TLDMDTBS Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Tomorrow again tomorrow, how many tomorrows are there?

The “tomorrow” in Gu’s mouth is never a true tomorrow.

Ji Ruan came home and fell asleep immediately. By the time he woke up, it was already evening. The sky was adorned with light clouds, and only Aunt Zhao was busy in the kitchen at the villa.

She was making a pot of rib soup, and Ji Ruan could smell the rich aroma even without lifting the lid.

Xiao An was napping by the basement stairs. Upon seeing Ji Ruan, he perked up instantly, shaking his fluffy tail and wanting to pounce, but stopped just a second before crashing into Ji Ruan, instead rubbing his head against Ji Ruan’s calf.

He didn’t look like a typical Maine Coon; he seemed more like a silly big dog.

“Why are you so well-behaved today?” Ji Ruan asked in surprise, laughing with his eyes squinted as he reached down to pet the cat.

The floor-to-ceiling windows behind them were filled with the sunset and the towering green trees outside, framing a beautiful picture. The Maine Coon’s light fur was speckled with golden rays, and the young man’s fair fingers melted into the scenery.

Aunt Zhao was plating the dishes. Seeing this scene, she quickly wiped her hands and sneakily took a photo.

“小 Gu specifically educated him before he left, and now he’s incredibly well-behaved,” she said with a smile.

“Is that so?” Ji Ruan walked towards the counter to help Aunt Zhao get some bowls. “How did he train him? Mr. Gu is amazing.”

“Oh, you have no idea, Xiao Gu really has a knack for training cats. I don’t even understand what he did, but after just two or three tries, Xiao An was obedient,” Aunt Zhao spoke quickly with a lively tone, always cheerful, a middle-aged woman who found joy in everything.

Ji Ruan didn’t really care about what Gu Xiuyi had done, but whenever he spent time with Aunt Zhao, it felt like the air was infused with her joyful energy, making it vibrant. He liked being around this kind of elder.

Whenever Ji Ruan showed interest in Aunt Zhao’s talk, she would become even more animated.

Like now, Ji Ruan wore a light smile and praised “Mr. Gu is amazing.” Aunt Zhao beamed in a way that made her appear radiant:

“Of course! Xiao Gu saw the bruises all over you from that dumb cat pouncing on you and decided to step up. In the past, he wouldn’t have dared.”

Ji Ruan carried the dish and walked with Aunt Zhao to the dining room.

“But Xiao An has loved to pounce on people since he was little. He could be indulged when he was smaller, but now that he’s grown so much, it’s time to discipline him. Otherwise, when we take him out for walks, people will think I’m walking a dog!”

Aunt Zhao’s chatter amused Ji Ruan, and he pulled out a chair to sit down, handing chopsticks to her.

When Mr. Gu wasn’t home, they would eat together.

“Hey,” Ji Ruan had a long moment of reflection before remembering, “Did Mr. Gu leave?”

“Yes, he went to work again—oh! Look at me,” Aunt Zhao said, slapping her forehead, “I got so wrapped up chatting with you I forgot to tell you. Xiao Gu asked me to tell you that he’s going on a business trip tomorrow, when he’ll be back will determine when you get the marriage certificate.”

“I see…” Ji Ruan nodded.

So, Mr. Gu’s “tomorrow” referred to a day when he was available.

In the following two days, Ji Ruan returned to a routine of eating and sleeping, spending time playing with Xiao An and accompanying Aunt Zhao to buy groceries, during which he also brought back a pot of hanging orchids to care for.

Nothing else happened, but he did manage to improve his complexion a bit.

On the third day of Gu Xiuyi’s business trip, Ji Ruan received a WeChat message during breakfast from someone named Han Xiaolin.

Ji Ruan held the phone in confusion for a second, and then a spark of realization hit him as a face with single eyelids and a sharp chin with big white teeth appeared in his mind.

Then all memories related to this person were activated.

He should be Ji Ruan’s only friend in this world. In his memory, during the later stages of the original plot, when he and Gu Xiuyi were going through a tumultuous “you flee, I chase” ordeal, this friend was the one who helped him get by.

