Hua Cheng

As soon as Hua Cheng stepped through the door, the smell of damp, dirty laundry, and cheap alcohol hit his nose. He was filled with rage, but he tried to remain calm. His father, although not thrilled by his son's insistence, saw his determination and sighed and agreed. His father's men quickly found this evil abode, and here he was. The apartment was dark and dirty. Muffled voices and drunken laughter could be heard from somewhere. Hua Cheng, ignoring the disgusted looks of the locals, headed deeper into the room. He knew where to look. He could smell He Xuan - faint, almost elusive, but so familiar. He found him in a small, stuffy room. He Xuan was sitting on the floor, his back pressed against the wall. His legs were tucked up to his chest, and his face was hidden in his knees. Despite his thinness and paleness, Hua Cheng recognized him immediately. This was his A-Xuan. “A-Xuan?” he called quietly, squatting down in front of him. He Xuan shuddered and raised his head, his eyes filled with horror. He recognized Hua Cheng, but he seemed unable to believe his eyes. “San Lang…?” he whispered in a trembling voice. Hua Cheng reached out and touched his cheek. It was cold and rough. “It’s me, A-Xuan,” he said softly. “I’ve come for you.” He Xuan looked at him as if he was a ghost. He was so thin, so exhausted… The rage in Hua Cheng’s chest flared up with renewed vigor. "Come with me," he offered, holding out his hand. "I'll take you away from here." He Xuan shook his head. “They… they won’t allow it,” he whispered, looking somewhere to the side. "They will," Hua Cheng answered firmly. "I won't let them touch you. No one else will." He gently lifted He Xuan into his arms. The younger boy was incredibly light, as if he were made of nothing but bones. Hua Cheng felt himself shaking.