Axolotl Translations

Ever since that day, Shen Jingque would pretend to spend some time in his own room each day. But honestly, it was mostly just an excuse to mess around without Huo Yunyuan watching him. Having his own room actually came in handy for sneaking off and having fun.

Then, when he got sleepy, he’d quietly slip into Huo Yunyuan’s room and crawl into his bed. Huo Yunyuan never said a word, not even once. So eventually, Jingque stopped sneaking altogether and just walked in boldly, like he owned the place.

The noise he made clattering around every night made Huo Yunyuan sigh to himself: He definitely knows how spoiled he is.

While they waited at home for his ID to arrive, Shen Jingque sometimes changed back into a bird and flew around the house. He clearly loved squeezing into all the little nooks and crannies—stuff humans just couldn’t do.

Like that time he wedged himself behind the bookshelf—Huo Yunyuan stretched and stretched, but he just couldn’t reach him.

“Little Feather, your ID’s here!”

“Chirp!” Really?! Let me see!!

A yellow bird zipped over in a flash, eyes glued to the brown envelope in Huo Yunyuan’s hands.

“This ID photo turned out great.” Huo Yunyuan couldn’t help but admire it. He rarely used words like “amazing” or “perfect” to describe things, but when it came to Little Feather, all his usual reservations went out the window. He’d already lost track of how many times he’d shamelessly complimented the kid.

“Chirp!” It really is handsome! Even the bird was proud of his photo.

“Sorry for keeping you cooped up at home these past few days,” Huo Yunyuan said, gently stroking the top of his head. “If you’re up for it, let’s go have dinner at Uncle Fu’s tonight.”

They weren’t eating at home on purpose—he didn’t want his friends to get suspicious about why no one ever saw this mysterious kid.

Since it was just Uncle Fu and another close friend, people Little Feather already knew, he nodded eagerly.

Huo Yunyuan immediately texted his buddies: [Bringing a kid from a relative’s family to dinner tonight.]

His friend replied, confused: [Huh?]

[He’s a younger friend I really like. Spending the summer at my place. Just wanted you guys to meet him.] Huo Yunyuan explained.

That was all it took. His friend answered instantly: [No problem at all. Leave it to me—I’ll treat him well.]

Then he turned around and asked what kind of food the kid liked, and had someone get started on it.

Fu Shaoheng thought the kid would be super young, but when Huo Yunyuan showed up with him, it turned out he was around sixteen or seventeen. Made sense—Huo Yunyuan wouldn’t have taken on someone too little. Too much hassle.

Little Feather had no problem facing people he knew. Zero pressure. He showed up in a relaxed sporty outfit that made him look fresh, youthful, and full of energy.

He hadn’t even opened his mouth yet, but those bright, shiny eyes had already swept over the two uncles, full of smug amusement—like he was silently saying: I know you guys, but you don’t know me.

“Welcome to my place, young man. What’s your name?” Fu Shaoheng, as the host, was the first to speak.

Jiang Ye was also curious—he hadn’t seen Huo Yunyuan act this way around anyone before.

“He’s Shen Jingque. Just turned eighteen. Just moved to the city. Grew up in a really simple place,” Huo Yunyuan said protectively, placing a hand on the boy’s shoulder, almost without thinking. “Jingque, this is Uncle Fu.”

“Hello, Uncle Fu.”

“And this is Uncle Jiang.”

“Hello, Uncle Jiang.”

The two men just stared for a second. Uncle? Were they really that old? At their age, he should’ve been calling them “big brother”… But then again, maybe it was just how Huo Yunyuan’s family ranked their generations.

“Well… sure. That’s a nice name, and you’re a good-looking kid. No wonder your Uncle Huo’s so fond of you.”

If they were going to be uncles, they might as well just lean into it.

Huo Yunyuan: “…”

“So, Little Jingque,” Jiang Ye asked, getting straight to the point, “what’s your relation to Uncle Huo, anyway?” He couldn’t remember any Shen relatives in the Huo family.

“Why are you asking so much?” Huo Yunyuan cut in. “Just know that from now on, I’m taking care of him.”

It wasn’t exactly a lie. He added, “Jingque and his family… well, they were never close. Poor kid’s had it rough.”

The two friends were smart guys—they got the message instantly and knew better than to dig any deeper.

