55 Day 54: The Scum Is A Tutor (1/2)

(Note: like the author *^.^*)

Gao Yin, found a company in the form of a child, took care of Ci Sheng. He'd cook for him everyday, tuck him to sleep everyday, everything a parent does to their child... he does it to Ci Sheng.

Ci Sheng, having no parents, found one in the form of Gao Yin, and so he lived under Gao Yin's wing.

- An excerpt from The Empire's Consort

This should be a tear – jerking story, but... Gao Yin thought as he watches Ci Sheng's sleeping face. It really feels different when you're the one on that tear – jerking scene. You could cry, or... laugh hard at this scene. He thought and grimaced.

He blew off the candle when he saw Ci Sheng's already asleep. He was about to leave when he felt somebody grabbed his hand.

He was about to scream when he heard a soft, sweet voice.

”Don't leave...” it was Ci Sheng. ”Don't leave... mom.” He called and sobbed.

Gao Yin stared at Ci Sheng although he cannot see the child's face because of darkness. But, he knew he is crying.

He lifted his other hand, and as if already memorized where Ci Sheng's face is based on Ci Sheng's sleeping position, wiped the tears off Ci Sheng's cheek. ”I won't.” he told him softly. ”I'll be here. Just here.” He said and smiled as he closed his eyes. ”I'll never leave you.” He said and lowered his head as a tear fell from his eye.

Just like the other readers, Gao Yin cried at this scene.

”Study?” Ci Sheng said after Gao Yin told him he'll teach him. ”Why?” he asked.

Gao Yin frowned. ”Every child needs to study.” He told him and flicked Ci Sheng's forehead.

Ci Sheng winced, but his face still blank. ”What for?” he asked, holding his forehead.

Gao Yin sighed. ”You have to.” He answered. ”Or you'll continue to be ignorant of this world.” He explained.

No. It's half – lie. He needs to be educated since he'll be the future ruler of this world. He thought and looked at the handsome child.

No... he should be called 'young man' now. He thought as he stared at the rosy cheeks, pointed nose, red – blood lips and hazel brown eyes that's now sharp as it looks at him as though it pierces his soul.

Thinking this, Gao Yin looked away. ”Or do you want the empire's school to teach you?” he asked and looked at Ci Sheng.

As expected, Ci Sheng's face went blank. ”I hate the empire.” He said. Ci Sheng is already 18 years old now.

Yes. A year already passed and Ci Sheng's appearance greatly changed. From a frail – looking and delicate child to a lean, young man...

Gao Yin raised him very well in just a year. ”Ci Sheng...” he said and sighed.

Ci Sheng looked at him. ”I already told you to call me 'Sheng'.” He told him, frowning.

Ever since the two of them gotten close, Ci Sheng became greatly attached to Gao Yin, his 'life saver'.

Gao Yin secretly grimaced. How can I be so disrespectful to the future ruler? He thought, then sighed. He just nodded at Ci Sheng, non – committal, which made Ci Sheng frown.

He ignored him and took a book from his bookshelf. ”It's decided.” He said and turned to the still frowning Ci Sheng. ”I'll be your teacher, then.” He told him, then smiled.

The frown on Ci Sheng's face disappeared and he seriously looked at Gao Yin.

Gao Yin suddenly felt conscious. ”What?” he asked, his cheeks slightly flushed. I've never been stared like this my whole life. He thought as he looks at Ci Sheng silently staring at him but his eyes are intense.

”Gao Yin.” Ci Sheng called.

”Hm?” Gao Yin said as he pulled a chair to sit across Ci Sheng.

”Swear to me you'll never leave my side.” Ci Sheng said as he stared at him, his face serious.

Gao Yin fell on his chair, his butt hit the floor and the book that flew off his hand fell on his head. ”Oww...” he cried, frowning in pain as he rubbed his butt. He looked at Ci Sheng.

The other is still staring at him, serious.

You won't even help me? he thought and sighed as he carefully sat back to the chair. ”... mn.” He answered and nodded as he opened the book, his eyes stuck on the pages but he's fully aware of Ci Sheng's gaze on him.

Ci Sheng's eyes went wide and his face lit up. His face flushed and he looked away. ”... thank you.” He said.

Gao Yin just smiled. ”Alright. Let's begin – ” he said and laughed when Ci Sheng's face turned serious, starting to focus.

The next that happened is peaceful again.

Imperial Palace.

”That slut!” the queen mother yelled and threw the wine glass.

