ABOES 61: It’s Too Hot Today

Chi Yunxing quickly pulled his hand back. Just as he was about to get up and step away, Duan Zhiyan extended his hand toward him. “Can you help me up?”

Chi Yunxing’s cheeks were still a little warm, but he forced himself to swallow the embarrassment, took Duan Zhiyan’s hand, and helped him up. Then he pressed the call button.

Once Duan Zhiyan sat up, he let go of Chi Yunxing’s hand and glanced around the room. It didn’t take him long to realize where he was.

Chi Yunxing finally snapped out of it a little and quickly asked, “Zhiyan Ge, are you still feeling unwell anywhere?”

Duan Zhiyan shook his head and gave a small apologetic smile. “I’m much better now. Sorry to trouble you.”

Chi Yunxing was just about to say it was nothing when two sets of hurried footsteps approached.

Looking up, he saw Chi Xiwen and the attending doctor enter the room.

“Zhiyan?” Chi Xiwen frowned as he looked at the man in the hospital bed. “Feeling better?”

Duan Zhiyan had expected He You to notify Chi Xiwen, so he wasn’t surprised. “Seems like I’ve troubled you again.”

Chi Xiwen’s brows immediately eased. “If you’ve recovered enough to talk like that, I guess you’re doing better.”

Duan Zhiyan looked like he was in a good mood. He didn’t argue, only turned to Chi Yunxing and asked gently, “Yunxing, can you help me with something? I—”

“No need to send him away,” Chi Xiwen cut him off. “Yunxing already knows.”

Duan Zhiyan turned immediately, his brows tightening. His lips, pale from illness, pressed together. “You told him?”

Chi Xiwen nodded and pulled over a chair to sit. “He was going to find out sooner or later.”

Duan Zhiyan clearly didn’t agree with the decision, but since Chi Yunxing was right there, he didn’t say anything more. The only sign of displeasure was his hand quietly clenching at his side. “You promised me.”

“Well, I changed my mind, okay?” Chi Xiwen sounded righteously indignant. “You didn’t see yourself earlier. What, I should’ve just let Yunxing worry constantly? Also, while you were unconscious, the doctor and I agreed that you’re going to stay in the hospital and focus on treatment. That drama? Put it on hold. Once you’re fully stable, you can go back and film the missing scenes.”

Duan Zhiyan’s lips pressed into a thin line. He said nothing, but the rejection in his expression was obvious.

Chi Xiwen clenched his jaw. Chi Yunxing, seeing that a fight was about to break out, quickly stepped in, “Ge, Zhiyan Ge just woke up. Can’t you go easy on him?” Then he turned anxiously to Duan Zhiyan. “Zhiyan Ge…”

Duan Zhiyan gave him a faint smile. “I’m fine.”

Chi Xiwen looked at Duan Zhiyan again. Even after a whole afternoon of rest, the man’s face was still ghostly pale.

He took a few deep breaths to tamp down his frustration. “Forget it. I won’t argue with you. The doctor can talk to you instead.”

With that, he stood and went for the door.

Duan Zhiyan didn’t even glance at the doctor. “I know my own condition. I’m fine now. I can be discharged later today.”

Chi Xiwen froze in his tracks. He turned back, voice sharp. “Duan Zhiyan! What do you mean ‘discharged’?!”

Duan Zhiyan didn’t reply. He looked at the doctor. “Please make the arrangements.”

The doctor hesitated, then turned to Chi Yunxing and Chi Xiwen. “Would the two of you mind stepping outside for a moment? I’d like to speak to Mr. Duan privately.”

Chi Xiwen still wanted to protest, but Chi Yunxing tugged him out of the room.

Once the door closed, Chi Xiwen lowered his voice and complained, “Why’d you drag me out? Did you not hear what he just said? Discharged? He’s completely disregarding his own health!”

Chi Yunxing knew Chi Xiwen was worried and hurt, but still tried to reason with him. “Ge, he just woke up. Can’t you give him a break?”

