Chapter 47

Chapter 47

Warm, damp breath brushed against his sensitive neck, and an itch crept up along his skin, causing Song Nian to squint slightly and let out a soft moan.

Their current position was somewhat precarious. Pulled abruptly, he knelt on one knee on the wheelchair seat, unable to brace himself on the armrest, his upper body almost entirely leaning against Li Yanchuan.

His vulnerable neck arched into a perfect curve, aligning precisely with the other's lips.

If the man beneath him wished, he could simply lift his head and easily torment that fair skin, sinking his teeth into it or licking it.

In such a pose, Li Yanchuan showed no intention of letting go. His strong arms tightly encircled Song Nian's lower back, as if wanting to press him into his very bones.

Their chests pressed tightly together, separated only by the thin fabric of their clothes. The warmth of the other's body seeped through, and even the muscles beneath pressed hard against him.

A bit hard.

Song Nian blushed, having an inappropriate thought at that moment.

"Husband?"

He tentatively tapped the man's shoulder, only for the embrace to tighten even more.

"Answer me."

Li Yanchuan lifted his head slightly, his nose moving in small, constant arcs, like a beast carefully sniffing to ensure the human in his arms was thoroughly covered with his scent, no longer desired by others.

His scorching breath and hot, damp lips occasionally brushed against the skin of Song Nian's neck, creating a sensation even more burning than before, like an electric current running through him, making Song Nian's body go limp.

"If I can never stand up again, will you..."

His voice grew softer, then barely audible.

As if he didn't dare think about the possibilities.

His voice was hoarse, struggling to force out the syllables, with a palpable fragility in his voice.

Though Song Nian was still gentle and obedient by his side now, all of this depended on the current situation. Li Yanchuan couldn't be sure that if he truly could never stand again, the other wouldn't just leave.

After all, no one would stay forever with a person who can't walk.

Just imagining a scenario where Song Nian left, he couldn't control the dark, restless urges churning inside him.

He would never allow Song Nian to force his way into his heart and then leave on a whim.

If it came to that point, no matter what underhanded means he had to use, he would forcibly keep the person by his side.

Even if it meant using force...

Even if it took chains and shackles...

Burying his head in Song Nian's chest, in a hidden corner, dark thoughts churned in his eyes, like a black sea surface before a storm.

But Song Nian was completely unaware. Seeing him like this, he only felt a pang of sympathy.

Such an aggressive and possessive way of holding him, yet the words spoken were so pitiful, like a large dog afraid of being abandoned.

It sounded like it was about to break.

So he lifted his arms and embraced the man in return.

"No, that won't happen."

He replied softly.

"Whether you can stand up, or you don't want to stand now, or you can never stand up again, as long as you're willing, I'll stay by your side."

"So don't put too much pressure on yourself. I'm always here."

"As long as you live well, nothing else is a problem."

Compared to the original story's vengeful, self-destructive actions, the most important thing now was to change the predetermined fate, to live well, rather than waste time on unworthy people and things.

Nothing was more important than living well. Song Nian hoped Li Yanchuan could have a happy life, not just leave a brilliant, spectacular mark like fireworks and then disappear.

His hands moved up and down the man's back, gently, as if petting an animal.

The gentle voice drifted into his ears word by word, like a lullaby, calming all unease.

Li Yanchuan pursed his lips, his body tense, as if trying to believe the words.

Then, his tense shoulders suddenly relaxed, deflated, like a balloon losing air, he slumped weakly into the other's arms.

At that, the sea surface that had stirred up a storm instantly turned into a calm expanse, reflecting the blue sky, water and sky merging into one.

The fear in his heart disappeared, replaced by the warm, comforting presence of the other.

"Song Nian, don't lie to me..."

He closed his eyes, his voice muffled, coming from his throat.

"I won't lie to you. If I lie, I'm a dog."

Song Nian continued his movements, a smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

The two held each other quietly, neither letting go first, nor suggesting they part.

The air was filled with a comforting smell.

It felt like holding a large dog, with hair brushing against his neck, Song Nian thought to himself.

Just as his mind wandered, the man in his arms suddenly spoke again.

His tone was unusually calm, but what he said was far from ordinary, as if he had finally made up his mind:

"Song Nian, I want to try rehabilitation."

"Mm, sure."

Song Nian showed no sign of joy or excitement at the words, responding with the same calm tone.

As if no matter what the man said, his reaction would be the same, without any particular reaction.

It was simply respect for all of Li Yanchuan's choices.

Hearing the reply, Li Yanchuan hummed softly, then tightened his hold, pulling the other even closer.

Even though it hurt a bit, Song Nian only frowned slightly, not stopping him, letting him do as he pleased.

No one came to disturb them.

He can keep holding onto him like this until he recovers.

