Chapter 43

Chapter 43

What came out was neither mockery nor pity, but kind words of praise.

The tone of genuine emotion seemed genuine, without a trace of falseness, containing only well-intentioned appreciation, like the purest, most pristine spring water.

This left Li Yanchuan stunned for a moment.

"Yes, yes! This is my husband."

Instead, it was Song Nian who broke into a bright smile, wrapping his arms around him and the wheelchair in a hug.

"You two really are a perfect match, both so good-looking."

The boss laughed and set down the skewers of barbecue, not forgetting to urge Li Yanchuan, who was there for the first time, to eat more.

"Xiao Song specially asked me to go easy on the chili. Try it, and if it doesn't suit your taste, just tell me."

"If you need anything else, feel free to let me know. You have to eat well and drink well at my place."

The warm and enthusiastic greeting was almost overwhelming, and even after the boss turned back to the grill, Li Yanchuan, enveloped in such warmth, it took him a long time to snap out of it.

"Honey?"

Seeing that the man remained silent, Song Nian grew worried that he might be uncomfortable with the setting. He leaned in, gave him a tentative poke, and asked softly.

"If you're not feeling it, should we head back?"

Although the original intention was to get him out for a walk, if we pushed too hard and it backfired, that wouldn't be good. The priority was still his feelings.

Gazing at the eyes suddenly so close, brimming with worry, a thousand thoughts raced through Li Yanchuan's mind.

Admittedly, he didn't like going out, especially to a place full of all kinds of people like this.

It wasn't surprising that the driver had looked puzzled; he himself never fit in with places like this.

But surprisingly, what he'd expected to dislike turned out, after experiencing it, to be not so bad after all.

He had received countless impeccable services from Michelin-starred restaurants, both in terms of detail and human touch, yet somehow they couldn't leave as lasting an impression as that simple smile from the boss just now.

Perhaps it was because of the patient preparations of the person beside him, protecting his sensitive and fragile heart.

Though he never took the credit, Li Yanchuan could piece together from little clues what he had prepared in advance.

— A reserved spot, tables and chairs of different heights, a spotless, grease-free table, dishes tailored to taste.

All of this Song Nian had carefully arranged.

Or perhaps it was because that person was by his side.

Wherever he was, there was always warmth and tenderness, as if he were the sun itself, spreading sunshine wherever he went.

"Honey?"

Having gotten no reply for a while, Song Nian bat his eyes and poked the man's arm again.

"Do you come here often?"

Li Yanchuan lifted his head, meeting those round, moist eyes like grapes, and asked gravely.

"Hmm, not really often. I came a few times with Lin Yunzhou after wrapping up shoots late."

Since the food was good, over time he got familiar with the boss and exchanged contact info.

"So, honey, do we want to head back now?"

Seeing the man go quiet again, Song Nian pouted slightly and kept poking him over and over.

But the answer was no.

"Since we're here, let's stay a while."

Then, a skewer of meat was offered to his lips.

Seeing this, Song Nian blinked in disbelief, as if wondering if the scene before him was real.

"Why don't you eat?"

Li Yanchuan urged instead.

"Eat!"

At that, Song Nian instantly understood that this meant Li Yanchuan was willing to stay. A smile spread across his face, and he chomped down on the skewer with a playful "om nom."

Though he wasn't into junk food, Li Yanchuan graciously tried one skewer of each kind, leaving the rest for Song Nian.

He had to admit, the taste was indeed good—no wonder Song Nian liked it.

He quietly watched the way the man ate, a softness creeping into his eyes without him realizing it.

Since they had their backs to the river, the breeze wasn't scorching hot but carried a coolness unique to the night.

The charcoal fire was piled in the iron stove, red flames lighting up the pitch-black night. The fat dripped down, sizzling as it hit the fire, instantly flaring up a bigger flame.

Smoke curled up—the smell of real life.

Around them, groups of friends gathering for a meal raised their glasses in celebration, smiles on every face, making the lights and flames pale in comparison.

Not far away, a loving young couple walked on either side of their child, holding hands, a happy, warm family of three.

Further ahead, an elderly couple still deeply in love strolled slowly, their leaning and supportive figures still showing that love hadn't faded.

The world never becomes desolate just because night falls; the warmth of human connection is still the brightest light in it.

The endless, cold, lonely nights that had once shrouded him now seemed to have changed.

Peeling away layers of armor, he uncovered the warm glow of thousands of homes hidden deep within.

The moonlight surged like a tide, the long street bright as day. Now, perhaps a lamp was being kept lit for him, illuminating all the darkness.

Maybe coming out on a night like this wasn't so bad after all?

Of course, only if that person was by his side.

Thinking this, Li Yanchuan subtly glanced over.

The light diffused across the canvas of the night, and the world seemed to pale in comparison. Within his sight, only Song Nian's figure remained.

That warm, beautiful, radiant figure.

A figure you can't take your eyes off once you see it.

————

After settling the bill, the two didn’t rush to call the driver. Instead, they slowly strolled along the riverbank.

The night breeze was exceptionally cool, brushing over their skin with a refreshing chill.

Clear moonlight slid from the treetops to the ground, then drifted with the wind onto the river’s surface, shimmering and golden, like a magnificent dream-catcher woven from light.

