Chapter 57: Gu Ningqi

Shen Xingran felt that...

It was uncertain whether Lu Ran's return this time was genuine or just a laughing matter.

There was some noise coming from upstairs.

Shen Xingran turned his head and saw Shen Hongyuan descending.

Surprisingly, Shen Hongyuan was gazing intently at Lu Ran downstairs with a grave expression.

Shen Xingran had heard about Lu Ran's connection with the head of the Ji family.

He knew Shen Hongyuan well and had expected him to alter his attitude towards Lu Ran.

However, judging from Shen Hongyuan's current demeanor, he didn't seem particularly delighted.

Although Shen Xingran was puzzled, he felt more at ease in his heart.

However, Shen Hongyuan quickly composed himself.

He glanced at Lu Ran and said, "You're doing great like this. Pay more attention during the banquet later."

Lu Ran faintly chuckled.

In his previous life, he had been incredibly timid in front of the Shen family.

Their attitudes had made him feel unworthy.

But now, he didn't have such thoughts.

No matter how glamorous someone appeared, they still needed to eat, drink, and fulfill their basic needs.

Who was looking down on whom?

By the time Shen Hongyuan descended the stairs, his expression had become genuinely warm.

He even smiled at Lu Ran and casually asked,

"Will President Ji be joining us today?"

"How would I know? He's always so busy."

Lu Ran wasn't surprised that Shen Hongyuan had mentioned Ji Min.

After all, it was through Ji Min's support that he could officially return to the Shen family.

However, despite sending Ji Min an invitation, Lu Ran wasn't particularly keen on his presence today.

The atmosphere of this banquet screamed trouble, and for someone like him, a social drone, anywhere the boss was present became a work environment.

If Ji Min were to attend, Lu Ran would have to exhaust his brain cells finding ways to praise Ji Min's prowess.

It would be exhausting.

As the daylight waned outside, the banquet finally kicked off.

Luxurious cars lined up at the entrance.

Almost every family in the capital with status comparable to the Shens had descended upon them.

Recently, the Shen family had been busy dealing with an illegitimate child scandal, finding their lost youngest son, and getting embroiled in a foster son controversy.

It was as if they had become the laughingstock and gossip of the high society in the capital.

Moreover, it was common knowledge that the late head of the Gu family and the late Shen patriarch were close friends.

Back then, they had even arranged a marriage between their younger generations.

After the Shen patriarch passed away, the Shen family went through a difficult period, and it was the Gu patriarch who stepped in to help under the pretense of the marriage agreement.

Although news about the marriage arrangement had faded in recent years, Gu Ningqi, the grandchild of the Gu family, and Shen Xingran, from the Shen family, were known to be very close, practically confirming their union.

Suddenly, a long-lost younger son had appeared on the scene.

It turned out that Shen Xingran, who was initially treated as the legitimate heir, was an adopted son...

This would make for quite an intriguing spectacle.

One could only wonder how Gu Ningqi and the family patriarch would choose to handle this situation.

Most of the guests present held a certain curiosity, akin to watching a drama unfold.

Despite their inner thoughts, they all maintained cheerful small talk on the surface.

Shen Hongyuan had spared no effort in saving face today.

He personally greeted guests at the entrance, even bringing along Lu Ran.

But a glance at Lu Ran's feet made his eyelids twitch.

"Why did you bring it along?"

Shen Hongyuan nearly lost control of his fatherly facade; his voice was on the verge of cracking.

Lu Ran was dressed in that expensive custom-made suit.

His appearance was refined and aristocratic, yet by his side still lay that little mongrel dog, Big Yellow.

"What's the matter? Today is the day I return, as well as Big Yellow's return."

Lu Ran said nonchalantly with a hint of laziness.

He couldn't care less about what others thought.

So what if Big Yellow was just a humble mongrel?

Lu Ran didn't consider himself superior and certainly didn't believe there was anything inferior about a mixed-breed dog.

The corner of Shen Hongyuan's mouth twitched.

He was almost traumatized by this dog; after all, the most embarrassing moment of his life was intimately connected to it.

The sharpness in his voice couldn't be concealed as he couldn't help but say, "It's not proper for others to see this. Put the dog away quickly."

