Xi Xianqing had never been a man of little patience, but today was an exception.

The more Zhu Ming aggressively tried to drive him away, the more determined he was to stay. Not for any noble reason, but simply to pierce through the facade of false warmth that Zhu Ming always wrapped himself in with a smile.

The two stood in tense silence by the lakeside, locked in a standoff.

Finally, it was Zhu Ming who let out a helpless sigh, stubbed out his cigarette, and tilted his head slightly. “Let’s go.”

“… What?”

“Didn’t you say you’d accompany me to my rehabilitation?” Zhu Ming replied with a wry smile. “Then let’s go.”

Xi Xianqing pushed Zhu Ming back to the rehabilitation center.

At the front desk, two young nurses were chatting animatedly with their phones in hand. When they noticed the two of them entering together, their eyes lit up with an odd glint, likely having just looked up the nature of their relationship online.

Back at the rehabilitation center, Zhu Ming seemed to revert to his usual calm and gentle demeanor.

As the therapist communicated with him about the rehabilitation program, Zhu Ming occasionally nodded in agreement, maintaining the appearance of someone attentively listening.

Standing off to the side, Xi Xianqing couldn’t help but think that this man probably had a thousand different faces–The sharp-tongued, provocative figure by the lake earlier was likely just one of the many personas he switched between at will.

Lost in thought, Xi Xianqing suddenly noticed Zhu Ming and the therapist looking his way.

Zhu Ming asked, “What do you think?”

Xi Xianqing: “What?”

“I’m suggesting that Mr. Zhu try using an exoskeleton device to assist with walking today,” the therapist explained. “The exoskeleton robot can help with neural function recovery and prevent muscle atrophy and joint degeneration in the legs.”

“But since Mr. Zhu hasn’t been to rehab for such a long time, it might be a bit challenging for him to adjust.”

The therapist said with a resigned glance at Zhu Ming. “It would be best if a family member could accompany us for the entire process to ensure safety.”

Zhu Ming, ever considerate, added, “That said, this process is going to be extremely, extremely boring. So if you’re too busy, there’s no need to force yourself. The little nurse-jie can accompany me instead.”

He was clearly pulling out all the stops, eagerly hoping Xi Xianqing would leave right away.

However, this didn’t work on Xi Xianqing.

Glancing at Zhu Ming, Xi Xianqing said to the therapist, “That’s fine.”

Zhu Ming’s smile froze ever so briefly.

The process of donning the exoskeleton was relatively complicated, starting with the lower limbs. The therapist and Xi Xianqing each took responsibility for fitting one leg.

Through the fabric of his pants, Xi Xianqing’s hands inevitably touched Zhu Ming’s calf–Because of prolonged immobility, Zhu Ming’s legs were unnaturally thin, weakened from the long-term inability to exercise. The bones near his knees were even sharp to the touch.

Realizing that Xi Xianqing was determined to stay, Zhu Ming turned his face slightly to the side during the fitting process, his gaze unfocused, and remained silent.

The final step in wearing the exoskeleton—and also the most challenging—was for the person in the wheelchair to stand up and place their arms into the upper limb supports.

“You start by helping the patient up, ” the therapist instructed. “Then, I’ll adjust the straps of the upper limb apparatus.”

Xi Xianqing looked up and saw Zhu Ming tilting his head, raising an eyebrow with an expression that said, I gave you a chance to leave earlier, didn’t I? Then, Zhu Ming spread his arms wide toward him with a flourish.

Xi Xianqing let out a silent breath and bent down, picking Zhu Ming up from the wheelchair.

Household matters were always handled by someone else, and Xi Xianqing had never served anyone before. At first, he was unsure of how to position himself, awkwardly supporting Zhu Ming’s waist with one hand while holding under his arm with the other. With some clumsiness, he managed to half-push, half-lift Zhu Ming into a standing position.

The therapist said, “Hold this position for a moment. I’ll finish the adjustments to my side.”

And so, they maintained this stiff, silent embrace for a few seconds.

Once the upper limb apparatus was fitted, Zhu Ming tried to wriggle free from Xi Xianqing’s support to stand independently.

However, because he had skipped too many rehab sessions in the past, the more impatient he was, the less stable he became. His legs were weak, and his core and arm strength were insufficient. Attempting to show off only resulted in him nearly toppling backward and falling to the ground.

Luckily, Xi Xianqing reacted quickly, pulling him back into his arms. “What’s the rush?”

His tone was a bit firm, but Zhu Ming didn’t refute him.

Resting his forehead against Xi Xianqing’s shoulder, Zhu Ming’s breathing was rapid, and for once, he seemed obedient.

Caught off guard, Xi Xianqing softened his tone slightly. “It’s almost done. Just wait a bit longer.”

After a long time, Zhu Ming finally spoke softly. “Fiancé ya.”

Xi Xianqing felt like he was becoming immune to this title, “…What?”

“It’s like this, even though most of the sensation in my lower body is gone, I still have some feeling where it connects to my waist.”

“En.”

“Um, so, could you maybe move your hand off my butt?”

