Xia Wan was quiet for a while and sat dazedly on Huo Yu’s lap without speaking.
It was not like he was not surprised, but when he thought about life things, he mostly thought about his family in the real world.
Growing up, his parents, brother, and grandfather were the ones who loved him the most. They were the people he depended on and trusted the most in his life.
Even after arriving in this new world, feeling utterly helpless, he gradually grew fond of Xia Chengzhang and loved him as his own family did. Yet, during quiet nights, in occasional dreams, he couldn’t help but naturally miss his own family.
He had their memory of love in his bones and blood for twenty years, and it was something he did without thinking, like a habit.
Compared to before, Xia Chengzhang became like family to him after he got into this world. Xia Chengzhang was someone he could rely on, and taking care of him became his job. The Xue family was a nice surprise he didn’t expect.
Using his book-wearing instinct, Xia Wan’s mind swiftly moved past the shock and started to remember the details the author wrote about the original owner in the book.
The original book was told from the viewpoints of Qiu Qi and Huo Lin, so there wasn’t much told about the other characters, including Xia Wan.
His actual life story wasn’t talked about in the book until the last madness occurred, and the Xue family never showed up in the story.
Xia Wan wasn’t sure if it was because the Xue family didn’t find out about the original owner’s real life until the accident or if the author simply didn’t want to focus too much on him.
Based on what he knew, Xia Wan believed that the Xue family probably hadn’t found out about his true life experience.
If the Xue family had known about his true life, considering their power, it seemed unlikely that Huo Lin and Qiu Qi would have had a happy ending despite mistreating the original owner like that.
At the same time, he fully grasped why he connected so well with the Xue family.
Simply put, blood relations still matter in this situation.
Xia Wan’s thoughts were like a big mix-up. It felt as if his brain was getting bumped around by a hammer. Just as he was thinking really hard, his waist suddenly got squished, and Huo Yu gave him a super tight hug out of nowhere.
Maybe thinking Xia Wan was upset, Huo Yu put his hand on the back of his head and softly stroked his hair, trying to make him feel better with every touch.
“Xia Wan.” Huo Yu’s voice sounded strong and solid, like a sturdy rock. “You still have me.”
His warm breath gently touched Xia Wan’s ears, swiftly distracting him from his tangled emotions.
Xia Wan glanced up at Huo Yu, looked into Huo Yu’s serious eyes, and kind of got what Huo Yu was saying: no matter what happened, he was always there standing with him and it wouldn’t change ever.
Suddenly, Xia Wan felt a wonderful warmth and a strong sense of safety.
It was as if the entire world had decided to be quiet just for them. The only things Xia Wan could hear were the sounds of their breathing and the beats of their hearts, making the night feel cozy and soft.
Xia Wan nestled his face into the curve of Huo Yu’s shoulder and neck, taking in a deep breath of his scent. They both used the same milk-flavored shower gel, yet for some reason, the fragrance on Huo Yu’s body felt distinct from his own.
The scent was softer and more enchanting.
“Eldest Master,” Xia Wan asked lightly, “Do you know how I ended up getting lost?”
In the past, even though Su Tang mentioned his little cousin getting lost, he didn’t go into details. Friends usually don’t bring up others’ painful experiences, so not many people in the dormitory asked about it.
Huo Yu nodded, saying, “Yes.” He then shared with Xia Wan all the information he had gathered before and learned today.
After hearing this, Xia Wan furrowed his brow and took a moment to think.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
“Vb ws vjv rjnfv wf olgra,” tf wewyifv, “jcv atfc rfmgfais abbx wf jkjs?”
Lf jqqfjgfv ab yf rfjgmtlcu obg jc fzqijcjalbc obg Wlj Jtfcuhtjcu jcv ktlrqfgfv, “Dea tf kjr gfjiis rageuuilcu ja atja alwf jcv mbeivc’a ilnf wemt ibcufg. Lf kjr lc j ktffimtjlg, sfa tf ralii aglfv ab yf ygjnf.”
Huo Yu said in a soft tone, “Yes,” and added, “But he broke the law by taking you away secretly.”
“Aunt Wen…” Xia Wan paused, then asked, “When did my parents know?”
“They must have known for a while, but they waited for Dad’s treatment to finish,” Huo Yu said gently. “They care about your feelings, so they’ve been considerate all along.”