Upon finishing his words, he noticed that Lu Ran didn't budge.

He didn't respond either.

Instead, he stared at Shen Hongyuan with his dark, piercing eyes.

As silence fell, Shen Hongyuan realized that Lu Ran's appearance today carried an intimidating aura.

When he was silent, the slight curve at the corners of his eyes faded away.

His dark eyes exuded a deathly chill.

Shen Hongyuan felt a hint of unease unexpectedly.

Recalling his plan for the day, he hurriedly forced a smile on his face.

Yet before he could speak, he saw Lu Ran take out his phone, positioning the microphone towards him.

"......What are you doing?" Shen Hongyuan was puzzled.

"Repeat what you just said. I'll record it and send it to Ji Min," Lu Ran said solemnly.

Shen Hongyuan almost burst out laughing.

He could understand Ji Min protecting Lu Ran, but would he really go that far to protect this dog?

In the next second, Lu Ran picked up Big Yellow.

With a "click," he unsnapped the pendant hanging from the dog's collar.

Inside was Ji Min's slightly distorted ID photo due to poor printing quality. His cold eyes seemed to emit deadly rays directly at Shen Hongyuan.

Shen Hongyuan: "......."

His lips trembled as he pointed at the pendant and asked, "What's this?"

"It's Mr. Ji's photo," Lu Ran replied.

Of course, Shen Hongyuan knew it was Ji Min's picture.

It was just that...

"Why, why is it hanging around this dog's neck!"

Shen Hongyuan's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

Ji Min had not only taken care of the dog for Lu Ran.

He had even hung his own photo around the neck of this mongrel?

Shen Hongyuan was utterly dumbfounded.

"Huh, what would you know," Lu Ran said, not at all bothered by the fact that the dog was benefiting from his association with him.

Spotting a guest approaching, he even waved his paw at them with Big Yellow in his arms, asking cheerfully, "Isn't my dog adorable?"

His smile was radiant.

Within the pendant hanging around Big Yellow's neck, Ji Min's face remained cold and distant.

The queried guest was left speechless.

"Well, would they dare say it isn't cute?"

In the grand hall.

Female guests were already beginning to arrive.

Madam Shen was in charge of receiving them.

She was adept at such social gatherings, but the thought of the purpose behind today's banquet made her uneasy.

He felt somewhat uneasy, his heart suspended halfway.

Amidst the enthusiastic greetings to the guests, Madam Shen pricked up her ears to listen to the conversations among the wealthy ladies around her.

They were still discussing the Gu family.

"Didn't Ningqi say he's recently returned to the country?"

"I wonder what his intentions are this time."

"Pfft, isn't it because the child has grown up and reached the right age?"

Someone even sighed wistfully, saying, "Looks like he's not coming back today, so he'll miss it."

What was he going to miss?

Of course, it was the family reconciliation gathering happening today.

The person who said this was clearly an adept at gossiping.

All present expressed their regrets.

One person chuckled, "You guys don't know about this, do you? I heard that Gu Ningqi was on a flight today and should have arrived by now."

Upon hearing this, the surrounding crowd immediately perked up.

Someone couldn't resist calling out to Madam Shen.

Madam Shen's heart skipped a beat.

She forced a smile and turned around, asking, "What is it?"

A group of ladies approached her intimately, inquiring, "Be honest with us, is the marriage contract between the Gu family and your family still valid?"

Upon hearing the question, Madam Shen's heart sank.

"Of course, it's still valid!"

"Then, who will ultimately fulfill this marriage contract?"

This was the question on everyone's minds.

Without hesitation, Madam Shen replied, "Of course, it's Ranran. Back then, the old master specifically mentioned that the marriage was intended for Ranran."

Upon saying this, she suddenly paused.

Looking up, she realized that everyone around her was staring at her with peculiar expressions.

"Which Ranran are we talking about here? Which one exactly?"

Madam Shen's face froze.

The thing she feared the most had finally come to pass.

After this remark, the conversation around her shifted abruptly.

Someone began to muse, "Fifteen years have passed since he went missing!"

"Fortunately, he's been found."

"How did the child go missing back then? Didn't the old master fall gravely ill because of this incident?"

