As I was packing up my things, I put the last file into my bag and unconsciously glanced at Chu Xichen.
He was still standing there.
His head bowed low, his hands tightly gripping the hem of his shirt, as if he wanted to leave but didn't dare.
I paused.
After what just happened… leaving him alone like that, I really couldn't rest easy.
I was silent for a few seconds, then sighed softly.
Finally, I walked over.
"Xichen."
He startled and looked up.
"T… teacher…"
I looked at him for a moment, then slowly said:
"Is anyone home at your house… today?"
He froze slightly, his eyes briefly avoiding mine.
"… No."
The answer was very quiet.
But enough for me to understand.
I nodded slightly, then said:
"Then… if you don't mind, you could come to my house for a while. Wait until you're feeling better before going home."
Chu Xichen's eyes widened.
Clearly surprised.
"Uh…that wouldn't be convenient…"
I chuckled softly.
"It's alright. I wouldn't feel comfortable letting you go home alone like that either."
Hearing that, he fell silent.
After a while, he nodded slightly.
"…Yes, sir."
When we got home, I opened the door.
"Tich Than, come in."
He entered very slowly, his eyes scanning the surroundings cautiously.
His hands unconsciously tightened their grip on his old coat.
I saw this…but said nothing.
I just said softly:
"Sit here and rest for a while."
I poured him some water.
"Drink this."
Chu Tich Than took it, whispering:
"…Thank you, sir."
I nodded, then stood up.
"I'm going upstairs to check on Duc Ky for a bit. You stay here, and call me if you need anything."
"Yes…"
Even so, he still wondered in his heart: "Is the teacher…living with someone else?"
As I climbed the stairs, my pace unconsciously quickened.
Only one thought occupied my mind.
I wondered how A Qi was doing…
I opened the door.
Han Yuqi was awake.
He was sitting leaning against the headboard, one hand clutching his forehead, his face still flushed from the fever.
I immediately went over.
"A Qi, you're awake?"
I bent down and gently touched his forehead.
It was still hot.
"How do you feel? Are you feeling any better?"
He didn't answer immediately.
He just looked at me.
His gaze was unreadable.
After a while, he spoke.
"Teacher… did you take care of me?"
I paused slightly, then nodded.
"Yes. You had a fever."
"No need."
He interrupted.
His voice was so cold it made me freeze.
"Who needs you to do that?"
The air suddenly fell silent.
I said nothing.
I just looked at him.
I felt a little… uneasy.
Seeing my lack of reaction, Han Yuqi sneered.
"Aren't you bothered?"
This statement… was clearly meant to push me away.
I took a shallow breath.
Keeping my voice calm.
"Whether I'm bothered or not isn't up to you to decide."
He frowned.
He seemed surprised by my response.
I stood up straight.
"Let's go down and eat something."
"No."
"I have a fever."
"What does that have to do with you?"
This time, I couldn't hold back anymore.
I grabbed his wrist.
He immediately pulled back.
"Let go."
I looked him straight in the eyes.
"Okay."
"You can go wherever you want."
"I won't stop you."
I paused for a moment.
My voice lowered.
"But first… you have to eat."
"At least, don't make yourself any worse."