Chapter 99 - "Is This … True, Childe?"
In the past few days, Yuan Ge had been hoping to see him again for a chat, but he had not expected to see him in such a miserable state.
Feeling sad, Yuan Ge hurriedly went forward to help him up from the ground, and as usual, his body was ice cold. Anyone would have thought the boy had frozen to death if it wasn't for the fact that Yuan Ge had gotten used to seeing him like this from those previous encounters. Recalling how the boy depended on him and what he had said, "I can only get warm when my body touches you, but when I am away from you for a long time my ears and eyes lose their function and my body goes stiff, as if I were dead." It seemed that the right way to save him was to act as a rechargeable battery …
When Rong Qiuchen slowly opened his eyes, he found himself in a dark and confined space, with someone holding him tightly in his arms, and a gush of warmth flowing like a thousand streams, converging on his body and awakening his consciousness.
"Childe Yuan …"
"You're finally awake! I nearly had to take you to the hospital if you hadn't woken up!" Yuan Ge breathed a sigh of relief, then let go of the boy.
"This theory of saving lives like recharging batteries is a load of crap, and I can't believe I'm buying into your bullshit! But it seems to be working. How do you feel now? Feeling better?" He handed him a brand new thermos and spoon, "It's too late now, most restaurants are closed, I only managed to find a small café to make you a bowl of pork congee. Have a bite first and I'll take you out for a big meal tomorrow."
Rong Qiuchen was at a loss as he looked at the oddly shaped container in his hand, which looked like a water bottle. Yuan Ge unscrewed the lid for him and immediately a tantalizing aroma came out. Rong Qiuchen scooped a large spoonful into his mouth and could not help but praise how delicious it was!
Yuan Ge looked at his expression as if he had finally been saved and couldn't help but laugh, "You're really a born actor. Your expressions are particularly vivid, and what you're thinking is practically written on your face! Fortunately, this thermos designed by my father has a function to set temperature. 55 degrees is just the right temperature for congee, otherwise you would have burned yourself in such a hurry!"
After saying that, he seemed to remember something and pulled out a wet tissue from the car door and wiped Qiuchen's dirty little face and his two dirty little hands clean.
"You really are a weird guy. Why do you keep hiding and refusing to see people? It's cold outside; you're killing yourself if you don't dress warmly. Also, why are you rummaging through the rubbish bin for food … if you're in any kind of trouble you can come to me …"
As Rong Qiuchen looked at Yuan Ge's concerned gaze, he said with some shame and aggravation, "I lost control that day and hit that bad actor surnamed Yin. I was afraid of causing trouble to Childe Yuan and of you taking me to the Yamen again... … I was really hungry and cold, so I stole the clothes and food from your troupe. I beg you to let me go, Childe Yuan."
Seeing how pitiful he looked, Yuan Ge didn't know weather to cry or laugh, "Who's going to take you to the Yamen, I'm going to take you home!"
"Home?" A hint of imperceptible joy swept through the boy's eyes, "Are you taking me back to Yandai Byway?" After saying this, as if remembering something, his expectant gaze darkened again, "But I was scolded by Childe Yuan for getting into trouble last time, and you took me to the Yamen to see the official; if I go back with you this time, I'm afraid you will loathe me again …"
"It was my fault last time...my fault, I won't scold you anymore. It's almost New Year's Eve, how can you hide in this old mansion every day and muddle through. Don't ever eat out of the rubbish again. In this day and age, it's a disgrace to us Dragon Dreamers to allow such things to happen under our noses! If you really have nowhere else to go, come home with me for the New Year."
"Is this … true, Childe?"
"Yes, it's true. I've loaded you in the car, haven't I?"
Yuan Ge said as he started the car and helped Qiuchen fasten his seat belt, "Go on and eat your congee. We'll be home when you're done eating!"