The summer sun was exceptionally ardent, making the world feel as if it were trapped in a steamer, leaving people parched and dripping with sweat. This was especially true in the Chen family's attic.
Chen Li spent his days cooped up in this attic. Even if he were made of iron, his body would have its limits. So when Wei Chen walked to Chen Li's side and his eyes fell upon Chen Li's face, flushed an unhealthy red, all the tender feelings in Wei Chen's heart vanished, instantly replaced by worry for Chen Li.
Wei Chen directly blocked Chen Li's view, cutting off his gaze toward the world outside the window. Only then did Chen Li realize someone had intruded into his world. Wariness and timidity immediately crept into his eyes. The paintbrush in his hand fell, black paint blooming on the floor, and his whole body began to tremble.
Wei Chen knew he had already startled Chen Li, but he also knew that given Chen Li's current physical state, he had to leave this space. Looking more closely now, although Chen Li's face was flushed, his gaze already seemed a bit dazed. There were even tiny white crystals on his skin, clearly salt left behind after sweat had evaporated.
Wei Chen half-squatted down. Though he couldn't manage a gentle smile on his face, he tried his best to soften his eyes, not wanting to make Chen Li feel pressured.
"Chen Li, don't be afraid. I won't hurt you." His low voice seemed to carry a power that could soothe people. Hearing this, Chen Li hesitated for a moment, then looked up at Wei Chen.
"Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you." Wei Chen gently repeated, not rashly reaching out to touch Chen Li.
Ordinarily, autism patients would lock themselves away in their own world, rejecting any warmth or goodwill that渗透 (shèntòu - permeated/penetrated) from the outside. But at this moment, after looking at Wei Chen, the wariness in Chen Li's eyes slowly began to disappear.
Wei Chen noticed the change in Chen Li. Surprise flickered in his eyes, but even more than surprise, it was joy. As long as Chen Li didn't reject his goodwill, he would use the countless days ahead to slowly, bit by bit, pull Chen Li out of that twisted, lonely world.
"My name is Wei Chen. You can call me A-Chen." As he spoke, Wei Chen subtly moved a little closer to Chen Li, patiently guiding him.
Chen Li then made a move. He stiffly raised his hand and reached it towards Wei Chen's face. Just as it was about to touch Wei Chen's cheek, Chen Li seemed to remember something and timidly withdrew his hand again.
"Chen Li, it's okay. Come, touch my face." Wei Chen understood Chen Li's intention. He moved a few inches closer to Chen Li and coaxed him in a gentle voice.
Chen Li's face showed no expression, but his gaze remained fixed on Wei Chen's face. The wariness was gone from his eyes, and the timidity was also slowly fading. He raised his hand again, wanting to touch Wei Chen. No one knew what was going through Chen Li's mind at that moment. His hand trembled slightly as it slowly approached Wei Chen's face.
Finally, his fingertips gently touched Wei Chen's face. The warmth emanating from it made Chen Li's fingers curl slightly. When he met Wei Chen's encouraging gaze, his stiff hand slowly relaxed and began to gently stroke Wei Chen's face, as if trying to确认 (quèrèn - confirm/verify) something.
Wei Chen's eyes were overflowing with tenderness. To make it easier for Chen Li to touch him, he was now completely squatting in front of him. And Chen Li showed no resistance whatsoever to this close contact.
One sat, one squatted. In the quiet attic, a tender warmth slowly began to flow, until...
"Chen Li! What are you doing!" A voice shattered the tranquility of this small space.
When Chen Qing came up, what he saw was Chen Li with his hand on Wei Chen's face. Without caring what Chen Li's intention was, he immediately shouted in rebuke. After all, a fool surely couldn't be doing anything good.
Chen Li shot up as if by reflex. Perhaps it was the severe heatstroke, or maybe长期营养不良 (chángqī yíngyǎng bùliáng - long-term malnutrition) had left him weak, but as soon as he stood up abruptly, he couldn't hold on. His whole body swayed, and he fainted.
"Chen Li!" Wei Chen reacted swiftly, rising and pulling the collapsing Chen Li into his arms.