Xia Wan didn’t say anything else. He just lay in Huo Yu’s arms and closed his eyes.
The original owner’s memories and feelings have actually become a part of him.
Whenever he closes his eyes, he sees moments from his childhood—being teased for not having a mother and bullied for his timid nature and poor background. But amidst those, he also sees Xia Chengzhang putting in all efforts to love and shield him.
When Xia Chengzhang would only buy a piece of meat and cook it, he never took a bite, leaving it all for him. Xia Chengzhang’s hands had thick calluses, worn black from hard work, yet they stayed beautiful and delicate. Xia Chengzhang worked really hard, saving money for a long time just to get him a pair of fancy sneakers, even though he himself wore old, oil-stained clothes. All this, just so he could go to the best school. While he endured insults in front of Xia Yang.
Everything the original owner felt and relied on came from Xia Chengzhang.
Xia Wan absentmindedly rubbed his fingertips together, feeling a mix of complex emotions in his heart.
Besides his feelings for Xia Chengzhang, he also understands the sorrow of a mother who lost her child.
While he was alive, even though his mother acted strong and cheerful around him, he knew she cried in secret many times when he wasn’t around. It was already so hurtful even back then.
“Eldest Master,” Xia Wan asked, “What do you think I should do?”
“You can do whatever you want,” Huo Yu said softly. “I respect your choice.”
Even Xue Chong and Wen Yunzhi could make concessions for Xia Wan and control their hatred. What right did he have to oppose Xia Wan’s decision?
Xia Wan clenched his fingers and said softly, “My dad’s illness can’t handle much stress. If he gets severely upset, the old illness might come back.”
“Yes,” Huo Yu responded gently.
“But I definitely want to acknowledge the Xue family. I heard from Tangtang that they’ve been through a lot because of my absence. This kind of pain shouldn’t go on for even one more day.”
“Yes,” Huo Yu responded once more, acknowledging Xia Wan’s decision.
“Eldest Master,” Xia Wan lifted his head from Huo Yu’s embrace. Despite his calm voice, her eyes were moist. Tears clung to his thick eyelashes, and a hint of uncertainty lingered in his gaze as he questioned, “It feels like I want everything. Do you think I’m being too greedy?”
“No,” Huo Yu said, softly as he used his fingertips to wipe away a tear from Xia Wan’s eyes.
Xia Wan gazed at him for a moment and then gave a slight nod.
Outside the door, Xia Chengzhang, in his wheelchair, couldn’t resist leaning a bit and raising his head when he heard the conversation inside.
Tears welled up and cascaded down Xia Chengzhang’s cheeks, following the outlines of his face. They traveled from the corners of his lips, finding their way into his mouth, leaving a noticeable salty taste on his lips and tongue.
He gripped the wheelchair’s hub with both hands and carefully guided it back to his bedroom.
Inside the door, after a brief moment of silence, Xia Wan’s cell phone softly rang on the armrest of the sofa.
He wiped his eyes and stood up as if awakening from a dream. “I want to call Wen… call my mother,” he said.
Huo Yu pursed his lips, but a faint smile appeared at the corners of his mouth. He nodded with a sense of satisfaction.
“Has anyone ever told you,” Huo Yu held Xia Wan’s wrist. Xia Wan’s wrist was delicate, and he traced it with his fingers as if admiring a piece of art. “You are very kind and very strong.”
Xia Wan’s family used to tell him all the time.
Because he never flinched despite the painful treatments, and because he was seriously ill, it was easier for him to feel compassion for others.
Xia Wan lifted his gaze and looked at Huo Yu. In his eyes, there was a clear sense of dependence.
He moved nearer and swiftly kissed the corner of Huo Yu’s lips.
“I just heard it,” he said “My partner has mentioned it.
Huo Yu smiled, released Xia Wan’s wrist, and affectionately ran his hand through his hair. “Do you want me to go out?”
Xia Wan was momentarily taken aback. After a pause, it dawned on him that Huo Yu was talking about his phone call with Wen Yunzhi.
“No need,” he shook his head, “There’s nothing you can’t listen to.”
He paused for a moment, then stated, “We are husband and wife.”
Huo Yu gazed at him in silence for a moment before nodding. “Yes.”
Xia Wan got out of bed and reached for his phone on the sofa’s armrest.
