Chapter 65

Chapter 65

A Date!

The couple exchanged a quick glance.

Bai Yue seemed unprepared for that answer. His smile froze momentarily but he managed to maintain it:

"A date? Ji Ruan didn't mention it earlier. Had I known, I wouldn't have intruded."

"It's no interruption," Gu Xiuyi smiled. "What were you discussing that seemed so lively? Care to share?"

Bai Yue took a deep breath, "Not much. Just chatting about Grandpa's upcoming birthday next week."

Mr. Gao's mind raced, quickly assessing the situation. He ingratiatingly grinned, deliberately commenting:

"Exactly! We're all envious. Everyone wants to witness the grandeur of the Gu family's banquet. But only close families like Bai's get the privilege to attend. People like us can only catch a glimpse on the news, hahaha."

Bai Yue was taken aback, not expecting Mr. Gao to say such a thing.

On the surface, it sounded flattering for both, but it was insinuating that Bai Yue was trying to latch onto connections.

Bai Yue's breath quivered.

Gu Xiuyi's gaze leisurely shifted to Mr. Gao, "And you are?"

Recognizing an opportunity to join the conversation, Mr. Gao bowed repeatedly, "Mr. Gu, it's me, Gao Dahai. We were classmates in senior year!" He slapped his chest, "Me! Gao Dahai!"

Gu Xiuyi frowned, seemingly unable to recall any memory of him.

Unfazed, Mr. Gao laughed, "I figured you wouldn't recognize me. I was much slimmer back then. After doing business for a few years, I've put on some weight. If you'd attended the reunion, I'm sure everyone would've teased me about it, hahaha."

Gu Xiuyi then nodded as if realizing, "Ah, an old classmate. I had a rare day off during the reunion and chose to stay home with Ji Ruan. My apologies."

Ji Ruan couldn't help but chuckle, continuing to enjoy her ice cream and the unfolding scene.

Inwardly, Mr. Gao cursed Bai Yue even more. Just earlier, Bai Yue mentioned a meeting, but the man was at home with his wife!

And to think he had eagerly invited Bai Yue for a meal, hoping for an introduction during the reunion, only to find that Gu Xiuyi didn't give a damn about his reputation!

Mr. Gao, hiding his frustration with a smile, desperately flattered, "Look at you, always involved in big ventures. If you have free time, of course, you should spend it with your wife. Unlike us small businessmen always hustling. Your recent Lingzhou Phase Three project is incomparable. A mere crumb from such a project would be enough for us to live on forever, hahaha."

Gu Xiuyi caught the insinuation in his words, offered a smile but didn't respond, and turned to Bai Yue. "Back when Grandpa was active, our families did have some interactions."

He smiled enigmatically, "But as I recall, the Gu and Bai families haven't collaborated in a long time, right?"

Bai Yue's eyes lowered, seemingly swallowing his pride, "Yes, our business hasn't been flourishing lately."

His gaze circled Ji Ruan's face before returning to Gu Xiuyi, biting his lip, "Are you upset? ... Is it because others are speculating about our relationship, that you're unhappy?"

He glanced nervously at Gu Xiuyi.

Gu Xiuyi's expression was unreadable, revealing no emotion.

And it was precisely this inscrutability that intensified the unease.

Bai Yue clenched his fists, testing the waters, "Perhaps there's been a misunderstanding. It troubles me too. I've always asked others not to speculate about our relationship. After all, we were just friends."

Lowering his gaze with a somber expression, he added, "Besides... you're already married."

Ji Ruan marveled at Bai Yue's theatrical display, thinking, "Isn't this performance more layered than those overwrought primetime dramas?"

It's a pity that Aunt Zhao wasn't there; she would've loved this show.

With Ji Ruan by his side, Gu Xiuyi casually remarked, "Let's just consider ourselves mere acquaintances. I can't bear the weight of 'friendship'."

The onlooking couple exchanged shocked glances.

