TLDMDTBS Chapter 67

Chapter 67 Publication

Gu Xiuyi took Ji Ruan to a restaurant for a simple lunch, then returned to the suite.

The VIP room at the ship’s bow boasts the best view and the most complete facilities. Pushing open the glass window reveals a spacious balcony, outfitted with a massage bathtub, deck chairs, and sun umbrellas, complete with tea and snacks on a small table.

One can imagine how pleasant it would be to enjoy a massage in the bathtub while taking in the river view at night.

Ji Ruan rested his elbows on the railing, the river breeze gently blowing by, soothing his troubled heart substantially.

Gu Xiuyi stood beside him, leaning against the railing at an angle. “How is it? Feeling better?”

Ji Ruan touched his nose. “Not really…”

His hair was tousled by the wind, strands poking into his eyes, causing him to lower his head to rub at it.

“Don’t rub it.” Gu Xiuyi caught Ji Ruan’s wrist, gently pushing his hair aside.

Ji Ruan’s eyes were slightly red, likely due to lack of sleep.

Gu Xiuyi didn’t let him stay outside in the wind any longer, pulling him into the room and closing the door and windows. Ji Ruan obediently sat by the bed in a daze. He stepped closer and scratched Ji Ruan’s chin.

Ji Ruan was a bit sensitive to tickling, squirming under his hand, retreating to the corner of the bed, only to be blocked and held by Gu Xiuyi.

“Don’t mess around now.” Ji Ruan laughed, pushing his shoulder.

Gu Xiuyi firmly wrapped his arms around Ji Ruan’s waist, first giving him a forceful kiss, then nuzzling his cheek in a familiar manner.

This was something he wanted to do before boarding the ship but had held back due to Ji Ruan’s bashfulness.

“Alright, I won’t mess around now.” Gu Xiuyi created a bit of distance between them, softly asking, “Want to take a nap for a bit?”

Ji Ruan was indeed a bit tired; he woke up early and hadn’t really slept in the car. Drowsiness had set in long ago, but he hesitated, his eyelashes trembling as he looked down in thought.

“Is it okay if I just sleep?” he asked. “It feels like there are already guests arriving.”

The soundproofing of the suite was actually quite good, but despite that, Ji Ruan could still hear the commotion outside, suggesting that it was already lively.

Ji Ruan bit his lip. “Shouldn’t you go greet them? Wouldn’t it be bad if I don’t go with you?”

“What’s the big deal?” Gu Xiuyi smiled. “They aren’t important guests anyway. I just need to show my face; you’re tired, just rest.”

Since the host said so, Ji Ruan didn’t try to force himself anymore. The bed beneath him felt soft, and after lying down for a while, he didn’t want to move.

“Hmm… then fine.”

Ji Ruan smiled with his eyes and quickly pecked Gu Xiuyi on the corner of his mouth before lifting the blanket to bury his head, revealing a fluffy crown of hair.

Gu Xiuyi’s heart trembled.

Ji Ruan rarely took the initiative to kiss.

Even if he did, it was quite different from Gu Xiuyi’s passionate approach.

Ji Ruan’s kisses were gentle and soft, carrying a hint of shyness as they brushed past the lips, like a little swan shaking its feathers, shyly tossing little hooks at the heart.

Gu Xiuyi paused for a second, then without saying a word, lifted the blanket and hugged Ji Ruan.

Ji Ruan lay on the bed, heart racing, being enveloped by the gentle blanket that slowly fell away, covering both of them.

Under the dim light of the blanket, he saw Gu Xiuyi’s smiling eyes.

“Why did you come in too?”

“Came to kiss you.” Gu Xiuyi said softly in his ear.

His heart raced furiously, enough to make his chest ache a bit. Gu Xiuyi really knew how to say straightforward words that made one shy away.

Ji Ruan lay sideways in Gu Xiuyi’s embrace, black hair spilling over the pillow, his cheeks and ears pink from embarrassment. The little streams in his eyes sparkled like they were blown by the wind, rippling with layers of light.

Gu Xiuyi leaned in, biting Ji Ruan’s reddened lips, pulling him completely into his arms.

“Mmm! … You…,” Ji Ruan managed to say.

“Just be good and let me kiss you, not do anything else.”

Gu Xiuyi cradled Ji Ruan’s head, gently stroking his soft hair, exchanging lingering kisses with him.

Oh no, it wasn’t an exchange; for Ji Ruan, it was a one-sided invasion.

Gu Xiuyi must have trained his lung capacity somewhere, as his so-called “kiss” lasted for a ———— long time.

So long that Ji Ruan nearly saw stars from lack of oxygen.

