Chapter 27 "Yes, brother is here."
Chapter 27
This extremely soft, sleepy murmur made Shen Yanzhou freeze.
He even momentarily lost his senses, thinking he was hallucinating from drinking too much.
Before he could figure it out, Yu Pan buried her face deeper into his neck and softly called out again, "Brother."
It was no longer the strained, breathy sound from the previous examination; it was a clear, almost complete word.
Shen Yanzhou's heart skipped a beat, and his hand trembled as he stroked Yu Pan. He lowered his voice to a whisper, "Panpan?"
Yu Pan merely frowned, let out a long, dissatisfied groan, and quickly fell into a deep sleep again.
Shen Yanzhou almost wanted to shake him awake, but he remembered Wang Hongjuan's repeated instructions—never put pressure on him or rush him.
He forcefully suppressed the excitement that was almost rising in his throat, took a deep breath, and composed himself. Under the warm yellow light, he quietly gazed at the unguarded sleeping face in his arms.
Yu Pan was clearly unaware that she had just spoken, and unconsciously nuzzled against Chen Yanzhou's neck, her breathing even and steady.
Shen Yanzhou hugged him tightly, her chin resting on the top of his soft hair, and the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up.
He knew he absolutely couldn't reveal anything now, so as usual, he pulled Yu Pan down to lie down, saying, "Sleep, I'm here."
That night, Shen Yanzhou held Yu Pan in his arms, so excited that he barely slept.
The next day was Thursday, and as usual, they went to the hospital for treatment.
For the past six months or so, they've come to the hospital twice a week, rain or shine. Even the cleaning lady in the lobby recognizes them and greets them with a smile: "Good morning."
Aunt Yu Panchong bowed slightly and followed Shen Yanzhou into the elevator.
He was now used to the slight vibrations and weightlessness of the elevator and no longer gripped Shen Yanzhou's arm as tightly as he had at the beginning.
Before the consultation began, Shen Yanzhou asked Yu Pan to sit in the consultation room and wait while he went to talk to Director Wang about what happened last night.
After listening, Wang Hongjuan said with relief, "You did the right thing. The fact that this happened shows that his psychological self-protective shell is slowly softening. We need to be more patient and not rush it."
"So what should I do next?" Shen Yanzhou asked her.
“You two are getting along very well right now, just keep it up.” Wang Hongjuan’s tone remained gentle. “You can also do more things that make him feel safe and relaxed. Pay attention to whether he makes any similar noises, even very small ones, when he is most unguarded and relaxed. Tell me next time you come, and we’ll take it one step at a time.”
Shen Yanzhou nodded solemnly: "Okay, I understand."
When they finished talking and returned to the consultation room, Yu Pan was still sitting at the table, holding the diary she wanted to show to Director Wang.
He wasn't very curious about what Shen Yanzhou and Director Wang had just talked about. Shen Yanzhou had told him before that if it was something bad, he would definitely tell him, and Yu Pan trusted him.
...
Just then, Shen Yanzhou finished his project and no longer needed to go to the construction site every day, so he planned to take Yu Pan to the office with him.
But this time Yu Pan hesitated. He gestured and said, "If I go to the office, I won't be able to listen to the radio... I'm a little reluctant to do that."
Yu Pan really liked this radio; it had storytelling and crosstalk performances that were very interesting.
More important than the radio was Shen Yanzhou; he frowned, clearly troubled.
Looking at his earnest and conflicted expression, Shen Yanzhou felt her heart melt and found it a little funny.
I'm actually competing with a radio for attention.
Not wanting to see Yu Pan in such a difficult position, Shen Yanzhou finally made a decision: he would go to work in the morning to sign in, then go to handle necessary work in the afternoon, and spend the rest of the time at home with him.
In the afternoon, he went to his workplace and greeted Lin Siyuan.
Shen Yanzhou solved a big problem for him, and Lin Siyuan has been in a good mood these past two days. He originally just wanted to settle his savior, but he didn't expect his savior to be so capable and efficient.
He felt he was very lucky, having a childhood friend to manage his company and a reliable and hardworking man named Shen Yanzhou.
After hearing Shen Yanzhou's words, Lin Siyuan did not stop him. When he asked Shen Yanzhou to come to work, he promised to give him time to take care of his younger brother. Now that the company was not busy, he naturally agreed readily.
So Shen Yanzhou began to sign in at work and spend almost the entire day with Yu Pan, while also keeping in mind Director Wang's words and carefully observing Yu Pan.
After a few days, Shen Yanzhou finally realized how Yu Pan had spent her time alone at home while he was busy.
After breakfast, Yu Pan took the radio to the balcony, tuned it to a storytelling channel, and nestled in a chair to listen quietly. The early spring sunshine shone on him, making him feel somewhat languid.
After listening to the storyteller, he would go back to his room, take out paper and pen, and try to write down the story in his own words.
