Chapter 22 Nighttime Talks and Past Shadows

Chapter 22: Night Talk and Past Events

Wu Qiu's words, "I've missed you so much," made Lei Ding's heart soften with a tender ache. He reached out to gently stroke Wu Qiu's face. Wu Qiu lowered his head, burying his face in Lei Ding's palm, rubbing it back and forth, and finally kissed it. Then, feeling embarrassed, he turned his head away, not letting Lei Ding see him.

Hoping to lift Wu Qiu's spirits, Lei Ding teased him playfully, reaching to tickle his waist. Wu Qiu, ticklish, squirmed on the bed, wrapped in the blanket, laughing as he tried to catch Lei Ding's hands. Lei Ding barely dodged, letting him grab his wrist, and took a chance to kiss the corner of Wu Qiu's mouth. Wu Qiu had always been very thin, and even after a month, his face had only gained a little flesh, nowhere near plump. But when he smiled, two little dimples would form at the corners of his mouth. Lei Ding's lips touched there—soft and warm—making him unable to resist giving it a couple of light, sucking kisses.

After playing for a while, they lay back down. Wu Qiu held Lei Ding's right wrist with both hands, his fingertips tracing circles on it.

Lei Ding let him play, relieved to see he wasn't as low-spirited as before. He asked, "Qiu Er, are you sleepy? If you're tired, sleep early. I'll stay with you tonight."

Although the day's events weren't fully resolved, Wu Qiu was indeed exhausted. Yet, he couldn't bear to sleep, clinging to the desire to talk with Lei Ding a little longer. His voice grew lazy and soft with drowsiness, his words less clear than usual, as he mumbled, "I'm so glad you're back."

Lei Ding shook his head. "I should be saying it's a good thing you were here today. Otherwise, how would Yue Er and Tan Er have dealt with those villains? But Qiu Er, next time you encounter trouble, be careful. Don't argue with them. The money isn't worth it; protecting yourself is what matters most."

Wu Qiu closed his eyes, continuing to nuzzle him affectionately. "Did I do wrong today?"

Lei Ding's voice, already deep, was tinged with a hint of huskiness. "No, Qiu Er was very clever, not only dealing with them but also finding such detailed evidence. I just want to tell you, no amount of money is more important than you. Don't be reluctant to part with silver."

Wu Qiu drew out a long, soft "Okay," then lifted his head to kiss Lei Ding's chin. "How is Master Cui's illness? Today, I thought he looked a bit better than yesterday. He even had an appetite—he had a small bowl of porridge this morning and a couple mouthfuls of steamed bun."

Lei Ding sighed. "Compared to yesterday, he is indeed slightly better. But his illness came on fiercely; we still mustn't let our guard down. There's no telling if it might take a turn. Tomorrow, Yu Yuan said he'll take my shift at the convalescent ward. I'll go to the magistrate's office to wrap up the business with those villains, then I can stay home for a few days and plan for the next rotation. If Father's condition improves by then, that's good. If it remains the same, I'll try to ask another friend to cover for me again."

The mention of Zhao Wen and Zhao Wu made Wu Qiu think of the past again, filling him with sadness. He burrowed deeper into Lei Ding's embrace, seeking the comforting scent of medicine. "Brother... what punishment will the authorities give those people?"

It was almost the third watch. Outside, apart from insect chirps, there was no other sound. Even though the weather hadn't turned cool yet, the quiet made the heat less oppressive, and holding each other wasn't uncomfortably warm. Wu Qiu knew Lei Ding was seeking justice for him, a warmth spreading in his heart. He wanted to say not to cause trouble for the clinic on his account, but he couldn't get the words out. After a long pause, he finally said, "Thank you, brother."

Lei Ding smiled. "We're family. There's no need for thanks between us. How could I let anyone bully you?"

