Axolotl Translations

After retrieving the first aid kit, Shangguan Yu placed it on his lap and quickly wheeled himself over to the couch.

Zuo Zhou was already sitting there, arms wrapped tightly around himself, his wide eyes fixed on Shangguan Yu with an expectant look.

Shangguan Yu’s heart softened instantly. Zuo Zhou reminded him of a big dog he’d once had—one that had gotten into trouble outside and come running home for comfort and protection.

“Lift your chin a little. I need to clean the blood and see how bad the scrape is,” Shangguan Yu said gently, pulling out a cotton swab and antiseptic.

“Okay,” Zuo Zhou murmured, leaning forward to make it easier for Shangguan Yu to reach the wound.

Holding the swab, Shangguan Yu carefully wiped away the dried blood, revealing a scrape about the size of a thumbnail on Zuo Zhou’s chin.

It was a deep scrape—not deep enough for stitches, but just looking at it, Shangguan Yu could tell how painful the fall must have been.

“How did you get hurt this badly?” he asked, unable to hide his concern. “Your clothes are torn… Are you injured anywhere else?”

Zuo Zhou looked up, meeting Shangguan Yu’s eyes, and whispered, “I was standing by the road, thinking about how you’ve been ignoring me these past few days… It made me feel really bad. I didn’t hear anyone calling out to me, and before I knew it, the car hit me. Everyone else at the driving school managed to get out of the way—even the slowest, heaviest guy—except me.”

It felt like a thousand tiny knives were stabbing straight into Shangguan Yu’s heart.

“I think I’m fine,” Zuo Zhou muttered. “It’s cold, so I had a lot of layers on. But this arm…”

Zuo Zhou trailed off, cradling his right elbow with his left hand. He gently rotated his right arm, mimicking the way he’d held it when he had a cast and sling.

The moment Shangguan Yu saw that motion, alarm bells went off in his head.

“Does your arm hurt? Did the old injury flare up?”

“I don’t know.” Zuo Zhou shook his head, looking up at Shangguan Yu with a pitifully weak expression. “But it hurts a little when I move it.”

Shangguan Yu’s concern deepened. Zuo Zhou’s arm had just healed from a fracture, and now, after being hit by a car, there was a real risk the bone was injured again. Especially since he was already feeling pain when he moved it.

Without hesitation, Shangguan Yu made a quick decision. “It’s still early. We can make it if we leave now.”

“Huh? Make it where?”

“The hospital. You need an X-ray to check if the bone’s damaged.”

“Oh… okay. I’ll listen to you, Brother Yu.”

After finishing up with Zuo Zhou’s chin, Shangguan Yu grabbed a band-aid from the first aid kit and carefully placed it over the scrape. Then, without wasting another second, he dashed to his room for a coat, grabbed an old, oversized trench coat for Zuo Zhou, and headed out the door with him.

After nearly two hours of back and forth, they finally got the X-ray results. Thankfully, Zuo Zhou’s arm wasn’t fractured again. As for the pain when he moved it, the doctor said it was just a muscle contusion and advised him to rest at home.

By the time they left the hospital, it was dark. Shangguan Yu felt drained after running around for so long, but he sighed in relief—at least Zuo Zhou’s injury wasn’t serious.

“Brother Yu,” Zuo Zhou’s voice came from behind him. “I’m sorry.”

“What are you apologizing for?”

“I…” Zuo Zhou trailed off, pushing Shangguan Yu’s wheelchair to the side of the road before sitting on the edge of a planter. Facing Shangguan Yu directly, he lowered his gaze and murmured, “Because I wasted your time. I made you come all the way to the hospital with me for nothing.”

“How is making sure your arm is okay nothing? That’s the most important thing.”

Zuo Zhou looked up at Shangguan Yu, his eyes deep and unreadable.

Then, suddenly, he leaned forward, wrapped his arms around Shangguan Yu’s waist, and rested his head against his stomach.

“Thank you, Brother Yu. You’re so good to me.”

Shangguan Yu’s body stiffened instantly. On reflex, he grabbed Zuo Zhou’s arm, trying to push him away.

“Xiao Zuo, you—get up! We’re in the middle of the street.”

“Are we?” Zuo Zhou murmured, but instead of letting go, he tightened his embrace. “So, does that mean I can hold you like this when we’re at home?”