After finishing writing, I switched to the opera channel, listening intently to the melodious singing, my fingers occasionally tapping out the rhythm unconsciously.
The program ended, and it was almost lunchtime.
After lunch, I take a nap, and when I wake up, I still listen to storytelling.
After observing for several days, Shen Yanzhou discovered that Yu Pan would only unconsciously let out a little sound when she was half asleep and half-awake.
And it contained only one word: "Brother".
That's all.
She's quite relaxed at other times. When she gets tired of sitting on the balcony, she makes some noise to get his attention. Once Shen Yanzhou passes by, she hangs on him and wants to be carried around, not wanting to move.
During his follow-up visit on Tuesday, Shen Yanzhou told Director Wang all these details.
After listening, Wang Hongjuan pondered for a moment and said, "This is very likely related to his recent continuous listening to the radio. While listening, he may have been subconsciously repeating and imitating, which to some extent activated his language nerves."
"In addition, being with you is when he feels most secure, which is why he speaks when he is less alert."
Wang Hongjuan looked at Shen Yanzhou gently: "You are the person he trusts the most. Next, you can try some 'selective' questions and interactions."
"Selective questioning?" Shen Yanzhou asked.
“Yes,” Wang Hongjuan nodded. “For example, whether he wants it or not, after he responds to you with sign language or by nodding or shaking his head, you can say the answer he has chosen.”
"For example, if he says he wants it, you can say, 'Okay, I want it.' This gives him positive language feedback that he can imitate."
Shen Yanzhou carefully wrote it down, "I understand."
At the end of the consultation, Wang Hongjuan told Shen Yanzhou some unfortunate news: "I need to go to Beijing to follow up on a case, which is expected to take about two months. During this time, when you are guiding him at home, remember to proceed gradually and absolutely do not rush things."
"good."
Wang Hongjuan also explained to Yu Pan that she had to leave temporarily. Yu Pan's eyes dimmed for a moment, but she quickly nodded in understanding.
On the way back, he tugged at Chen Yanzhou's sleeve and gestured as he asked, "Is it because I'm feeling much better that Director Wang can go see other patients?"
Shen Yanzhou smiled and ruffled his hair. "Yes, our Panpan has made great progress."
After a while, Yu Pan remembered something and gestured in confusion, "Have you been talking to me a lot at night lately?"
Shen Yanzhou's heart tightened.
Yu Pan continued gesturing earnestly: "I can't tell anymore. At first, I thought I was dreaming. I was all confused, but last night I thought I really heard you calling me. I wanted to answer you, but I was too sleepy and couldn't move my hands."
Upon hearing this, Shen Yanzhou couldn't help but laugh, and the tension in her heart melted away. She gently comforted him, "It's okay, you've already responded to me."
Yu Pan's eyes widened in surprise, and she gestured rapidly: "I responded? I was asleep... and I can still use sign language?"
Shen Yanzhou just smiled and didn't answer directly, then casually straightened the brim of his hat.
In the days that followed, Shen Yanzhou began to carefully implement Director Wang's advice.
...
He peeled an orange, handed a segment to Yu Pan, who was squatting at his feet, staring at him expectantly, and asked, "Want some?"
Yu Pan felt the question was a bit redundant. Of course he wanted to know, but since Shen Yanzhou had asked, he nodded anyway.
Shen Yanzhou then said, "Okay, I'll take it. Here you go."
During the meal, Shen Yanzhou picked up a piece of pork belly, Yu Pan's favorite food, and held it above Yu Pan's bowl, asking, "Do you want some?"
Yu Pan's eyes were glued to that piece of meat, and she nodded vigorously.
Shen Yanzhou then put the meat into his bowl and said, "Hmm, I want to eat."
Occasionally, Shen Yanzhou would have to go to work, and before leaving, he would ask Yu Pan if she wanted to come along.
Yu Pan would then be caught in a dilemma: he wanted to follow Shen Yanzhou, but he was also reluctant to hear only half of the story.
Often, by the time Shen Yanzhou's hand was already on the doorknob, he would hurriedly gesture, "Wait... I'll go!"
At this point, Shen Yanzhou would say, "Okay, go."
It's extremely...weird.
Yu Pan was a very perceptive person, and within three to five days, he noticed the unusual nature of Shen Yanzhou's "do you want to" and "do you want to" statements.
They grew up together and know each other like the back of their hand, so there was no need to ask these questions in the past.
Take the simplest example of whether or not to eat. Doesn't Shen Yanzhou know that he wants to eat everything? Asking is pointless; just feed him directly.
There must be a reason why things are like this now.
Yu Pan also began to secretly observe Shen Yanzhou, trying to capture every expression on his face when he asked these strange questions, hoping to find clues from them.
When Shen Yanzhou looked at him, he immediately lowered his head and began fiddling with the hem of his clothes.