A true friend through thick and thin.

A series of messages popped up on his phone.

[Hey bro!! e on!! Check out my acceptance letter!!]

[Front view.jpg]

[Back view.jpg]

[Unboxing video.mp4]

[I actually got the acceptance letter from Jing Da, we’re alumni now!!]

[Come out and play! I want to personally show off the physical copy, hurry!! I’m waiting for you at the usual place!!]

Ji Ruan chuckled uncontrollably at the flood of messages, feeling an oddly familiar sensation as if the other party was indeed a long-time good friend of his and not just a cold NPC from a book.

He even instantly visualized “the usual place” as a small noodle shop outside the gate of Fourteen High.

This middle school and noodle shop didn’t exist in his original world, yet they materialized in his mind, forming a clear memory.

Ji Ruan put his phone down and looked at Aunt Zhao, unable to suppress the smile on his face: “Aunt Zhao, I think I’ll step out for a bit.”

Aunt Zhao’s eyes lit up as soon as she saw Ji Ruan’s crescent-like smile, coaxing him like a child: “Oh? Where are you going?”

Ji Ruan took a bite of his bun: “My classmate is looking for me to hang out.”

Aunt Zhao realized it had been thirty or forty years since she was invited out by classmates, and at her age, hearing the word “classmate” was like watching TV, no matter how she looked at Ji Ruan, she felt warmth in her heart, saying with a smile:

“Then let Uncle Zhang take you. It’s too hot outside.”

Uncle Zhang had been a driver in Gu Xiuyi’s company for a lifetime and would retire in a couple of years. Recently his family welcomed a grandchild, so Gu Xiuyi assigned him to Ji Ruan for less work-related errands, allowing him to spend more time at home with his grandchild.

As soon as Ji Ruan got into the car, seeing Uncle Zhang’s rosy face, he could feel the joy of his family welcoming a new addition.

In his previous life, Ji Ruan spent his days surrounded by the gray walls of hospitals and gray hospital beds during his prime, but in just a few days here, he saw a multitude of colorful little worlds.

Leaning against the car window, Ji Ruan’s heart felt slightly warm as if a brand new vitality was surging within him.

Fourteen High was a key national school, a prestigious institution. The campus wasn’t large, situated in a bustling area, and the nearby noodle shop had been around for decades.

When Ji Ruan entered, he found that his friend Han Xiaolin hadn’t arrived yet. He sent a message saying he ran into some idiots from the science class who wanted to challenge him to a duel at the nearby internet cafe, so he needed to take a ten-minute break.

Ji Ruan couldn’t help but laugh at the vibrant phrases and found a small table to sit down, ordering a bowl of cold jelly for himself.

By the time Han Xiaolin arrived, Ji Ruan had finished half of his cold jelly. The boy in front of him looked just like he remembered, thin arms and legs, not tall but full of energy.

“Wow, you’re already eating?” Han Xiaolin plopped down across from Ji Ruan, taking a couple of glances at him before suddenly exclaiming, “Hey, have you been taking care of your hair recently?”

Ji Ruan leaned back a bit, “Taking care of what? I’m not a little girl.”

“But your hair looks healthier, it used to be dry and yellow, but now it’s got some elasticity!” Han Xiaolin said in surprise, scrutinizing Ji Ruan and gasping repeatedly, “Wait, why does your complexion look better? Are you hiding something good?”

“Something did happen,” Ji Ruan rested his chin in his hand, stirring the cold jelly with a spoon.

Unlike Han Xiaolin’s loud demeanor, Ji Ruan moved slowly, even in his speech, his slightly hoarse voice trailing off as if the air around him was cooler than elsewhere.

“Maybe it’s not really a good thing.”

“What do you mean?” Han Xiaolin’s head didn’t seem to turn easily; without clear explanations, he struggled to understand Ji Ruan.

Ji Ruan considered it for a moment. Gu Xiuyi had repeatedly expressed that their marriage was completely open, and there was an inkling that he wanted to announce it grandly. Therefore, telling Han Xiaolin should pose no problem.