He noticed several message notifications on his phone and quickly glanced at them. Some were from studio buddies, others from partners, and one from Cui Xiaoheng, his manager at Langqiao Gallery.
Cui Xiaoheng’s message conveyed that the painting Xia Wan had submitted earlier had been officially sold for a high price of 2.2 million. The formalities were done, and the sale announcement will be posted on the Langqiao Gallery website tonight. Cui also mentioned the approximate payment date, advising Xia Wan to keep an eye on it.
Normally, getting a cool message from Cui Xiaoheng would make Xia Wan really happy, but today he just said a quick “Thank you” without being too excited. After that, he called Wen Yunzhi.
Feeling a bit nervous, he couldn’t help but turn his head and sneak a glance at Huo Yu.
Huo Yu was leaning by the bedside and quietly observing him. When Xia Wan nervously looked in his direction, Huo Yu nodded reassuringly, offering support and encouragement.
Without further hesitation, Xia Wan tapped the call button.
He hadn’t planned what to say, but the eagerness to convey that he was back overwhelmed him as he prepared to talk to Wen Yunzhi.
He had the urge to call her “mother,” as if the mother in the original world had been found again.
Most importantly, he wanted to end everyone’s pain as soon as possible. Because they love him so much, he couldn’t help but want to give the best response.
The call connected very quickly, it was as if Wen Yunzhi had been holding the phone, and she picked up right away as soon as Xia Wan dialed.
“Hello,” Wen Yunzhi answered, sounding a bit scratchy. She couldn’t hide her nervousness as she called Xia Wan’s name, “Wanwan.”
Xia Wan pressed his lips together and glanced at Huo Yu again with just one look.
Huo Yu was looking at him with kind eyes like he could give the warmest and most comforting hug whenever Xia Wan needed it.
Xia Wan’s throat moved, and he softly said two words, ” Hi, Mom.”
There was a brief silence which was followed by Wen Yunzhi’s stifled cry.
She softly said, “Ake,” it was almost like she feared disrupting a sweet dream. Then, unable to contain her joy, she couldn’t help but raise her voice a little louder, “Ake.”
Xia Wan bit his lip and quickly responded, calling again, “Mom.”
“Huo Yu told me everything,” he said.
Wen Yunzhi started crying a lot from the other side, and Xue Chong’s voice was there too. Xia Wan couldn’t catch exactly what Xue Chong was saying, but he sounded like he was trying to comfort Wen Yunzhi.
“I’ve troubled you all these years, Au…Mom.” Xia Wan wasn’t used to the switch from aunt to mother, but without hesitation, he continued to address her as a mother as naturally as before. “I’ve grown up. Everything is okay now, please… don’t cry.”
“Mom, don’t cry anymore,”
When Wen Yunzhi heard this, tears started flowing from her eyes immediately, and she said, “Mom is just too happy.”
Xia Wan rubbed his fingertips until they felt faintly warm, listening to Wen Yunzhi cry loudly. His eyes couldn’t help but feel sore.
As Xia Wan listened, Wen Yunzhi’s emotions came through the phone, feeling so real. It was like these emotions gradually sparked his own feelings, making him sense the deep connection between a mother and child and the shared pain they experienced.
“I’m sorry,” he said softly.
“You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s all your mother’s fault. She had too much self-esteem and only cared about her career. She had to hand you over to someone else, otherwise, you wouldn’t have gotten lost,” Wen Yunzhi said while crying. She wished she could hold Xia Wan in her arms right now.
Unable to control herself, she shared, “Do you know? Mom and Dad were so scared that you’d disown us when we saw how well you and Xia Chengzhang got along.”
She said sweetly, “There are always stories in the news about some children choosing their adoptive parents even after finding their biological parents.”
“But at that time, I always prayed. Even if my children don’t recognize me, I also want to ask God to give me a favor. A little guidance, as long as I find you, I know that you are safe and healthy, and it doesn’t matter if you don’t recognize your parents,” Wen Yunzhi said with tears, “God allowed me to find you, and you are still willing to call me mom, I am very satisfied.”
“Of course, I will recognize you,” Xia Wan asserted, his lips tightly pressed together. Despite his effort, tears welled up in his eyes. He continued, “I haven’t had a mother since I was a child. The first time I saw you, I felt a warm kindness. At that moment, I thought it would be wonderful to have a mother like you – capable and beautiful.” The sincerity in his words reflected the genuine emotions he felt.
