Chapter 43: The Healing Touch

Chapter 43: The Healing Touch

There were five people in the elevator. Besides Ying Li and Song Ji Mo, there were two men and a woman. The sudden mishap startled everyone, prompting them to turn on their flashlights.

Ying Li tried to press the emergency button, but someone tugged his sleeve. Turning, he saw Song Ji Mo with eyes shut, his breathing rapid, clearly distressed.

Yang You'an, on the other end of the phone, inquired anxiously, "What's happening with Ying Li?"

The girl closest to the door activated the rescue button. The responders stated that the elevator malfunctioned due to a power outage in the hotel and a repair team would arrive shortly.

Ying Li informed Yang You'an, "It seems there's been a power outage. We'll have to wait a bit for repairs."

Yang You'an continued, "Where are you?"

With an even tighter grip on his wrist, Song Ji Mo's voice trembled weakly, "Ying Li."

Glancing at the visibly distressed Song Ji Mo, Ying Li whispered to Yang You'an, "I'm in the capital. There's a unique situation here. Can we talk about it later?"

Yang You'an, hearing other voices in the background, reluctantly said, "Alright, go ahead with what you're doing. Just remember to get back to me when you're done."

After ending the call, Ying Li looked uneasily at Song Ji Mo, "Aren't you used to elevators? Why would you be claustrophobic?"

Song Ji Mo's gaze rested on Ying Li's face, his deep-set eyes reflecting Ying Li's image, he pondered for a moment and replied, "Maybe it's intermittent."

Unfamiliar with the condition, and seeing Song Ji Mo's apparent discomfort, Ying Li attempted to console, "Take deep breaths and relax. Would leaning against the wall help?"

Without changing his expression, Song Ji Mo gently tugged at Ying Li's sleeve, "It might be better if you held me."

Ying Li paused, his lashes fluttering, lips pursed, as he studied him.

A hint of desolation appeared in Song Ji Mo's expression, "Is it not okay?"

Ying Li seemed deep in thought, after a moment he asked, "How... should I hold you?"

Their eyes met. The tension in Song Ji Mo's eyes gradually eased. The faint glow from the flashlight only lit up a small corner, as Ying Li looked up at him, the smooth elevator wall reflecting a soft luminescence on his face, making him appear endearingly innocent.

Song Ji Mo smiled, drawing Ying Li closer, just as he was about to wrap his arms around him, a sudden thud on the elevator door caused it to shudder. Instinctively, Song Ji Mo shielded him.

An irritated voice erupted from a young man nearby, "I've been riding elevators for over twenty years and have never experienced this! What kind of shoddy hotel is this?"

The action clearly frightened a young woman, "What are you doing?"

"Open the door! Is there anyone outside? Open it now!" he shouted.

In a shocking move, the young man started prying at the elevator doors.

Ying Li quickly intervened, "Sir, forcibly opening elevator doors during a malfunction can be dangerous. Please, for everyone's safety, refrain from doing so."

The young man glared, retorting sharply, "Who are you to tell me what to do?"

As Ying Li tried reasoning further with him, he was suddenly pulled back. Song Ji Mo shielded him, his face solemn and voice cold, "Last March, a man got trapped in an elevator and tried to force the doors open. The elevator suddenly moved, cutting him in half. Earlier this year, another one was crushed to death. You can still find these news stories online. Care to look it up?"

The young man froze, "Do you take me for a child? Who are you trying to scare?"

Song Ji Mo's tone remained unaltered, "I have no intention of scaring you. If you wish to endanger yourself, that's your choice, but don't drag us down with you."

The young woman, edging back into a corner, muttered, "What's gotten into him..."

Another man interjected, "Calm down, brother. No one wants the elevator to malfunction. Prying the doors like that is genuinely unsafe."

The young man's face turned paler by the second. It was his first encounter with a malfunctioning elevator, so it was only natural for him to react impulsively out of fear. While Song Ji Mo's words had clearly intimidated him, he wasn't willing to lose face and mumbled a few derogatory remarks before giving up on the door.

Ying Li breathed a sigh of relief. Such reckless behavior from the young man was extremely perilous. The incidents Song Ji Mo mentioned had genuinely occurred. Now, all they could do was wait patiently for professionals to rescue them.

Song Ji Mo commented, "The elevator was already on the third floor. A fall from here won't be lethal, but just to be safe, let's all stand against the walls. It can offer some cushioning should the elevator drop suddenly."

Hearing this, the remaining individuals pressed themselves against the walls.

Ying Li also shifted closer to the wall, only to feel a gentle tug on his fingers, followed by a soft whisper in his ear, "Come here, Li Li."

A warmth, lighter than a feather, brushed against the back of his neck, sending tingles down his spine. Instinctively, Ying Li shrank back a bit.

"Li Li, Xiao Li," Song Ji Mo's gaze deepened as he leaned down, "May I call you that?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Ying Li's eyes. He hesitated for a moment, catching the arch of Song Ji Mo's brow before answering, "...Yes."