Later, Gu Xiuyi probably kissed Ji Ruan’s eyes and earlobes too, and even wiped his face with a warm towel.

But Ji Ruan was too tired. Kissing was the most physically exhausting activity he had done in months. After that kiss, he had no strength left to resist; before he even finished wiping his face, he dozed off in a daze.

This nap was much deeper than the one in the car; although the bed wasn’t as warm as Gu Xiuyi’s embrace, it didn’t provoke him.

Ji Ruan slept for several hours, and when he opened his eyes, he couldn’t tell whether it was day or night.

He lay there for a moment, dazed, suddenly feeling a burning pain in his lips. He quickly sat up, turned on the bedside lamp, and took out his phone to open the camera.

His lips were indeed swollen again.

Though not severe, they were inexplicably bright red, the lip beads shining just like what Han Xiaolin said about applying the number that resembled the color of snail powder.

In that moment, despair filled Ji Ruan’s heart.

The door to the side was pushed open, and the newcomer acted very cautiously. Ji Ruan put down his phone just as he met Gu Xiuyi’s gaze.

On his side, he was staring at the disheveled hair and sausage lips, while Gu Xiuyi looked well-dressed and refreshed, instantly making Ji Ruan feel very unbalanced inside.

Gu Xiuyi didn’t notice Ji Ruan’s anger and came over with a smile to hug him. “Awake?”

“You! …” Ji Ruan stuttered, forcing down his anger as he turned his head to look for something.

Gu Xiuyi pressed down on his shoulder, skillfully finding the cochlear implant to put on him, then kissing the corner of his lips: “Go on, darling.”

Ji Ruan pushed him away!

But it didn’t budge…

“You! …” He took a few seconds to catch his breath, having to choose to reconcile with the strong arms around him, pointing at his lips. “Look what you did!”

“What’s wrong? Let me see,” Gu Xiuyi acted as if he didn’t understand, cupping Ji Ruan’s face. “Looks good, no broken skin or swelling.”

“But it’s so red!”

Ji Ruan was almost exasperated; with so many people outside, how could he go out looking like this?

“No, no,” Gu Xiuyi laughed. “It’s not that. I put some lip balm on you.”

“… Huh?”

Gu Xiuyi looked at Ji Ruan’s dazed expression, helplessly laughing, rubbing a finger over his lip beads. “Do you feel it’s sticky?”

Ji Ruan had to admit, “Hmm… it seems a bit?”

“I was afraid your lips would dry out, so I put on a bit of lip balm, probably that one has some color, which is why it turned red,” Gu Xiuyi patted his back reassuringly. “It’s fine, darling; we’ll wash it off and it won’t be red anymore.”

Only then did Ji Ruan feel relieved, but he paused, feeling something was off. “How do you even have lip balm?”

Based on what he knew about Gu Xiuyi, this person wouldn’t even choose to use lip balm in the depth of winter.

“I had Li Sui’an bring it,” Gu Xiuyi said with disdain. “Don’t know how he picked the color.”

“Oh, I see…” Ji Ruan pressed his lips together.

Gu Xiuyi observed him and suddenly raised an eyebrow, pinching his cheek. “What are you thinking?”

Ji Ruan’s gaze drifted. “Nothing.”

Gu Xiuyi suddenly got a feeling of being monitored, pulling Ji Ruan into his embrace. Hey, be good now, he was holding him.

“Are you feeling unwell?” He gently stroked Ji Ruan’s soft hair. “You’re not seasick, right?”

Ji Ruan felt it over. “Shouldn’t be, but I feel quite weak.”

Gu Xiuyi laughed. “Of course, you won’t have strength just lying around. Since you’re awake, let’s get up. I’ll take you for a walk on the deck.”

Ji Ruan also felt he needed some movement; he obediently nodded. “Okay.”

But because he was too good, he got another kiss before heading out.

Before leaving, Ji Ruan carefully washed his mouth, though he still felt a bit uneasy, taking out his phone to check every now and then.

Gu Xiuyi held him close, avoiding the incoming crowd, helplessly saying, “It’s fine, it’s really clean now, not a trace of color left.”

Not only was it not red, but it even returned to its usual colorless appearance. Gu Xiuyi glanced at Ji Ruan’s lip beads, feeling a bit pained and thinking it would be better if he kept on that lip balm; at least he wouldn’t look sickly like this.

During the time Ji Ruan took his nap, the cruise ship had transformed, now bustling with activity.

Most of the people Ji Ruan didn’t recognize; according to Gu Xiuyi, they were some of the old man’s close friends and family, along with many dignitaries and social elites, and there were even quite a few media reporters.

