Love Me in Another Universe

Chapter 5. My Father and Mother (Part 1)

Guan Xuchen escorted the injured Gao Xinglang to his residential quarter, where Gao and his father warmly invited Guan to their home.

The three arrived at the building where Gao's family lived. Looking up at the long staircase, Mr. Gao turned to Gao Xinglang and said, "Xinglang, come on, let Dad carry you up."

Gao Xinglang glanced at Guan Xuchen, feeling a bit embarrassed, and said, "No, Dad, I'd rather walk up by myself."

Before Mr. Gao or Guan Xuchen could respond, Gao Xinglang hoisted himself up on his crutch and climbed two steps. However, his injured foot accidentally brushed against the wall, causing him to wince in pain and almost lose his balance. Fortunately, Gao's father was quick to steady him.

"Stubborn kid! If you keep pushing yourself, you'll end up hurting your other foot too. How will you walk then?" Mr. Gao couldn't help but scold his son lightly.

Guan Xuchen joined in, persuading, "Lang, even with me helping, it was a struggle for you to climb the stairs at school today. Let Uncle carry you up, okay?" Or—or how about I carry you instead?"

Gao Xinglang was amused at Guan's suggestion, saying, "Soupy, with your small build... Never mind. Hold the crutch for me. Dad will carry me up."

Guan Xuchen nodded, took the crutch from Gao Xinglang, and carefully assisted him onto Mr. Gao's back.

Mr. Gao carried Xinglang up the stairs slowly, while Guan Xuchen followed behind, holding the crutch. Gao Xinglang rested comfortably on his father's back, chatting and laughing occasionally with the senior Gao. Seeing that, Guan Xuchen couldn't help but recall the warm memories of riding on his own father's shoulders as a child.

Gao Xinglang's home was on the fifth floor. The journey was not too long, but definitely not short.

Finally reaching the doorstep, Mr. Gao gently set his son down and let out a sigh of relief before reaching for his keys. At this time, the door opened. A middle-aged woman with a sweet and gentle face, wearing an apron, appeared at the threshold. It was Gao Xinglang's mother.

Mr. Gao smiled and said, "Honey, how did you know we were back? Seems like we're truly connected at heart."

Mrs. Gao gave him a playful scolding, "Don't say such silly things in front of the kid. I was just about to start cooking when I heard noises outside, so I came to check."

She then gently touched Gao Xinglang's head, her face filled with affection and concern, "Xinglang, does your foot still hurt? How was school today? Why were you so stubborn and didn't let Daddy pick you up?"

Gao Xinglang replied proudly, "Mom, I'm feeling much better today. I'm a grown-up man now; I can take care of myself."

It was then that Mrs. Gao noticed Guan Xuchen, who was a bit shy, standing behind Gao Xinglang. She approached him, crouched down, took his hand, and asked with a kind smile, "Hello, there. What's your name? Are you Xinglang's friend?"

Guan Xuchen nodded shyly and replied, "Auntie, hello. My name is Guan Xuchen. I'm Gao Xinglang's classmate."

Mrs. Gao said with sudden realization, "Oh, so you're Guan Xuchen! Welcome, Xuchen. Come on in."

Mr. Gao supported Gao Xinglang, while Mrs. Gao led Guan Xuchen by the hand into the house, where they all sat on the sofa. Guan Xuchen found the living room of Gao's home to be bright, clean, and cozy.

Mr. Gao told his wife, who had stepped into the kitchen, "Xinglang says it was Xuchen that helped him to the bathroom and got him his meal at school. Now Xuchen has even escorted him home."

Later Mrs. Gao emerged from the kitchen with a bottle of soda, handing it to Guan Xuchen with a smile, "Xuchen, thank you for taking care of Xinglang."

"Mom, why are you only giving soda to Guan Xuchen and not me? Am I your own son or not?" Xinglang pouted playfully.