His parents called him Xiao Li, friends used his full name, and only fans from the C-platform referred to him as Li Li. Hearing Song Ji Mo address him this way was unexpected, leaving him momentarily stunned.

A subtle smile crept across Song Ji Mo's face as he continued to interlock their pinkies.

A momentary silence enveloped the elevator before Ying Li's phone rang again. It was Shen Yao calling.

Just as Ying Li was about to answer, Song Ji Mo swiftly took the phone, whispering, "Let me answer it."

Taken aback, Ying Li nodded, "Okay."

Upon answering, Shen Yao's voice came through, "Where are you, Ying Li? There's a power outage in the hotel. Don't use the elevator."

Glancing at the hand he held—soft and warm—Song Ji Mo replied nonchalantly, "You're a bit late with that advice. We're already trapped inside."

Shen Yao's voice faltered, "Why is it you? Where's Ying Li?"

"Right beside me," Song Ji Mo said, placing the phone next to Ying Li's ear and nudging his chin, "Go on, say something."

Puzzled, Ying Li asked, "What's going on?"

Shen Yao, sounding nearly frantic on the other end, questioned, "Are you okay, Ying Li? Did Song Ji Mo do anything to you?"

"It's alright." Ying Li felt puzzled, wondering what Song Ji Mo could possibly do to him.

The phone was taken away again. Shen Yao could be heard cursing on the other end. Song Ji Mo turned down the volume, but before he could say much, the call was cut off.

Song Ji Mo returned the phone to him. Ying Li asked, "What did Shen Yao say?"

Perhaps it was the naiveté in Ying Li's expression that prompted Song Ji Mo to tease him. Leaning close to his ear, he whispered, "He said to take good care of me."

Song Ji Mo's voice was truly enchanting, speaking in a softened tone as if reciting a love poem. It was deep, flirtatious, and held a bewitching power.

Ying Li shivered slightly, realizing that Song Ji Mo had been holding his hand the whole time. He asked awkwardly, "Do you feel better now?"

The subtle expression on Ying Li's face delighted Song Ji Mo, who replied with contentment, "Much better."

Within ten minutes, the rescue team arrived, knocking on the elevator door and asking, "Is anyone inside?"

"Yes."

A rescuer said, "Hold on, we'll get you out shortly."

The elevator doors were pried open by the rescuers. Bright light flooded in, and through squinted eyes, Ying Li saw Shen Yao and others waiting outside.

Xie Wen Shi pushed to the front, his face filled with concern, "Little Brother Li, are you all okay?"

Just as Shen Yao was about to speak, he noticed the two holding hands. A chill ran through him. Damn, how did they end up holding hands? Did Song Ji Mo confess his feelings?

It wasn’t really a mutual hand-hold; Song Ji Mo had merely gripped Ying Li's wrist, and Ying Li hadn't shaken him off.

The light was too glaring. Ying Li raised his hand to shield his eyes, "I'm fine."

The elevator had been stuck between the second and third floors. It was fortunate that the young man had been stopped from prying open the doors earlier; otherwise, they might have witnessed a disastrous accident.

One by one, the rescuers pulled them out, and the hotel manager kept apologizing profusely.

Upon hearing they had been trapped, Zhang Shao Ling was utterly shaken, "How is everyone? Any injuries?"

"I'm fine." Ying Li shook his head and looked at Song Ji Mo, silently asking with his eyes, "Do you need to see a doctor?"

What kind of doctor should one see for this? A psychiatrist?

"What's with you?" Zhang Shao Ling turned to see Song Ji Mo, his complexion rosy, a hint of a smile on his lips. He looked quite radiant.

Song Ji Mo felt the residual warmth on his fingertips and smirked at Ying Li, "A touch that heals."

The Mid-Autumn Festival gala was set to begin at eight in the evening. They had a tight rehearsal schedule, hastily finishing lunch to start practicing.

The crew was adjusting their earpieces. Ying Li, having nothing specific to do, sat aside waiting for them.

Shen Yao glanced at him, suggesting, "If you're bored, take a stroll outside. There are some interesting places around here."

Bian Qiao caught his reflection in the mirror, "Have you ever been to the capital?"

Ying Li shook his head, "No."

Bian Qiao turned to him, "We're not far from the Capital Museum and the Art Museum. Both are worth visiting."

Today, he wore red gloves, their velvet texture reminiscent of roses. They beautifully enveloped his slender fingers. Strikingly beautiful and eye-catching, they perfectly complemented the theme of their performance. Adjusting the earpiece, he looked especially alluring.

"I'm afraid I'll get lost," Ying Li responded, still shaking his head, "I'll wait here for you guys. I might be needed for something."

Song Ji Mo emerged after changing his clothes and playfully ruffled Ying Li's hair, "Such a good boy."

Shen Yao rolled his eyes so dramatically that the whites disappeared. Always so touchy-feely, utterly shameless.

When they went for the dress rehearsal, Ying Li sat among the audience seats below.

