Next to you

Chapter 23

Yetao woke up in the Hospital Wing. He felt so tired that it was hard even opening his eyes.

"Finally you are awake." Professor Zhennan said.

Yetao moved his head to look at him, but it hurt really bad. He flinched.

"Easy there." The Professor helped him sit up on the bed. He still had some difficulty adapting to the light of the room. "You must have many questions."

Yetao nodded slowly. "Where is Oscar?" Of course this was his first thought since he woke up and didn't see him next to him.

"He's attending classes. You have slept for four days, you know?"

"Four days???" Yetao was shocked.

"I think you have used all the powers you had in your body. You needed rest to recover." Zhennan answered. "Oscar told me everything."

"Oh. I'm in trouble, right? I mean, for sneaking out of the castle at night and going on my own." Yatao looked down at his hands on his lap that were covered in bruises and burns.

Zhennan sighed. "You are not. The sect manipulated you and Oscar, so you have no responsibility in all of this."

Yetao felt relieved. "What about AK and the sect?" He asked.

"The Ministry took them into custody. They were heavily injured by your attack, so they didn't resist. Now they are being interrogated. Looks like the Ministry has a solid lead to follow to catch the members of the sect one and for all. Don't worry, they have no way to escape this time. Finally your parents will find peace." Professor Zhennan explained.

Yetao nodded. He wanted to cry. Finally everything was settled. The sect would be taken care of and he would be free to live his life without their shadow tormenting him.

"I'm sorry for everything that happened to you, Yetao. I really hope you will be able to live your life to the fullest from now on." Professor Zhennan said.

"Thank you, Professor. I can't thank you enough for everything you have done for me." Yetao took Professor's hand and held it tightly, hoping to properly convey his feelings to him. If it wasn't for Zhennan, he wasn't sure what would have happened to him. Maybe he would be in the sect's hands by now.

The Professor seemed slightly embarrassed by Yetao's gesture, but even so smiled at him. "You don't have to thank me. You know, you remind me of me when I was a student like you. I see the young version of myself in you. That's why I want you to find your own path to walk on."

Yetao didn't know what to say. He didn't have the time to think about an answer, because he heard screams coming from the door.

"Taotao, you're awake!" Of course, it was Fu Sichao's voice.

Yetao watched how all his friends came into the room, almost running towards his bed. Oscar was there too, but he was at the bottom of the group, so he couldn't properly see him.

"How are you?"

"Does it hurt somewhere?"

"Have you eaten something?"

"Do you need anything?"

"I'm so happy you are awake!"

The boys spoke all together, leaving Yetao no room to answer.

"Calm down, everybody! He can't understand if we all talk at the same time!" Keyu said loudly to let his friends hear his words.

Zhennan, who was sitting next to his bed, laughed and stood up. "I'll leave now. You seem busy. See you later." He said to Yetao. "And you guys, remember that Yetao is still recovering. Be quiet and respectful." He added addressing everyone, then he walked away.