Chapter 147

Chapter 147

"What exactly happened?"

"The young master fainted halfway up the pool ladder."

"Examination results?"

"It was a sudden onset of Sleeping Beauty Syndrome. The young master rarely has episodes, so he should wake up soon. However, his left toes hit the pool wall, resulting in a minor fracture." The secretary, pale-faced, lowered his head.

"...Later, we reviewed the surveillance footage and noticed the young master seemed to have sensed his discomfort and was already trying his best to swim toward the edge."

"Why wasn’t it noticed at the time?"

"...We weren't careful enough. The bodyguards lacked experience."

Luo Ci heard a familiar voice and tried to open his eyes, only to be overwhelmed by a wave of dizziness, his eyelids drooping heavily again.

During an episode, it wasn’t exactly painful—just extreme sleepiness, as if his eyelids were glued shut, making him want to sleep endlessly.

In his dazed state, he woke up several times, hearing Tristan speaking with others—sometimes the secretary, sometimes the family doctor. But their words were muffled, like listening through cotton.

When he finally woke properly, it was daytime. Luo Ci lifted his eyelids and found himself back in his bedroom at home. The curtains were tightly drawn, with only a sliver of light seeping through the gap. Tristan sat on a chair, resting his forehead in his hand, his figure blurred in the dim light, the veins on his neck visibly tense.

"Brother..." Luo Ci studied Tristan’s expression for a moment, his heart filled with contentment.

It had always been like this since childhood. Whenever he fell ill, Tristan would drop everything to stay by his side. Every time he opened his eyes, Tristan would be the first thing he saw.

At times like this, he felt completely satisfied.

He could feel just how much Tristan cared for him.

Hearing the little one’s voice, Tristan lifted his head, his tense expression softening. "Awake? Still feeling unwell?"

"Not unwell." Luo Ci shook his head obediently, tugging the blanket up to cover half his face.

Whether it was the warmth of the blanket or Tristan’s intense gaze, his cheeks turned rosy, a hint of pink peeking through his fair skin, like a translucent mochi with peach filling.

But he truly didn’t feel unwell. Sleeping Beauty Syndrome only caused sudden fainting spells, making it impossible to wake during an episode. Once awake, he was no different from anyone else.

It was like having a good long sleep.

"Mmm..." He squirmed under the blanket, only to notice his left foot felt bulky and wrapped in something.

Pulling back the covers, he saw his left foot and ankle bandaged up like a freshly wrapped zongzi.

Tristan: "When you fainted, your foot hit the pool wall. One of your toes fractured."

Luo Ci wiggled his hips, shifting the bandaged foot, but it didn’t hurt much.

He had already been out cold when he got hurt, and the doctor had taken emergency measures, applying a splint and ointment. So aside from the awkward weight, there wasn’t much pain.

But Tristan’s expression was far darker than his. Only later did he learn that Tristan had quickly dealt with the staff involved that day.

Luo Ci pushed the blanket aside, about to get out of bed, but Tristan stopped him. "What do you want to do?"

"Take a shower."

Luo Ci was particular about cleanliness. The pool had disinfectants, and his sensitive nose could still detect traces of it on his arms. He was dying to wash it off.

Tristan: "I’ll carry you."

The moment Luo Ci was lifted, he automatically looped his arms around Tristan’s neck.

Tristan carried him to the bathroom and sat him on a stool.

He then went to fill the bathtub, testing the water temperature before letting it fill.

"...So slippery." Luo Ci was placed into the tub, his injured foot propped on a stool Tristan had brought over.

He said this to make Tristan worry, ensuring he wouldn’t be left alone in the bathroom.

Having raised Luo Ci, Tristan knew exactly what he meant.

He wouldn’t dare leave Luo Ci alone in the bathroom anyway.

Luo Ci cupped some bubbles in his hands and blew them lightly, letting them drift toward Tristan. "Why aren’t you saying anything?"

Tristan: "What do you want to hear?"

Luo Ci: "You talked so much with the secretary and the family doctor while I was asleep. Why so quiet with me?"

"...You heard that?"

"Couldn't understand what you were saying." Luo Ci dabbed Tristan’s chest with his bubble-covered hand. "What, did you think I slept like a little pig?"

