Chapter 76: Meeting You Is My Just Deserts

Chapter 76: Knowing You Is My Just Punishment

Gu Yunlang only stayed in Ancheng for a day before leaving. He had originally come here to break the ice with Gu Sai's aunt, and he didn't want to see Chen Wang shamelessly clinging to Gu Sai, so out of sight, out of mind—he left the next day.

This was a golden opportunity for Chen Wang, who stuck to Gu Sai every day, asking him to show him around and trying to coax him back to the hotel. When Gu Sai said he was busy, Chen Wang would go sit in Wu Xiulan's shop and stay for hours on end.

He'd complain to Wu Xiulan about his difficult work, his cold and stupid friends, and his controlling parents.

Finally, when Wu Xiulan's sympathy was overflowing, he'd let out a sigh and say, "I guess I'm just not likable, am I? Even Gu Sai, who has such a good temper, is sick of me and won't even see me. I should reflect on myself. Am I being a bother at your shop, Auntie? Maybe I should just leave..."

Wu Xiulan absolutely wouldn't let him leave. This kid didn't know anyone or anything in this city—what if he got lost? What if he got swarmed by fans?

She quickly grabbed Chen Wang and said, "No, no, no. You've helped my shop so much—how could you be a bother? That Xiaosai—he knows his friend is here, yet he's still holed up at home. You wait, I'll call him right now and tell him to take you hiking."

Chen Wang feigned reluctance: "This... wouldn't that be too much? Maybe Gu Sai really is busy?"

Wu Xiulan had already dialed: "He's got nothing going on. He's cooped up at home with his laptop all day—he needs to get out and stretch his legs. Hey, sweetie, don't just stay home staring at the computer all day, you'll ruin your eyes. Come out, take Xiao Chen hiking and shopping or something. Be good, don't be difficult."

She hung up and told Chen Wang, "Xiaosai will be here soon. At noon, he'll take you to try our local dishes!"

Chen Wang was deeply moved: "Thank you, Auntie. You're so kind to me—my own parents have never treated me this well. Sigh, I wish you were my mom. Can I just call you Mom from now on?"

Wu Xiulan was overjoyed by the compliment: "This kid sure knows how to sweet-talk. I'm not worthy of that."

"You're more than worthy, Mom!" Chen Wang changed his address without a hint of hesitation.

Mainly because he was shameless enough.

Gu Sai had no choice but to obey his mother and play the gracious host, completely under Chen Wang's thumb.

In just two or three days in Ancheng, Chen Wang had explored every corner of the small city where Gu Sai had lived for over a decade.

"I came to your city, walking the roads you once walked~"

By the lake, Chen Wang gazed at Gu Sai and sang this fitting song with deep feeling.

But all Gu Sai could think was: When is he leaving? When is he leaving?! I don't even have time to write! I finally have a book that's taking off—can he please not make me miss my updates?

By the time Chen Wang had sung his tenth song, Gu Sai finally couldn't stand it anymore: "Teacher Chen, you must be pretty busy with work, and we're about to start filming. Maybe you should head back and handle your work first?"

"Fine," Chen Wang agreed readily, but added a condition: "Agree to let me pursue you, and I'll go back."

Gu Sai: ...

He sat on the lakeside bench and stayed silent for a long while.

Chen Wang moved closer and made a concession: "How about this—if you don't say anything, that means you agree. If you want to reject me, recite the 'Chu Shi Biao' (Memorial to the Throne) in full."

Gu Sai: ???

His defiant streak flared up again, and he opened his mouth: "The late emperor..."

But the next second, Chen Wang kissed him, and he couldn't get another word out.

This kiss was unlike their previous passionate, fierce ones—it was as gentle as water. Chen Wang simply pressed his lips to Gu Sai's, gave a soft peck, and pulled away.

"You didn't recite it, so that means you agreed," he said brazenly.

Gu Sai covered his lips: "You... you're being unreasonable."

Chen Wang said with utter conviction: "Loving someone doesn't require reason. Gu Xiaosai, starting today, I'm officially pursuing you."

Gu Sai was taken aback by his overbearing attitude, yet surprisingly felt no anger at all. Hearing Chen Wang say he'd pursue him, he even felt a hint of anticipation.

He turned his head away and said nothing, holding back the urge to ask Chen Wang how he planned to pursue him.

Chen Wang licked his lips, where the sweetness of Gu Sai seemed to linger.

He asked, "I heard the director of 'Nine-Tiered Pagoda' gave you the bonus?"

Gu Sai gave a hum of acknowledgment, still not looking at him.

Chen Wang asked again, "Are you going to buy a place? Have you found a good location and layout yet?"

The sudden shift to serious topics caught Gu Sai off guard, but he answered honestly: "I've been in touch with a few agents these past few days. I've narrowed it down to two places—I'll go see them when I get back to Beicheng. Both are resale homes—just need a little renovation and they're ready to move into."

Chen Wang nodded and said, "I can give you some renovation advice."

Gu Sai was eager to learn: "What advice?"

Chen Wang said with a completely straight face: "Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, mirrors on the bedroom ceiling, grab bars in the bathroom, and a bigger, taller kitchen counter. For the soft furnishings, remember to get a waterproof sofa..."

At first, Gu Sai listened seriously, even thinking about pulling out his phone to take notes in his memo app. But the more he listened, the more he realized something wasn't right.

Eyes: "Wow, that sounds thrilling!"

Brain: "Master, generating images for you now."

Butt: "Ugh, there's not that much water, okay~"

Gu Sai: !!!!

"You..."

Gu Sai saw the wolfish grin slowly spreading across Chen Wang's face, his ears turning red, and he stood up and stormed off in a huff.

"Hahaha..." Chen Wang chased after him. "Don't run, little Gu Sai. I'm just sincerely offering some modern renovation advice. What were you thinking, huh? Tell me—what exactly came to mind?"

That afternoon, both Gu Sai and Chen Wang received messages from Li Wencheng saying that the day after tomorrow was Li Shanshan's eighteenth birthday, and the family was hosting a birthday banquet for her. Both of them were invited.

Li Wencheng specifically told Gu Sai not to be afraid—that day would be one that many people would never forget.

After more than a decade, the prospect of seeing the Li parents again made Gu Sai more than a little uneasy.

Chen Wang reassured him: "He told you not to be afraid, so what are you worried about? Li Wencheng might be dull and boring, but he's pretty reliable when it comes to getting things done. Besides, I'm here. No matter what happens, I've got your back."

His words were like a reassuring pill for Gu Sai: "Alright, I'll go."

He was an adult now, capable of shouldering burdens, so he decided—he would go save the child he once was.

Chen Wang and Gu Sai agreed to return to Beicheng together the next morning. That night, lying in bed, Chen Wang replayed the kiss by the lake, getting more excited the more he thought about it.

Gu Sai agreed to let me pursue him, so as long as I do a good job and seduce him properly, Gu Sai will definitely give in. Then we can be entangled together again, making passionate love!

I'll protect Gu Sai no matter what—no one will ever hurt him again, not even his own birth mother!

In the middle of the night, the movie emperor's heart was overflowing with emotion. He got up and posted on his Moments: "You don't have to prick people, but you must have thorns on you (serious), and leave the softest part of your belly exposed to protect the ones you care about most (gaze gradually softening). Little one (indulgent smile), are you ready to receive your big brother's overwhelming love (wink)?"

Li Wencheng commented: "Ha, knowing you is my just punishment."

Lu Mo: "Did a dog chew on your head? No wait—dogs can't eat anything too greasy."

Xiao Bai: "Promise me, don't let anyone get you cheap. Just die alone, okay?"