Wu Qiu's heart felt so warm that it filled him with a sudden courage. There was something he had kept hidden in his heart, and now he finally wanted to say it. "Brother, do you remember, before I came to the clinic, there was a time you went to Dayou Village for a free clinic?"

Lei Ding naturally remembered, remembering how eagerly he had hoped to see Wu Qiu's figure that day. Just mentioning it made his sleepiness fade. He quickly replied, "I remember."

Wu Qiu whispered, "Actually, that day, I was in Dayou Village. I knew you were coming for the clinic and wanted to beg you to see my mother. But I got the news a bit late, so I tried to take a shortcut, cutting through the sorghum field."

Lei Ding suddenly had a foreboding feeling, not daring to listen further. He strained to see Wu Qiu's eyes in the darkness. "But... but I didn't see you that day."

So many things from that day—Zhao Wen's ghostly smile, being relentlessly chased, the cold dampness of the muddy pond and ditch, the suffocating pain—each one filled Wu Qiu with terror, often appearing in his nightmares. Every time he woke from a nightmare, he would feel both relief and regret, hating Zhao Wen and, inexplicably, hating himself for being so careless as to take that path.

Wu Qiu shook Lei Ding's arm. "You... hold me, hold me tighter..."

Obliged, he tightened his embrace but careful not to squeeze too hard, worried he might hurt him. Wu Qiu wrapped his own arms around Lei Ding's neck. This position brought their cheeks together. Lei Ding patted his back while turning to kiss him. Emboldened by this intimacy, Wu Qiu spoke softly, "That day in the sorghum field, I ran into that Zhao Wen. It turned out he had been following me, wanting to... But don't worry, he didn't actually violate me. I ran fast and hid in a ditch. I was so tired then that I fainted. Luckily, he didn't find me, so I escaped that disaster. But I missed your clinic. When I woke up, it was already dark—"

He nuzzled against Lei Ding's neck, his disheveled hair damp with sweat. "You had already left."

In the past, when Wu Qiu told Lei Ding about his grievances with Zhao Wen and Zhao Wu, he had deliberately omitted this incident. He always felt it was somewhat shameful, afraid Lei Ding would think he was too promiscuous and attracted other men's attention. Now, Wu Qiu no longer worried. He knew Lei Ding's love was trustworthy, so he finally spoke of it.

Perhaps saying it out loud meant this hurdle was crossed, and he wouldn't dream of it anymore.

Lei Ding lowered his gaze, intently feeling Wu Qiu in his arms—his loose hair, the warmth of his body, his moist breath, his soft waist, even his flesh, blood, and bones. Every bit was engraved into his heart, using that to push back the dull ache rising with Wu Qiu's words.

Some memories that had blurred suddenly became clear. Lei Ding abruptly remembered that day, meeting Zhao Wen on the main road beside the sorghum field and sending him to deliver medicine to the village head.

So that's how it was.

Lei Ding told Wu Qiu this as well, the pain in his heart making his voice tremble uncharacteristically. "If I had asked him one more question that day, maybe I would have found a flaw. Or if I had asked other villagers, maybe I could have found you. You were sick then, alone and unconscious in a place no one passed. If..."

He couldn't continue. Hearing his rapid, heavy breathing, Wu Qiu hurriedly kissed his face. "Brother, look, I'm fine now. I don't blame you. I just thought saying it would lift the weight from my heart, and I'd feel better. But, counting it this way, brother saved me again. If not for you, I might have already died..."

Lei Ding wouldn't let him finish those inauspicious words, pecking his lips to stop the rest, drawing a muffled, whimpering sound from Wu Qiu.

He stroked Wu Qiu's face and said solemnly, "I won't let them off, Qiu Er. Rest assured."

Wu Qiu yawned in his embrace, rubbed his eyes, and smiled a bit foolishly. "I know. But brother, don't push yourself tomorrow either. Come home early."

Lei Ding promised, "Okay, don't worry. I know what I'm doing."

