Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Xiao Ke moved quickly—he took an afternoon flight and returned the next morning. When Gu Shenhan saw the set of clothes, he examined it thoroughly, only to find that both color and style matched the photo exactly.

It was utterly absurd.

He compared the collar, cuffs, and inner lining against the photo—there wasn’t the slightest difference.

It was downright eerie.

Gu Shenhan personally took the garment to a professional appraiser. In ancient times, spinning and weaving were done entirely by hand, so threads could never be perfectly uniform, nor were there as many chemical agents involved. If these garments truly originated from two different eras, there would inevitably be detectable differences.

This was a critical point. Gu Shenhan reasoned that if even the clothing had been produced using authentic ancient techniques, then his little wife must be a genuine antique himself.

He sought out Master Qiao, a master textile craftsman with decades of specialized experience. The master inspected the garment and delivered his verdict in under three seconds: “This is made using modern techniques—absolutely nothing to do with ancient craftsmanship.”

“Master Qiao, don’t jump to conclusions so hastily,” Gu Shenhan said. “It does look brand-new—obviously not unearthed from soil—but perhaps it was preserved using some special method.” For instance, perhaps it had been brought here directly by his little husband.

“That’s not it.” Master Qiao pointed to the embossed pattern on the garment. “Take this gradient embossing technique, for example—it exists only in modern times. And the weft density is unnaturally uniform. In ancient times, hand-thrown shuttles applied inconsistent force, resulting in subtle, wavy irregularities across the fabric. Achieving such extreme uniformity requires modern computer-controlled warp feeding, where thread count per centimeter is precise down to the last filament.

“Also, consider the width. Ancient looms were constrained by human arm span, so most fabrics measured between fifty and sixty centimeters wide—rarely reaching seventy. A garment of this style would necessitate seams. Yet look here—it’s a single, seamless piece of fabric, top to bottom.”

Gu Shenhan fell silent.

He’d originally considered consulting another expert—but now he abandoned the idea entirely.

He’d found Master Qiao purely by chance; there was no way the man could have colluded with Lin Xiaotang beforehand. In other words, Master Qiao had no reason to lie.

Gu Shenhan searched online—and confirmed Master Qiao was correct.

So was it still just oxygen deprivation from drowning, causing memory confusion? But then how could Rong Yuan’s cognitive framework—rooted in an ancient era—remain so consistently logical?

Even the vaccine could be explained away: antibodies naturally fade over time, and a scar-free constitution meant no BCG scar was perfectly normal.

But what about all those ancient modes of thinking?

Oh—and ancient people certainly didn’t have men giving birth, either.

Gu Shenhan was utterly baffled.

A sudden, inexplicable thought struck him—was his husband even human?

According to lifeguard records, given how long Rong Yuan had remained submerged in the sea, an ordinary person would have died three times over.

Yet the strangeness didn’t end there. He’d simply dismissed time travel as impossible from the outset—so he’d never even entertained the possibility.

Meanwhile, Rong Yuan was texting Lin Xiaotang.

They’d exchanged phone numbers and WeChat IDs, and Lin Xiaotang had taught Rong Yuan how to use email.

Rong Yuan created a new QQ account—his first added friend was Lin Xiaotang—but he’d mainly set up the account for convenient access to its email function.

Lin Xiaotang wrote: “The clothes are definitely in your husband’s hands by now. Don’t worry—he definitely won’t be able to tell.”

Rong Yuan replied: “Thank you. I was afraid he might find it hard to accept—or think it strange.”

Lin Xiaotang reassured him: “It’s fine. Most young people today have read web novels—time travel, reincarnation, all kinds of tropes. So even if he finds out, he probably won’t be frightened. At worst, he might think it’s beyond his imagination—but someone running such a large enterprise likely has a pretty open mind.”

Rong Yuan asked: “What’s a web novel?”

Lin Xiaotang paused, then smiled and sent Rong Yuan a link: “A novel is a literary form. Just click the link I sent—you’ll understand.”

Rong Yuan saw the title “Ancient Gay Romance” and clicked in to browse. Then, suddenly electrified, he leapt up from the sofa.

This—this—there’s actually something about *ge’er* (a male concubine/son)?

Excitedly, he messaged Lin Xiaotang: “Is the author of this novel like me too?”

Lin Xiaotang: “Huh? Like you how?”

Rong Yuan: “He’s a *ge’er*! I’m a *ge’er* too! Oh my—if I’d known people like me existed here, I’d have shown this kind of book to my husband ages ago!”

Wait—what did you just say?! Σ( ° △°|||)︴

Lin Xiaotang froze: “Xiao An—what did you just say you are?”

Rong Yuan: “I said I’m a *ge’er*!”

Lin Xiaotang: “…”

Lin Xiaotang cautiously glanced around to ensure no one could overhear, then whispered: “So, Xiao An—did you actually cross over here from a novel?”

Rong Yuan looked puzzled: “Cross over from a novel…? What’s that?”