Xia Wan said softly, “I didn’t expect that you were my mother. Now I am very satisfied and happy.”
His skin was fair, and when he cried, the corners of his eyes and the tip of his nose turned red, giving him a slightly pitiful appearance.
Especially the way he raised his hands to wipe away his tears was even more heart-wrenching.
When Xia Wan uttered the word “happy,” he suddenly found himself enveloped in a warm embrace.
Huo Yu tenderly wrapped his arms around Xia Wan from behind, placing a gentle kiss on the top of his hair. With care, he raised his hand to softly wipe away the tears on Xia Wan’s face.
Xia Wan lifted his head, tears in his eyes.
His happiness wasn’t just something he talked about; it was like a comfortable, lasting set up in his heart.
He feels lucky because he now knows how much love and care he has from everyone around him.
😍❤️❤️
I want to cry to now! ｡ﾟ( ﾟஇ‸இﾟ)ﾟ｡
Thank You for the new chapter -ω(´•ω•｀)♡
🥹 Happy it went well!Thank you for the nice chapters! 🥰
Thanks for the update. 😭🥺💜
💖💗💖💗
Im sorry but Xia C dont deserve XW love, dude kidnapped a kid cuz his life is sad/bad. Doesn’t even want XW biological parents to find XW how fck up is that.
Same here. But from Xia Wan POV when he came to this world he only had XC by his side so he kinda has some attachment towards XC that is what I feel.
It is both morally and legally wrong to kidnap a child. But I’m not going to dehumanize a man who lost his wife, job and mobility in such quick succession that it directly sent him into depression and thoughts of ending it. Those feelings are not sadness; Xia Wan was literally this man’s lifeline. To Xia Wan, he functioned exactly as any loving parent would and did his best with what he had. The overall situation is way less black and white
I’M NOT CRYING Q‸Q
Honestly, I feel bad for Xia wan OG parents more than anything. Also isn’t it sad that Xue family never got to meet their actual son and he just died unjustly. And xia c, dude doesn’t deserve everythings forgiveness just because he’s apparantly sick.
Think about it. Something could have gone worse if he didn’t take Xia Wan with him at that time. And while I understand it was also not the biological family’s fault, the fact is, the kid still got lost right under their noses. What were you doing with all that money if you couldn’t even keep a decent security around your children? It wasn’t like Xia Wan was forcefully taken out of their hands at that time, with guns being pointed at their temples. It was a case of entrusting the child to the wrong person and that could be accounted to how they did not give the child the security he needs, given the fact that he’s a rich man’s son.
Although not justifiable, I also agree that at that state of mind, he will cling to XW to survive. It is morally wrong, we all know it, he knows it, but only a person who is trully desperate will understand his feelings. That’s the reason I can’t make myself hate him.As someone who read multiple stories with depression/suicide tags, I kinda see why he did that. It’s the perks of being able to see the story on a third person. They make us see what others are going through. What we need is to understand and help them. Encourage them. Unfortunately, no one reach out to him at his lowest time. It’s sad, but we are all human. And humans make mistake. I don’t condone his mistake, but also won’t judge it recklessly.I don’t have depression, so I can’t really understand what you are going through and I know the thing you hate the most is saying “I understand you” because no one can trully understand your feelings aside from the people with the same depression as you.I’m not good with words, so I hope I didn’t offend you or anything. Thank you for sharing your side on this and t hank you for fighting continously. I hope you live well no matter what and take care of yourself. You can do it!
^_^
We may say that XC kidnapped XW it’s true it was wrong but we couldn’t deny the fact that they both save each other. if XW wasn’t with XC he might have worse life, it’s like the lesser evil. Although the mother suffered her negligence also lead to this event, remember a child as two years old still needs his parents attention and love. There’s no feminism or women rights here it’s about responsibilities of being a mother. Careers are important but child care is also important that they’ll be a child only one’s. So it would be wrong if we sided with only one side since both sides really love XW but it is a different story if XC had malevolent intentions and was really bad after he kidnapped a child.
😭😭😭
Don’t know what original XW would think, if he knew the truth…
And yeah, XC did good thing saving a child, but then…I don’t want to dehumanise him, he made a mistake, but man, he had 18 years…he knew child’s family was well off…thinking about a child, when struggling with life, he could seek for real parents. He’s not evil per se, but utterly selfish. IMHO.
I cried