Tonight, he probably wouldn't have nightmares. Wu Qiu nestled contentedly against Lei Ding, found a comfortable position, and closed his eyes.

The next day, Lei Ding got up early and went to the magistrate's office. Wu Qiu went as usual to look after Cui Nanshan. He had assumed Cui Nanshan didn't know about yesterday's incident at home, but the commotion had disturbed him. When Lei Xun returned, he couldn't hide it and briefly explained, saying someone had forged a prescription and Wu Qiu had exposed it, and the matter was settled.

Cui Nanshan's fever had finally subsided, though he still occasionally had bouts of heat. He wasn't running a constant fever, but he remained very weak, even speaking was an effort. After coughing for a while, he chided Lei Xun, "You're good at placating me. With such a big fuss, how could it just be settled? Tell me, is there something else?"

Lei Xun patted his back to soothe him, pretending to be serious with a stern face. "There really isn't. Don't worry about these things. Ting Er and I will handle it. You're not well yet; you mustn't strain your mind."

Cui Nanshan lay back down. He wasn't afraid of Lei Xun but had other concerns. He sighed deeply. "No one lets me rest easy. I know my own body. This illness came fiercely; I might not pull through."

He took Lei Xun's hand, a glimmer of tears in his eyes. "Tell me, how can I rest assured? Even if I die, I wouldn't go in peace."

Lei Xun was holding a bowl of medicine, scooping a spoonful and blowing on it. Hearing this, he frowned. "Don't talk nonsense. Although your illness is dangerous, it's following a normal course and isn't hard to treat."

He fed that spoonful into Cui Nanshan's mouth, then scooped another. "You're a physician yourself. How can you not know a patient's state of mind most affects the illness? Don't think wildly."

Cui Nanshan said nothing more. After drinking the medicine, he closed his eyes to rest and soon fell asleep again.

Lei Tan accompanied Wu Qiu, preparing to relieve Lei Xun. Just as they reached the outer room, they faintly saw Lei Xun sitting by the bed, leaning over Cui Nanshan. When Lei Xun came out, Wu Qiu noticed a slight redness around his eyes.

Even though Wu Qiu didn't believe in gods or Buddhas, seeing this, he couldn't help but pray devoutly to heaven in his heart for Cui Nanshan to safely overcome this illness.

He thought Cui Nanshan was already sound asleep and tiptoed in, intending to do some needlework. Looking down, he saw Cui Nanshan awake and watching him. He quickly put away his work and asked, "Master, you're awake? Would you like some water? Or do you need something? I'll fetch it."

Cui Nanshan shook his head and smiled. "Good child, thank you for taking care of me these past few days. I've troubled you with these tasks."

Seeing him pale and weak, Wu Qiu felt distressed. "Master, please don't say that. How can it be 'trouble'? I don't understand medicine; I'm just doing what I can to help. You saved my mother and me; I can never repay that kindness."

Cui Nanshan genuinely liked Wu Qiu, even secretly hoping he could stay. This child was kind-hearted and clever. Cui Nanshan felt he wouldn't survive this illness. What worried him most was that Lei Ding still hadn't settled down and started a family. These days, he had observed carefully and felt Lei Ding seemed to have some affection for Wu Qiu. If the two could be companions, he could rest easy.

But in the end, he said nothing to Wu Qiu. After coughing a few times, he closed his eyes again. Ultimately, this matter depended on fate. Cui Nanshan didn't want to use his illness to pressure Wu Qiu into agreeing, nor did he want to force either of them.

Wu Qiu always felt Cui Nanshan had something left unsaid, but seeing him tired, he didn't dare ask further, afraid of taxing him. So, he kept his thoughts to himself and silently continued his needlework.

Just as the two in the room each harbored their own thoughts, not knowing how to broach the subject, a man showed up at the clinic. This person's attire didn't look like that of a destitute refugee. Entering the clinic, he didn't mention any illness or ask for a physician, but only inquired, "Excuse me, which young master is named Lei Li?"

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