“If I don’t argue with him, he’ll—” Chi Xiwen stopped himself from snapping and turned away in frustration.

Chi Yunxing pulled him to sit on the hallway bench. After thinking for a moment, he said, “When the doctor comes out, how about I talk to Zhiyan Ge first?”

Chi Xiwen didn’t respond.

Chi Yunxing grinned and shifted to the other side. “So that’s a yes?”

Chi Xiwen sighed. After a long pause, he murmured, “I’m just worried about him…”

Chi Yunxing’s smile softened. “I know. I’m worried about him too.”

The rest of the sentence—and it’s my fault he’s sick—he didn’t say aloud.

Inside the room, the doctor took Chi Yunxing’s seat. He didn’t jump right in, instead pouring Duan Zhiyan a cup of warm water.

Duan Zhiyan accepted it. “Thank you.”

The doctor waited for him to take a sip, then smiled. “That young man just now, he’s the ‘little brother’ you’ve always mentioned, isn’t he?”

Duan Zhiyan relaxed slightly and nodded with a smile. “Mm. His name’s Yunxing.”

“I figured. I’ve seen you interact with him on Weibo. Actually, I saw that photo you two posted a while back. The fans were all saying you looked good together.”

Hearing that, Duan Zhiyan instinctively glanced at the door.

The doctor followed his gaze, puzzled. “What is it?”

Duan Zhiyan’s smile deepened. “Nothing. Just… the guy standing out there really hates hearing stuff like that. When he saw the trending post, he gave me an earful. He even tried to get me to clarify things to the fans.”

“Clarify?” The doctor chuckled. “You two aren’t even doing anything. If you went and clarified it, that’s what would actually make people suspicious.”

Duan Zhiyan nodded with a soft laugh.

Once Yunxing came up, Duan Zhiyan seemed to open up. He talked about the past half month of filming like how quickly Yunxing learned, how likable he was. Working with him has been the most relaxing time in years.

If not for the sudden relapse today, Duan Zhiyan might’ve forgotten he was even sick.

The doctor frowned slightly at that.

Noticing, Duan Zhiyan smiled. “Don’t worry. I really am fine now. This afternoon—”

As he recalled what had happened, his brows furrowed again, face paling.

The doctor quickly said, “You don’t need to force yourself to recall if it’s too distressing.”

Duan Zhiyan took several deep breaths to calm himself.

He shook his head, then changed the subject. “You talked to Chi Xiwen about a treatment plan, didn’t you?”

“Yes,” The doctor didn’t hide anything. “We’re recommending exposure therapy. Now that Yunxing is back, and he’s willing to participate, it’s a good opportunity.”

Duan Zhiyan’s smile stiffened slightly. He knew exactly what the therapy involved.

“But exposure therapy doesn’t require Yunxing to be there for every session, right?” he asked.

“Technically no,” the doctor replied. “But if he is present, the effect will be much better.”

Duan Zhiyan smiled again. “Did you notice? My recovery this time is better than before.”

The doctor nodded. “I did. I was wondering about that.”

Duan Zhiyan set down the cup and paused to find the right words. “Usually after an episode, I forget everything before it. But this time was different.”

The doctor looked at him in surprise. “You mean…”

“I remember hearing Yunxing call me,” Duan Zhiyan said with a soft smile. “Even though I was disoriented, I could tell something was different. Yunxing was really back. I remember him being there, and I tried so hard to open my eyes… just to see if it was really him.”

The doctor frowned slightly with concern.

In the past, whenever Duan Zhiyan believed Yunxing had returned—only to realize it wasn’t true—his emotions would spiral out of control.

Just as the doctor was about to interrupt, Duan Zhiyan continued, “I didn’t have the strength to open my eyes. The rain was cold and painful. I felt a lot of noise around me, and someone carried me somewhere warm. I was drifting off… but before I lost consciousness, I heard Yunxing’s voice again. And…”

His smile deepened. This time, there was no breakdown.

“I felt him hold my hand. That’s when I knew—I wasn’t imagining it. Yunxing really came back.”

