Not just his ears, his entire face turned bright red.
He instinctively sat up in bed while clutching the phone with both hands and nodding quickly. "Mm."
Hearing his soft reply, Dr. Ding chuckled lightly and asked, "What are you doing?"
Rong Xingyu unconsciously gripped the edge of his pajama shirt, his voice quiet and a little shy. "Nothing… I was just lying in bed."
The faint amusement in Dr. Ding's tone faded slightly.
"Did something happen? You sound a bit down," he asked gently.
Rong Xingyu said nothing.
Maybe it was because Dr. Ding's voice was so soft and comforting, but his chest suddenly felt tight.
He bit his lip and lowered his head and staying silent for a long time.
Dr. Ding didn't rush him. He didn't even speak. He just stayed there quietly on the other end of the line, waiting for him answer.
The silence wasn't awkward. It was filled with the sound of their breathing, like a calm kind of companionship.
After what felt like a long time, Rong Xingyu finally murmured, "Mm." His voice was soft, almost trembling.
His eyes burned and his nose stung.
Actually… he did feel a little sad.
Even if they weren't truly related, even if they were just strangers, being ignored by others still hurt.
And earlier that day, when he saw his eldest brother again, the man who had once glared at him coldly and acting warm and gentle toward Rong Zhihao…
That was the kind of older brother Rong Xingyu had once dreamed of having.
He took a deep breath, trying to swallow the ache in his throat.
"Are you okay, Xingyu?" Dr. Ding's calm and caring voice came again. "Were you crying?"
"…I wasn't crying," Rong Xingyu said softly.
"Good," Dr. Ding replied with a faint smile in his tone. "You're a strong boy."
Rong Xingyu blinked. He didn't know what to say to that.
But he found himself smiling.
Dr. Ding really was good at talking. He's someone who knew how to listen, how to guide the conversation without pressure and make him feel understood.
Without even realizing it, Rong Xingyu began talking more like about his day at school and about small funny things that happened.
Then it hit him, this was exactly how Rong Zhihao had talked at dinner earlier, chatting and laughing with his brothers.
So this was what it felt like.
Feeling a little embarrassed, Rong Xingyu whispered, "Am I talking too much?"
Dr. Ding's soft laugh came through the phone. "No. I think it's interesting. And thank you… for sharing your happiness with me. It's an honor."
He couldn't help but rub his eyes and let out a small yawn.
But somehow, he didn't want to hang up the call.
Gradually, his words began to slow down and his voice carried a soft sleepy tone.
"Go to sleep," Dr. Ding said gently. "Do you want me to tell you a bedtime story?"
Rong Xingyu: "…"
Why did Dr. Ding always treat him like a child? He was already in high school…