TLDMDTBS Chapter 65

Chapter 65:

Date!

The couple immediately exchanged glances.

Bai Yue seemed not to have expected such an answer, his smile frozen for a long while before he managed to maintain it:

“A date… and Xiao Ruan didn’t tell me earlier. Had I known, I wouldn’t have bothered you.”

“Not bothering us,” Gu Xiuyi smiled, “But what were you two chatting about so lively? Care to share?”

Bai Yue took a deep breath: “Nothing much, it’s just that next week is grandpa’s birthday, we chatted a bit about it.”

Lao Gao’s mind raced, quickly assessing the current situation and deciding to ingratiate himself, he forced a smile and said:

“Right! We all envy you. Who wouldn’t want to see the Gu family’s banquet? But it’s only folks like the Bai family, who are particularly close to you, that can attend. People like us can only look on the news, haha.”

Bai Yue was taken aback, not expecting someone surnamed Gao to say such a thing.

Although it sounded like he was flattering both of them, it was actually a hint at Bai Yue’s inappropriate efforts to climb the social ladder.

Bai Yue trembled even while breathing.

Gu Xiuyi’s gaze slowly turned to Lao Gao: “And you are?”

Lao Gao, finally making conversation, quickly bowed: “Hello, Mr. Gu, I’m Gao Dahai. We were in the same class during senior year!” He patted his chest vigorously: “Me! Gao Dahai!”

Gu Xiuyi frowned, seemingly searching his memory without success.

Lao Gao wasn’t embarrassed, chuckling: “Hey, I can see you wouldn’t recognize me. I was so thin back then, but after two years in business, I’ve developed this beer belly. I look completely different. If you had come to the class reunion, we would’ve all laughed at me, haha.”

It was only then that Gu Xiuyi feigned understanding and nodded: “So it’s an old classmate. I rarely get a chance to rest on the day of the reunion, so I stayed home with Ji Ruan. It’s a shame.”

Ji Ruan couldn’t help but laugh and lowered his head, eating ice cream while enjoying the show.

Lao Gao cursed Bai Yue even more in his heart. Didn’t he just say he was in a meeting? And here he was at home with his wife!

He had tried to treat Bai Yue to a meal, hoping for an introduction at the reunion, but Gu Xiuyi didn’t give him any face at all!

Lao Gao smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes, trying his best to appease: “Look at you saying that. You’re someone who does great things; of course, you should spend time at home with your wife. Unlike us small business folks, our lives are all about hustle. We can’t compare to the big projects like your recent Lingzhou phase three. Just a bit of waste from a project like that would keep us fed for a lifetime, haha.”

Gu Xiuyi caught the hidden meaning in his words, smiled without engaging further, and turned his gaze back to Bai Yue: “Years ago, when grandpa was still in charge, our families indeed had some dealings.”

His ambiguous smile followed: “But I remember, the Gu family and the Bai family haven’t cooperated in a long while, have we?”

Bai Yue looked down, seemingly holding back his anger: “Yes, our family’s business hasn’t been very good these past two years.”

He shifted his gaze from Ji Ruan’s face back to Gu Xiuyi, biting his lip: “Are you unhappy?…Is it because others are making wild guesses about our relationship that’s bothering you?”

He looked at Gu Xiuyi uneasily.

Gu Xiuyi’s expression was indifferent, revealing no emotions.

But the more he was like this, the more uncertain Bai Yue felt, giving rise to intense anxiety.

Bai Yue clenched his fists and tentatively said: “You might have misunderstood. I’m troubled too. I’ve always told others not to speculate about our relationship; we were just friends after all.”

He lowered his head, his expression dim: “Besides…you are already married.”

This almost hesitant demeanor made Ji Ruan marvel; was his acting not richer than the melodrama of an eight o’clock soap?

Unfortunately, Aunt Zhao wasn’t there; she would have loved to see this.

Gu Xiuyi wrapped his arm around Ji Ruan, saying casually: “Forget it; let’s just be ordinary classmates. I can’t afford to have friends.”

The couple watching the scene exchanged stunned glances.

Bai Yue hadn’t expected Gu Xiuyi to say such harsh words in front of others, like being doused with a bucket of cold water:

“…Xiuyi? You…you don’t even want to be friends with me anymore?”

His face turned gradually pale, looking pitiful.

However, Gu Xiuyi ignored it, sighing: “If I remember correctly, you are Gu Xiuli’s friend, coming to visit my house, to me you are just a guest.”

Lao Gao and the others’ eyes were glued to Bai Yue, almost openly naked in their scrutiny.

Bai Yue gritted his teeth, wanting to block him again, betting that Gu Xiuyi wouldn’t dare embarrass him in front of everyone:

“I understand now, it’s some rumors that upset Ji Ruan, right? But I’ve been clarifying all along, telling them not to overthink it. But I can’t help if they talk behind my back. If Ji Ruan is still upset, then I’ll apologize—”

“Mr. Bai!” Gu Xiuyi interrupted sharply.

