Even though Xu Lan was embarrassed by it, he complied and let Bai Wu carry him back to the research institute. Bai Wu teased him ceaselessly and did not so much as looked away from him. Qin Lao was welcoming them by the door. When Bai Wu got closer, Qin Lao attacked him with his thick walking stick.
"Are you trying to suicide? You're a fast runner aren't you, disappearing in the blink of an eye! You too! Don't you know what he's going through? Why are you condoning his reckless actions?" Qin Lao scolded and gestured furiously.
Bai Wu did not fight back. He refused to let Xu Lan down. When Qin Lao was tired from hitting him, Bai Wu whimpered for his forgiveness. It was difficult to be mean to Bai Wu when he looked so pitiful.
"Qin Lao, please take a look at him," Xu Lan said as he took out a handkerchief from Bai Wu's pocket while shoving the one with the stench of cigarettes back into his pocket.