————

With the help of Qi Ze, a specialized rehab doctor was quickly found, who would come to the house at set times each week for therapy. One room on the first floor was also converted for rehab training.

And today was the first day of his rehab.

Song Nian bustled around, pouring tea and water, making the two doctors feel a bit embarrassed.

Leading them to the training room, he then turned to look at Li Yanchuan.

Kneeling down, he patiently reminded him:

"Honey, I've prepared hot water and cold drinks for you. Remember to hydrate with hot water—rest a bit before drinking cold ones. Over there, I've also put a towel to wipe off sweat. Don't push yourself too hard; take it step by step. If you need anything, call me anytime. I'll be right back."

The instructions were so meticulous that Li Yanchuan couldn't help but find it amusing. If he let the man go on, it might take another ten minutes to finish. He smirked and interrupted:

"Do you think I'm a little kid going to kindergarten for the first time?"

"That's just because I worry about you."

Hearing that, Song Nian chuckled, added a few more reminders, said goodbye to the doctors and nurses, and then left.

Out of consideration for his pride, during the time when Li Yanchuan was doing rehab, Song Nian would voluntarily step away and not stay at home. But today, he also had work to take care of.

Because today was an audition.

With the help of his agent, he had finally secured an audition for a role in a drama. Although it was just a minor supporting role with few lines, at least it was a part.

Song Nian, who was always easily satisfied, wasn't picky.

Landing it would be great—if the result was good, he could use it as a stepping stone to develop in the film and television industry. Even if he failed, it was fine—he could just wait for the next opportunity.

So, with a great mindset, he entered the audition room without any pressure.

And walked out looking stunned.

Huh, really? Just like that, he got picked?

He pulled out his phone in a daze to report the news to his agent. Only when Brother Wang exclaimed in surprise and excitedly praised him did he realize what he had accomplished.

He got the role!

Joy burst out like countless tiny flowers blooming in his heart, and he couldn't suppress the smile tugging at his lips.

Song Nian initially wanted to pull out his phone to share the joy with Li Yanchuan, but then he thought, why not wait until he got home to tell him in person?

Maybe he could act all bummed about failing the audition to tease him?

By the time he got home, the rehab doctor and nurse had already left. To avoid making him feel pressured, he didn't immediately ask about today's progress. Instead, he went up to him like usual.

Just as he was about to put on a sad face and start his little act, Li Yanchuan raised an eyebrow and said:

"The audition went well?"

Song Nian was shocked. How did you know?!

"I could tell from your face."

Li Yanchuan smirked.

After all, no matter how good he was at acting, he couldn't fool someone who lived with him every day.

Seeing Song Nian's face, he knew he wasn't genuinely upset.

"Filming starts next week, and it should wrap up in about half a month. The filming location is local, so I can go and come back the same day. But you don't have to wait for me for lunch."

Unfazed by being caught, Song Nian said, reaching out to wipe the sweat off his forehead.

Hearing that he'd have to leave early every day for work, Li Yanchuan frowned, looking unhappy:

"Is the pay that high? Why do you have to work so hard?"

And when he saw the amount Song Nian gestured, his frown deepened.

"It's not about the money; I just enjoy acting. It's fine—you're the breadwinner anyway."

That simple remark instantly cheered him up. With his earlier displeasure gone, Li Yanchuan cleared his throat awkwardly, his cheeks flushed slightly.

"If you like acting, I could invest and have a script tailored just for you."

"No, no! I'm just doing it for fun. Why would you spend that kind of money?"

Afraid he might really go through with it and lose money without even getting any buzz, Song Nian quickly covered his mouth to stop that classic CEO talk.

Monday came, and he got up early to get ready.

But to his surprise, Li Yanchuan also got up early.

"Honey, why are you up so early?" he asked in surprise.

"Couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd see you off."

Li Yanchuan, who had woken up an hour early, looked away, pretending to casually push his wheelchair forward.

After breakfast, Song Nian put on his backpack and hat, ready to head out.

Today, he had specifically picked a big backpack. From behind, he looked neat and proper, almost like a student going out.

Watching him from behind, Li Yanchuan seemed to remember something, and a light laugh escaped him.

"What are you laughing at?" Song Nian turned around, blinking slowly, curious.

"Laughing at how adorable you look like this."

"Really? Like what?"

Hearing himself called "adorable" for the first time, he raised an eyebrow, his imaginary tail wagging a mile a minute. He leaned in, pressing for more.

Was it his youthful, sunny outfit today? Or his energetic, vibrant attitude?

The man rubbed his chin and said unhurriedly:

"Going out with a huge backpack at an hour you're usually still asleep, heading off to your job that doesn't even pay... that's adorable."

Song Nian: ...

Well, bye then!