"Not a pig," Tristan replied, his clothes getting soaked but not caring. He took Luo Ci’s small fist and gave it a soft kiss. "You’re my precious one."

"Humph." Luo Ci huffed, but seeing Tristan’s expression soften, he couldn't help smiling too. "Then kiss it better for me. It’ll heal faster."

"Alright, I’ll kiss it better for you." Tristan was always indulgent when Luo Ci was sick.

Luo Ci felt his little "dumpling" being held gently as Tristan’s lips drew close. Even through the bandages, he could sense the warm breath tickling his toes, making him itch slightly. His pale skin, like winter snow, gradually flushed pink. His uninjured foot, soaking in the water, curled slightly. "Stop... it tickles."

But Tristan continued, murmuring, "Make the boo-boo better, heal my treasure’s little toe, stay healthy and sleep well..."

Luo Ci started giggling, holding his belly. "What kind of chant is that? Did you make it up?"

Tristan hummed. "Does it sound bad?"

Luo Ci buried his giggles against Tristan’s shoulder. "Kind of silly..."

***

Truthfully, Luo Ci didn’t think his injury was serious. A single fractured toe didn’t hinder his movements much.

Besides, motorized scooters were already widespread.

Riding one, he could move around the castle as freely as usual.

But Tristan treated him like a porcelain doll, carrying him everywhere—even to work.

As if he hadn’t just fractured a toe, but broken his entire leg.

Of course, aside from being overprotective, Luo Ci didn’t mind. After all, it meant more time with Tristan, more hugs and kisses, and Tristan giving in to even his silliest demands.

Tristan had always doted on him, but now, he would give him anything he wanted.

Back home, Luo Ci heard from the butler that Anthony and others had visited several times, but unfortunately, they happened to coincide with him being out with Tristan, so they didn’t get to meet.

That weekend, they came again, and Luo Ci had the butler bring them to the garden.

The wheeled chair was somewhat like a steampunk-inspired chair. Luo Ci had gotten used to being carried, so sitting on the assistive chair felt a bit unfamiliar instead.

As soon as Anthony arrived, he apologized: "I’m sorry. If I hadn’t insisted on going to the airship, this wouldn’t have happened."

Luo Ci knew that suddenly fainting must have worried them for a long time. He shook his head and said, "It’s not your fault. It’s my own health issue. Even if we hadn’t gone to the airship that day, I would’ve passed out regardless."

Seeing that Luo Ci didn’t blame him at all, Anthony immediately relaxed.

Julia, on the other hand, scrutinized his face. "Somehow, I feel like your complexion has actually improved since you got sick."

Stuart nodded in agreement.

Luo Ci was taken aback. "Is it that obvious?"

Julia smiled mischievously and winked at him. "So, any good news in that department?"

Luo Ci drooped his shoulders and swung his feet. "...There have just been more chances to meet recently, but no good news yet."

During this time, he had used Tristan’s caretaking as an opportunity to ask for a few kisses, but whether it was on the forehead or the cheek, he could tell that Tristan’s kisses were those of an older brother caring for a younger sibling or a patient—not the kind given to a lover or someone cherished.

"What? The person hasn’t agreed to a relationship but still kisses and hugs you?" Julia was indignant. "Are you sure you’re not misreading them? Maybe they’re just really experienced?"

"It’s not like that," Luo Ci frowned, mumbled. "It’s just… not what you think."

"Alright… Actually, I brought you a gift today." Seeing Luo Ci insist it wasn’t like that, she wasn’t fully convinced. While Anthony and Stuart were chatting and not paying attention, Julia took out a bunny costume from her bag.

"What’s this?" Luo Ci was puzzled.

"Try it on. It suits you." Julia urged.

Under her insistence, Luo Ci changed into the outfit. After putting it on, he looked in the mirror. Two fluffy ears stood upright on his head, and his neck, wrists, and hem were adorned with soft white fur. It looked irresistibly soft—not at all frivolous, just incredibly cute.

When he turned around, he noticed a short, fluffy puffball tail on his backside.

Julia nodded in satisfaction.

Perfect.

Her eye for style was perfect. This outfit suited Luo Ci perfectly.