Mentioning Ji Ruan, his demeanor became suddenly serious: “Ji Ruan does not need your apology, and I request you to conduct yourself with decorum.”

“Conduct myself?” Bai Yue swayed: “We’ve known each other for twenty years. I’ve always considered you my best friend, and now you tell me to conduct myself?”

Gu Xiuyi’s gaze was cold, in the bustling atmosphere of the marketplace, the air around him felt like it could freeze over. His expression shifted from casual to increasingly annoyed:

“If you insist on saying such things, let me be frank—”

“Friends do not initiate contact with my partner without permission; a friend would not provoke him knowing he has health issues due to baseless rumors; a friend certainly wouldn’t imply things that lead outsiders to misconceptions while verbally claiming to have no issues.”

He looked deeply at Bai Yue: “If you believe this is what friendship looks like, then unfortunately, we have very different views on what being friends means. —Do I need to continue?”

Was he really going to rely on some youthful acquaintance to spread rumors and win people’s favor? The Bai family’s business had been on the verge of collapse for years yet somehow hadn’t completely collapsed, partly because someone still believed those rumors and secretly gave them some leeway.

As Gu Xiuyi’s calm words, laced with cutting edges, went on, Bai Yue’s complexion turned whiter inch by inch.

It was as if those sharp little knives were incessantly slicing at his skin, blood oozing forth; his face could only turn pale.

Ji Ruan was a bit stunned as well.

The atmosphere was just too awkward now.

After Gu Xiuyi’s remarks, no one spoke again; in the bustling mall, the five of them stood next to a claw machine, the atmosphere strangely silent, attracting many passersby’s attention.

Lao Gao and his wife even took a couple of steps back, pulling out napkins to wipe sweat; Gu Xiuyi’s aura was just too strong, even dressed as a college student for the sake of his wife, it made them feel like they were on edge.

Bai Yue had clearly lost all face to speak, reluctantly standing there, grateful just to remain upright was all his pride was forcing him to do.

In an effort to do some business, Lao Gao gritted his teeth, jumping out to act as the breakthrough to the extreme-stiff atmosphere.

He smiled, wiping sweat with a napkin:

“Yes! I really can’t stand those who put on one face in front and another behind, those who attempt to climb social ladders! But I appreciate Mr. Gu’s straightforwardness; say what you want and let’s avoid the pretense!”

The girl quickly echoed: “Yes, yes! Plus, Mr. Gu, your partner is both young and good-looking and an artist at that, who wouldn’t envy that? Hahaha…”

“Exactly! The first time I saw Teacher Ji, I thought you two were a perfect match. An artist and a big businessman, like a tale from the May Fourth era—a match made in heaven!”

“Let alone Mr. Gu, you’re so supportive of Ji Ruan, spending weekends together; it’s truly rare!”

The couple played off of each other, finally softening the tense atmosphere that was on the verge of breaking apart.

Rip—

It felt like one could hear the ice in the air slowly melting.

Gu Xiuyi’s imposing presence lessened, a slight smile appeared as he glanced at Lao Gao, stating:

“Indeed, those with families can understand one another.”

Lao Gao keenly sensed Gu Xiuyi’s mood change and mustered his courage: “Exactly! How about this, tonight I’ll treat you to a meal, let’s have a good chat. Someone who hasn’t married doesn’t understand!”

“No need for dinner,” Gu Xiuyi declined politely, “Ji Ruan’s stomach isn’t good; I’ll take him home to eat.”

Lao Gao hadn’t had high hopes anyway, quickly agreeing: “Alright, that works! Health is the most important thing; we can gather anytime!”

Gu Xiuyi didn’t waste breath: “For the bidding matter, consult the person in charge, Xiao Huang, and follow the rules.”

Lao Gao was taken aback, then suddenly elated: “Oh! Great! Thank you, Mr. Gu! Thank you!!”

He never imagined there would be a twist in circumstances like this.

What he had been running back and forth for days to butter up Bai Yue was for a line from Gu Xiuyi.

For companies like theirs just starting out, wanting to cooperate with the Gu family was a pipe dream, they wouldn’t even get a chance to submit a proposal.

But with Gu Xiuyi’s words, at least they could gain some exposure. Even if in the end they were just running alongside, getting to meet that person named Huang would mean they could scrap together some business, something Gu Xiuyi might dismiss could be significant for them!

“Ji Ruan!” A low shout startled Lao Gao; turning around, he saw Gu Xiuyi anxiously clutching Ji Ruan’s hand, no longer the composed self.

“Didn’t I say you could only have a couple of bites?”

Gu Xiuyi helplessly noted that container of ice cream was now almost empty. He hadn’t paid attention for a second and allowed Ji Ruan to stealthily eat most of it.

Ji Ruan was also a bit stunned; he had been too engrossed in the show, and this container of ice cream was small, he had hardly a few bites before it was almost gone.