Xi Xianqing: “…?”

In his haste to grab hold of Zhu Ming just now, he only thought about grabbing and pulling the person tightly, and his hand subconsciously looked for a piece of area that wasn’t covered by the machine and propped it up.

Looking down, this place is coincidentally–

Meeting the smirk in Zhu Ming’s eyes, Xi Xianqing’s hand shot back as though it had touched a hot potato.

His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly as he abruptly turned to the therapist, asking coldly, “Can we start now?”

The therapist, who had been suppressing laughter after witnessing the entire exchange, cleared his throat. “All set. I’ll support the machine from behind, and you can assist him slowly from the side. Let’s try taking a few steps.”

When Zhu Ming first stood upright, he still had the energy to tease. Staring at Xi Xianqing’s face thoughtfully, he said, “You know, this is the first time I’ve looked you straight in the eye. Does everyone in District Six grow this tall? Must be some excellent nutrition over there.”

But once he walked slowly, Zhu Ming was somewhat unable to speak.

Zhu Ming wobbled awkwardly through two steps before starting to pant. “I’m tired.”

Xi Xianqing: “…We haven’t even made it past the doorway.”

At first, he thought Zhu Ming was joking. But hearing the faint tremble in Zhu Ming’s voice, he realized the tiredness wasn’t feigned.

Recalling the therapist’s earlier instructions, Xi Xianqing didn’t relent. “The therapist said you need to walk at least ten steps.”

Zhu Ming muttered in a small voice, “Fine.”

Staying close by, Xi Xianqing hovered a steadying hand near Zhu Ming’s waist, helping him find a walking rhythm.

It had been far too long since Zhu Ming last stood up.

He had nearly forgotten what walking felt like. His legs, still largely numb, struggled to maintain balance, leaving him unsteady with every step, as though treading on uncertain ground.

On top of that, his stamina was abysmal. He was so tired that sweat dampened his hair, causing it to cling limply to his forehead. His pale cheeks flushed faintly pink with the heat radiating off his skin.

After a long pause, he lifted his head again, saying nothing, but casting a pitiful glance at Xi Xianqing.

His dark, misty eyes glimmered with exhaustion—or something else entirely. Without uttering a single word, they seemed to say everything, brimming with unspoken grievances, all contained in the depths of that black pool.

Xi Xianqing looked away, refusing to be swayed. “Just three more steps to make it ten.”

Seeing that his pitiful act wasn’t working, Zhu Ming gritted his teeth and pushed himself to take a few more labored steps. “Are you really from District Six, or are you an admiral from District One’s military? Is it necessary to be this unyielding?”

Struggling forward, Zhu Ming trudged on, with Xi Xianqing following beside, or rather, supervising him.

After some time, Xi Xianqing decided they’d done enough and said, “You can take a break now.”

Zhu Ming, however, ignored it and continued to move forward.

His face was turning pale, and sweat dripped from his sharp chin. Xi Xianqing had a growing suspicion that Zhu Ming’s stamina was almost completely drained.

Sensing something was wrong, Xi Xianqing reached out and grabbed his arm. “That’s enough. The therapist said you’ve been out of rehab for too long. This session can’t be overdone. Just walking back to the starting point is enough.”

Zhu Ming lowered his head, panting softly as he rested for a moment. Then, looking up at Xi Xianqing.

He pulled a faint smile onto his sweat-drenched face, “Too little isn’t enough. Too much is also no good. What will it take to make you happy ah, fiancé?”

Xi Xianqing: “…?”

Where on earth was all this pent-up frustration coming from?

It was obvious that when someone’s stamina reached its limit, even the gentlest person could become sharp-tongued. Zhu Ming’s lips parted slightly, as though he wanted to voice another complaint. “And besides—”

But just as he began to speak, his brows furrowed, and his expression twisted in pain. The rest of his words dissolved into silence, swallowed deep in his throat.

The sound of pain didn’t seem fake, and Xi Xianqing’s chest tightened inexplicably. “What’s wrong?”

Zhu Ming kept his head lowered, refusing to meet his gaze, his brow furrowed as he panted softly.

This kind of oil and salt attitude finally eroded Xi Xianqing’s patience. Taking a deep breath, he reached out and firmly tilted Zhu Ming’s chin upward. “Look at me. Speak. Where is it uncomfortable?”

After a long pause, Zhu Ming murmured, “…Hurts.”

“Where does it hurt?”

“Lungs hurt,” Zhu Ming replied faintly, turning his face slightly away. His voice was barely audible. “I walked too fast… got a stitch. Just don’t touch me for now.”

Xi Xianqing: “…”

They finally returned to the consultation room in what could be considered a sorry state.

Zhu Ming slumped into a chair, clutching his chest and sitting perfectly still. Xi Xianqing silently worked to unfasten the straps of the upper-limb device. Neither of them said a word.

“Why are you fighting with me?”

Xi Xianqing said, “Rehab is for your own good. Don’t you understand that? How are you any different from a kindergarten kid afraid of getting a shot?”

