Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Gu Shenhan agonized back and forth twice about whether to bring Rong Yuan to the birthday banquet, but in the end, he decided to hear Rong Yuan's opinion. He figured Rong Yuan still didn't understand many common-sense things and probably wouldn't want to go see those people.

To his surprise, when he asked, Rong Yuan agreed readily.

"Just go then," Rong Yuan said. "Aren't you going too, Han Ge?"

"Yeah, but whether I go or not, the things that are unfamiliar to you will still feel unfamiliar."

"But I think it's better to go and see, to broaden my horizons. Just like when you took me to eat fries—I could learn a lot there that I didn't know before. Besides, you said before, the more I don't understand, the more afraid I'll be. So I'll just treat it as a learning opportunity."

"Are you sure? What if they ask you questions you don't know how to answer?"

"If you're around, I'll ask you. If you're not, I'll say I don't remember many things after being rescued from drowning. They can't bully someone who's sick. If they do, then I'll have something to mock them about."

Gu Shenhan thought that made sense. He couldn't keep hiding Rong Yuan from people forever; that would only make others think he looked down on Rong Yuan, which wasn't good.

Though this Little Antique could really be a headache sometimes.

The next day, Gu Shenhan invited a designer and a salesperson from a private clothing brand to the house, bringing hundreds of ready-to-wear outfits for Rong Yuan to choose from.

Rong Yuan was usually very frugal. Even when he had money, he never asked to buy anything except for that phone watch.

But this time, he didn't refuse Gu Shenhan's kindness. Having grown up in the Marquis's mansion, he knew exactly what kind of event this was. At such occasions, it was absolutely unacceptable to embarrass the family—in this case, the entire Gu family, and even Gu Shenhan's own face.

However, he really didn't know much about local dress codes, so he simply asked the people who delivered the clothes to help him pick.

All the clothes sent were casual wear. The birthday party Zheng Weiping mentioned wasn't a formal banquet but a casual buffet-style outdoor gathering with no strict dress code, mostly among acquaintances.

The designer and salesperson helped Rong Yuan pick together. Rong Yuan had long hair, a soft temperament, and especially kind eyes—when he smiled, it always made people feel as if a spring breeze was blowing. But don't be fooled into thinking he was a pushover; when his gaze turned sharp, it felt like he could see right through someone.

The salesperson rarely saw this type, but based on professional instinct, he felt this person shouldn't be dressed in clothes that were simply cute or pretty. They needed something with a touch of personality.

So after consulting with the designer, they picked two sets that were soft with a sharp edge. One was a loose, pure white shirt with light gray casual pants. The shirt wasn't button-down but pullover, with a pointed collar, only two buttons, and a waist tie. The collar would reveal a hint of collarbone. The tie was loosely fastened, paired with a small metal pendant shaped like a goshawk. On Rong Yuan, it struck a balance—neither too strong nor too weak, with a relaxed, sensual vibe.

The other set consisted of slim-fit jeans paired with a shirt, but this time the colors were reversed: a black silk shirt with high pearlescent shine, simple in design, paired with white jeans.

Although both were black-and-white combinations, the black shirt made Rong Yuan look bolder and sharper.

The designer said, "Both sets look great on you. What do you think?"

Especially the black shirt—the effect was surprisingly good.

Rong Yuan was surprised too. He rarely wore black, whether in his other world or this one. But wearing it seemed to make him look more intimidating. He was torn, not knowing which to choose.

He only wanted one set.

Gu Shenhan asked, "Don't like either?"

Rong Yuan said, "No, I just can't decide. Han Ge, help me pick."

Without a second thought, Gu Shenhan said, "Why choose when you have two sets? Keep both, and see if there's anything else you like."

Rong Yuan didn't want to do that. Even though the clothes weren't priced, he knew better than to ask the cost on such an occasion. But he could tell they weren't cheap.

Gu Shenhan said, "Then keep these two. Teacher Yue, measure him later. When you go back, design a batch of autumn clothes specifically for him."

He had always seen Rong Yuan wearing white before, and that was nice. But wearing other colors also looked good. This kid was too outstanding, in every sense.

The designer said okay. Rong Yuan went back to change clothes, but after a long time, he still hadn't come out. Soon, he called out anxiously, "Han Ge, can you come here for a second?"

Gu Shenhan went over, entering the dressing room. "What's wrong?"

Rong Yuan turned around, facing away from the door, almost crying: "I can't get this off."

It was the zipper on the jeans. It was a safety zipper—you had to pull the tab all the way up first, then pull it down.

Gu Shenhan looked at the little face, red with anxiety, even sweating, and coached him: "Lift that little tab all the way to the top, then pull down."

Rong Yuan did as he was told, but even though he felt he had lifted it, it still wouldn't budge!

Gu Shenhan said, "Lift it to the very top—make it level with the zipper itself."

Rong Yuan sort of understood but not really, but when he lifted it to the extreme, it actually worked. He finally managed to pull it down and let out a long sigh.

Since coming here, he had never worn this kind of pants—only elastic-waist ones, which he found comfortable and convenient. But pants were pants, how hard could it be to wear them? In his mind, things here were all simpler to use than in his time, as long as you learned.

Who would have thought he could get them on but not off!

Rong Yuan's shoulders relaxed. "So tiring."

Gu Shenhan didn't say anything. He stared at Rong Yuan's butt, his mind wandering for a moment. He was surprised to see that the kid had abs—just a thin layer, but it made him look supple and pleasing to the eye.

Or rather, it suited Rong Yuan perfectly. That delicate yet subtly strong quality. And his legs and butt—when wearing loose pants, you only noticed his long legs, but now with slim-fit pants, that advantage was amplified: long where it should be long, curved where it should be curved.

"Do you work out?" Gu Shenhan asked.

"Work out? What's that?"

"...Never mind, just keep taking your pants off."

"Then get out first."

"Humph," Gu Shenhan pretended to be angry. "Use me and then toss me aside?"

"No, I didn't."

Rong Yuan didn't answer him. Only after hearing the door close did he take off the pants and change into his usual home clothes.

Later, Yue Jinnian took his measurements, asked about his preferences and habits, then left with the clothes and people.

Rong Yuan finally fully relaxed. "Han Ge, what are you thinking?"

Gu Shenhan said, "At home, call me 'Han Ge'. When we go out, call me 'laogong'."

Rong Yuan was speechless.

"What? Not okay?"

"It's not... not that. But 'laogong' in my mind means 'eunuch'. Calling you 'laogong' feels weird." Rong Yuan bit his lip, couldn't hold it in, and burst out laughing. "Hahaha, laogong? What's that? So strange!"

"Shut up! Now 'laogong' means 'husband'—it's not 'eunuch' anymore." Gu Shenhan was exasperated. "Remember, you have to cooperate with me outside. You behave, and I'll give you your allowance."

"A million steamed buns?!" Rong Yuan said cheerfully. "No problem! Laogong!"

Gu Shenhan cleared his throat, about to respond, but saw Rong Yuan snickering again. He shouted, "Rong Yuan! Laugh again and your buns are gone!"