29

After being together for a while, Li Xuan's inherent preciousness started creeping back out.

He caught a mild flu and took a few days off. At home he lay around all day, wouldn't even pick up his chopsticks—Su Xingchuan spoon-fed him every meal.

'Aren't you embarrassed, Dr. Li?' Su Xingchuan teased while feeding him.

Li Xuan didn't care at all, bossing Su Xingchuan around: 'Not this. I want the lean meat. Pick out the scallions and ginger. I want soup.'

Su Xingchuan called him a little ancestor, but in truth he worked without complaint, not daring to slack off for a moment. Once Li Xuan had eaten, he helped him lie down, washed the dishes, and came back to take the ear temperature of Li Xuan, who was already fast asleep.

Only when the temperature dropped did he relax.

Li Xuan slept for a while; when he woke, Su Xingchuan was lying beside him, holding him, fast asleep.

He reached out and touched the tip of Su Xingchuan's nose.

'What mischief is that little paw up to?'

Li Xuan said, 'I suddenly remembered the first time I met you.'

That night, that alleyway, Su Xingchuan standing in front of him.

'And then?'

'Back then I thought, if only you could take care of me forever.'

Su Xingchuan laughed involuntarily, crooked his finger and gently scraped the tip of Li Xuan's nose: 'So you weren't looking for a boyfriend, you were looking for a nanny?'

Li Xuan asked bluntly, 'Then are you going to take care of me forever?'

Su Xingchuan leaned down and kissed him. 'Don't worry, I'll take care of you for a lifetime.'