A palace maid was hit, but the queen mother doesn't care. She cares more of the illegitimate child of the emperor.

”I've put up with that old coot and sacrificed my whole life... my chance to love... I sacrificed all just to be a queen!” she yelled, her eyes bloodshot. ”But, now a bastard appears and threatens me?!” she said, gritting her teeth.

”Queen Mother.” A palace maid called. ”There's still the young prince.” She reminded her.

The queen's anger subsided a little as she looks at her son practicing sword fighting. ”Yes. This should be.” She said, her face cold as she looks at the young prince practicing vigorously and seriously. ”I still have that kid. Yes... I just need time to wait for that kid to ascend the throne... and then – ” she said and smiled, coldly and maliciously.

The palace maids looked at each other and fell silent, knowing a secret that cannot be told.

Imperial City.

”You mean I must be a scholar?” Ci Sheng asked as Gao Yin chooses clothes for him.

A week passed and Gao Yin is pleased of Ci Sheng's progress in his studies.

As expected of a protagonist. Gao Yin thought, mentally grinning. Praise for myself! He thought and chuckled.

Ci Sheng saw him laughed but didn't mind. This must be a 'crazy' part of the former crazy man. He thought and looked at the colorful and expensive robes.

”Where did you get money?” Ci Sheng asked and looked at Gao Yin.

”I still have some family riches left...” Gao Yin just said and smiled as he bought a set of robes for Ci Sheng.

”But – ” Ci Sheng said. ” – I really don't need to be an Imperial scholar.” He told Gao Yin. ”Just staying with you is enough – ” he said.

”Then, what do you plan to do by staying with me?” Gao Yin cut him off and walked away. ”My family name was already stripped of honor because of what happened.” He said, referring to what happened to the original Gao Yin and his family.

”I don't care about honor.” Ci Sheng said and blocked his way. ”I want nothing but Gao Yin!” he said and stared at Gao Yin's face.

Gao Yin's eyes went wide and he looked around, afraid other people might hear them. Luckily, no one cared about a crazy man and an orphan child.

He sighed, relieved, and pulled Ci Sheng's hand. ”What are you saying?!” he snapped and pulled Ci Sheng towards his house. He immediately closed the door and locked it. He turned to Ci Sheng, mad. ”You know why I'm taking care of you? You know why I'm teaching you?” he asked. ”All that so you could have a bright future!” he told him. ”And now you're telling me you just wanted to stay by my side?!” he asked, mad.

”Yes!” Ci Sheng said, also mad.

”Why can't you understand me?!” Gao Yin asked, tired. ”I just wanted you to live a brighter life...” he said and sighed.

Protagonist, oh protagonist. Why should you have a narrow mind? He thought, wanted to cry.

”But my life is already bright just by being with you.” Ci Sheng said.

Gao Yin turned to him.

”My life will be brighter if I'll stay with you!” he said. ”Forever!” he added.

Gao Yin's eyes narrowed. ”Hey, brat.” He called, pissed. ”Don't you ever think for a second life is all about rainbows and cupcakes.” He said, frowning. ”Ignorance, although a bliss, but can kill a person.” he told him. ”No matter how happy you will be now, but there'll come a day that your happiness will end!” he said.

Pain passed in Ci Sheng's eyes. ”Why are you saying that...?” he asked and lowered his head.

He'll cry. Gao Yin thought, but didn't do anything. Instead, he let him be.

As if a proof, Ci Sheng sobbed. ”Why do I feel like you don't want me?” he asked, tears falling in his face. ”You took care of me. You fed me. You dressed me. You bathed me – ”

”Uh, I didn't do that – ” Gao Yin said, remembered the 'bath' Ci Sheng's parents showed their very pure and innocent young child.

Bad parenting. He thought. Ci Sheng's parents will be the winner. He thought, sarcastic.

Ci Sheng continued, ignoring Gao Yin's comment. ”You even taught me!” he said and looked at Gao Yin. ”So... why are you pushing me away?” he asked, hurt. ”Why is it... like you're sending me off?” he asked, his voice low.

Gao Yin looked at him, his face now serious. This is it. He thought as he remembered that heartbreaking scene in the story.

Gao Yin, conflicted of his emotions welling up inside, also doesn't want to part with his beloved adopted and student. But, he has to, or Ci Sheng will never have the chance to take what's rightfully his.

”I don't like you since you're the emperor's son!” he told him.

Ci Sheng's eyes went wide, shocked.