Still catching his breath, Zhu Ming held his ribs and chuckled weakly after a long pause. “Mr. Xiao Xi, I’m older than you. Even if it were kindergarten, I’d be in the senior class while you’d be in the junior class.”

“Less than three years older only,” Xi Xianqing lightly added, completely ignoring Zhu Ming’s teasing tone. “You’re a doctor yourself. Why are you avoiding rehab?”

Zhu Ming froze for a moment, then chuckled softly.

“It’s precisely because I’m a doctor that I know better than anyone what the prognosis and recovery trajectory of a spinal cord injury look like.”

He straightened up, raising his hand to unfasten the strap of the left-hand device. His tone was casual. “So, I know better than anyone that it’s going to be very difficult for me to stand up again.”

Xi Xianqing didn’t say anything.

“At first, I attended every session without fail. Every so-called cellular repair therapy, electroshock treatment—I tried them all.”

He absentmindedly rubbed the red marks on his wrist left by the device’s straps, not noticing Xi Xianqing’s gaze. “I kept hoping my body would show some kind of response, that there would be even the slightest improvement.”

Xi Xianqing’s throat felt dry. “So… there was no change?”

“Maybe there was, but it’s really too minimal,” Zhu Ming replied with a faint twitch of his lips. “In short, I couldn’t feel it at all.”

Xi Xianqing met his eyes directly. “But District Seven’s medical technology is so advanced. Maybe it’s just a matter of time. That’s not a reason to avoid rehab.”

Zhu Ming shook his head, “It’s not because it doesn’t work that I’ve chosen to avoid it.”

Xi Xianqing was stunned.

“Rehab sessions like today do give me a fleeting sense of regaining control over my legs. But, as you’ve seen, once I’m out of the machine, I’m still bound to my wheelchair.”

Zhu Ming said, “Compared to being unable to walk long-term, I actually find it more unable to accept the occasional glimpse of heaven, only to be dragged back into reality again.”

“That’s why I chose to avoid it.” His eyes bent. “You’re right, in a way. My mentality is probably worse than a child’s.”

“But right,” he said abruptly, shifting his tone, “I have to say, my aunt has brought me to rehab, and Zhou Zhou accompanied me once too. Out of everyone who’s been with me during rehab, your attitude is by far the worst.”

Xi Xianqing: “…?”

He couldn’t refute it. After all, he wasn’t good at taking care of others. His chest tightened with frustration, and he turned his face away, speaking coldly. “If it weren’t for your aunt begging me, do you think I’d want to—”

“But then again, today was one of the best rehab experiences I’ve ever been in the mood for.” Zhu Ming added briskly.

Xi Xianqing turned to look at him.

However, Zhu Ming didn’t seem inclined to explain further. He simply lowered his head and began adjusting the hem of his pant leg.

Xi Xianqing stiffened after a long time, “What do you mean?”

“Ever since I lost the ability to walk, almost everyone has treated me with extreme caution. Even saying something like ‘take a walk’ comes with a nervous glance to gauge my reaction.”

Zhu Ming explained, smoothing out his pant leg. “But you’re different. You don’t pity me. You even make demands of me in a less than polite manner.”

“In other words, you treat me as an equal, just like you would anyone else.” He smiled softly and said in a low voice, “Thank you.”

The words caught in Xi Xianqing’s throat. His lips moved slightly.

He wanted to say something, but before he could, the door to the hospital room was pushed open from the outside.

“Yo, what a rare guest ah.”

A friendly-looking female doctor said as she entered with medical records in hand. When she saw Zhu Ming, her surprise was evident. “Nurse Xiao Zhou told me you were here, but I didn’t believe it. I thought it must’ve been someone with the same name.”

Zhu Ming coughed awkwardly, sounding a bit guilty. “Aiya, Dr. Wu, aren’t I sitting here obediently? Don’t scold, don’t scold.”

Dr. Wu, a straightforward and amiable person, wasted no time and got straight to the point. “K University has developed a new batch of medications, and they’re recruiting patients for Phase IV clinical trials. I assume you’ve heard about it?”

Zhu Ming sighed: “Are you taking me as a guinea pig again?”

“Well, it’s a new drug, so it comes with both risks and potential benefits. You understand this even better than I do.”

Dr. Wu said, “Besides, your results from previous treatments haven’t been ideal. I don’t want to put you through more unnecessary trials. This time, the choice is yours.”

Zhu Ming hadn’t even had the chance to respond before the person beside him answered decisively, “He’ll try it.”

Dr. Wu raised her eyebrows, her gaze shifting back and forth between the two men. “What is your relationship with him? How can you make decisions for him?”

Xi Xianqing’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly as he turned his head toward Zhu Ming.

The person in the wheelchair, however, simply raised his eyebrows innocently and spread his hands, the smile in his eyes teasing and unhurried. The message was clear: You dug this hole yourself; now you can figure out how to climb out.

Xi Xianqing: “I’m…”

The answer was right there, but despite his composed expression, a faint tightness crept into his voice as he spoke–

“His fiancé.” He said.

Author’s Note:

It rolls off the tongue quite smoothly ah, Qing.