The stage was decorated festively with red and gold accents. Colorful lanterns adorned the audience area, giving off a rich Mid-Autumn ambiance. Large screens flanked the stage, displaying various camera angles.

Their rehearsal was intense. They reworked the choreography and positioning for two songs from their new album. As they sang, Ying Li couldn't help but sing along.

During a break, Shen Yao asked, "Were you singing along earlier?"

Ying Li, thinking he might've been too loud, replied sheepishly, "Did you hear me?"

Shen Yao chuckled, "No."

But when he sang along, he'd tap his foot to the rhythm, nodding and shaking his head, utterly adorable.

Xie Wen Shi sat next to him, sipping water and naturally leaning towards Ying Li, "Little Brother Li, what do you plan to do in the future? Will you pursue a career in entertainment like us?"

"Performing for a living?"

Xie Wen Shi always had a way with surprising remarks.

Taking a sip of water, he noticed all eyes on him and innocently queried, "Why are you all staring at me? Is there an issue?"

Well, to be fair, they were in the business of performing, earning fans' admiration with their craft. Fundamentally, there's no difference.

Ying Li pondered for a moment, then earnestly responded, "I'd like to become a teacher, or perhaps work behind the scenes in music."

Initially, when he was seeking internships, he considered teaching. But finding the right school proved difficult. Being a teacher would offer him more free time to maintain his 'C-site' account. However, Professor Gu Feng hoped he'd join a musical ensemble, persuading him several times with quite enticing offers, leaving him in a dilemma.

Xie Wen Shi's eyes drooped, "Our show contract is also for three months. So once your internship ends, you'll be leaving?"

Both Ying Li's internship and show contracts were for a three-month duration, coinciding with the end of the academic term.

Xie Wen Shi grew inexplicably melancholic, his spirits dampened for the remainder of the day.

As the previous artists wrapped up, the crew beckoned them over for rehearsal.

Ying Li checked his phone, spotting a recent message from his mother warning him about fluctuating temperatures in the capital, with flu on the rise, and urging him to take precautions.

"Mr. Ying."

A large shadow loomed over him, and the voice above had a chilling edge.

Without looking up, Ying Li's eyes were drawn to a pair of long legs before him. The next moment, a black jacket— one he had worn before— landed in his arms.

The long-legged figure lingered. Even without eye contact, Ying Li felt a piercing gaze. He murmured, "I'm not a teacher right now..."

As the figure moved away, Ying Li glanced up, spotting Qi Xie in a thin t-shirt, a light sheen of sweat on his back, his legs straight and sturdy.

There was a coldness about him. He draped the jacket over a chair and covered it with others' coats, taking shallow breaths.

After replying to his mother's message, Ying Li heard someone call out to him.

"Ying Li, I knew you'd be here too."

Turning around, he recognized a familiar face staring intently at him. After a few moments, he recognized the figure and greeted with a smile, "Senior Zhou Zi Yan, you're here too."

"On such a significant evening, it seems like half of the entertainment industry has shown up," Zhou Zi Yan remarked, his eyes gleaming, as he took a seat beside him. "Have you seen the program list? Number is closing the show tonight. They're truly on fire these days."

The floor below was chaotic, with staff constantly moving about. At the moment, a comic duo was performing on stage, their exchanges exaggeratedly comedic.

Ying Li didn't fiddle with his phone. He was engrossed in the performance, occasionally bursting into laughter, unaware of Zhou Zi Yan's discomfort beside him.

Since adding each other on WeChat in Shanghai, they hadn't chatted much. Earlier, when Number was speaking with Ying Li, Zhou Zi Yan didn't dare approach, especially when he noticed their close bond. He felt the minimal distance he had managed to bridge with Ying Li widening again.

The venue was a bit stuffy. Out of the blue, Zhou Zi Yan asked, "Are you thirsty?"

He pulled a beverage from his bag, saying, "A senior gave this to me earlier, said it's delicious. You have it. I can't drink it."

Ying Li responded, puzzled, "Oh? Why not?"

Zhou Zi Yan offered a wistful smile, "It seems my bone marrow is a match for a child with leukemia. I have a hospital appointment tomorrow for tests, so I need to avoid certain things."

Initially taken aback, a mix of emotions crossed Ying Li's face before he asked solemnly, "Are you willing to donate?"

Bone marrow transplantation poses certain risks to donors. While most recover well with post-surgery care, online rumors have exaggerated these risks, causing many potential donors to hesitate.

Zhou Zi Yan's smile was radiant and unburdened, "Of course, I'm willing. It's a meaningful act. If the match is confirmed, I could save a life. Why hesitate?"

"I donated blood once in college, merely for some social service credits. When the blood center called me yesterday, I never imagined my blood could potentially save someone."

Hearing Zhou Zi Yan's unwavering commitment, Ying Li turned to him, only to hear him add, "It's just a preliminary match for now. Further tests are needed. Fingers crossed..."

Ying Li's eyes moistened, "They'll be eternally grateful to you."

He wished Ying Tao would encounter someone as kind-hearted.

Author's Note:

No fluff here, just a little wiggle for you all.