He looked at Han Xiaolin: “I’m getting married.”

“…”

Han Xiaolin froze in place, first petrified for a few seconds before starting to touch his face, scratch his head, and adjust his ears, finally propping himself up on the table with a complex expression:

“Wh-what? When did you start dating? How are you getting married already?!”

“Have you figured it out, Ji Ruan? Don’t get fooled!”

“—Who is that person?!”

The small shop had an old TV playing in the background and Ji Ruan caught a familiar figure on screen. Pointing with his spoon, he casually said, “Him.”

Han Xiaolin turned around abruptly.

The local news was playing, with a female host reading in a monotone voice that echoed throughout the shop—

“Yesterday, Mr. Gu Xiuyi, the current chairman of Gu Group, attended the Lingzhou product launch, rapidly expanding the new business landscape, and he stated…”

The shop didn’t have air conditioning, and the owner set up a big fan blowing strong winds.

Han Xiaolin turned around in shock: “Ji Ruan, are you crazy—?!”

—

Gu Group Headquarters.

Gu Xiuyi returned to his office, finding the sunlight pouring in through the row of floor-to-ceiling windows blinding, he pressed the remote control for the automatic curtains to slowly close, while the expanse of rivers and ancient buildings visible from the window were never the scenery he relished.

He poured himself a glass of water and sank into the sofa, feeling somewhat fatigued.

After finishing work, Gu Xiuyi finally had a moment to relax and finally had time to think about the wedding.

But when it came to Ji Ruan, he was starting to feel uncertain.

Originally, he should have gone to get the marriage certificate three days ago and used this launch event to publicize it for all to know.

But he changed his plans that day.

It was the first time Gu Xiuyi had ever given up on his own plans for someone else.

He recalled Ji Ruan’s frail appearance, that boy looked so pitiable. Anyone would feel compassion for such a child.

However, this kind of emotional sentiment was not a good thing for Gu Xiuyi. If he kept lowering the bar and changing plans based on a little pity, the subsequent trouble was self-evident.

After calming down, rationality told Gu Xiuyi that he needed to think carefully about whether or not to truly marry Ji Ruan.

He even considered having Song Tezhu find another candidate.

But as soon as that thought sprang up, it was dismissed.

His secretary team was very professional. Ji Ruan, chosen out of thousands, stood out in terms of character and education. Even the fact that he was orphaned and had no relatives or friends served as a plus, making him the most suitable person.

Or to put it simply, from an even shallower perspective, after seeing Ji Ruan’s face, anyone else seemed dull in comparison.

The spacious office was dimly lit, a glass water cup slowly spinning between his long fingers.

During Gu Xiuyi’s business trip these past few days, Aunt Zhao sent him many photos, all of Ji Ruan—without exception, all badly framed and poorly composed, yet he found them beautiful.

According to Aunt Zhao, Ji Ruan was also taking care of a plant at home, positioned on the small balcony of his room. Gu Xiuyi had seen the photos and it was growing quite well, lush and green.

He had a plant, and Xiao An really liked him…

Gu Xiuyi tapped two quick taps on the cup rim with his finger as if making some sort of decision, then called for Song Tezhu.

What did a little pity really mean? It was fleeting.

Perhaps it was just because he had never encountered a child like Ji Ruan before. Over time, he would get used to it. It wasn’t a big deal; there was no need for him to be overly anxious.

When Song Tezhu entered the office, the curtains had already been reopened, filling the room with bright light. Gu Xiuyi sat at his desk reviewing documents, without even lifting his head as he heard him come in: “Go fetch Ji Ruan and bring his documents.”

Song Tezhu replied, “Aunt Zhao just messaged me that he’s gone out.”

Gu Xiuyi raised his head: “Where did he go?”

“…I didn’t ask.”

Gu Xiuyi rubbed the steel pen in his hand: “Have Lao Zhang go pick him up, you go get his documents.”

Song Tezhu asked, “Are you going to take him to get the certificate? But there’s a meeting later.”