As Ji Ruan passed through, Gu Xiuyi protected him from interview requests, his eyes widening. He whispered in Gu Xiuyi’s ear, “Is it really this grand?”

Gu Xiuyi shrugged nonchalantly, “Grandfather requested it; he hopes for media coverage so that people in the city and even nationwide can jointly celebrate his 80th birthday.”

Ji Ruan didn’t quite understand this mentality, so he closed his mouth and didn’t ask further. The sun was shining brightly on the deck in the evening, with the sunset splashing across the river, making it sparkle.

Ji Ruan looked down from the railing. Below there was another layer; the water surface was a moderate distance away from him, unusually calm, no wonder he felt no seasickness at all. The weather was so nice, and the waves were small; the ship was sailing at a slow speed, hardly swaying.

Gu Xiuyi casually said, “The lower level is mainly for the crew to move around; the banquet is held up here. They won’t come up if there’s nothing going on.”

“Oh,” Ji Ruan said, stretching his neck to take a look. Indeed, below there were people in sailor uniforms walking back and forth in the corridor. To anyone unaware, it might seem they were truly at sea.

“This was also requested by Grandfather,” Gu Xiuyi said with a smile, shaking his head. “Even if we can’t really go to sea, the setup needs to be nautical; even the crew’s clothes.”

Ji Ruan exclaimed, “It’s impressive he could think of all this even while he’s this ill.”

Though it was already nearing evening, the sun was still a bit hot. Gu Xiuyi didn’t let Ji Ruan stay outside too long; after walking a bit, he led him inside the hall.

“——Old Gu! Just looking for you.” Li Sui’an came over holding a glass of champagne, accompanied by a stunning beauty.

“Long time no see, President Gu.” The beautiful woman greeted with a smile.

Gu Xiuyi nodded. “Long time no see, Li Yuan. Enjoy yourselves, don’t be shy.”

“Got it, I will.”

Gu Xiuyi wrapped his arm around Ji Ruan’s shoulder, introducing, “This is Li Sui’an’s girlfriend, Li Yuan. — This is my beloved, Ji Ruan.”

The beautiful woman graciously greeted Ji Ruan, who smiled back.

“She’s now his fiancée,” Li Sui’an corrected lightly.

Gu Xiuyi raised an eyebrow. “You proposed?”

Li Yuan smiled a bit embarrassed. “Yesterday.”

Gu Xiuyi nodded knowingly. “Congratulations to you both.”

Someone else approached to toast, and Gu Xiuyi shared a few words with Ji Ruan before heading off with Li Sui’an to socialize, leaving Ji Ruan to sit with Li Yuan at a corner on the lower sofa for a rest.

Li Yuan handed Ji Ruan a glass of lemonade, taking a deep breath and observing him. “Finally meeting you in person.”

Ji Ruan thanked her and took the cup. Just as he took a sip, he looked up at her question. “You’ve heard of me?”

“Of course,” Li Yuan flicked her long curly hair, her demeanor serene. “President Gu often asks Sui’an for advice on love-related issues, like how to give his boyfriend a sense of security, how to deepen the closeness in their relationship. He probably wants to be good at dating you but isn’t quite sure how.”

Ji Ruan was a bit surprised. “He often asks about these?”

“Isn’t that so?” Li Yuan sighed and laughed. “Sui’an pretends to be quite skilled in front of his friends, but he’s actually a half-baked player. Every time President Gu finishes asking him, he comes back to ask me, and over time, I’ve heard your name enough to think it’s special.”

Ji Ruan wanted to laugh but covered his mouth to hold it in. “This… Dr. Li seems quite emotionally intelligent, very knowledgeable about love.”

“No way?!” Li Yuan burst into laughter. “With that emotional intelligence, it was all put into three years of my slow training. Otherwise, would you think he could become friends with President Gu?”

What a piercing insight.

It couldn’t be said that Gu Xiuyi had major issues with emotional intelligence, but it was unstable, very unstable. At times, it would be extraordinarily high, making one blush and heart race, while other times, he’d fall into the Rift Valley of East Africa, making it hard to maintain a steady level.

Ji Ruan couldn’t help but feel he found someone who understood him. “You’re absolutely right, Sister Yuan.”

Li Yuan waved her hand. “By the way, that lip balm you’re using is mine.”

She said, “Today, President Gu suddenly asked Sui’an to bring one over, but we were already in the car. I happened to have two unopened ones in my bag, so I gave you one. How do you find it? I feel it’s very moisturizing and good.”

At the mention of this, Ji Ruan felt a bit awkward. It was moisturizing, but the color was truly hard to compliment.

He laughed awkwardly. “It’s good, very moisturizing.”

