TLDMDTBS Chapter 64

Chapter 64

The shopping mall was bustling with people on a weekend afternoon.

Ji Ruan leaned against the claw machine, listening to Bai Yue chattering away while weighing the game coins in his hand, pondering how he could grab the prettiest rabbit doll in the last try.

The two people next to them confirmed Ji Ruan’s identity, and after seeing his conversation with Bai Yue, they felt it was even more subtle.

Bai Yue chatted with a smile about Han embroidery, but Ji Ruan only kept his head down, looking at the game coins in his hand, as if Bai Yue’s entire presence was less significant than the shabby claw machine.

After a while, a man quietly asked Bai Yue, “Do you know he is President Gu’s wife?”

Bai Yue smiled gently, yet his eyes carried a hint of loneliness. “Xiuyi’s partner, and of course, also my good friend.”

The man read a whole drama series from his expression, suddenly feeling a chill. “Oh, I see…”

Although the relationship seemed delicate, Bai Yue’s words at least confirmed once again that this seemingly young boy in front of them was indeed married to Gu Xiuyi.

The man’s eyes darted, and he handed Ji Ruan a business card obsequiously. “Mr. Ji, I’m really sorry, I didn’t recognize you. I’m Gao, President Gu’s high school classmate. You can just call me Lao Gao—”

He pulled the girl next to him. “This is my wife; we are all friends, haha—”

The girl tugged at his sleeve and smiled politely at Ji Ruan.

Ji Ruan responded, “Hello.”

He looked at the card, which was related to components business.

Lao Gao gauged Ji Ruan’s expression and cautiously asked, “I heard the Lingzhou Phase Three project is about to kick off. President Gu must be quite busy, right?”

There seemed to be a new project in the group recently; Ji Ruan often heard Gu Xiuyi mention it while on the phone. It seemed to still be in the bidding phase, and he thought for a moment, gradually understanding what was going on today.

“Of course, Xiuyi is very busy,” Bai Yue interjected first.

It seemed he was somewhat displeased with Lao Gao going over him to curry favor with Ji Ruan. He stepped up with an unfriendly expression. “Didn’t I tell you that long ago? Besides, Ji Ruan is so young; how can he understand business matters? Why are you still asking him about it?”

Lao Gao chuckled. “Yes, you’re right, but last time you said you were going to hold a class reunion, President Gu didn’t show up. I was just worried…”

Bai Yue impatiently replied, “How many times do I have to say it? Xiuyi had an important meeting to attend that day. He manages a company of that size; does he need to attend every trivial matter? I’ll naturally help relay your concerns to him; is there anything else you’re worried about?”

He crossed his arms with a straight back, every word reflecting a closeness with Gu Xiuyi, exuding a very confident attitude.

Ji Ruan raised an eyebrow. He clearly remembered that during the time of the class reunion, Gu Xiuyi had been at home playing chess with him.

The “important meeting” Bai Yue referred to couldn’t possibly mean the discussion they had when Ji Ruan, bored with chess, sought Gu Xiuyi to negotiate a maximum cap for their kissing frequency, could it?

If that was the case, it indeed seemed quite important to Gu Xiuyi; after all, they still hadn’t reached an agreement on the number of kisses to be exchanged.

But Lao Gao was taken aback, and he became more respectful toward Bai Yue. “Yes, yes, you’re right. I was being reckless. How could I not trust you? We all know how close you and President Gu are.”

Bai Yue’s expression softened slightly. “There’s really no special bond; we are just friends.”

Lao Gao flattered, “Oh! You’ve known each other for over a decade, it can’t just be an ordinary friendship, right? If you ask me, President Gu must feel something special for you.”

Bai Yue frowned, pretending to be angry. “What are you talking about in front of his partner!”

Lao Gao feigned innocence, patting his mouth. “Oh, I misspoke.”

Ji Ruan put down the game coins in his hand, finally looking at the few people in front of him. Suddenly, he found this drama more interesting than grabbing dolls, and it didn’t even cost money.

“Do you have anything else to say?” He looked at Bai Yue with a sardonic smile.