Gu Xiuyi’s eyes flickered; it seemed he had forgotten about the meeting. He lowered his head to think for a moment and insisted, “Bring him here. We can wait a bit.”

Song Tezhu ceased his objections and nodded, “Alright, I’ll handle it right away.”

“—Song Tezhu.”

Just as he took a few steps, he was called back. Song Tezhu turned around: “What’s up?”

Gu Xiuyi’s expression was calm: “Do you have Ji Ruan’s WeChat?”

“Uh?” The sudden shift in topic caught Song Tezhu off guard; he stared blankly for two seconds: “Yeah… of course.”

Gu Xiuyi nodded, burying himself back into the documents: “Send it to me.”

—

Buzz—

Ji Ruan’s phone popped up with a friend request.

Across the table, Han Xiaolin was still immersed in the loop of “Is Ji Ruan crazy or am I crazy?”

Ji Ruan sighed, “Ah, he added me on WeChat.”

Han Xiaolin: “Hmph, who? That Mr. Gu of yours?”

Ji Ruan nodded.

Han Xiaolin rolled his eyes dramatically: “Only now that you’re married do you want WeChat? You guys aren’t even texting normally before this? Ji Ruan, are you okay!”

Ji Ruan’s voice remained light as he clicked to agree to the request, “I told you, we’re in a contractual marriage.”

Turns out Gu Xiuyi’s profile picture was Xiao An, looking much smaller than now; it must have been when they had just brought him home, resembling a chibi tiger.

Han Xiaolin: “…”

Han Xiaolin was burning with anxiety: “Ji Ruan, what novels have you been reading lately? You can’t just go off the rails just because you got into college! Shouldn’t we go back and read textbooks, getting some more exposure to socialism?”

Ji Ruan looked up, revealing a round smile: “Why don’t you believe me?”

[Gu Xiuyi: Where are you?]

Ji Ruan lowered his head to type.

[Having fun with my classmates, over by Fourteen High.]

It took a few minutes for a reply to come back.

[Gu Xiuyi: Lao Zhang is nearby, he’ll come pick you up. We’re going to get the certificate.]

Ji Ruan’s hand trembled upon seeing the words “get the certificate,” suddenly feeling a strong sensation—this time, they were truly getting married.

He rubbed his fingers and typed: [Aren’t you on a business trip?]

[Gu Xiuyi: Just got back.]

“Ji Ruan…” Han Xiaolin said with a worried expression, “It’s not just a matter of believing or not; it’s about whether or not I need to take you to the hospital, can you wake up!”

Ji Ruan remained quiet and calm, a beautiful smile on his face, but he didn’t continue to engage in Han Xiaolin’s chatter.

He raised his hand to call the boss over, ordering a bowl of beef noodles, extra meat and extra cilantro.

Han Xiaolin was stunned: “You’re eating that much?”

“I ordered for you too. Didn’t you say you love this place’s beef noodles?” Ji Ruan smiled.

Han Xiaolin was taken aback: “Ah? You’re really treating me? Why?”

It was well-known that Ji Ruan was stingy; usually, he would only treat him to one or two dishes and would never add meat!

After Ji Ruan paid, he rested his chin on his hand with an innocent look: “I’m going to get the certificate later, so I need to leave first. You enjoy your meal.”

Han Xiaolin’s eyes widened to their limits, the reflection showing a madman.

In the next second, he watched in disbelief as the madman stood up, walked out of the small shop, and got into a top-end luxury car parked on the street.

It was like switching from muddy boots to shoes adorned with golden edges, then stepping onto clouds.

Han Xiaolin finally believed…

He suddenly stood up in a frenzy amidst the powerful wind of the shop’s fan.

—

Han Xiaolin, eighteen years old, a poor high school graduate, on the first day of receiving his university acceptance letter, had gained a friend who belonged to a wealthy family!

This wealthy friend named Ji Ruan even treated him to a bowl of beef noodles with extra meat and cilantro!

At that moment, in Han Xiaolin’s eyes, the exhaust fumes trailing behind that departing luxury car looked like golden exhaust!