“When I woke up, he was the first person I saw.”

The doctor stared, stunned. His expression almost slipped.

“You mean… you essentially completed a session of exposure therapy while unconscious?”

Duan Zhiyan nodded. “Yes. That’s why I feel so much better today.”

The doctor couldn’t deny it. Duan Zhiyan really was doing better than expected but that didn’t mean he was ready to be discharged.

He explained his stance.

Duan Zhiyan gave a helpless smile. “Not even now?”

The doctor shook his head. “No. Unless… you agree to another exposure session, and I can observe your condition afterward.”

Duan Zhiyan thought long and hard, then finally nodded. “When would it start?”

“Not today,” the doctor said, visibly relieved. “If you’re eager, I can schedule it for tomorrow.”

Duan Zhiyan smiled. “I’m not in a hurry. I just… Like I told you, I’ve been helping Yunxing rehearse on set. If I’m not there, he might not have anyone to ask questions.”

The doctor chuckled. “I think you’re underestimating him.”

“Hm?” Duan Zhiyan looked confused.

The doctor said, “Do you really think Yunxing would leave you here alone?”

“I’ll convince him,” Duan Zhiyan said.

“Well, I’ll go talk to those two. You rest for now.” The doctor helped adjust the bed.

Duan Zhiyan, finally feeling tired, didn’t protest.

Once the doctor stepped out, Chi Yunxing and Chi Xiwen immediately walked up. “Doctor—?”

“He’s agreed to stay for treatment,” the doctor said with a smile.

The tension in both their faces melted instantly.

“That’s great!” Chi Yunxing beamed. “How is he now?”

“He’s tired, resting,” the doctor replied. Then to Chi Xiwen, “Mr. Chi, can I speak with you about tomorrow’s therapy? Yunxing, would you mind sitting with Mr. Duan?”

Chi Yunxing nodded instantly. “Of course.”

Chi Xiwen frowned. “He doesn’t want to see me?”

“No, no,” the doctor quickly clarified. “This is my idea.”

Chi Xiwen finally relaxed. “Alright. Let’s talk in your office?”

The doctor led the way.

Chi Yunxing took a breath and knocked on the hospital room door.

A low voice from inside answered, “Come in.”

Chi Yunxing stepped in and found Duan Zhiyan already lying down. He closed the door and sat back in his original seat.

Before he could even think of what to say, Duan Zhiyan spoke. “I must’ve scared you today.”

Chi Yunxing turned, meeting his gaze. His heart gave a little jolt. “Yeah… you did scare me.”

“I’m sorry,” Duan Zhiyan said softly.

“Why apologize?” Chi Yunxing cut him off. “It’s not something you can control. And besides, part of it is my fault…”

Duan Zhiyan frowned faintly but quickly smoothed his expression. He sat up slightly, leaned forward, and looked at Chi Yunxing seriously. “Yunxing, my illness has nothing to do with you. You don’t need to feel guilty.”

Chi Yunxing knew that logically, but his brows still furrowed.

Duan Zhiyan reached out and tapped his forehead gently. “Alright. Stop overthinking.”

His fingers were cold.

Chi Yunxing couldn’t help grabbing his hand. “Should I turn the AC up? Why are your hands so cold?”

Compared to Duan Zhiyan’s, Chi Yunxing’s hands were small, slender, and warm.

Duan Zhiyan’s gaze darkened slightly. He almost reached out to hold that hand properly but he held himself back.

“It must be the AC,” he said hoarsely. “You can turn it up.”

Chi Yunxing got up and did so. When he turned back, he found Duan Zhiyan still watching him.

He smiled, bright-eyed.

Something in Duan Zhiyan’s chest felt suddenly full.

Then Chi Yunxing asked, eyes full of hope, “Zhiyan Ge, can I stay and help with your treatment?”

Just like when he was a kid begging for candy.

Duan Zhiyan’s gaze softened but he shook his head without hesitation. “No.”