It never crossed Bai Yue's mind that Gu Xiuyi would utter such harsh words in front of others. It felt like a cold bucket of water was dumped on him:

"... Xiuyi? You... you don't even want to be friends anymore?"

His face paled, exuding an aura of sympathetic vulnerability.

Yet Gu Xiuyi seemed indifferent, sighing, "If I remember correctly, you're a friend of Gu Xili. As a guest in my house, to me, you're just that—a guest."

Lao Gao and his partner focused intently on Bai Yue, their stares now stark and piercing.

Bai Yue gritted his teeth, hoping to gamble on the chance that Gu Xiuyi wouldn't humiliate him in public.

"I understand there have been some rumors upsetting Ji Ruan. But I've always been trying to set the record straight, telling people not to overthink. Alas, I can't control others' tongues. If Ji Ruan remains displeased, I apologize to him—"

"Mr. Bai!" Gu Xiuyi interrupted sharply.

His demeanor became noticeably stern at the mention of Ji Ruan. "Ji Ruan doesn't need your apologies. Kindly respect yourself."

"Respect myself?" Bai Yue staggered, "We've known each other for twenty years, and I've always considered you my best friend. And now you're telling me to respect myself?"

Gu Xiuyi's gaze turned icy. Despite the bustling atmosphere around, his aura felt chilling, his patience evidently wearing thin.

"If you insist on saying that, then let me enlighten you—"

"A friend would never touch my beloved without permission; a friend wouldn't exploit baseless rumors to upset my partner, especially knowing their fragile health; a friend certainly wouldn't send mixed messages, claiming innocence while acting otherwise."

He gazed deeply at Bai Yue, "If that's your definition of friendship, I regret to say that our perspectives are vastly different. —Need I go on?"

How he took advantage of some past acquaintance from childhood to spread rumors and win hearts? The Bai family's business has been teetering for years but hasn't fallen entirely. That's in part because some believed those rumors and gave some hidden support.

With every calm yet piercing word from Gu Xiuyi, Bai Yue's face turned a shade paler.

It felt as if sharp knives were ceaselessly slicing his skin, the blood draining away, leaving his face ashen.

Ji Ruan was somewhat stunned too.

The atmosphere had turned unbearably awkward.

After Gu Xiuyi's remarks, none spoke. Amidst the bustling mall, the five of them stood beside a claw machine. The eerie silence drew many glances.

The Gao couple even stepped back, pulling out handkerchiefs to wipe their sweat. Despite Gu Xiuyi's casual attire resembling a college student, his aura was so intense it sent shivers down the spine.

Bai Yue, evidently embarrassed, stood rigidly. His pride was the only thing keeping him upright.

Keen on striking a business deal, Mr. Gao took the plunge, acting as a catalyst to break the tension.

With a forced smile and wiping sweat, he chimed in:

"Exactly! I too detest those who act differently behind one's back and falsely claim connections. Such people are unreliable! But I truly admire straightforward personalities like Mr. Gu's. Speak plainly and avoid pointless ambiguities!"

The woman quickly added, "Yes, yes, yes! Besides, Mr. Gu, your spouse is both young and stunning, an artist no less. Who wouldn't be envious, right? Hahaha..."

"Absolutely! The moment I saw Mr. Ji today, I thought you two were a perfect match — an artist and a businessman, reminiscent of

Republican-era

romance tales. Truly a match made in heaven!

"Not to mention, Mr. Gu, how family-oriented you are, spending weekends with Mr. Ji. That's truly commendable!"

The couple played off each other, trying to defuse the palpable tension, thankfully diverting the conversation away from the brewing conflict.

Tearing sound—

It's as if one could hear the ice cubes in the air silently melting.

Gu Xiuyi's demeanor softened, offering a faint smile at Lao Gao, and remarked:

"Indeed, only those with families truly understand each other."

Lao Gao keenly noticed the shift in Gu Xiuyi's mood and enthusiastically said, "Exactly! How about this? I'll treat you to dinner tonight. Let's have a good chat. Those who've never been married wouldn't understand!"