The long-forgotten past was dug up intentionally, and a hidden sense of guilt slowly crept up Madam Shen's spine.

It slightly froze the elegance on her perfectly made-up face.

"He had a knack for wandering off when he was young..."

The moment these words left her lips, Madam Shen sensed something amiss.

Sure enough, those around her immediately shot her disapproving looks.

"At four years old, which child doesn't love to run around? Of course, adults should be more vigilant!"

"I vaguely recall that Yanyan was quite well-behaved when he was little, wasn't he?"

The lady who spoke gradually trailed off.

Only now did they realize that the Shen family's own biological son had been named "Xingyan" since childhood.

Later, when the child was lost, they simply bestowed that name upon their adopted son.

Did that mean they never expected to find the child?

The surrounding wealthy ladies were all mothers themselves.

A group of mothers' condemnatory gazes made Madam Shen feel a chill down her spine.

In the end, she neglected the banquet, using an excuse to rush back to her room on the second floor.

Slam!

The bedroom door shut.

Madam Shen's emotions remained unsettled.

That sound seemed to overlap with the memory of the RV's door closing in her mind.

Meanwhile, Lu Ran felt hungry and didn't linger outside the door.

Leaving Shen Hongyuan behind, he strolled into the inner hall by himself, hand in hand with Big Yellow.

His casual demeanor was striking.

Some friends who were close to Shen Xingran glanced at him standing in a corner and then at Lu Ran. Their anger flared up immediately.

After only a few steps, Lu Ran was stopped by a young man.

"You're the youngest son of the Shen family who went missing?" the boy asked, haughtily.

Before Lu Ran could respond, he continued, "Hmph, don't get your hopes up. Brother Gu only has eyes for Ranran. You'll never be able to compete."

Lu Ran's eyebrows lifted slightly as he pondered slowly, recalling which incident the young man was referring to.

He didn't reply.

The young man persisted, "It's the same for us. You'll never measure up to Ranran in our hearts."

As the words fell from his lips, he beheld the delicate youth before him suddenly bend forward, drawing near with an intimate grace.

The boy couldn't help it and his face flushed abruptly.

He had come to stand up for Shen Xingran.

Yet, upon first laying eyes on this orphan, the subject of those rumors, he was momentarily startled.

This person is exceptionally good-looking.

He exudes an aura that is distinct from those within their social circle.

Obedient yet wicked, with an enigmatic charm born from life's experiences.

Especially upon Lu Ran drawing closer...

The boy's face was flushed, and he was so nervous that he didn't know where to place his hands.

He struggled to emanate a strong and unyielding demeanor.

Yet, the person in front of him, with that innocent and noble face like an angel, whispered devilishly into his ear:

"I've been wanting to say this... there's a piece of vegetable stuck in your teeth."

The boy: "..."

Lu Ran patted the person in front of him on the shoulder.

Leaving the stunned boy behind, he continued walking with Big Yellow.

Just as one troublemaker had fallen, another one rose up.

This troublemaker approached Lu Ran and blocked his path.

About to say something,

He suddenly paused, turned around to grab his phone, switched off the screen, and grinned at it to check his teeth before turning back with relief.

Little did he expect that the moment he turned around, he would feel a sharp pain on the back of his head.

Raising his head, he found the youth across from him holding a wig piece, his countenance radiant and alluring.

Smiling like a devil.

"Oh dear, your wig seems to have come off."

The man raised his hand to touch his bald forehead, pointing at Lu Ran and stammering, "You! You! You..."

Pausing for a moment, he swiftly covered his balding forehead and dashed away.

The onlookers, having witnessed this "farce," fell silent: "..."

Appears... rather formidable, wouldn't you say?

Those who had initially intended to probe discreetly silently retreated.

Upon lifting his gaze, Lu Ran's stare seemed to emit X-rays, piercing through the most deceitful aspects of their personas with precision.

That smile was clearly malicious, as if plotting how to strip away the hypocritical facade they all wore.

It was the first time everyone present had encountered such a ruthless approach.

When out in public, some "touch-ups" were inevitable.

If their true selves were exposed, it would be quite awkward.

Before long, an unoccupied circle had quietly formed around Lu Ran.