“…You’re twisting my words.”

“Sorry.” Zuo Zhou admitted it instantly, but his arms stayed wrapped tightly around Shangguan Yu, refusing to budge. “I just wish Brother Yu would always be this nice to me. You were so cold before… I didn’t want to say anything, but honestly, it really hurt.”

Shangguan Yu felt a sharp pang in his chest, like tiny claws scratching at his heart. He’d never wanted to treat someone who genuinely cared for him with coldness. But if he didn’t, he had no idea how else to make Zuo Zhou back off.

“I wasn’t being cold. I just… wanted you to move out. But no matter what I said, you wouldn’t.”

Zuo Zhou tightened his embrace, pressing his face against Shangguan Yu’s stomach and shaking his head. “You say that, but I know you don’t really want me to leave. You’d be lonely.”

“…” As much as Shangguan Yu hated to admit it, Zuo Zhou had hit the nail on the head.

But still, he denied it. “Nonsense. I’ve always been alone. I’ll be fine even if you leave.”

“I’m not leaving. Not unless you call the police and have me dragged away.” Zuo Zhou clung to him shamelessly. “I don’t want to stay in the dorms. If I can’t see you every day, even for one day, I’ll go crazy.”

“………………”

Shangguan Yu knew Zuo Zhou was only pushing his limits because he was certain he wouldn’t actually call the police. And the worst part was… he was right.

“That’s enough,” Shangguan Yu sighed, pressing against Zuo Zhou’s arm to push him away. His voice was calm again. “Get up. People are around.”

This time, Zuo Zhou didn’t act shamelessly or throw a tantrum. Instead, he simply murmured a soft “Mm” and straightened up.

His eyes were red, like he’d suffered a great injustice. It was ridiculous—he was the one being unreasonable, yet he looked like the most pitiful victim in the world.

“Brother Yu, let’s go home, okay?”

Seeing Zuo Zhou’s cautious expression, as if he was afraid of being turned down again, Shangguan Yu couldn’t bring himself to say no.

So, all he could do was offer a quiet “Mm.”

The sound was barely audible, but the moment Zuo Zhou heard it, his eyes lit up like a puppy who’d just been given its favorite treat.

“Then let’s go!” Zuo Zhou cheered, hopping off the edge of the planter. He eagerly pushed Shangguan Yu toward the roadside. “What should we have for dinner? We’ve got wonton soup and fish ball rice noodles at home. Brother Yu, what do you feel like eating?”

The street was bustling with people heading home from work. Under the glow of bright white streetlights, their shadows stretched long across the pavement.

For the first time, Shangguan Yu felt how reassuring, how warm, how comforting it was to have someone walking beside him.

In the midst of this sea of strangers, knowing there was someone who would always choose to walk toward him, who would always stay with him—it wasn’t such a bad feeling.

Oh well.

Shangguan Yu let out a quiet sigh. At last, he silently acknowledged Zuo Zhou’s stubborn decision to stay. When the time comes for him to leave, he will. But for now… this is fine.

Once a person compromises once, their boundaries crumble like a collapsing dam, giving way layer by layer.

Take Shangguan Yu, for example. First, he gave in to Zuo Zhou staying. And before he even realized it, he’d surrendered on the matter of selling his car too.

It all started when Zuo Zhou, with his characteristic speed, managed to get his driver’s license in just over a month. That evening, he came home practically glowing with excitement, waving his new license around to show Shangguan Yu from every angle. Then, as if pulling a rabbit out of a hat, he fished a very familiar-looking car key out of his pocket.

“Brother Yu! I don’t have class tomorrow morning—let’s go for a drive!” Zuo Zhou said enthusiastically, already making plans. “Where should we go? I heard they just built a new riverside park in the new district. It probably won’t be too crowded…”

Shangguan Yu had been half-listening until his gaze landed on the key in Zuo Zhou’s hand.

Wait a second.

That was his car key.

“How… How did you get my car key?” he asked, shocked.

“Oh, this?” Zuo Zhou beamed. “Brother Hao gave it to me after he fixed the car.”

A blatant lie. In reality, he had pestered Wang Hao relentlessly until he handed it over. But Wang Hao wasn’t here to correct him, so as far as Zuo Zhou was concerned, his version of the story was the truth.