Bai Yue smiled. “Not really. I just wanted to ask how your embroidery is coming along since Grandpa’s birthday is next week.”

The girl next to Lao Gao, who hadn’t spoken, sensed something odd about Bai Yue’s attitude toward Ji Ruan. She tugged Lao Gao’s sleeve, signaling him to stop talking, and turned to Ji Ruan with a smile:

“Sorry, we just received a call at home; Lao Gao and I need to handle it.”

Bai Yue was not concerned about the two of them and casually nodded. “Go ahead.”

Lao Gao was pulled aside, still confused, as no one had called him.

He shrugged off his wife’s hand. “Wait, I’m discussing serious matters! What’s going on?”

The girl looked serious. “Who’s messing around? It’s because it is a serious matter that I need to tell you not to just curry favor with Bai.”

“Why not? Bai Yue is the one who has known Gu Xiuyi the longest; our business needs his help.”

The girl shook her head, frowning. “Don’t speak too definitively. I checked online, and it seems Gu Xiuyi values that kid quite a bit. Do you really believe he likes Bai Yue? I don’t think so.”

Lao Gao responded, “Huh, what you see online can’t be taken seriously. What wealthy and influential person doesn’t put on an act when they go out with their spouse? I think Bai Yue is very confident. After all, he has known Gu Xiuyi for so many years. There must be some feelings there. As soon as he spoke, that kid instantly became speechless, didn’t he?”

“Didn’t you see that he’s not even inclined to say a word?”

The girl felt exasperated. “And I think what our class monitor said at the reunion felt quite pointed. He privately told you not to curry favor with just anyone. You’ve never offended him, so it means he’s indicating something to you.”

“Hey, you know that old Ma likes to play tricks and watch you think too much behind him. Don’t take him seriously.”

“I still think it’s better to be cautious. Not saying much won’t lead you wrong.”

“…” Lao Gao initially didn’t take it to heart, but seeing his girlfriend so careful, he began to hesitate.

“Really, just listen to me, Lao Gao,” the girl said, “Think about it. Ji Ruan is the disciple of a renowned master, an artist, and his social status is there. Regardless of whether Gu Xiuyi has an interest in him, you must never offend Bai Yue while courting him.”

Lao Gao pondered.

“Our business is small; we can’t afford to offend anyone. We should just observe for now.”

These words resonated deeply with Lao Gao; his business couldn’t withstand upheaval.

He nodded. “Alright.”

Bai Yue was unable to produce any substantial insights from Ji Ruan, and Ji Ruan indifferently listened to him, stealing a glance at the two people walking over.

After a moment of conversation, the stout man’s attitude shifted markedly, greeting him with a bow:

“Hahaha, a small matter at home, just trying to sort it out. I’m really sorry.”

Bai Yue was entirely focused on Ji Ruan, crossing his arms, “You’ll be coming to Grandpa’s birthday party next week, right?”

“Of course,” Ji Ruan smiled.

Leaning against the claw machine, the bright lights refracted through the glass onto his face, making his smile look relaxed yet playful, even somewhat mischievous.

However, Bai Yue viewed this as a provocation and straightened his back involuntarily. “I haven’t seen Grandpa in ages either. I heard the birthday celebration is on a cruise?”

Gu Xiuyi had always been indifferent about how to celebrate the old man’s birthday, and Ji Ruan also didn’t care about these things and understood less thoroughly than Bai Yue.

He raised an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

This clueless demeanor pleased Bai Yue, who covered his mouth. “Xiuyi didn’t tell you? Grandpa has always loved the sea.”

He sighed. “Unfortunately, Grandpa’s health has declined, and he can’t travel long distances anymore. But Xiuyi did a good job this time; it’s two days and one night on the Jade Valley River. It makes the old man happy.”

At this point, Bai Yue seemed to have more confidence than Ji Ruan, and his relationship with Gu Xiuyi appeared closer. Lao Gao’s eyes darted around as he interjected with a smile:

“Oh! Bai Gongzi, you’re going to the old man’s birthday celebration as well? That’s great! Not everyone has that privilege. I really envy you and Mr. Ji.”