Lu Ran glanced left and right before sighing.

Lowering his gaze, he met Big Yellow's beady eyes, "I haven't even needed your help yet, why have they all fled?"

There was even a hint of regret in his tone.

Big Yellow blinked twice.

Unaware of how he would be "utilized," Lu Ran took Big Yellow out for a meal.

Observing the dog's insatiable craving, he unexpectedly shared a piece of cream cake with Big Yellow, a rare treat.

As the puppy lowered and raised its head, its face became smothered in cream.

Lu Ran couldn't help but chuckle, then led Big Yellow to the restroom to wash its face.

Given the crowd in the villa, he deliberately took the dog to an isolated restroom in the yard.

The area was deserted, devoid of people.

Just as they entered, they encountered a man.

The man seemed to be hurriedly changing his clothes, and upon seeing someone enter, he froze for a moment before resuming his actions, now more composed.

His gaze swept over Lu Ran's face once more.

This action instantly assumed a deliberately cultivated gracefulness.

One might call it posturing.

Lu Ran took note.

Silently, he crouched down, using a damp tissue to wipe Big Yellow's face.

Maintaining a composed exterior, he was actually thinking, As expected, speaking of the devil.

It was Gu Ningqi who had entered to change clothes.

Seeing Gu Ningqi, Lu Ran suddenly recalled something.

In his previous life, around this time, Gu Ningqi had returned to the country.

Back then, Lu Ran was unaware of the arranged marriage.

He had no particular feelings for Gu Ningqi. However, after wandering around for over a decade, he subconsciously paid attention when he heard that an older brother he knew from childhood had returned. When Gu Ningqi came to the Shen family's residence, he somehow offended Shen Xingran. It was then that Shen Xingran pushed him into the backyard swimming pool. The water hadn't been changed in days and was icy cold. Standing by the pool, Gu Ningqi held Shen Xingran and frowned at Lu Ran, saying, "How dare you stick to me like this? Don't you know that my heart only belongs to Ranran?" At that time, Lu Ran was nearly frozen stiff and had no idea what nonsense this person was talking about. As if to protect Shen Xingran, Gu Ningqi even turned to Shen Hongyuan and Madam Shen, saying, "Uncle and Aunt, we can't let just anyone into our home. People might mistake it for a brothel."

There he stood, immersed in the icy pool, enduring the biting remarks.

Later, he braved the chill and the piercing pain in his bones to climb out of the water.

Only upon overhearing the servants' gossip did he learn that he had, as a child, been betrothed to Gu Ningqi.

But now, that engagement had been transferred to Shen Xingran.

When he passed by Gu Ningqi, it was perceived as an alluring ploy.

Lu Ran was nauseated to the point of death.

It was his first time experiencing such plain self-confidence.

Seems like Gu Ningqi hadn't made much progress in this life either.

He must have just arrived from the airport.

Putting on an air of profundity, yet being too concerned about his image to actually enter in a crumpled outfit.

Hence, he had deliberately changed his outfit in the restroom.

Recently, Lu Ran had been wondering why Shen Xingran had been so quiet.

Turned out he was waiting for him here.

Shen Xingran intended to publicly call off the engagement with the Gu family at this banquet marking his official return to the Shen family.

And perhaps repeat the insults he hurled at Lu Ran in their past life, embarrassing him?

Lu Ran held the damp tissue and suddenly chuckled.

His voice was clear and carried a hint of mockery.

It caught the attention of Gu Ningqi, who was in the midst of changing clothes.

Gu Ningqi had been wondering which stunning young master had emerged from nowhere since he hadn't been back in the country for a few years.

The moment this person entered, Gu Ningqi had noticed him.

The young man was strikingly handsome.

Upon him was an inexplicable charisma that captivated onlookers.

He bent over the sink to dampen a tissue.

Under the pale yellow glow of the bathroom lights, sparkles in his hair shimmered like stars amidst his locks.

Yet, his profile was aloof and distant, exuding a solemn stillness that instilled a sense of reverence.

When the young man bent down to face the little dog, his eyes crinkled again.

He was adorably charming beyond measure.

Gu Ning couldn't resist stealing a few more glances.

He even deliberately took his time changing clothes.

