He nestled in Bai Wenran’s arms, the shocking bruises on his wrist stark against his skin, his breathing growing ever lighter.
He knew his disease was called Cystic Fibrosis, a fatal exocrine gland disorder.
People with this terminal illness had an average lifespan of 40 years, with mild cases reaching 50, but he clearly hadn’t been blessed by the goddess of luck.
From birth, he had lived in the ICU under monitoring for a full year.
In his memories, the most frequent sights were these hard-to-swallow medicines and his family’s tears.
“Madam, the latest research report from GF Laboratory is out.”
“Shh.” Bai Wenran gently lifted Gu Yuan’s face, signaling the other not to disturb the child.
For years, the Gu Family had poured massive funding into medical teams, sponsoring research to conquer CF and give Gu Yuan a chance at life.
Gu Yuan’s illness had already affected his lungs and digestive system. Without a better treatment, the chances of him reaching adulthood were slim.
“Mommy, I don’t want to take medicine anymore.”
Gu Yuan lowered his eyelashes, his eyes empty and gray. “I want to live on another planet like the Little Prince.”
“Little Yuan, you can’t think like that.”
Hearing this, Bai Wenran’s heart felt like it had been struck by a heavy hammer. She tried to suppress her trembling shoulders and murmured while covering her lips, “Your illness will be cured soon.”
Gu Yuan showed no reaction, just staring lightly at the book in his hand.
After a long time, he closed his eyes, his thoughts wandering aimlessly through the universe with that lonely planet.
At dinnertime, as usual, he refused to go downstairs to eat.
The house was lively today, and he occasionally heard laughter from outside the window.
He hated talking to his relatives’ kids and even more hated seeing their mocking or pitying looks.
He remembered his cousin once saying it would be good if he had the same illness, so he could get the family’s favoritism.
He knew he would definitely die, though the time was unknown.
He had even prepared himself, waiting for that planet to come pick him up.
“Little Yuan, your brothers and sisters are all here, and Little Fish too.”
Gu Cheng asked mildly, “Are you sure you won’t come down for dinner?”
“I hate them.” Gu Yuan gently turned a page in his book. “I hate every one of them.”
Gu Cheng sighed softly. “Little Yuan, if you don’t like Little Fish, Mommy and Daddy can promise not to let him bother you anymore.”
Bai Wenran was massaging Gu Yuan’s forehead and looked toward Gu Cheng upon hearing this.
Gu Cheng said seriously, “But in the future, can you not be so harsh to him? Little Fish’s family…”
“Two days ago, they all passed away.”
“He will need to live with us from now on, until adulthood.”
Gu Yuan turned his head to look at Gu Cheng, a flicker of surprise crossing his childish, pale face. Even the doctor sorting test records nearby was stunned for a moment.
“Why tell the child this?”
Bai Wenran was utterly puzzled. “Aren’t you afraid—”
“I’m not afraid.” Gu Cheng’s voice softened. “Our Little Yuan is already five years old. He will definitely keep this secret for us and not let Little Fish know.”
Gu Yuan looked away, his stunned face expressionless. “I don’t want to talk to him.”
Gu Cheng nodded, knowing that Gu Yuan had agreed.
Gu Yuan seemed more mature than his peers and had long understood many truths.
He didn’t force Gu Yuan to go downstairs for dinner anymore. Instead, he and Bai Wenran accompanied Gu Yuan to eat in the bedroom.
Downstairs, Zhou Chiyu had already devoured a bowl of rice by himself.
Though he was only in the middle class of kindergarten, his chopstick skills were impressive. While Shen Yuxiao and the others still needed training chopsticks, he could already deftly peel shrimp.
“Little Fish must be mixed-race.”
“Look at this child, so clever, just like a doll.”
“Little Fish’s mom is so beautiful; Little Fish inherited it all—”
The adults’ voices abruptly stopped, especially when they saw Zhou Chiyu’s clear, innocent eyes.
A child’s thoughts were easy to guess; he was listening to what the adults said.
“Auntie, I want another half bowl of rice.”
Zhou Chiyu politely raised his hand, but Butler Uncle, who was in charge of him, ruthlessly interrupted.
“Little Young Master, no. Zhou Lao said your dinner can only be this much at most.”
“But Grandpa isn’t here.”
Zhou Chiyu swung his little feet dejectedly, but within two seconds, he proposed a new condition. “Then can I have a cheese pudding before bed?”
Gu Lao looked at him indulgently. “This little guy’s appetite is really good.”
“No.” Butler Uncle’s stance remained firm.
“Okay.” Zhou Chiyu’s chubby little face showed slight disappointment. After being led on a half-hour walk by Butler Uncle, he was finally allowed back to his room.
Before Shen Yuxiao and his parents left, they bumped into Zhou Chiyu who was out for a stroll.
He mocked mercilessly, “I told you, Gu Yuan won’t play with you.”
This morning was the first time he had actively tried to socialize and been rejected. He rubbed his nose awkwardly and stubbornly said, “Who says? Gu Yuan will definitely be my good friend.”
Shen Yuxiao clearly didn’t believe him and kept mocking, “Big liar!”
Watching Shen Yuxiao’s smug departing back, Zhou Chiyu furrowed his little brows tightly and raised his arm. “You wait! Gu Yuan will absolutely be my good friend!”
The childish voice pierced the night sky as darkness fell.
Before Gu Lao went to sleep, Zhou Chiyu specially knocked on his door and gave him the medals he had brought from home.