They glanced at the boy, and sure enough, those eyes that had just been sparkling with energy now seemed a little dull, all the earlier excitement fading. Jiang Ye instantly regretted asking—way to hit the wrong nerve, idiot.

Thinking about it, it made sense. If everything had been normal, Huo Yunyuan wouldn’t have just brought someone into his home. It had to be something serious.

Huo Yunyuan noticed the way Little Feather’s mood dropped and instantly regretted saying anything about his family—he’d only said it to shut Jiang Ye up. He quickly tried to distract him: “Come on, let’s see what Uncle Fu prepared for you to eat.”

Only then did Little Feather’s mood start to lift.

Fu Shaoheng and Jiang Ye exchanged a look. Something didn’t feel right, but they couldn’t quite put their finger on it… Then it hit them: it was Huo Yunyuan’s attitude.

He was treating the boy exactly the same way he treated Little Feather.

This wasn’t how you treated some distant relative’s kid. This was how you treated your most precious treasure.

And what was even weirder? The kid acted just like Little Feather. Sure, one was a person and the other was a bird, but the vibe was identical—the same mannerisms, the same playful energy.

Even the way his eyes darted around, full of mischief, was a perfect match. And then there was the way he acted around Huo Yunyuan—so natural, so at ease. Not even a hint of the caution you’d expect from a kid staying in someone else’s house.

When the teen went to the bathroom—Huo Yunyuan offered to walk him there and got turned down—Fu Shaoheng and Jiang Ye jumped at the chance.

“Yunyuan, come clean,” Fu Shaoheng said. “What’s really going on between you two?”

They both looked at him, dead serious. Whatever was going on, it wasn’t normal. And they were trying to warn him: Don’t mess around and get yourself burned.

Huo Yunyuan froze for a second, then realized they might have gotten the wrong idea. He laughed and said, “Come on, stop letting your imaginations run wild. Like I said, Jingque’s a poor kid. I’m just taking care of him, that’s all.”

The two friends studied him closely and saw that there was no hint of guilt or awkwardness on his face. He genuinely meant it. It wasn’t that kind of relationship—he just really cared about the boy.

“Alright then,” Fu Shaoheng nodded, “but I’m still going to say this, Yunyuan—teenagers are at their most sensitive when it comes to love and relationships. If you’re not careful with how you act around him, what if he starts liking you in that way?”

Jiang Ye added, “Exactly. You’re the adult here. If you’ve decided to take responsibility for him, then you need to think about everything. I’m not even a dad and I know teenage years are a big deal.”

What they said did make Huo Yunyuan stop and reflect. He’d always seen Little Feather as an innocent, naive kid—he never even considered anything more complicated than that.

Even after the whole “separate beds” plan failed, he didn’t push the issue. Deep down, he’d gotten used to—and even liked—that kind of reliance.

But, he thought, Little Feather’s so alone in this world. How could I be cold to him? I just can’t do it.

Just then, it seemed like the teen was coming back. Fu Shaoheng threw in one last line: “Don’t take it lightly. You’ve got to teach him the right ideas about love and relationships.”

Love? Huo Yunyuan couldn’t help but laugh. Little Feather wasn’t going to grow up, get married, or have kids—did he really need to think about that?

But somewhere deep inside, a small voice admitted: They’re not wrong.

After today’s visit, Shen Jingque could tell something was off—Huo Yunyuan didn’t seem quite happy. He couldn’t figure out why. I had a great time, he thought.

They visited the neighbors today. Tomorrow, they’d be going out. Shen Jingque lit up and rushed over to double-check: “We’re going out tomorrow, right?”

Huo Yunyuan, a bit lost in thought, quickly nodded. “Yeah, we are. The amusement park.”

“You’re not happy?” the teen asked, staring straight at him. His expression was just like when he was a bird—head tilted slightly, eyes focused and serious.

Huo Yunyuan felt warm just from that gaze. He wished he could freeze this moment and keep living like this with Little Feather forever.

But reality had a way of creeping in. There were so many things he needed to think about. And his friends weren’t wrong.

He gently ruffled the teen’s hair and smiled. “No, I’m not unhappy. I was just thinking about some serious stuff.”

Shen Jingque tilted his head again. “Work stuff?”

In his mind, Huo Yunyuan’s life was simple—it was either Little Feather, or work.

And Little Feather always came first!

“It’s not about work,” Huo Yunyuan said softly. “I’ve just been reflecting. I’ve gotten too greedy.”