Sure enough, Chi Yunxing’s sparkling eyes dimmed, his lips flattening. “Why not?”

Duan Zhiyan almost laughed, reminded of little Yunxing pouting over candy.

When he didn’t answer, Chi Yunxing sat back down and stared at him, waiting.

After a long silence, Duan Zhiyan said, “Because I believe in myself.”

Chi Yunxing didn’t know how to respond.

After thinking for a bit, he said, “But wouldn’t it be better if I stayed? Even the doctor said so…”

“You’ve already helped me once,” Duan Zhiyan smiled. “Now I can face the rest on my own.”

Chi Yunxing blinked, recalling how he’d secretly held Duan Zhiyan’s hand on the way to the hospital.

His face turned red, his mind buzzing.

How did Duan Zhiyan know?

Was he conscious at the time? Or… did He You tell him?

But wait, Duan Zhiyan hadn’t seen He You since waking up.

So then—

Chi Yunxing’s ears burned hotter than they had during the kiss scene.

He wanted to run.

Sensing this, Duan Zhiyan said gently, “Thank you, Yunxing.”

His words stung Chi Yunxing’s eyes with sudden heat. He blinked furiously to stop the tears from falling.

“N-no problem…” he mumbled, ducking his head.

Duan Zhiyan let him be.

He leaned back, sinking into the pillow and closing his eyes.

After a while, a knock sounded at the door.

Only then did Chi Yunxing realize how quiet the room had become. He looked over and saw Duan Zhiyan fast asleep, his breath rising and falling under the thin blanket.

Chi Xiwen pushed the door open and saw him sleeping. “Good. At least he’s resting. Otherwise he’d be arguing with me again.”

Chi Yunxing looked up. “Are you done talking to the doctor?”

Chi Xiwen nodded and sat. “It’s set. Therapy starts tomorrow. I’ll stay with him. I’ve already called my secretary and he’ll take you home.”

Chi Yunxing opened his mouth, but Chi Xiwen added, “Zhiyan doesn’t want you staying either.”

“I can at least stay tonight and go back tomorrow—”

“Yunxing,” Chi Xiwen interrupted patiently. “You have scenes to film tomorrow. Are you going to skip?”

“And besides,” he added, “Mom said she wants to come visit you soon. What if she comes tomorrow and you’re not at the set?”

That startled Chi Yunxing. “Wait, Mom said Saturday… and tomorrow…”

He checked his phone. Tomorrow was Saturday.

Chi Xiwen chuckled. “Go home. Don’t worry, your Ge is here.”

Chi Yunxing finally relented but before he left, he made Chi Xiwen promise not to fight with Duan Zhiyan.

If they wanted to argue, they could do it after he got better. They can even beat each other up if needed.

Just not now!

Chi Xiwen laughed. “Why would I fight Duan Zhiyan?”

“Just don’t fight him!”

Chi Xiwen nodded. “Alright, I promise.”

Only then did Chi Yunxing relax and leave with the secretary.

The next day, filming resumed.

Li Chao had delayed Chi Yunxing’s scenes, thinking he’d still be at the hospital. Seeing him back, he was surprised and asked about Duan Zhiyan.

Chi Yunxing gave him a quick summary. Li Chao was relieved and asked, “Can I go visit Mr. Duan today?”

Chi Yunxing wasn’t sure, so he messaged Chi Xiwen.

No reply yet, he was probably busy.

Half an hour later, a message came in from Duan Zhiyan.

[Duan Zhiyan: Other than you, no one else needs to come.]

Chi Yunxing stared at the message in a daze. When he processed what it meant, he suddenly felt like the sun was scorching hot.

Just then, Liu Ran brought him a bottle of water.

Seeing Chi Yunxing’s flushed face, Liu Ran asked, confused, “Chi Ge, why’s your face so red?”

Chi Yunxing didn’t even think. “It’s hot. It’s way too hot today!”

Liu Ran glanced up at the sky which was completely overcast then down at his own long sleeves, utterly baffled.

Hot…?