Lin Xiaotang: “…”

After much gesturing and talking past each other, Lin Xiaotang finally concluded that this new friend was likely a character from some novel who had somehow crossed into reality. Otherwise, how could he speak so confidently about a dynasty Lin Xiaotang had never even heard of?

Rong Yuan, meanwhile, suspected Lin Xiaotang might be suffering from trauma-induced delusions. People in books weren’t real—how could they enter reality? That would be pure myth.

But saying that outright would hurt, so he let it go.

Rong Yuan asked Lin Xiaotang about his employment situation. He remembered Lin Xiaomei mentioning her brother had been acting strangely—talking about ghosts, refusing to seek work.

Clearly, Lin Xiaotang’s family disapproved of him. What would he do without a job in the future?

Rong Yuan suggested: “Why don’t you come work with me? Let’s open a Hanfu shop together—what do you think? You’ve got the craftsmanship, and you know plenty of people who love wearing Hanfu. We can definitely give it a try. I can sketch countless designs, and we’ll make the clothes together. I also know a friend who sells clothing—his styles aren’t quite what we prefer, but he knows a lot about the business side.”

Lin Xiaotang was stunned: “This… how is that even possible?”

Rong Yuan asked: “Why not?”

Lin Xiaotang loved Hanfu, possessed artistic sensibility, and held technical skill—wasn’t he the perfect fit?

Wasn’t this fate orchestrating their partnership? One had to go with the flow.

“But didn’t you say you have to study at the company every day?”

“That’s true—but I still have time for things I love.”

Rong Yuan glanced at the towering building behind him. He stood on the Lianshan Group campus—but it was lunch break, so he’d stepped outside for a stroll. Few people were around, so he could speak freely without fear of being overheard.

He’d arrived at the company at 8:50 that morning—and discovered his aunt’s daughter, Gu Anran, had already been there for several days.

Lin Xiaotang said: “I’ll think it over. We can’t impulsively decide to open a shop. Without an established fanbase, it’s not easy to pull off—and I know nothing about sales.”

Rong Yuan remained optimistic: “For sales, we can ask my other friend for advice. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself—just think of it as doing something you love with a friend. And if you run into any difficulties, feel free to tell me. You’ve helped me so much—I’ll definitely do my best to help you in return.”

Lin Xiaotang smiled and said: “You’re just as soft-hearted as he is.”

Rong Yu'an said, "It's not a bad thing. Alright then, I need to go back first. The break time is almost over."

He saw the person Xiao Ke had arranged approaching. This person had been following him all day, answering many of his questions.

It was his first day here, and there were many things he didn't understand. Fortunately, he hadn't refused Gu Shenhan's arrangement.

On the way back, Rong Yu'an sent a WeChat message to Gu Shenhan: "Honey, I'm going to study again. Don't call me directly this afternoon."

"Okay, did everything go smoothly this morning?" Gu Shenhan asked. "Any discomfort?"

"There are still many terms I don't understand. But it's okay, everyone is very friendly. I also saw all kinds of small robots."

He went to the new product R&D center today and it was an eye-opener. In the past, there were vacuum robots and delivery robots at home that helped bring food and drinks. But today he saw all sorts—robots that mix drinks, make noodles autonomously, and cook dishes. Although some were still clumsy, given time, they would surely succeed.

Gu Shenhan glanced at the ancient costume: "If you like them, I'll find a way to get two for you to play with at home. Go ahead and get busy."

Rong Yu'an hummed in response and quickly walked into the building.

Today, Gu Shenhan did something unusual: he spent his half-hour lunch break watching short dramas. He was increasingly convinced that Rong Yu'an had traveled through time. But the clothes couldn't be explained away.

Xiao Ke asked, "Could it be that Lin Xiaotang had someone make a new set on short notice? The clothes look quite elaborate, but if it was specifically for this purpose, it might not be impossible. There's one question though: How did Lin Xiaotang predict you would ask for this set, and prepared in advance? What was his original motive?"

Gu Shenhan repacked the clothes: "Go find Yan Que. He knows the head of Innovative Biotechnology. If these clothes had been soaked in seawater, it's impossible that no traces would remain. Seawater contains specific trace elements not found in freshwater. Ask Yan Que to have someone issue a test report for me."

Xiao Ke understood, took the clothes, and quickly left.

Gu Shenhan tapped his fingers on the desk a few times and sent a WeChat to Rong Yu'an: "Baby, today is your first day at Lianshan. I'll come pick you up. Send me a WeChat when you're done."

Rong Yu'an replied with a cute "okey-dokey" sticker, then opened the recording app on his phone, holding it in his hand. While listening to the commentator's explanation, he took notes.

When there's a lot to learn, it's hard for a person to get distracted. That day, Rong Yu'an heard many unfamiliar terms and saw things he had never seen before. He got a general understanding of Lianshan Group's history and its basic operation model.

