Axolotl Translations

“Great!” Zuo Zhou’s eyes lit up instantly. “I’ll go change right now!”

And with that, he bolted back to his room.

Shangguan Yu watched his enthusiastic and lightning-fast departure—like an oversized dog terrified of being left behind by its owner. He couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

Zuo Zhou moved fast. In less than a minute, he was back in the living room, fully changed.

He wore the black, basic down jacket Shangguan Yu had gifted him, paired with dark blue straight-leg jeans and matching canvas sneakers. His bangs fell naturally over his forehead, giving him a youthful and sunny look. Combined with his 188 cm height and athletic build, he was the type of guy who could turn heads just by walking across campus.

Seeing such a vibrant, handsome Zuo Zhou, Shangguan Yu’s gaze lingered on him a little longer than usual.

Youth was such a luxury. Health, even more so.

Shangguan Yu felt a hint of gratitude—having this big, energetic guy as his caregiver, looking after him day and night, was probably one of the few good things that had happened since his accident.

Zuo Zhou definitely noticed the way Shangguan Yu was looking at him. Pretending to act natural, he straightened his back and puffed out his chest, striking a proud pose like a peacock showing off its feathers. After making sure he’d presented himself from every flattering angle, he finally asked, “Brother Yu, what’s wrong?”

“…Nothing. Can you go to my room and bring me—”

Before Shangguan Yu could finish his sentence, a knock sounded at the door. Right on time—Xu Jun had arrived.

“One second!” Zuo Zhou called toward the door, then turned back to Shangguan Yu. “Got it, I’ll get the cashmere blanket.”

And off he went, moving like a blur toward the bedroom.

Because of his poor circulation, Shangguan Yu’s legs were always cold. Even at home, he often needed a blanket to keep them warm—let alone when going outside.

That was exactly what he had been about to ask Zuo Zhou to grab for him, but before he could even finish his request, Zuo Zhou had already taken care of it.

“I’ll tuck you in,” Zuo Zhou said as he crouched down, carefully draping the blanket over Shangguan Yu’s legs and making sure it was snug. Then, standing up, he grabbed the wheelchair handles and started pushing him toward the door.

“Alright, let’s go.”

The door swung open. Standing outside was Xu Jun, holding a bouquet of striking red roses. His face had been all smiles—until he saw Zuo Zhou. The moment their eyes met, his expression went completely stiff.

Considering that Zuo Zhou was Shangguan Yu’s caregiver, Xu Jun managed to keep his composure, avoiding any overt displays of hostility. Lowering his gaze as if Zuo Zhou didn’t even exist, he addressed Shangguan Yu directly.

“Xiao Yu, these flowers are for you.”

Shangguan Yu didn’t reach out to take them. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, glancing at Zuo Zhou. Instantly understanding, Zuo Zhou stepped forward, took the bouquet, and casually placed it on the shoe cabinet.

“… ” Xu Jun was displeased, but since Shangguan Yu hadn’t said anything, he endured it. “Xiao Yu, shall we head out?”

“Mm.” Shangguan Yu gave a simple nod. “Let’s go.”

“Alright.”

“Alright.”

Both Xu Jun and Zuo Zhou answered at the same time.

Xu Jun: …

Out of Shangguan Yu’s line of sight, Zuo Zhou shot Xu Jun a quick, smug glance before deliberately announcing in a loud voice, “Brother Yu, sit tight, I’m gonna start pushing now!”

“Mm.”

Under Xu Jun’s baffled stare, Zuo Zhou straightened his back and pushed the wheelchair forward with an air of triumph, practically strutting like a rooster showing off its territory.

Standing at the doorway, Xu Jun was forced to step aside and make way. He could only watch helplessly as Zuo Zhou walked out behind the wheelchair—and then, without even looking back, reached out and shut the door with a swift motion.

Xu Jun: …

Zuo Zhou: “Bother Jun, could you press the elevator button?”

“?” Xu Jun finally realized something wasn’t right. “Xiao Yu, wait… is he taking you downstairs? That’s not necessary, I can do it myself.”

Saying this, Xu Jun quickly stepped forward, trying to push Zuo Zhou aside so he could take over pushing Shangguan Yu’s wheelchair.

But before he could get any closer, Shangguan Yu spoke in a calm, indifferent tone.

“Xiao Zuo is coming with me. Did you drive? There should be enough room in the car, right?”

“………………” Xu Jun was momentarily speechless. “Wait, why is he coming? Xiao Yu, I can take care of you just fine! We—”

“This isn’t a date,” Shangguan Yu interrupted flatly. “I just have something I want to clarify with you in person. If you’d rather not go to that Western restaurant, we can talk at my place instead.”

“… That’s not what I meant. It’s just… our conversation is private, isn’t it? Having a third person around doesn’t seem… appropriate.”

“He won’t be listening. I’ll seat him at another table.” Shangguan Yu said matter-of-factly. “So, are you still coming?”

Xu Jun had no other choice. Even though he was beyond reluctant, after everything that had happened, the fact that Shangguan Yu was even willing to meet at their old spot to talk, was already a huge step forward. He knew better than to push his luck.

So, despite his unwillingness, he had no choice but to agree.

“Alright then, my car’s parked on B3,” Xu Jun muttered, clearly unenthusiastic as he stepped forward to press the elevator button.

The elevator arrived almost instantly. The doors slid open—it was empty.

