Saving the Heartthrob Frenemy-Chapter 568: Father’s love

The screen showed that the call had ended. Qie Xieling felt a surge of panic. His Adam’s apple rippled as he caressed the screen that had long turned black. He bit the corner of his lip before unlocking the phone. He dialled Bo Ailun’s number. Bo Ailun didn’t take long to answer.

"Lin Lin?" he said his voice sounding excited yet weak.

Qie Xieling rubbed his thumb against his index finger his leg shaking slightly from nervousness.

"How are you feeling?" he asked but his voice was a little shaky.

"I am okay. I just feel tired. Are you okay?" said Bo Ailun while shuffling in his bed. He had woken up just a few hours ago and his body hadn’t recovered yet. His head was throbbing and he felt an ache in his muscles.

"I will come over and see you," Qie Xieling suddenly said and Bo Ailun smiled slightly.

"Bring me ice cream and waffles oh and wings," said Bo Ailun placing a tall order.

"Let me guess Aunty won’t let you eat so you want me to smuggle it in for you," he asked with a slight smile on his face.

"No, that’s not it," replied Bo Ailun and Qie Xieling could hear the guilt in his voice.

"I will bring it for you... Hey um... do you remember anything about the game?" he asked and Bo Ailun pulled the cover over his head trying to recall what happened. He only remembered a few things but nothing detailed.

"I recall you shooting me with an arrow but you shot the apple on my head. It was just like how we played in your dad’s game," he said and Qie Xieling nodded his head slightly.

"Of all things that’s what you remember?... Anything else?" he asked and Bo Ailun sighed while scratching his head.

"That’s all I remember for now that’s worth mentioning. If I remember anything else I will let you know. Now come over I am dying of hunger," replied Bo Ailun while resting his phone on his ear.

"Okay okay okay. Don’t get your panties in a bunch. I will be there soon," he said before he cut the call.

He walked into his closet and scanned the rows of clothes. He decided to go for a casual but cool look. He chose a black leather jacket, a white graphic tee, and a pair of ripped jeans. As he stared into the mirror his fingers instinctively touched the yan pendant hanging from his neck. He put on a pair of sunglasses trying to hide the dark circles under his eyes. As he bent down to pick up his wallet, he noticed that his hair had grown longer than usual. He grabbed a hair tie from his dresser and pulled his hair back into a ponytail.

He walked out of his bedroom only to bump into his father who was about to knock on his door.

"Father," he exclaimed in surprise.

Qie Ranzhe glanced at his outfit. He was obviously going out. "Where are you going?" he asked.

"I am going to see BoBo," replied Qie Xieling before walking towards the stairs.

Qie Ranzhe didn’t follow. Instead, he asked, "Not Luo Muchen?"

Qie Xieling’s steps paused before he turned around slowly. He pursed his lips not sure what to say. He took a few steps back and said, "I um... no. I am not going to see him."

Qie Ranzhe tilted his head slightly his brows furrowed. Qie Xieling saw that he had misunderstood him so he said, "Not yet at least."

"Okay... well, let me drop you off," he said and Qie Xieling wanted to refuse but Qie Ranzhe continued saying,

"I am not asking."

Qie Xieling had no choice but to get in the car with his father. He stared out of the window, watching the city blur by. He felt a knot in his stomach as he thought of what his father was going to say to him

The two of them sat in silence for a very long time. Qie Ranzhe had a lot to say to him, a lot to ask but he didn’t know where to start. When the car stopped at the traffic light he tapped the steering wheel in annoyance.

He suddenly cleared his throat and spoke. "I am happy you are safe back home... I was worried," he said his voice low and gruff.

Qie Xieling pursed his lips. He knew his father was worried. Qie Ranzhe just never showed his weakness in front of him.

"I thought I was going to lose you and if I did I would lose your dad too. I am sorry I couldn’t protect you."

"I know I’m not the best father in the world. I know I don’t say it often enough. But I want you to know that I love you. You’re my son, and I’m proud of you... no matter who you choose to be with."

Qie Xieling felt a surge of emotion in his chest. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His father, who rarely showed any affection, was telling him that he loved him. He felt his lips tremble, and he tried to hold back his tears. He wanted to say something back, to tell him that he loved him too, but he couldn’t find the words.

He looked at his father and saw a faint smile on his face. His father’s eyes were moist, and he seemed to be relieved.

Qie Xieling felt a tear roll down his cheek, and he quickly wiped it away. He didn’t want his father to see him cry. He wanted to be strong, like his father.

He was about to say something when a car behind them honked loudly, breaking the moment. His dad looked in the rearview mirror and muttered a curse. He stepped on the gas and continued driving. He didn’t say anything else, but Qie Xieling reached out and squeezed his hand. Qie Ranzhe squeezed back and smiled.