“Right?!” Li Yuan, pleased with the affirmation, said happily, “I have another one; if you like it, I’ll give you another!”

Ji Ruan was taken aback, quickly waving his hands. “No, no, no, you don’t have to, I—”

Before he could finish, he suddenly stopped, his gaze crossing over Li Yuan’s shoulder to the back, his brows slightly furrowed, eyes filled with perplexity.

Li Yuan immediately turned around, seeing nothing but the passing guests, nothing out of the ordinary.

“What… what’s wrong?” she asked tentatively.

Ji Ruan’s heart thudded.

Just now, in the crowd, he spotted a very familiar figure.

—It was Lin Qing, who had disappeared for several months.

But it vanished in an instant, seemingly disappearing into the crowd without a trace, making Ji Ruan feel he might have been seeing things.

But that moment was so clear and distinct.

Ji Ruan knitted his brows tightly, scanning the packed hall in search of that figure. The thrumming of cups and overlapping shadows made it impossible to find that silhouette again.

In the large banquet hall, the crowd moved like fish, gradually dispersing at one moment. Ji Ruan caught sight of Bai Yue with champagne.

He was dressed in a white suit, slowly locking eyes with Ji Ruan.

Could he have mistaken Bai Yue for Lin Qing?

That shouldn’t be—there wasn’t a single resemblance between the two, so logically speaking, he shouldn’t have gotten it wrong.

But Lin Qing definitely didn’t have the conditions to board this cruise ship; aside from seeing wrong, there seemed to be no other reason.

“Ji Ruan?” Li Yuan lightly tapped his shoulder, her eyes turning from confusion to a hint of worry. “Are you okay?”

Ji Ruan snapped back to reality, smiling at Li Yuan. “I’m fine. I just… saw a familiar person.”

Bai Yue walked towards Ji Ruan, eyeing him suspiciously. “Were you just looking at me?”

“… No.” Ji Ruan felt a bit flustered.

Bai Yue raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing him.

Ji Ruan sighed, having to suppress the unease in his heart, casually changing the subject. “By the way, is the Han embroidery I ordered ready for you?”

Since he returned from the marketplace in defeat, Bai Yue hadn’t appeared before Ji Ruan anymore, probably feeling embarrassed.

He tilted his head, his expression turning a bit sour as he hesitantly spoke. “Fine, take me to see.”

The embroidery piece had already been brought over by Song Ling and should be in the hall now. Just as Ji Ruan was about to get up to contact Song Ling, melodious music suddenly filled the hall.

Soon, the heavy curtains in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows slowly drew shut, and the room’s lights dimmed suddenly. A spotlight brightened on the high platform at the very front of the hall.

A caregiver pushed a wheelchair forward, and in it was today’s birthday star—Gu Changyun.

Li Yuan stood up beside Ji Ruan, whispering, “You’re probably too late; it’s already starting.”

Gu Changyun had changed into a bright red outer coat, with intricate symbols embroidered on the silk fabric, managing to bring a hint of festivity to his sallow complexion.

A man in a suit stood on stage, microphone in hand; he seemed to be the hired host.

Once Gu Changyun was slowly pushed to the center of the stage, the host read a congratulatory speech with great enthusiasm and then knelt beside Gu Changyun, smiling widely as he encouraged him to say a few words.

Gu Changyun slightly turned his head towards the microphone and, before he could speak, heavy breaths broke the silence, a slow “cough cough” like an old beast’s whisper from a cave deep within the mountains.

He hoarsely and slowly uttered, “Welcome, everyone… don’t be shy… feel free to enjoy…”

The hall fell silent; guests who hadn’t seen Gu Changyun in ages exchanged surprised and meaningful glances, unable to believe that the once-mighty chairman of the Gu family now looked like this, severely ill.

The host remained professional, ignoring the shock-fueled silence below, laughing heartily. “I heard your descendants have thoughtfully prepared birthday gifts; don’t you want to take a look?”

This was clearly a line that had been prepared long beforehand. Gu Changyun, however, seemed unaware as he revealed a comforting smile. “Is that so? Then let’s see what the children have in store.”

It was as if he truly was a kind elder.

The guests all had different expressions, but still clapped enthusiastically in a synchronized manner, creating a scene of cordiality and hospitality.

For a moment, Ji Ruan felt a gaze intensely fixed on him. He turned his head, seeing Bai Yue, arms crossed, gazing at the stage.

Meanwhile, the surrounding guests were all astonished by Gu Changyun’s condition, paying no attention to him. When he turned back, an unknown unease settled heavily in his heart.

Suddenly, a hand landed on Ji Ruan’s shoulder.

Ji Ruan’s back stiffened, almost instinctively flinching away.