Zuo Zhou, with his head held high like he owned the place, wheeled Shangguan Yu inside first. Xu Jun, on the other hand, rolled his eyes in the least graceful manner possible before following them in.

No one spoke for a moment.

Zuo Zhou stood behind Shangguan Yu’s wheelchair, staring straight ahead, like a loyal knight guarding his prince with unwavering devotion.

Meanwhile, Shangguan Yu gazed forward with an unfocused expression, lost in thought.

Xu Jun’s gaze flickered to Zuo Zhou’s hands gripping the wheelchair. The sight was nothing short of an eyesore. Annoyed, he blurted out, “Let me push Xiao Yu.”

But Zuo Zhou had no intention of letting go. Instead, he tightened his grip, practically locking his hands onto the handles in a clear show of territory-marking.

“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of troubling you, Brother Jun,” Zuo Zhou said with a polite yet insincere smile. “I’m Brother Yu’s caretaker, it’s my responsibility. Besides, I’ve got the hang of it now. At home, I handle everything for Brother Yu at home—big or small, inside and out.”

“……”

Xu Jun’s right eyelid twitched violently.

Something about Zuo Zhou’s words didn’t sit right with Xu Jun. It felt like there was a hidden meaning behind them, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t figure out exactly what.

If he wanted to get angry, Zuo Zhou’s innocent, almost bunny-like smile made it impossible. Not only was he polite, but he even used formal language. There wasn’t a single excuse to pick a fight.

Frustrated, Xu Jun turned to Shangguan Yu, hoping he’d say something.

But Shangguan Yu sat there like an uninterested bystander, his face completely blank, as if this whole situation had nothing to do with him.

With no support, Xu Jun had no choice but to swallow his irritation.

The elevator quickly descended from the sixth floor to B3. As soon as the doors opened, Xu Jun stepped out first, leading the way to his car.

It was a Volvo XC60 in a sleek pearl gray color. Xu Jun pulled open the rear passenger door and glanced down at Shangguan Yu.

“Xiao Yu, sit here. I’ll put your wheelchair in the trunk.”

“Mm.”

Shangguan Yu nodded and started maneuvering his wheelchair closer. He reached for the car door, preparing to push himself up into the seat.

Xu Jun, unaware that Shangguan Yu could get in by himself, instinctively stepped forward, ready to help lift him into the car.

But before he could do anything—bam! Out of nowhere, Zuo Zhou appeared and slammed into him, nearly knocking him off balance.

“Brother Jun,” Zuo Zhou said with a smile, “Brother Yu is perfectly capable of getting in by himself. He doesn’t need our help.”

Although he was speaking to Xu Jun, his eyes remained fixed on Shangguan Yu the entire time.

That’s why he was the first to notice when, just as Shangguan Yu was about to settle into his seat, he suddenly wobbled—on the verge of falling out of the car.

Zuo Zhou reacted instantly. In one smooth motion, he grabbed Shangguan Yu’s arm, effortlessly supporting his weight with a single hand and guiding him back into the seat.

The entire process took less than three seconds. Zuo Zhou maintained an easy smile, while Shangguan Yu showed no reaction, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

Xu Jun, however, looked completely thrown.

A second ago, Zuo Zhou had insisted there was no need to help. And yet, here he was—helping.

After making sure Shangguan Yu was seated properly, Zuo Zhou finally turned toward Xu Jun, catching his incredulous stare. Flashing a grin, he shrugged and said, “Sometimes, he might need a little support—just like now.”

Xu Jun: …

Faced with Xu Jun’s deadpan expression, Zuo Zhou simply chuckled, completely unfazed. Then, without missing a beat, he swiftly folded up the wheelchair and carried it to the back of the car.

“Brother Jun,” he said, blinking at him innocently, “Could you open the trunk for me?”

Xu Jun sighed but complied without a word.

Zuo Zhou wasted no time. After placing the wheelchair in the trunk, he opened the backseat door and slid in beside Shangguan Yu.

And just like that, Xu Jun was left alone in the driver’s seat, reduced to nothing more than a chauffeur.

“……”

Xu Jun’s hands tightened on the steering wheel as he glared at Zuo Zhou through the rearview mirror, frustration bubbling beneath his otherwise composed face.

He had no problem driving for Shangguan Yu. But for Zuo Zhou? Who did he think he was, making himself at home like that?

The more Xu Jun thought about it, the more annoyed he became. His stare toward Zuo Zhou grew increasingly heated.

Zuo Zhou, sharp as ever, immediately picked up on Xu Jun’s irritation. But instead of acknowledging it, he played dumb, blinking innocently before flashing a grin. “Brother Jun, aren’t we leaving?”

“……”

Xu Jun, at a loss for words, shifted his gaze to Shangguan Yu through the rearview mirror.

Their eyes met. Shangguan Yu’s expression remained unreadable, but his gaze clearly conveyed: Why aren’t we moving yet?

“………………”

Xu Jun swallowed his grievances, pressing down on the accelerator in silent resignation.

The destination was a familiar one—a quiet Western restaurant on the outskirts of town, away from the city center, away from their former workplace. A place where they would never run into familiar faces.

When they had first gotten together, Xu Jun used to bring Shangguan Yu here often for their dates.

Now, a year later, everything remained unchanged.

The only thing that had changed… was Shangguan Yu.

The past and present, unchanged and altered, side by side.

Such was life.

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