Chapter 206: Like Ellie

That night Hyson spent an hour talking to his mother whom he hadn't seen in days. But seeing her bright complexion and cheerful expressions, Hyson felt great in his heart. That became all the more reason for him to hide what happened with him. 

He rarely hid things from his mother and lying was even more impossible. But today, he had to hide it because he didn't want her to worry. 

Perhaps, unconsciously he believed that his mother wasted his youth and dreams on him. Even though Mother Yue never said anything regarding this, he still felt it in his heart. He had seen his mother's talent. She could have been a renowned personality in the world but she chose to be just a mother to him.

Hyson could never forget how his mother worked to raise him when he was still a baby. Thinking back to what she had gone through, he couldn't help feeling distressed for her.

He wasn't naive enough to believe that his mother didn't give up everything just for him. After all, even an idiot could see that Mother Yue came from a noble family. No matter how disheveled she looked or how dull clothes she wore, it could never dull her aura. 

He knew his existence must have been the reason his mother had to go through so many hardships. And although he didn't want to feel guilty, he still did. And that's why he tried to earn money as soon as possible. He wanted to allow her to live carefreely again. 

And now seeing how Mu Chenyan was able to bring that cheerful personality out of her, he was happy. 

'Why are you smiling like a fool?' Mother Yue asked with the hand signs.

Hyson's smile widened as he replied softly, "Because I'm happy to see Mum."

Mother Yue shook her head at him and signed, 'Fool!'

Hyson chuckled at her but didn't say anything.

'I heard it's really cold in there?' Hyson nodded at her question. 'Wear warm clothes and don't catch a cold. Try drinking more hot water, you don't like cold anyway.'

Hyson continued to nod to whatever she said. He didn't mind agreeing with all her words. It had always been like that. He always thought if he was a sensible kid and listened to everything his mother said, it'd make her happy. He grew up with time but this belief of his never changed even now. 

He still didn't realize that his mother would be happy as long as he was happy.

Meanwhile, Xiang Weimin suddenly turned over and saw Hyson having a video call. Since Hyson was using AirPods, one couldn't really tell that the person on the side had been speaking through hand signs. But what caught Xiang Weimin's attention was the way Hyson had crossed his fingers when he lied that he was doing fine.

He didn't know why but Xiang Weimin's lips tilted upward slightly. He already felt like Hyson was like an innocent kid and now he was certain.

"Mum, stop worrying about me and enjoy yourself!"

When Xiang Weimin heard that, his smile suddenly turned a little gloomy. He suddenly wondered if his own mother was worried about him right now or not? But then he snorted at his own thoughts, it'd be a surprise if his mother even remembered that she had a son like him.

He turned his head away and closed his eyes. 

Although Hyson was talking in a very low voice to not disturb Xiang Weimin's rest, he didn't know that being a soldier had made Xiang Weimin's senses quite keen. He could still hear him clearly.

Hyson finally said goodbye to his mother and went to his bed to sleep with a big smile on his face. He talked with Raelle, Mother Yue, even said hello to Mu Chenyan and at the end, sent a message to Grandfather Xiang since he didn't want to disturb his sleep at this time. And since he covered all the people he called family, he was in a good mood.

Looking at Xiang Weimin, Hyson frowned slightly, "Did I wake you, Lieutenant?"

Xiang Weimin opened his eyes to look at him and shook his head, "No. I just can't seem to sleep."

"I thought the doctor gave you a sedative to relax," said Hyson.

"He did. But it's not working for now," replied Xiang Weimin. Hyson nodded while Xiang Weimin took a pause and continued, "I didn't think you'd lie to your mother."

"When did I lie?" Hyson avoided his eyes when he questioned.

"Didn't you tell her you're fine?" Before Hyson could open his mouth to defend himself, he went on, "According to the doctors, you're anything but fine."

"You should be worried about yourself, Lieutenant. With your level of injuries, you'll have to spend at least a month or two on the bed."

Xiang Weimin didn't seem to care as he replied, "It isn't that bad. I still think I got lucky to even keep my life this time around." He looked over at Hyson as he added, "But you... I feel like you're really amazing. You didn't even grimace in pain."

"You didn't either," retorted Hyson. "And don't tell me, it's because you're a soldier. At the end of the day, you're also a human-like me made of flesh and bones. Soldiers aren't made of steel."

Since Xiang Weimin couldn't seem to refute his words, he chose to not continue this topic. Soon, the room fell into silence and in this quietness, both of them finally went to sleep.

Early in the morning, Hyson's sleep was disturbed when he heard a loud voice saluting someone. 

"Keep it down!" He heard Xiang Weimin rebuking someone. "Can't you see someone is resting?"

Hyson groaned inwardly. What was the point now? He was already awake. He opened his eyes and was slightly taken aback to see the room filled with so many people dressed in army uniforms. 

"All of you wait outside," said Xiang Weimin and only allowed one person to stay in the room. "Adjutant Zhang, I didn't expect to see you here."

"As soon as we learned about your situation, I was given the task to bring you back to the Base safely," answered the man who was called Adjutant Zhang.

Xiang Weimin noticed Hyson putting a pillow behind his back to support himself and pursed his lips before apologizing, "I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep."

Hyson waved his hand offhandedly, "I'm not that unused to waking up at odd hours. So, it's alright." Hyson took a moment to inquire, "You're leaving?" Xiang Weimin raised his brows at him in question and Hyson elaborated, "I mean as the Lieutenant Colonel, your commander must want you to receive the best treatment and recuperate in a Military Hospital."

Xiang Weimin laughed a little before saying, "More like my father wants me to get back as soon as possible."

Adjutant Zhang took a moment to look at Hyson carefully this time around. Earlier, he had barely taken note of his presence but now he couldn't ignore his presence. After all, this stranger actually managed to make Lieutenant Colonel talk in a gentle manner. 

Adjutant Zhang had been with Xiang Weimin's father for a long time and he was also someone who watched Xiang Weimin grow. Since he grew up in the barracks, Xiang Weimin's character was influenced by the tough-looking soldiers. He always had a somber look on his face that showed his stringent personality.

The only time Adjutant Zhang saw a gentle look on Xiang Weimin's face was when he was facing his sister. Apart from that, he always treated others in a serious manner. He was definitely not like his father who had a vivacious personality even though he was a General.

"Father?" repeated Hyson softly. "He must be worried about you a lot."

Xiang Weimin neither agreed nor disagreed with his words and just smiled at him in return. 

Soon, Xiang Weimin's discharge formalities were completed and a Military helicopter was waiting on the rooftop of the hospital to take him from here. Before leaving, Xiang Weimin moved the wheelchair close to Hyson, "How should I contact you?"

"Contact me?" questioned Hyson and saw him nodding. "Why would you even want to contact me?"

"You saved my life," answered Xiang Weimin matter-of-factly. "I owe you big time. So, I would like to do something for you in return."

"Don't get me wrong but I only helped you because I could and because I wanted to. It had no other meaning."

"I know," answered Xiang Weimin. "A person like you really is straightforward about what he wants and what he doesn't want. But I still would like to return this favor in some way."

Xiang Weimin asked the adjutant to give him a phone and asked Hyson to add his contact details. 

"When you get better, let me know," said Xiang Weimin. "I'd take you out on a meal."

Hyson didn't reply to him and silently watched him leave. After the silence came back to the room, Hyson stared at the door as he whispered, "He is a lot like Ellie." He shuddered at the thought for some reason.