Chapter 12.1

「Brother Sheng, Brother Sheng.」

–

Time seemed to have stopped with Cheng Yan stuck inside.

The scenery in front of him was very old film in his eyes, always repeating the same frames over and over again.

It looked similar, but in the end, there were many changes compared to that year.

By the time he snapped out of it, he saw Huo Sheng already crouching in front of him.

He heard Huo Sheng ask him once again. “Are you okay?”

Only then did Cheng Yan find out that the pain had subsided. He hurriedly waved his hand and distanced himself a little. “It’s fine.”

He didn’t take the hand offered to him and stood up. His face might look quite terrible but it was not the time to care about it.

Pain for small injuries would usually subside after a while and then it wouldn’t hurt again. When Cheng Yan stood up, his kneecap was numb like pins and needles, probably because he knocked it against a joint.

Even if he was in this state, it was impossible for him to be carried down the mountain by Huo Sheng. His feelings could be exposed just by his reaction when Huo Sheng was close to him. It could be worse if they were physically touching each other. Moreover, what if Huo Sheng knew about it? What would he then think? Disgusted?

He wasn’t sure.

Yes, he wasn’t sure.

It wasn’t as if he hadn’t been the subject of disdain before. He would rather hide his sexual orientation and never marry for the rest of his life than let others know.

Moreover, this was Huo Sheng, someone that he would never want to be hated by.

Huo Sheng didn’t stop him, seeing that he wanted to walk on his own. He slowed his pace and kept an eye out on Cheng Yan.

In the end, they didn’t reach the top but they were more than halfway up the mountain. With the pace they’re using, they wouldn’t be in time to meet up with the others down the mountain.

Huo Sheng thought for a moment. He took out his phone and called Xiao Chen to explain the situation. The people from the administrative team were nervous and couldn’t decide what they should do. Instead, Huo Sheng said without hesitation, “It doesn’t matter. If we can’t make it in time, we can stay for another night.”

Cheng Yan had learned his lessons to be careful when he was walking. While he was listening to Huo Sheng speak, Cheng Yan slowed down his pace even more. He didn’t know if it was because of selfishness or what.

On the way down the mountain, Cheng Yan didn’t speak while Huo Sheng kept reminding him to be careful of where he was walking.

By the time they both reached the station, they had missed the bus.

Fortunately, many tourists visit here at this time of year so there were many buses coming and going. Huo Sheng looked at the timetable posted outside and told Cheng Yan to sit on a bench in the waiting area. He then went to the ticket counter to get two tickets.

Cheng Yan raised his hand and looked at the ticket: one more hour before the bus will arrive. He then took his phone out and started tapping on it.

”

”

Huo Sheng looked at him and then, suddenly being reminded, also took his phone out and sent a message. Immediately, he saw a voice message being sent. The girl from the voice message said with a childish voice. “Dad, come back early.” Huo Sheng smiled.

“I’ll be just a little late. Stay there at Grandma’s house for a bit, dad will pick you up when I’m back.” Huo Sheng reassured her. Cheng Yan looked over, hearing him speak.