He slowly opened his mouth, laughing awkwardly: “Sorry, I didn’t realize…”

“…”

Now that he’d eaten, what could Gu Xiuyi do?

He could only take back the last bit, tossing out a “Excuse me,” and then wrapped his arm around Ji Ruan to leave.

“Hey, Mr. Gu, take care!” Lao Gao waved attentively.

After watching the two figures fade away, he finally let out a sigh of relief.

Turning to Bai Yue, the mockingly affectionate expression vanished, he brushed off his sleeves: “Alright then, Little Bai, I’ll be going back. There’s still some work at the office; you take care.”

Was he just turned from Young Master Bai into Little Bai?

Having just taken a hit from Gu Xiuyi, losing all face, Bai Yue wouldn’t let Gao Dahai get away with disrespect; he immediately pointed an accusatory finger:

“Gao Dahai, is this how you talk to me? Have you forgotten how you used to curry favor with me?!”

“What attitude do you want?” Gao Dahai shot back directly! “Not demanding back the meal costs is giving you face!”

He turned, mimicking Gu Xiuyi’s manner, putting his arm around his wife as they headed out, muttering:

“Really damn unlucky, I treated you to two meals, costing me nearly ten grand, and in the end, it’s just showing off, accomplishing nothing, and not even able to flatter that Ji kid a bit.”

The girl chuckled lightly: “I told you, marrying brings a different level. The Bai family’s business has been struggling for years; if he really had ties with Gu Xiuyi, would Gu Xiuyi not help out? You’re the foolish one, believing whatever he says.”

Gao Dahai laughed foolishly: “That’s right, my wife has foresight.”

“If you spread today’s happening into the alumni group, I see that Gu has been irritated with Bai for quite a while; if he feels good, our business will do better.”

“Yeah, yeah, alright, I’ll listen to you.”

Bai Yue had never suffered so much in a single day; he was so angry, his whole body was tense yet shaking, with thoughts swirling around Lao Gao’s insults and Gu Xiuyi’s expression as they left.

So important to him, yet gripping the face of that kid who hadn’t even fully grown hair, lowering his voice to speak, he didn’t dare to scold too loudly.

He had never seen such a Gu Xiuyi.

—

That night when they returned home, Ji Ruan predictably didn’t get to eat the small steak.

The double whammy of popcorn and ice cream made his weak stomach rebel a bit; he barely swallowed a few bites of porridge, and after Gu Xiuyi fed him his medicine, he could only curl up pale in bed.

Gu Xiuyi, after taking a shower, quietly squeezed into Ji Ruan’s bedding, rubbing his warm palms across his stomach, finding his waist thin and frail; despite nursing him for so long, he hadn’t gained even a bit of weight. His belly was still cold to touch, looking rather pitiful.

Gu Xiuyi felt a bit heartbroken: “Still feeling uncomfortable, darling?”

Ji Ruan turned over, burying himself in his embrace, his cheeks and lips pale, making Gu Xiuyi feel both upset and angry: “I told you to eat less ice cream, yet you wouldn’t believe me. Isn’t it you who’s suffering now?”

Ji Ruan was also a bit angry: “I did say I wasn’t doing it on purpose; Bai Yue’s expression was just too entertaining.”

Mentioning this made Gu Xiuyi want to laugh, utterly helpless towards Ji Ruan.

This kid had no worries, could turn everything into a show, even describing today’s exciting events to Aunt Zhao before he suddenly began to feel stomach pains.

The pain struck suddenly, causing him to double over, his face turning white.

It startled Gu Xiuyi quite a bit.

Gu Xiuyi, still shaken, rubbed Ji Ruan’s stomach: “Alright, it’s not your fault, it’s my negligence for not keeping an eye on you.”

Ji Ruan snuggled closer to him, wrapping his arms around Gu Xiuyi’s waist in a comforting gesture, whispering: “I won’t.”

Gu Xiuyi gently rubbed Ji Ruan’s back: “Hmm, you won’t.”

As if reassuring Ji Ruan, but also reassuring himself.

He touched Ji Ruan’s chest and stomach: “Does your stomach still hurt?”

“No more pain,” Ji Ruan poked his head out from Gu Xiuyi’s embrace, his messy hair smiling at him: “But you can rub it some more.”

Gu Xiuyi could never resist such a pout.

“Okay,” he said with a smile.

But it resulted in him leaning in for a kiss.

“Ugh… hey, what are you doing!” Ji Ruan pushed him away with some effort, a bit breathlessly: “I asked you to rub my stomach, not to kiss me.”

Gu Xiuyi’s palm settled on Ji Ruan’s stomach, gently rubbing while continuing to lean in and kiss him, slurring:

“I’m a businessman, darling, hiring hands requires a fee.”

Ji Ruan paused, suppressing a laugh as he turned his head away.

“Crazy.”