Shen Yanzhou was well aware of Yu Pan's subtle, scrutinizing gaze. He could only maintain a calm facade and make his questions sound more natural, as if it were just a new little habit he had developed.
Life went on peacefully amidst this subtle testing between the two sides.
With Director Wang absent, the pace of recovery seems to have slowed down.
As spring transitions into summer, rainfall gradually increases. A sudden thunderstorm during the day struck a tree, which then felled power lines, causing a power outage in the area. Emergency repairs were carried out.
There was only a kerosene lamp lit in the room, and the radio was no longer of any use. Yu Pan sat on the bed, hugging her knees.
After taking a shower, Shen Yanzhou came out and sat down next to him: "Tired?"
Yu Pan shook her head and gestured, "It's too quiet."
Having grown accustomed to a constant stream of noise around him, the sudden silence left him feeling somewhat lost.
Shen Yanzhou's gaze swept across the windowsill, where several large leaves that Yu Pan had picked during her afternoon walk were drying. He had an idea and went over to pick one up.
Shen Yanzhou picked up a leaf, got into bed, sat behind Yu Pan, leaned against the headboard, and pulled him into her arms.
"Try this." Shen Yanzhou smiled and pressed the leaf to his lips.
At first, it was just a few off-key tremolos. Shen Yanzhou adjusted his breathing and the strength of his lips, and the sound of the leaves gradually stabilized, forming a broken and continuous melody of "Little Rabbit, Be Good".
Yu Pan leaned against Shen Yanzhou's chest, with light music playing in his ears and the dim light of the kerosene lamp casting a hazy glow, which made him feel somewhat dazed.
It felt like I was transported back to that summer when Uncle Shen and Aunt Shen had just taken me in.
He had just been taken in and was initially a little scared, but he didn't want to be abandoned again, so he wanted to help them with their work.
He was just too young, and Aunt Shen wouldn't let him go to harvest rice, but he didn't dare to sit at home doing nothing. Although Shen Yanzhou was also a teenager at the time, he was already able to go to the fields with Uncle Shen and Aunt Shen.
This made him very uneasy until he saw the neighbor's child carrying a bamboo basket to collect firewood on the mountain. So he also picked up the big bamboo basket from the woodshed to collect firewood.
While the other children collected half a basket, Yu Pan was greedy and carried a bamboo basket out to collect a full basket of firewood.
Greed resulted in a heavy burden, making it difficult to carry, and he hadn't returned home by the time it got dark.
"Look, your mute child is over here!"
A sudden shout startled Yu Pan.
Then he saw Uncle Shen and Aunt Shen running over with torches in their hands.
"Where did you run off to!" Aunt Chen looked at the little child in front of her, who was only two heads taller than the bamboo basket, and tears streamed down her face.
Perhaps sensing his thoughts, Yu Pan was no longer left alone at home. Shen Yanzhou wove a small straw hat for him, and when they were harvesting rice in the fields, Yu Pan was responsible for picking up the rice stalks on the ground.
Once everything was done and the off-season arrived, they would stay at home, eating cucumbers that had been chilled in the well and playing cards.
It was too hot at night, so we would drag our mats out and sleep in the yard. Uncle Chen was very skilled; besides weaving baskets and basins, chopping wood to make chair boxes, he could also play the leaf flute.
Yu Pan had also tried to learn this, but she could never quite get the hang of it and couldn't play it properly. Chen Yanzhou, on the other hand, learned it very quickly.
So every night, Shen Yanzhou would have a competition with Uncle Shen to see who could blow the loudest leaf and who could play the most tunes.
He and Aunt Shen acted as referees. When Aunt Shen chose Shen Yanzhou, he chose Uncle Shen, and when Aunt Shen chose Uncle Shen, he chose Shen Yanzhou. In any case, it would always end in a tie.
Yu Pan was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't even notice when Chen Yanzhou stopped.
Shen Yanzhou put down the leaf and brushed his lips against Yu Pan's earlobe.
Yu Pan snapped out of her daze and turned to look at Chen Yanzhou.
The light from the kerosene lamp cast a soft shadow on Shen Yanzhou's face. His eyes held a tender, indulgent look that Yu Pan recognized so well, and a strange emotion surged within him like a warm tide.
It's so warm it's almost burning hot.
Following this emotion, Yu Pan opened her mouth, and a clear, soft syllable slid out.
"elder brother."
No longer a dream, nor in a state between sleep and wakefulness, Yu Pan opened her eyes wide, looking at Shen Yanzhou intently and calling out.
The moment the words left their mouths, both of them froze.
Yu Pan touched her throat.
Did he... just speak?
As if understanding his confusion, Shen Yanzhou responded very naturally, "Yes, brother is here."
-----------------------
Author's note: Congratulations to this young couple! [cat emoji]
I'm starting to worry again that it will be boring and dull QAQ
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