It was an unconscious reaction when one beheld something beautiful they appreciated.

Lu Ran attentively wiped Big Yellow's paws, seemingly oblivious to Gu Ningqi's gaze.

Gu Ningqi peeled off his crumpled dress pants.

One leg slid into the freshly pressed suit trousers that were prepared.

Lu Ran kept his head down and continued grooming Big Yellow's paw.

Gu Ningqi slipped the other leg into the trouser as well.

He was just about to bend down to pull up his pants.

At this very moment, with both pant legs stuck halfway up the knees, neither up nor down.

The quiet youth in front, unexpectedly turning around to face him, bestowed upon him a captivating smile.

Gu Ningqi was taken aback.

His movement paused, and his thoughts began to wander.

He was currently disheveled, clearly not properly dressed. Yet, this young man looked at him in such a way.

Could it be that he caught a glimpse of his assets?

Gu Ningqi's thoughts wandered, causing him to linger a bit while dressing, and he also offered Lu Ran a smile.

Yet, inwardly, he felt a slight disdain, thinking that this young man was not as impressive as he had initially thought.

In the very next moment, however, the youth before him, bearing that captivating smile that refused to release one's gaze, suddenly launched a sweeping kick in his direction.

Gu Ningqi: "!!!"

His pants were still caught around his knees.

This restroom was secluded, situated in a corner of the villa and not thoroughly cleaned.

A puddle of unknown liquid was sprawled across one of the steps.

With a kick, Gu Ningqi's foot slipped, causing him to slide down the stairs.

Incredibly, he didn't fall.

Now, his upper body was slumped into the cubicle, one leg slipping off the step, while the other remained on the first, gradually descending.

From afar, it seemed as though he was doing push-ups with his head inside the toilet stall.

Hindered by the constraint of his pants between his legs, he couldn't exert any force at all.

Ningqi could only desperately cling to the partition wall for support with both hands.

And less than half a meter from his face...

was the squat toilet.

Only at this moment did Gu Ningqi realize that he had hastily chosen a rather unpleasant cubicle.

For the automatic flush system in this stall was malfunctioning.

In a corner, there was even a pile of dark, grimy cloth.

Gu Ningqi was utterly bewildered.

He never could have imagined that, after rushing back from his trip, he would suddenly find himself in such a situation.

At this moment, it all felt like a dream in his mind.

Unable to resist, he cast one more glance backward at the youth who had given him a kick outside the cubicle, imbued with tantalizing hints of danmei allure.

The youth stood a short distance away, gently holding the leash of a little dog as he gazed upon him with an expression of unmistakable concern.

That expression was incredibly innocent.

For a fleeting moment, Gu Ningqi even wondered if he had imagined that sweeping kick.

His current situation is entirely the result of his own inadvertent stumble.

Until he witnessed the youth lift a broom from the side.

Ningqi suddenly realized something. "Wait, wait!"

"Stay back, stay away!"

"Don't joke around!"

"Ahh!"

A piercing cry echoed as Gu Ningqi crashed into the hole with a thud.

After a few seconds of terrifying silence...

A furious roar filled the air, "Are you insane?!"

With his pants still tangled, Gu Ningqi struggled to gain leverage with his legs to no avail.

He blindly grabbed onto something, using it to prop himself up. His face was now smeared with a stinky residue that nearly made him retch.

Instinctively, he wiped his face as he climbed to his feet.

Upon applying it, I realized the smell had intensified.

Only then did Gu Ningqi realize that in his hasty grab, he had seized the black rag.

His entire face wore an innocent and bewildered expression.

For quite some time, he trembled his lips before finally mustering the courage to ask the unfamiliar youth outside the partition, "D-do I know you?"

The youth smiled at him, his eyes bottomless pools of darkness, saying, "I don't know you, but seeing you like this, I can't help feeling uncomfortable if I don't do something."

Gu Ningqi trembled with rage.

Just as he was about to say something, he suddenly paused, feeling that something was amiss with his face.

There seemed to be faint, white, stripe-like objects swaying in his field of vision.

He furrowed his brows and tousled his bangs.

Then, he opened his hands.

Discovering a limp golden needle mushroom nestled in the palm of his hand.