Ji Ruan suppressed an eye roll, realizing Lao Gao had an agenda with Gu Xiuyi but was unsure whom to curry favor with, trying to please both.

Bai Yue chuckled, “Grandpa has also watched me grow up. How could I not attend his birthday?”

Lao Gao agreed. “Yes, yes, your family’s relationship truly isn’t something ordinary people can compare with.”

“Alright,” Bai Yue sobered, “Don’t mention such things in the future; Xiuyi doesn’t like others discussing too much.”

“—What don’t I like?”

Hearing that familiar voice, Ji Ruan’s eyes lit up.

He finally returned.

If he didn’t show up soon, the big performance would almost be over; that would be such a pity.

That male voice had a slightly rising tone, deep and pleasant, yet it broadcast with a heavy weight in the noisy mall, making it impossible to ignore.

The three turned toward the sound in surprise.

Lao Gao’s mouth dropped open wide. “President Gu?!”

In the instant that everyone hadn’t noticed, Bai Yue’s expression changed.

Gu Xiuyi quickly stepped over Bai Yue and came to Ji Ruan’s side.

Ji Ruan looked at him with a faint gaze. “Where have you been for so long?”

His eyes were beautiful, the pupils shining like transparent amber beads under the glowing lights of the claw machine. His lashes fluttered as he spoke, and when he casually looked at someone, it felt like a tease.

It was an ordinary tone that even carried a hint of complaint, yet sounded extremely familiar, even giving off an intimacy that seemed etched into his bones.

Lao Gao’s mind buzzed; he suddenly saw a contrasting aura around Ji Ruan.

Ji Ruan was indeed handsome, but when chatting with Bai Yue, he appeared dull and distant, almost aloof.

But as soon as Gu Xiuyi was in front of him, he instantly became animated, resembling a charming enchantress.

Gu Xiuyi clearly adored him; he wrapped an arm around Ji Ruan’s waist and gently squeezed, his tone tinged with apology. “I searched three stores before I finally found the cherry flavor. Are you tired from standing? Why don’t you sit and rest a bit?”

Ji Ruan pouted. “I wanted to sit, but I ran into someone I know, didn’t I?”

Gu Xiuyi immediately swept a glance at the three, his expression unmasked with displeasure, as if they had committed a heinous crime by delaying Ji Ruan’s rest.

His facial features were almost chiseled, and when he didn’t smile, it was challenging to evoke even a slight sense of friendliness.

Bai Yue stood awkwardly, his expression darkening.

From the beginning to now, Gu Xiuyi hadn’t given Bai Yue a glance but was exceedingly concerned about Ji Ruan, which Lao Gao and his wife could instantly recognize.

In that moment, Lao Gao felt a cold sweat forming on his back, regretting thinking he could rely on Bai Yue’s connection to get close to Gu Xiuyi.

Why was it so hard to do business!

Ji Ruan observed everyone’s expressions closely. After a few seconds, he finally smiled. “Just kidding; I’m not tired at all. You came at the right time; it’s lively here.”

While saying this, he pulled off the ice cream lid. Though the box was small, the taste was particularly sweet. “It’s really delicious.”

All of Gu Xiuyi’s attention was drawn to Ji Ruan, the cold and hard aura around him dissipated entirely, replaced by a helpless admonition:

“Just take a few bites and taste it, darling. Be careful not to hurt your stomach.”

Bai Yue still had a stiff expression, but his fingers beneath his sleeves were tightly clenched into fists, making an effort to smile and display his existence. “Xiuyi, I didn’t know you were here too?”

His gaze landed on Gu Xiuyi, who was dressed casually in a normal shirt and black pants, completely contrasting his usually meticulous style; it was nearly indistinguishable from an ordinary university student if not for his powerful aura.

Gu Xiuyi ignored the embarrassment evident on Bai Yue’s face and smiled nonchalantly:

“It’s a nice weekend, just taking the kid out for a date.”

As soon as he finished speaking, apart from Ji Ruan who was busy enjoying the ice cream, everyone else’s expressions ranged from shock to confusion.