vegetables at home; I’ll cook for myself when I get back. Don’t worry, I won’t eat instant noodles.”

 

Lu Shiran temporarily believed him but still advised him, “If it’s really not possible, go eat at a restaurant, or you can order takeout. But seriously, don’t eat instant noodles right now.”

 

“If you’re still uncomfortable, take the afternoon off and go back to school once you’re better.”

 

“Lu Xingmian, take good care of yourself.”

 

Lu Xingmian was suddenly touched: “Lu Ge, thank you.”

 

Thank him for accompanying him for an entire morning, making him feel like he wasn’t so alone after all.