Chapter 381 The Secluded Young Master 15 (2/2)

"Xiao Qin, please come to the studio immediately. Yan Qing's condition is very bad, and I guess he will only want to see you."

Just then, Zi Xi's phone rang; it was Mrs. Gu calling.

Zi Xi followed Uncle Chen and walked quickly toward the main house.

"Uncle Chen said he started his hunger strike yesterday afternoon and the studio lights were on all night."

Outside the studio, Madam Gu stood there, her tightly clenched hands betraying her worry.

Upon getting closer, Zi Xi could clearly hear a low sob coming from inside the art studio.

"Yan Yan, it's me. May I come in?"

She knocked gently on the door.

The sounds from inside the door abruptly stopped.

A moment later, the door lock clicked open.

Zi Xi pushed open the door and entered, only to be shocked by the scene before her.

The studio was a complete mess.

The easel collapsed, spilling paint everywhere, and in this chaotic corner, Gu Yanqing huddled against the wall.

He looked up, and Zi Xi gasped.

Overnight, he seemed to have become a different person, radiating a state of near collapse.

"Xixi, save me."

Gu Yanqing called out her name hoarsely, his voice so weak it was almost inaudible.

"I'm here, don't be afraid, I'm here."

Zi Xi quickly walked over, squatted down in front of him, and hugged him to comfort him.

Gu Yanqing also stretched out his arms and hugged her tightly.

His arms were wrapped tightly around her body like iron hoops, and her body was trembling violently, like a frightened child.

"Don't...disappear."

Gu Yanqing buried his face in her shoulder, his voice muffled, carrying a vulnerability she had never heard before.

At that moment, Zi Xi's heart was filled with intense pity.

"Okay, I promise I won't disappear. I'll take you with me wherever I go next time, okay?"

She gently patted his back, comforting a frightened child.

Madam Gu, standing at the door, saw this scene and a hint of joy flashed in her eyes.

She quietly closed the door, leaving the two of them alone.

After a long while, Gu Yanqing's trembling gradually subsided, but he still did not let go of his arms.

"I bought a new cake, want some?"

"Zi Xi said softly."

He shook his head, tightening his grip on his arms.

"Then at least drink some water?"

Zi Xi tried to compromise.

Gu Yanqing shook her head again.

"Yan Yan?"

"I'm a little hungry. I don't want cake, so how about we get something to eat together?"

Zi Xi looked at him, puzzled.

"Okay, let's eat."

Hearing that she was hungry, Gu Yanqing stood up, her tone returning to its usual stiffness, as if the fragile and desperate boy from just now was merely her illusion.

"Let's eat."

He took her hand and walked out of the studio, speaking to Mrs. Gu and Uncle Chen who were waiting outside.

Madam Gu looked at their clasped hands with a knowing glint in her eyes, but said nothing, only signaling the servants to prepare a meal.

At the dinner table, Gu Yanqing insisted that Zixi sit next to him.

He ate quickly, his eyes never leaving her.

Every few bites, he would reach out and touch her wrist.

Zi Xi patted his hand reassuringly.

After dinner, Gu Yanqing pulled her back to the studio, made her sit in a chair, and began to clean up the mess.

But as the sun set and Zi Xi had to leave, Gu Yanqing became nervous again.

“I live right next door. I’ll be there on time tomorrow. You forgot? We’re going to see a movie together.”

Zi Xi took the initiative to make the promise.

Gu Yanqing remained silent for a long time before finally nodding.