He used to just hope Little Feather would live longer. But now… now he wanted to be the center of his whole world. It sounded noble, like he wanted what was best for him, but honestly? It was selfish.

“You don’t know anything yet. What kind of person you become depends on how I raise you. And I… I’ve been too selfish,” he said, feeling guilty.

All he dared do now was gently run his fingers through the teen’s hair.

He didn’t dare do anything more.

He wanted to get close, but knew he couldn’t. That tangled mess of feelings… was something only he understood.

Shen Jingque didn’t really understand what was going on. He just saw that Huo Yunyuan looked upset, so he instinctively gave him a hug—he didn’t want him to be sad.

“Is it because I turned into a human?” Shen Jingque asked suddenly. He remembered that when he was still a bird, Huo Yunyuan was never unhappy. They were happy together every day.

“Innocent” didn’t mean dumb—and this little bird hit the nail right on the head.

“It’s not your fault,” Huo Yunyuan’s heart gave a painful little twist. He quickly reassured him, “Don’t overthink it. You just focus on living happily, okay? Let me worry about everything else.”

Shen Jingque blinked. “I’m not blaming myself.”

That made Huo Yunyuan laugh. Right—Little Feather’s personality had always been: If I can blame someone else, why blame myself?

“Alright then. No more hugs for now—aren’t you hot?” It was the middle of summer, and the two of them were curled up together on the couch. It didn’t feel… quite right.

“Nope. The AC’s on. Not hot,” Shen Jingque said bluntly, staying right where he was, sprawled across Huo Yunyuan’s chest. He used to love doing this when he was a bird—it made him feel safe.

“But… I am hot,” Huo Yunyuan tried.

Shen Jingque paused for a second. “Then just deal with it.”

“…”

Being wrapped up in Little Feather’s clingy, stubborn hug was what Huo Yunyuan could only describe as sweet torture. Did he want to hug him? Of course he did. This was the one person he loved and protected the most. How could he not?

The little bird wasn’t dumb—he could tell that Huo Yunyuan was actually enjoying it, even if his mouth said otherwise. Luckily, Shen Jingque was generous enough not to call him out on it. He just quietly fulfilled the man’s unspoken wish to be close.

Looking down at the way Little Feather snuggled against him so trustingly, Huo Yunyuan’s heart melted. It felt like every bit of love he gave was being returned tenfold.

Still, he had to steel himself. “Little Feather, I need to talk to you about something. Starting tonight, you’re not allowed to sleep in my bed anymore.”

Little Feather frowned, clearly annoyed. Ugh, not this again.

“Okay,” he said casually. He figured Huo Yunyuan was just saying it—whatever. He could just sneak over later like always.

That night, Shen Jingque stayed in his own room until late. Eventually, sleepiness hit him hard. But just like every night before, no matter how tired he was, he couldn’t fall asleep in this bed.

So he got up, completely on autopilot, and padded toward Huo Yunyuan’s room next door.

He reached for the doorknob, gave it a twist—and froze.

Locked.

His heart dropped. He actually locked it?

“Huo Yunyuan,” he called, raising his hand to knock. He was so sleepy his eyes burned. “Open the door… come on…”

Silence.

Weird. Did he already fall asleep?

Huo Yunyuan wasn’t asleep. He couldn’t sleep—even if he wanted to. The second he locked the door, he’d already accepted he was in for a sleepless night.

Outside, the sound of Little Feather knocking echoed through the quiet, every thump landing straight on his heart, shaking him with guilt.

“I told you, didn’t I? Starting tonight, we sleep in separate rooms,” he said, trying to sound calm and teasing like usual. “You’re not a kid anymore—aren’t you the least bit embarrassed, coming to my room every night?”

But his expression was anything but relaxed. It was complicated, heavy, conflicted.

Shen Jingque stood frozen for a second. He hadn’t expected Huo Yunyuan to actually be serious. Why? Why make things so difficult when they didn’t have to be?

What was he even doing?

“I’m so sleepy. I just want to go to bed. Please open the door,” Shen Jingque pleaded from outside, clearly confused and exhausted. “Why won’t you let me in?”

Then, after a pause, his voice dropped to a pitiful whisper.

“Is it because… you don’t like me anymore? You don’t care about me?”