Across the river lay the bustling CBD, neon lights flickering between skyscrapers, a dazzling spectacle that added a dreamy touch to the city.

As they walked, they made small talk.

“The evening breeze is so gentle.”

“Mm.”

But not as gentle as a certain someone.

“The moonlight is so beautiful.”

“Mm.”

But not as beautiful as a certain someone.

He listened to every word and answered every sentence—short, but never half-hearted.

Walking side by side, not a moment felt wasted.

Their long shadows trailed behind, occasionally overlapping and touching, drawing closer and closer together.

Just like the space between their hearts was closing.

“Hey, watch out—”

Suddenly, a little child came bouncing forward, not paying attention, bumped into Li Yanchuan’s wheelchair and fell over.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!”

The little girl landed hard on her butt but didn’t cry. Instead, she scrambled up, dusted herself off, and bowed in apology.

She looked about four or five, with two pigtails—really cute.

“It’s okay. Be careful.”

Li Yanchuan’s eyes narrowed briefly as they swept over the child, then he looked away without a trace, speaking flatly.

“Mm! Thank you, uncle! I won’t do it again.”

The little girl nodded vigorously. When she looked up and saw the wheelchair, curiosity flickered across her face. She put a finger to her lips and stared, blinking.

Although children mean no harm, such a direct stare can still be uncomfortable—especially for someone as sensitive as Li Yanchuan. Song Nian stepped in at just the right moment, subtly placing himself between them.

“Did you hurt yourself, little one?”

He crouched down and patted the little girl's head.

"It doesn't hurt."

The little girl shook her head vigorously, then asked hesitantly.

"Did I bump you and hurt you, uncle?"

"Why would you think that?"

"Because… because you were sitting there the whole time—did I hurt your leg when I bumped into you?"

With that, the little girl timidly stepped forward, looking down guiltily at his legs.

But her next move made Song Nian's breath catch.

She reached out with her chubby little hand and began to rub his knee, clumsy but careful.

"Mommy says if it hurts, rubbing it like this makes it stop hurting. And then if you blow on it, the pain goes away, and the uncle will get better!"

She even blew on Li Yanchuan's leg, murmuring earnestly.

This behavior made Song Nian both amused and worried, as he wasn't sure if Li Yanchuan would feel bothered.

Just as he was about to stop the little girl, the man in the wheelchair spoke first:

"I'm injured, so it might not be easy to get better, but thank you."

What happened next left Song Nian even more astonished.

After saying that, Li Yanchuan actually raised his hand and slowly stroked the little girl's hand.

"Then, uncle, I'll give you my favorite balloon, and you'll definitely get better!"

She handed over a balloon tied by a string, which looked just like the cheap ones sold on the street, but to an innocent child, it was one of her most precious possessions.

And Li Yanchuan didn't refuse; he took it.

"Oh, my mom is calling me. Uncle and big brother, I have to go now! Be sure to get better soon!"

Hearing a woman's voice calling from nearby, the little girl waved at them and ran off.

Watching the man's unusually calm expression and the mismatched balloon in his hand, a smile tugged at the corner of Song Nian's lips.

"What are you smiling at?"

Seeing this, Li Yanchuan asked.

At how gentle you actually are inside.

Song Nian thought to himself.

In fact, he felt that Li Yanchuan was like a mirror: however you treated him, he would respond in kind.

Having endured so much malice since childhood, he had developed a negative, gloomy worldview and defensiveness, but at his core, he was still a kind and pure person.

If you give him kindness, he returns it with tenderness.

Of course, he wouldn't say these words out loud. He smiled and continued pushing him forward.

"I was laughing because she called me 'big brother' but called you 'uncle.'"

The river breeze brushed against their cheeks, tender, soothing, and gentle, stirring the hair at their temples.

Just walking together in silence was beautiful enough.

————

From that day on, Song Nian would occasionally drag Li Yanchuan out for a walk after dinner.

Sometimes they’d wander by the river, sometimes just stroll near the house, enjoying the evening breeze as they walked aimlessly, chatting about random, amusing little things.

Or even if they said nothing at all, simply accompanying each other in silence, it never felt awkward.

Occasionally, Song Nian would buy a late-night snack or some fruit by the roadside, cheerfully offering to share with Li Yanchuan. The latter usually refused, but in the end, he’d eventually give in and take a taste.

It was ridiculously warm and cozy.

One day, when Song Nian happened to be away, Qi Ze drove the car he had ordered for Song Nian straight into the yard, looking triumphant.

Hands on his hips, he slicked back his bangs with a showy flourish and asked Li Yanchuan:

“Well, what do you think? Mission accomplished, right?”

Li Yanchuan wheeled over to inspect it and nodded, feeling that the car was indeed a good fit for Song Nian.

“Of course my choice is solid. This car will turn heads and earn him some respect—once Song Nian makes it big, you can let him drive this out.”

Qi Ze crossed his arms.

“Forget socializing, it’s even good for street racing. I happened to hear that when Song Nian was in a bad mood before, he liked to go street racing on mountain roads.”

He spoke with enthusiasm, completely unaware that Li Yanchuan had tensed up at the word “racing.”

“What did you say?”

At this, Li Yanchuan froze in place, stunned.