"No need for dinner," Gu Xiuyi declined politely, "Ji Ruan's stomach isn't great, I'll take him home for a meal."

Lao Gao, having had little hope to begin with, immediately nodded, "That's fine too. Health comes first, we old classmates can meet up anytime!"

Gu Xiuyi cut to the chase, "For the bidding, speak with Xiao Huang in charge and follow the protocols."

Lao Gao paused, his face lighting up in delight, "Ah! Great! Thank you, Manager Gu! Thank you so much!!"

Lao Gao never dreamed of such a fortuitous turn of events.

He had been going back and forth these days, trying to curry favor with Bai Yue, all for a word from Gu Xiuyi.

For a startup like theirs, collaborating with the Gu Corporation was like a pie in the sky; they couldn't even get their proposal in the door.

But with Gu Xiuyi's word, they at least had a chance to step in, even if they only played a minor role in the end. Meeting the person surnamed Huang through Gu Xiuyi's introduction meant they could get a piece of the pie. What Gu Xiuyi might overlook could be a big deal for Lao Gao's company!

"Ji Ruan!" A sharp call startled Lao Gao. Turning around, he saw Manager Gu holding Ji Ruan's hand, looking utterly worried, not at all like his usual confident self.

"Didn't I say you could only have a few bites?"

Gu Xiuyi sighed in resignation. The ice cream box was now nearly empty; he'd been momentarily distracted, allowing Ji Ruan to sneakily devour most of it.

Ji Ruan looked a bit taken aback too. He had been engrossed in watching the show, and combined with the small size of the ice cream, it was almost gone after a few bites.

He slowly cracked a smile, chuckling awkwardly, "I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention..."

“……”

What can Gu Xiuyi do now? It's already eaten.

All he could do was retrieve the last piece, utter a quick "Excuse us," and then leave with Ji Ruan in tow.

"Safe travels, Manager Gu!" Lao Gao called out with a warm wave.

It was only after watching the two figures disappear that he truly relaxed.

He then turned to Bai Yue, his previous obsequious demeanor gone, and brushed off his sleeve nonchalantly, "Alright, Xiao Bai, we're heading off too. There's some business at the company. Make yourself at home."

From "Young Master Bai" to "Xiao Bai" so quickly?

Bai Yue, having been slighted by Gu Xiuyi, lost face. He couldn’t tolerate Gao Dahai's dismissive attitude and pointedly remarked:

"Gao Dahai, is this how you speak to me? Have you forgotten how you used to fawn over me?"

"What kind of attitude do you expect?" Gao Dahai retorted sharply, "Not asking you to reimburse the meal is already giving you face!"

He turned and, emulating Gu Xiuyi, looped his arm around his wife to leave, muttering:

"Damn nuisance. Ate two meals on my dime, almost ten thousand yuan, and got nothing done. Complimenting that kid surnamed Ji is more effective than buttering up this bloke."

His wife chuckled lightly, "What did I tell you? Those who are officially tied have different standards. The Bai family's business went downhill years ago. If Bai Yue really had any pull with Gu Xiuyi, wouldn't Gu have helped out? You're so gullible, believing everything he says."

Gao Dahai laughed sheepishly, "Of course, my wife always has the foresight."

"Spread the word about today's incident in the alumni and local groups. I've sensed Manager Gu's annoyance with Bai for a while now. If he's pleased, our business will be smoother."

"Got it, I'll do as you say."

Bai Yue had never faced so many humiliations in one day. He was so furious that, despite trying to hold it together, he couldn't stop trembling. His mind replayed Gao Dahai's insults and Gu Xiuyi's expression as he left.

Caring so much, yet gingerly pinching the face of that young boy, speaking in a low tone, careful not to raise his voice too much in reprimand.

He had never seen this side of Gu Xiuyi before.

·

That evening, as expected, Ji Ruan missed out on the steak dinner.