Hearing that, Huo Yunyuan’s chest ached even more. He couldn’t hold back anymore. “Don’t say stuff like that,” he quickly replied. “You’re eighteen now—it’s right there on your ID. Do you see any other eighteen-year-olds still sharing a bed with their guardian?”

“But I’m different,” Shen Jingque argued. “You can’t expect me to be like everyone else.”

“No, you really can’t,” Huo Yunyuan insisted, grasping at excuses. “Look—I might get married someday. What then? Are you gonna keep sleeping next to me even after I’m married…”

And just like that, he’d said the wrong thing.

The hallway fell completely silent.

“Little Feather?” As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted it. He shouldn’t have said that. But what could he do? If he kept letting Shen Jingque cry and beg, he’d cave for sure.

But now the silence made his heart pound.

“Are you still there?”

Wait. This wasn’t right. That wasn’t like Shen Jingque at all.

The longer the silence dragged on, the heavier the dread in his chest grew. When still no reply came, Huo Yunyuan finally jumped up, rushed to the door, and opened it.

And there he was—sitting right outside, knees hugged to his chest. When he looked up, his face was streaked with tears, eyes red and stubborn.

Huo Yunyuan froze for a second. Then, seeing that tear-streaked face, something inside him shattered.

Screw it. Screw “boundaries,” screw “teenage development.” None of that mattered right now.

He dropped to a knee, reaching out gently. “Don’t cry, okay? No more of this sleeping separately thing. I was lying about getting married—I’m not getting married, alright? You’re gonna break my heart at this rate…”

“Waaahhhh…” Shen Jingque had been silently crying the whole time he was left outside, not making a sound.

But now, hearing those words, the dam finally broke.

The tears started flowing in heavy, uncontrollable sobs.

Every sob, every sniffle, seemed to echo with real weight.

Right now, Huo Yunyuan could’ve stormed off with a broadsword and chopped Fu Shaoheng and Jiang Ye into pieces. It was all their fault—talking nonsense and planting ideas. If it weren’t for them, none of this would’ve happened tonight.

Shen Jingque didn’t even remember how he ended up back in the room. He’d cried so much that his whole body felt feverish, his head was buzzing, and all he could picture was Huo Yunyuan, with a wife and kids… and he wasn’t in that picture at all.

If he’d known it’d come to this, he would’ve flown away a long time ago.

“Wuwuwu…”

Back then, he was willing to leave. He probably wouldn’t have even felt that bad about it.

But now… he didn’t know why, but something had changed.

He didn’t want to leave Huo Yunyuan anymore.

He didn’t want to live anywhere else.

He just wanted to stay—here, with him.

“I’m sorry, Little Feather. I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have said all that. It was my fault,” Huo Yunyuan said in a panic, gently wiping his tears, promising again and again, “I won’t get married, okay? Just the two of us, alright?”

He spoke in the softest tone he could manage.

“I never planned to get married, with or without you around. You’ve got to believe me.”

Ever since Little Feather came into his life, the idea of adding anyone else into it became impossible.

Huo Yunyuan felt like he’d already poured every bit of love he had into this one person. There just wasn’t any left for someone else.

Shen Jingque angrily wiped at his face, cheeks puffed in frustration. “Then why did you say all that on purpose?”

Seriously! It hurt like hell.

“Because I was trying to avoid suspicion… You don’t understand how this stuff works.” Huo Yunyuan looked at the simple-minded boy with such fondness. Even if he didn’t get it, Huo Yunyuan still needed to explain.

“Little Feather, in this world, only romantic partners are this close. No one else would understand the kind of bond we have. From a social or moral standpoint… people would judge it.”

He paused, then added gently, “And I worry… I worry that the way we are might make you start to feel things for me—feelings that belong between a married couple. And that wouldn’t be okay either.”

His Little Feather might not understand everything yet, but he definitely knew what “married couple feelings” meant.

Huo Yunyuan had said so much, and all of it left a bittersweet ache in his heart.

He stayed by Little Feather’s side, and softly asked, “Do you understand what I’m trying to say?”

After a short pause, Shen Jingque gave a small nod.

“What did you understand?” Huo Yunyuan gently prompted him.

“I’m a boy,” Shen Jingque replied seriously. “I can’t marry you. So we have to avoid looking like that.”

Correct.

“That’s right.” But somehow, hearing it said out loud… still made Huo Yunyuan feel a little hollow inside.

Whether Little Feather stayed beside him or not, he knew he wasn’t getting any sleep tonight.

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