Chapter 41 - Can’t let you go
Author’s POV
Stuck in his daily working life, Han Shuo lost the colors of life. 
Somehow, he was still able to work. Although both his mind and heart were in search of rest.
Pulling his exhausted body, he drove back to his home.
With his loaded eyes, he walked towards the door when someone called him from behind.
"Han Shuo!"
With his unfocused gaze, he glanced back, only to find Xi Song standing there.
"What are you doing here?"
"Do you have time for a chat?"
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Xi Song was scanning his house while sitting on the couch. Peeping here and there, his gaze fell on the pictures hanging on the wall.
His eyes became moist when childhood memories hit his heart once again.
Xi Song's POV
Sitting in his place, I was looking here and there. How many things had changed? Where music instruments used to be, now there was a bar center.
The home used to have bright, positive vibes. But now, it was covered with lonely and dark vibes that felt depressing.
I was a little relieved to see myself happy in those pictures. At least, in my life, I once used to laugh without any fake feelings.
In my life, I used to be loved by someone. However, with time, when we grew up, I found how everything disappeared from our lives.
People who used to make us feel happy now didn't even have time to greet each other.
Our friendship was the most precious memory of my life that shattered with just one argument.
As we continued to grow, we left behind everything. If anything left, it was loneliness, sadness.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn't even notice Han Shuo's presence.
He cleared his throat, and that made me come back to reality. 
"How come you ended here at my place?"
"You still have those pictures." 
"That's not the answer to my question, Xi Song. Let's not mix our past here."
With a half-hearted smile plastered on my face, I lifted my head. "Can you do me a favor? There was an earthquake in the nearby town. Our hospital is sending a relief team, and I'm leading it. I may not be able to take care of her for a few weeks." Glancing into his eyes, I added. "Can you look after Xingyue for me?"
Faking a laugh, he crossed his arms. "And... Are we close enough to do favors? But you don't need to worry about Xingyue. I'll look after her. Not because of you, but because of my feelings for her." Pausing for a while, he stood up. "Xi Song, I love her. If you can't protect her, love her, then move back. I'm willing to give her the warmth she needs."
Wrinkles formed across my forehead as I stood up. I felt aback when he told me his feelings for her. I know I have no right to interfere in Xingyue's matters. But when he confessed, I felt insecure. As if he was about to snatch something precious from me.
"W-what are you talking about, Han Shuo?"
"I'm telling you the truth, Xi Song. After your divorce, when she'll need a shoulder to cry on, I'll give her my shoulder. With time, I'll make her fall for me. And she'll find the one who deserves her."
My eyes squeezed shut, as I could no longer hear his words. My veins popped out of my neck when I grabbed his collar and pushed him towards the wall.
"STOP TALKING NONSENSE, HAN SHUO!"
"If you don't love her, why can't you let me love her? Besides, I can give her everything she wants. From a luxury life to genuine love, I can provide her all. DO YOU THINK YOU STAND A CHANCE IN FRONT OF ME? IF YOU HAVE NO FEELINGS FOR HER, WHY ARE YOU BURNING UP?"
"SAY ONE MORE WORD OR YOU'LL DIE HERE."
Clenching his jaw, he pushed me back.
"Stop acting as if you owned her. She has the right to choose anyone. Stop being selfish, Xi Song. After she finds out the truth, she may give you divorce right away."
"XI SONG, YOU'RE TOO LATE TO GET HER."
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Xingyue's POV
I was getting bored in the room when I heard the voices coming from outside. Peeking out from a window, I saw everyone rushing here and there.
There was chaos in the whole hospital. Some were running out while some were carrying a few bags on their shoulders.
Narrowing my eyes, I opened the door and went outside only to see the rush closely.
Moving my head, I noticed Aunt Lu as I went towards her.
"Aunt Lu, why is there so much rush in the hospital?"
"What to say? There was an earthquake in the nearby town. Our hospital is sending a relief team. It's urgent, and they are leaving in an hour. Therefore, the whole hospital is in a mess."
I started feeling restless after listening to her words. There was a rush in my heart as well when I asked her. "I-is Xi Song also going?"
"He is the one who'll lead the team. Doesn't he tell you?"
"Agh! He did, maybe, I forgot."
Stepping back, I turned around and hurried towards the van standing outside the hospital.
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Author's POV
After running so much, her breaths hitched in between her words. Glancing here and there, she searched for Xi Song.
Searching, she drew closer to the bus, where she heard Xi Song's voice.
"Keep the boxes there. Don't mix it with medical kits."
As he turned back, Xingyue's arms covered him from all sides. Holding him close to her chest, she heaved a sigh of relief. 
Her rebellious heart finally calmed down when Xi Song hugged her while rubbing her back.
Pressing his lips tightly, he rested his chin on her head, feeling her warmth.
"Xi Song, where did you go? I got scared," she asked in a weepy voice.
"Calm down! I was here to help them."
Gently, he broke the hug while she glanced down at the ground below her feet with concern in her eyes.
"Xingyue? What's wrong?" He gently lifted her chin and met her watery eyes. Flushing, he asked. "Aaigo! Are you crying? I didn't even leave yet."
"You're so noisy, Xi Song. You don't care about my feelings. Letting you go away makes me feel terrific. It feels like if I let you go, I'll lose you forever." 
He tenderly poked her nose with his finger and pulled her again into his embrace. "Silly girl, I'm not leaving you. I'll come back in a few weeks. Wait for me, okay?"
Still shedding tears on his chest, she nodded in agreement. "Hmm! I'll wait for you."