The combined effects of popcorn and ice cream upset his sensitive stomach. After managing to swallow a few spoonfuls of porridge and being given medicine by Gu Xiuyi, all he could do was rest in bed, looking rather pale.

After showering, Gu Xiuyi gently slid into Ji Ruan's blanket, warming his hands and placing them under Ji's pajamas, covering his stomach. The waist was slim and fragile, and despite looking after him for so long, not an ounce of weight seemed to have been gained. His abdomen felt cold to the touch, making him seem rather pitiable.

Gu Xiuyi felt a pang of distress, "Still feeling unwell, darling?"

Ji Ruan turned to nestle into his embrace, his cheeks and lips pale, prompting both sympathy and annoyance from Gu Xiuyi: "I've told you to limit the ice cream, but you wouldn't listen. Now, who's suffering?"

Ji Ruan was slightly irritated, "I told you it wasn't on purpose! Bai Yue's reaction was just too amusing."

Mentioning this made Gu Xiuyi want to laugh, feeling quite exasperated with Ji Ruan.

This boy could treat anything as a spectacle. In fact, he was animatedly recounting today's event to Aunt Zhao when he suddenly experienced stomach cramps.

The pain was so abrupt and intense that he doubled over, turning pale.

This also gave Gu Xiuyi quite the scare.

Touching Ji Ruan's stomach with lingering concern, Gu Xiuyi consoled, "Alright, alright, it's not your fault. I should've looked after you better."

Ji Ruan playfully nuzzled against Gu Xiuyi's shoulder, marking the matter settled.

After a moment, he looked up, "You're not really letting Lao Gao handle that business deal, are you?"

Meeting Ji Ruan's slightly worried gaze, Gu Xiuyi smiled, "Of course not. All projects follow standard procedures with strict vetting. I don't practice autocracy."

This reassured Ji Ruan, "That's good."

Gu Xiuyi teased, pinching his chin, "Why? Worried I'd be blinded by flattery and hand over the business just because someone praised you?"

Ji Ruan blushed slightly, embarrassed, "No, I'm just... concerned."

"Relax," Gu Xiuyi pulled him closer, gently patting his back, "I'll work hard to earn more. After all, I've got a priceless gem at home that needs looking after. We can't afford to be reckless and go bankrupt, right?"

Ji Ruan chuckled, poking his chest, "Am I really that expensive to maintain?"

"Of course not," Gu Xiuyi hurriedly appeased, "I misspoke. My darling isn't costly; it's just me being paranoid."

"What are you scared of?"

Ji Ruan's eyes sparkled, shimmering with a hint of amusement, as if hiding a gentle stream within their depths.

Gu Xiuyi silently locked eyes with him, leaning down to tenderly kiss his eyelids.

"I'm afraid of you falling ill, afraid I might not take proper care of you, afraid I won't be able to provide for you."

Whenever Gu Xiuyi spoke about his health, he'd become notably more solemn, sometimes even displaying a faint trace of melancholy.

Ji Ruan nestled closer into Gu's embrace, wrapping his arms around his waist in a comforting gesture and whispered, "I won't."

Gu Xiuyi softly traced down Ji Ruan's spine, murmuring, "Mmm, you won't."

It was as if he was comforting Ji Ruan, but also reassuring himself.

He caressed Ji Ruan's abdomen, "Does your stomach still hurt?"

"It doesn't," Ji Ruan poked his head out from the embrace, his hair tousled as he grinned at Gu, "But keep massaging it for me."

Gu Xiuyi could never resist such coquettish pleas.

"Alright," he replied with a smile.

But instead of massaging, he leaned in for another kiss.

"Hey...what are you doing!" Ji Ruan pushed him away with a playful force, panting with mock exasperation, "I asked for a massage, not a kiss!"

As Gu Xiuyi's hand gently massaged Ji Ruan's stomach, he continued to steal kisses, mumbling:

"I'm a businessman, darling. Services rendered come at a cost."

Ji Ruan paused, suppressing his laughter as he turned his head away:

"You're nuts."