Gu Anran studied together with him and even bought their guide a coffee with her own money. Rong Yu'an silently noted this, thinking that his sister-in-law was very savvy about social niceties.

He stayed at the company until six o'clock, when everyone got off work. He also sent a WeChat to Gu Shenhan saying he was done.

Gu Anran then said, "Sister-in-law, do you want to go home? How about I drive you?"

Rong Yu'an said, "Thank you, Anran. Your second brother said he would pick me up. I'll wait for him a while."

Gu Anran laughed: "Your relationship has developed really fast. It's not easy—my second brother's stone heart finally softened. It had to be you, second sister-in-law. Well, take your time waiting. I'll head back first."

Rong Yu'an waved, but the assistant who had been following him all day was still there.

Not long after, Gu Shenhan arrived, and the assistant greeted him before leaving.

Rong Yu'an sat in the car and just fastened his seatbelt when Gu Shenhan lifted his chin to examine him.

"What are you doing?"

"Checking if my An Bao has been wronged."

"Of course not. Who would dare make me suffer? I'm part of the Gu family now, right?"

"Then what can I do? Your husband was wronged today."

"Ah? How?" Rong Yu'an quickly looked Gu Shenhan over carefully to see if he was injured anywhere.

"An'an, someone tricked me," Gu Shenhan said. "That Lin Xiaotang brought some clothes claiming they were yours, but I had them tested, and they weren't yours at all. The trace elements in seawater differ from those in river water. The test results showed that the clothes he brought me had never been in the sea."

Rong Yu'an: "..."

He had been so happy, but now his heart skipped a beat. Rong Yu'an fidgeted with the seat: "Th-there couldn't be a mistake, could there? Honey, why did you suddenly insist on my clothes?"

"I was thinking that by finding some special reason about you, I might be able to help you get back to your true self faster? Maybe you haven't lost your memory, but simply don't belong here originally—that's why there are so many things you don't understand. You don't know English letters or Arabic numerals, but you can ride a horse, embroider, and write traditional Chinese characters. Perhaps you come from another world, who knows? What do you think?"

"..."

Rong Yu'an was uneasy, not understanding what Gu Shenhan meant by saying this. Did Gu Shenhan know that he and Lin Xiaotang had lied?

Gu Shenhan watched his cheerful darling wilt like a dehydrated flower, so he gently squeezed his ear: "I'm not saying this to frighten you, but to tell you that even if you can't tell anyone about some things, you can tell your husband. We are one, husband and wife. If you conspired with outsiders to hide things from me, it would make me very sad."

Rong Yu'an hadn't taken the small blanket from the glove box to wrap himself in for a while. Now he opened it again and took it out to hold.

Gu Shenhan didn't urge him. After a long while, Rong Yu'an turned his head: "Honey, what if your guess is true? Can we still be together?"

Gu Shenhan said, "Of course. What I like is you, not your background or anything else. As long as you don't suddenly tell me you're not human and start doing miraculous things, I think I could accept it pretty quickly. Even if you really weren't human, your husband could steel his nerves. But I have a condition."

"What condition?"

"Call me 'my lord.'"

"...My-my lord."

"Hmm, that feels kind of interesting." Gu Shenhan ruffled his darling's hair: "Tonight, let's both use that term, okay?"

"Tonight?"

"Yes, when I want you tonight, I want to hear it."

Rong Yu'an: "..."

Was this considered a confession?

He hadn't really said much, but it felt like it didn't matter whether he said it or not.

Gu Shenhan continued driving and said naturally: "The painting of the family you drew in your drawer—take some time to redraw it? Add yourself to it. Of course, if you could add me, that would be great too, don't you think?"

Rong Yu'an nodded: "Honey, can you pull over for a moment?"

Hearing this, Gu Shenhan found a suitable spot to stop and asked, "What's wrong?"

Rong Yu'an unbuckled his seatbelt and hugged him tightly: "My lord, I like you, I really, really like you!"

Gu Shenhan held Rong Yu'an with one hand and steered with the other: "Hungry?"

Rong Yu'an said, "Not hungry yet, why?"

Gu Shenhan kneaded the palm of Rong Yu'an's hand: "If not hungry, we'll eat a little later tonight."

The car drove into Cuixi Garden and went straight into the garage. The butler was about to tell the kitchen to start cooking, but after waiting for a long time, no one came out of the garage.

Lian Dong asked, "Could something have happened?"

Lu Yi said, "What could happen? There are smart safety alarms everywhere in this estate. If something had happened, it would have already alerted us. No alert means nothing's wrong."

The butler glanced at Lu Yi and instructed Lian Dong not to rush to cook for now.

In the garage, as soon as Gu Shenhan got out of the car, he came around to open the door for Rong Yu'an, and they kissed passionately. They didn't go to the first floor for dinner. While kissing, Gu Shenhan led Rong Yu'an into the elevator, straight up to the third floor.

Rong Yu'an was kissed for so long that he felt a bit lightheaded. His vision grew hazy, and then he realized he was being carried into the bathroom.