CH 52

Chapter 52 – Facing Them Together

Wei Chen knew about Chen Li’s physical condition but wasn’t in a hurry for immediate results. He led Chen Li to jog along the path, and their pace was really slow. They were overtaken by other joggers time and time again, but Wei Chen remained patient, jogging leisurely with Chen Li while observing his condition. When he noticed Chen Li panting heavily, he slowed down their pace.

They ran for nearly half an hour like this, and Wei Chen took Chen Li for a small lap around the park’s path. By the time they stopped, Chen Li was drenched in sweat and breathing heavily.

“Great job,” Wei Chen praised as he wiped the sweat off Chen Li’s face. He was impressed that Chen Li endured the entire distance without asking to stop or showing signs of exhaustion.

Breathing heavily, Chen Li obediently let Wei Chen wipe the sweat off his face.

A few schoolgirls in uniforms passed by, watching their interaction and leaving with smiles and comments. Chen Li’s gaze fell on those schoolgirls, and Wei Chen noticed where Chen Li’s attention was and remembered it.

Afterward, they took a walk along the river’s boardwalk and had breakfast at a small shop before walking home hand in hand.

Upon arriving home, Chen Li’s gaze landed on Wei Chen, clearly indicating his intentions.

Seeing Chen Li’s eagerness, Wei Chen asked him to bring out the book. It was a first-grade Chinese language textbook, teaching the simplest pinyin. Wei Chen didn’t know Chen Li’s foundation, so he started with the basics.

However, soon Wei Chen encountered a problem. Chen Li remained silent, and Wei Chen didn’t know if he had learned or not. When he asked if Chen Li understood, Chen Li just looked at him without saying a word.

If it weren’t for the previous life when Chen Li spoke at a critical moment, Wei Chen would have thought that Chen Li couldn’t speak. It was only after experiencing that day in the previous life that Wei Chen knew Chen Li could speak but resisted doing so.

Wei Chen realized the issue now. He closed the book, looked at Chen Li with a serious expression, and said, “Li Li, you can speak, right?”

The gaze that was on Wei Chen shifted away when Chen Li heard his words, clearly unwilling to face this question.

Wei Chen finally confirmed that Chen Li genuinely resisted speaking, but he didn’t force him. He opened the book again and continued teaching from “aoe.”

Chen Li listened attentively and when he learned, he placed his hand on the book, indicating Wei Chen to turn the page.

Aside from not speaking, Chen Li was a diligent student, quickly grasping what was taught. After half a day, Chen Li had learned most of the pinyin.

Time flew, and the sun climbed higher in the sky. Noon arrived, and half the day had passed. Wei Chen closed the Chinese language book and said, “Alright, let’s stop here for the morning. Let’s go eat.”

Reluctantly, Chen Li withdrew his gaze from the textbook and went outside with Wei Chen.

When Chen Li got into the car, as Wei Chen leaned over to fasten his seatbelt, he whispered softly in Chen Li’s ear, “Li Li, don’t be afraid. I’m here with you. Whatever challenges we face, we’ll face them together.”

Chen Li didn’t react, his eyes fixed on his own feet, unmoving.

Wei Chen lifted Chen Li’s face and gently pressed a kiss on his smooth forehead. The moment his lips touched Chen Li’s skin, Wei Chen felt his heart was about to leap out of his throat.

“Li Li, I’ll wait for you.”

‘I’ll wait for the day when you completely let down your guard for me.’

Chen Li stared blankly at Wei Chen, opened his mouth, but no words came out.

Once certain defenses are set, they aren’t easily opened. Wei Chen understood this well, so he didn’t push Chen Li. However, he believed that patience pays off, and one day, Chen Li would completely open his heart to him.