The Escort

Q University to apply for a one-year leave of absence.
Also in the hospital where Shao Rong was preparing for her surgery, he inquired about and found a responsible nurse who would take care of all the preparations needed for Shao Rongs upcoming surgery.

Before entering the operating room, Shao Mingwei took Shao Rong's hand and said, “Rong Rong, don't be afraid, brother will wait for you.”

But good luck seems to have forgotten the Shao brothers and sisters.
Although Shao Rong's operation was successful, it didn't take long after a complication to appear—Shao Rong's kidney has a problem³.
The doctor told Shao Mingwei that Shao Rong needed dialysis once a week and should take medicines every day, which is expensive.
Shao Mingwei walked out of the consulting room with his back straight.
Don't break down, he told himself over and over again.

In the following year, Shao Mingwei rushed between the small rental house Shao Rong lived in, the hospital and various workplaces.
He worked as a tutor, moved bricks on the construction site, delivered couriers and takeaways, worked as a waiter, and saved a small amount of savings enough for his tuition and enough to pay for Shao Rong's dialysis and medication.
His part-time work only decreased after he entered school.
In just one year, Shao Mingwei became lean, with tight muscles on his body.
Although his hands were calloused, it was stronger, and he even grew three centimeters taller.

Occasionally, when Shao Mingwei was taking shelter from the afternoon sun on the construction site while eating steamed buns, he suddenly stopped gnawing and then thought: Beijing is so big, yet where is his and Shao Rongs home? But after a moment of feeling at loss and sudden sadness, Shao Mingwei once again forced himself to cheer up and devote himself to the afternoon work. 

The following year, when Shao Mingwei was 19 years old, he started his first-year in university.
He was handsome, gentle, and mature, tolerant, and proactive, so he quickly became well known around the school, and it was not surprising that after his second year, he took over as the president of the student council.
He was an assiduous person.
When not working, he concentrated on studying, so he was recruited by a professor who appreciates his talent to join his research lab, and he repeatedly mentioned that it is important to have a postgraduate education.
Although for some reasons, Shao Mingwei intends to work directly after he graduates, there is still a trace of hope deep down his heart that he will be able to get a postgraduate degree, so he has not expressed his refusal to the professor but he has not also directly agreed.

Just when Shao Mingwei thought everything was finally back on the right track, life had told him: it's not gonna be that easy.
Half a month ago, Shao Rong called him and said that she was feeling uncomfortable.
Shao Mingwei knew that his sister was very tolerant, and when the situation had reached to the point where she chose to say that she's feeling unwell, it may be extremely uncomfortable for her.
After reading the examination results, the doctor had a sullen expression, and regretfully said to Shao Mingwei that Shao Rong's condition has deteriorated.
The frequency of dialysis needs to be changed from once a week to twice a week, and the medicine should be changed into a more expensive one.

Shao Mingwei went to the bank to check his deposits and glance at an entryway at a distance.
Two days later, he walked into the Nights.

When Shao Mingwei pushed the door in, Sister Zhang was skillfully talking and entertaining several men.
Seeing him coming in, the imperceptible satisfaction flashed in her eyes, and she smiled and said, “Aiya, you are finally here.
Everyone is waiting anxiously.” While talking, she walked towards Shao Mingwei and gently pushed a few boys inside the box.

The lights in the box are dim, and the light from the big TV screen behind them barely illuminates the appearance of these men who are robust and prosperous⁴ in their careers and family.
Seeing the vulgar expressions on their faces, they knew what're in each other’s mind.
Some of them were clamoring to taste something new.
Shao Mingwei indifferently watched sister Zhang and the men on the sofa who were chatting and laughing with each other.
Suddenly feeling being watched, he turned his head silently and wandered his eye, which unexpectedly met Min Yu's.
He was sitting in the deep corner of the box.
His clothes were exquisite, and although he can see some few lines between his eyebrows, he looked gentle and beautiful.
He is even better-looking than the young boy who came with him, and his stature was slender and long.
But Shao Mingwei didn't have the time to carefully observe him, because as soon as he met the opponents’ bright eyes, he immediately moved his line of sight with his heart drumming wildly in his chest—Min Yu recognized him.

Shao Mingwei's mind went blank for a moment.
He felt the eyes of the other party constantly drifting over his place.
Sister Zhang naturally saw it too, and said to Min Yu, “Mr.
Min, this is our Nights…”

Min Yu raised his hand, interrupting her.
Shao Mingwei couldn't help but look at him.
Min Yu showed a gentle smile.
His eyes were slightly bent, and the corner of his eyes stretched out a beautiful and gentle arc.
With a completely relaxed and peaceful attitude, he said to Shao Mingwei, “Is it okay if you sit beside me?” There is no lack of indulgence in his tone for the youth in front of him.

—————

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Footnotes:

¹I don't know if it is the same in some Asian countries but in our country (which is part of Asia) if someone is suddenly not in his right/normal state of mind/being, the phrase “his body has lost its soul” is used.
Mostly used in a joking manner, rarely used as a ridicule.
The same as a dispirited person.

²Feng Shui, also known as Chinese geomancy, is a pseudoscientific traditional practice originating from ancient China, which claims to use energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment.
Definition from Wikipedia.

³The author did not mention what surgery and disease Shao Rong had so I had to guess that it was surgical procedure on the heart or blood vessels, since these type of surgeries can cause changes in the blood flow that may cause acute kidney injury (AKI) it is a common and serious complication after a surgery.

⁴Féi tóu dà ĕr, robust and prosperous – a compliment in the ancient times, probably used to compliment someone successful.

Translator's Corner: This chapter's supposed to be out yesterday, however, I underestimated my busy schedule and ended messing everything up.
I'm genuinely sorry and stay tuned for the next update! Updates will be trice a month, every Mondays.
See you next monday!