“…” Shangguan Yu was speechless. “I told him to fix it for me. Why would he give it to you?”

“Hehe, what’s the difference?” Zuo Zhou tossed the key up and caught it effortlessly. “Not like you’re selling it anyway. And right now, I’m the only one in this house who can drive.”

Shangguan Yu: …

Forget it. Since Zuo Zhou was staying, the car might as well stay too. He could sell it after Zuo Zhou left.

Early the next morning, Shangguan Yu was still half-asleep in his bedroom when he heard a knock at the door.

Just as he opened his eyes, about to ask who it was, he heard the sound of a key turning in the lock—Zuo Zhou had let himself in.

Shangguan Yu, still wrapped in his blanket: …

“Brother Yu, it’s past eight. We’re going out today, remember? Time to get up.”

Zuo Zhou’s gentle voice grew closer. Shangguan Yu sat up, propping himself up on the bed, ready to scold him for barging in. But before he could say a word, Zuo Zhou was already at his bedside, carrying an elegant breakfast tray.

“Breakfast is ready. Do you want some water first?”

“……”

Shangguan Yu glanced at the tray placed on his nightstand. On it sat a glass of water, a bowl of porridge, some soup dumplings, and a small plate of pickled vegetables. The simple meal, served on delicate porcelain, looked surprisingly refined.

“I…” Shangguan Yu wanted to refuse, but as soon as he spoke, his voice came out hoarse. He really was a little thirsty. Giving in, he nodded and reached for the glass.

But before he could grab it, Zuo Zhou quickly picked it up, held it to his lips, and grinned. “Here, drink.”

“…Give me the glass.”

“Oh.” Zuo Zhou responded, sounding somewhat reluctant as he finally let go.

Shangguan Yu took a long sip, finishing most of the water in one go before setting the glass down. He was about to get up and wash up.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Zuo Zhou blinked at him. “Do you want to eat in bed? I can feed you.”

“…No, I’d rather wash up first.”

“I can bring you some water, and you can wash up right here in bed.”

“…No.”

“Alright then.” Zuo Zhou let out a dramatic sigh. “I’ll help you to the bathroom.”

After freshening up, Shangguan Yu returned to his room to change while Zuo Zhou busied himself in the living room, preparing everything they needed for their outing.

Checking the weather forecast, Shangguan Yu picked out a slightly thicker down jacket. After some thought, he grabbed another long down coat—one he never wore—and draped it over his lap before heading to the living room.

There, Zuo Zhou stood by the dining table, carefully packing things into a tote bag.

It was a fairly large bag—the one Shangguan Yu used for short business trips. He hadn’t touched it since his accident, and it had long been forgotten somewhere in the house. Yet, somehow, Zuo Zhou had managed to find it.

“We’re just going to a park on the outskirts. Do we really need to bring this much stuff?” Shangguan Yu asked.

“Of course! There’s quite a lot to take. Honestly, I think this bag is a bit too small.”

“…That’s the bag I used for three-day business trips,” Shangguan Yu said, speechless.

“Huh? Really?” Zuo Zhou chuckled. “So you’re the type who packs light? That’s cute.”

“………………” Shangguan Yu failed to see how packing light was remotely cute. Pressing his lips together in exasperation, he changed the subject stiffly. “Your jacket is torn. You can’t wear it. Use this one for now.”

“Sure!” Zuo Zhou instantly dropped what he was packing and strode over, taking the jacket from Shangguan Yu and slipping it on without hesitation.

“It’s a bit tight, especially around the shoulders,” Zuo Zhou commented as he moved his arms. “But overall, it fits pretty well. Thanks, Brother Yu!”

“Mm.” Shangguan Yu nodded, about to add, ‘Just wear this for now, and we’ll buy you a new one when we get back,’ when Zuo Zhou casually turned back to face him.

And that’s when Shangguan Yu saw it—an unmistakable bulge beneath the loose, light gray lounge pants. The presence was… impossible to ignore.

……

Shangguan Yu awkwardly averted his gaze, forcing himself to sound casual. “Let’s go if you’re done packing. It’s too warm in here for this jacket.”

Zuo Zhou caught his glance and movements, a smirk tugging at his lips. Then, as if to tease, he deliberately shifted his hips forward just a little.

“Alright,” he said, grinning. “Let’s head out.”

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