When trying to attract someone you like, the most important thing is to highlight your best features. In her opinion, Luo Ci’s strongest asset was his adorableness, and the bunny outfit highlighted that flawlessly.

A little bunny Luo Ci was sure to make their heart skip.

Not to tire out the patient, Anthony and the others left after less than two hours.

Luo Ci had the chair wheel him to the study.

Tristan was at work, and his secretary was also present. Upon seeing Luo Ci, the secretary bowed. "Little Master."

Luo Ci nodded in return.

Only then did Tristan look up at the secretary’s voice.

He noticed the unfamiliar bunny outfit Luo Ci was wearing. He lifted Luo Ci from the assistive chair onto the sofa, found a small cushion, and comfortably propped it behind him.

Then, in a casually asked, "Whose clothes are those?"

Luo Ci pressed his lips together. "Julia gave them to me. What do you think?"

"...Hmm."

Luo Ci frowned slightly. What did "hmm" mean?

He studied Tristan’s expression, but Tristan remained as unreadable as always. Even Luo Ci couldn’t decipher what he was thinking.

Seriously… if only he could know what Tristan was thinking.

Luo Ci sulked and had the secretary bring his virtual tablet. He played some games and scrolled through social media for a while.

A few days later, Luo Ci realized Tristan seemed to really like it—so much so that he bought him a whole array of various fluffy outfits.

There were so many that they needed a whole new closet just to store them all.

It was around this time that Luo Ci suddenly remembered he hadn’t seen the original bunny outfit. He asked the cleaning staff about it.

The maid nervously replied, "Apologies, Little Master. That outfit was damaged during washing, so the Master had me discard it."

"Don’t worry, I was just asking," Luo Ci said, a little disappointed but knowing it wasn’t intentional. He reassured her, "If it was damaged during washing, there’s nothing to be done. Just be more careful next time."

The maid was profoundly relieved that the Little Master didn’t hold her accountable.

***

9 p.m.

Study.

Secretary: "Faris has broken promises before. He acts so recklessly only because he has powerful backing."

Tristan: "Then what if we reset the board for everyone?"

"...What do you mean?"

"Wrap up your current tasks first." Tristan glanced at the clock. It was Luo Ci’s bedtime. Recently, the little one had stopped staying up late. He stood, took off his coat, and walked out. "I’ll handle Faris."

The secretary bowed as he left.

Tristan entered the bedroom. The blanket was bunched up, turned away from him. Normally, at the sound of the door, the little one would peek out from the blanket. This time, even when Tristan made sure his steps were heard, the little one didn’t stir—though the blanket twitched.

He sat on the edge of the bed. "What’s wrong?"

After some coaxing, the little one finally revealed half his face. "Were you really that busy? You didn’t even eat dinner tonight."

"I was a bit busy," Tristan said, brushing his fingers against the warm cheek to confirm the little one was just warm from being bundled up, not feverish. "Did you only eat a little because I wasn’t there with you?"

Luo Ci nuzzled deeper into the blanket. "...You knew?"

"Mhm."

Luo Ci’s pout vanished completely. Knowing that Tristan had been paying attention to him despite being so busy, he couldn’t stay upset.

"Then sleep with me." A small pale hand reached out from the blanket, tugging at Tristan’s clothes to pull him into bed.

Tristan gathered the little one curling into him into his arms.

Luo Ci nuzzled his face into his chest, blinking his round eyes. "That day when we took the airship, it felt like the stars were right there. The night sky was so beautiful—I'd never seen the stars from that angle before. I didn’t even get to snap any pictures."

Tristan knew he loved posting photos on social platforms. "Then we’ll go together sometime."

"Mmm," Luo Ci clung to him like a needy kitten. Tristan was nearly asleep, but the little one was still full of energy. Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, he lifted his head. "Do you ever get tired of taking care of me?"

"What do you think?"

Luo Ci tugged at him. "I asked first. Answer me quickly."

"It’s never a hassle." Tristan opened his eyes. "I like it."

"..."

Luo Ci hadn’t expected such an answer. The way Tristan looked at him seemed loaded, like a double meaning, as if he were saying he liked *him*. Even though he knew that wasn’t the case, the tips of his ears slowly turned pink.