Chapter 68 Sorry, we just...

Chapter 68

Gu Zezhou's answer caused Chu Xingli's CPU to burn out, leaving him petrified on the spot.

Which one?

It sounds like there are a lot of items?

"You..." Chu Xingli narrowed his eyes slightly, "Just how many things have you been hiding from me?"

Gu Zezhou hated himself for being a blunderer who could be exposed with the slightest deception.

Upon hearing this, he gave a bittersweet smile and asked Chu Xingli, "Guess?"

Chu Xingli: "..."

"Dr. Gu, my patience has its limits."

Upon hearing Chu Xingli's words, Gu Zezhou broke out in a cold sweat.

Chu Xingli has a lot of dirt on him.

Just as Gu Zezhou had predicted.

The next second, Chu Xingli took out her phone from her pocket: "Let me see if there are any embarrassing photos of Dr. Gu from his high school days in my album. I bet all the medical staff at Kangchu Medical are very interested in what Dr. Gu talks in his sleep."

Gu Zezhou was struck dumb.

He would rather that the person Chu Xingli forgot about after the car accident was Gu Zezhou, so that at least he could become friends with Chu Xingli again through Luo Xiaoran or Chu Lianqing.

...It's better than him being cornered in the storage room by Chu Xingli at this crucial moment and forced to confess his crimes in a miserable manner o(╥﹏╥)o

“Oh, there really is one. Although it’s not sleep talking, it’s a picture of someone drooling in their sleep,” Chu Xingli continued to bluff, pretending to open a picture and hold it up to her face, feigning appreciation. “Which platform should I post it to first? The neurosurgery work group? Or should I post it directly to the hospital…”

"Hey, Xingli, let's talk this out," Gu Zezhou quickly reached out and covered Chu Xingli's screen, turning it off for him. "Let's talk this out~"

"Alright, seeing how guilty you are, you must be hiding a lot from me," Chu Xingli pulled up a chair and sat down, looking like he was interrogating a criminal. He straightened his loose pajama pants and crossed his legs. "Tell me the truth."

Gu Zezhou was naturally guilty.

After all, Luo Xiaoran is involved here.

He simply couldn't imagine how furious Chu Xingli would be if he remembered how he, Chu Lianqing, and Luo Xiaoran had conspired to deceive him when Chu Xingli regained his memories.

...Could I kill him?

They'll definitely only kill him, not the other two.

Gu Zezhou has a clear understanding of himself.

Luo Xiaoran is Xing Li's beloved husband, and Chu Lianqing is Xing Li's good older brother.

He was the only swordsman left who had acted like a fool for years. If Xing Li went berserk, he would definitely target him first.

Gu Zezhou: o(╥﹏╥)o

Fortunately, Gu Zezhou understood Chu Xingli's current illness and condition better than Chu Xingli himself, so cheating was naturally a piece of cake for him.

Given his firm resolve to conceal the truth, Chu Xingli is much more likely to believe what he says now than before.

Is my older brother sick?

Gu Zezhou was taken aback and was about to say "No," when Chu Xingli raised her hand to interrupt him.

“Ze Zhou, don’t lie to me. We’re both adults,” Chu Xingli’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his voice low and hoarse. “I know you’re probably afraid to tell me the truth about my older brother’s illness because you’re worried about my current health.”

Gu Zezhou stared at him, bewildered.

Get ill?

Who is sick?

Is it Chu Lianqing?

When did he get sick?

Fortunately, Gu Zezhou quickly realized that everything Chu Xingli imagined was due to the aftereffects of his car accident.

Gu Zezhou was already very relieved that Chu Xingli did not exhibit any signs of traumatic brain injury-induced cognitive impairment.

Otherwise, if we have to teach him to identify various objects from scratch and learn their functions and uses, and also help him recall people he has forgotten, wouldn't the workload become even greater?

“I’ve seen you walking with my older brother several times recently,” Chu Xingli said hesitantly, trying to recall his pitiful memory. “I think he must be sick.”

After hearing Chu Xingli's words, Gu Zezhou suddenly had a bad feeling.

"Why do you think that way?" Although, Gu Zezhou still wanted to know the reason why Chu Xingli thought that way.

Chu Xingli continued, "If he weren't sick, why would he want to stay with you?"

After saying that, he still maintained that serious look that said, "My reasoning is absolutely correct."

Gu Zezhou was utterly speechless: "ber..." This kid's insults were too awful.

...Is it possible that you are actually sick? Gu Zezhou wondered to himself.

Gu Zezhou was mentally calculating the possibility that Anna might inform Chu Xingli after signing the confidentiality agreement.

After dismissing the idea, he sighed helplessly, "You guessed it after all."

It would be better to go along with Xing Li's ideas first and see what his inner state is really like.

Moreover, it would also resolve the issue of "which matter" that he had inadvertently asked earlier, preventing Chu Xingli from continuing to harp on the matter.

Chu Xingli sat up straight, her whole body becoming much more tense as she followed Gu Zezhou's expression.

“Alright, Xingli, then I’ll tell you the truth. Your older brother’s health hasn’t been very good lately,” Gu Zezhou returned to his comfort zone, casually piecing together a few symptoms that would make Chu Xingli frown. “But it’s not too serious. As long as he avoids getting angry and gets plenty of rest, he’ll get better soon.”

Chu Xingli frowned even more: "Get my older brother to stop being angry? That's harder than climbing to heaven. I should thank the Bodhisattva for reducing the number of times he scolds me from ten to eight a day."

No sooner had she finished speaking than Chu Lianqing sneezed outside.

Gu Zezhou: "..."

“Sigh,” Chu Xingli said in a heavy tone, though she seemed carefree. “My older brother has sneezed several times this afternoon.”

Gu Zezhou blinked.

It's all because of your nagging.

"When you go back later, make sure he wears an extra jacket before he leaves," Chu Xingli said methodically, oblivious to Gu Zezhou's internal monologue about his behavior. "Hey, he has to wear Luo Xiaoran's clothes; he can't fit into my jacket..."

"Hug? Ze Zhou?" Luo Xiaoran's voice came from the living room, searching for Chu Xingli.

Chu Xingli immediately stood up from her chair and whispered a threat to Gu Zezhou: "Dr. Gu, if you dare to leak our conversation, I'll have Luo Xiaoran transfer you to the emergency department tomorrow."

Gu Zezhou raised his hands in surrender: "I won't tell, I absolutely won't tell."

...Yeah, right~~~

Boss Luo personally promised him—

"As long as a hug can restore your memory, I can guarantee that on the day of the annual meeting, you'll be sitting on the dean's desk eating sunflower seeds, and the dean will praise your good teeth."

To be honest, Gu Zezhou wasn't really interested in sitting on the dean's desk eating sunflower seeds, but just imagining it was quite enjoyable.

He simply believed that this matter would at least grant him a get-out-of-jail-free card from Luo Xiaoran.

If he accidentally gets into trouble again because of his loose tongue, Luo Xiaoran will surely give him a break considering the great contribution he has made.

...At least I shouldn't need to go to the emergency room, right?

.

Chu Xingli and Gu Zezhou left the storage room... by each moving a chair as a feint.

However, Gu Zezhou was already thinking about it.

Chu Xingli's question did serve as a reminder to him.

If we could use Chu Lianqing's recent poor condition as an excuse to get Chu Xingli to be a little more obedient and cooperative, it might be a good thing.

"By the way, Xingli, you haven't recommended the blogger you said you'd recommend to me yet," Gu Zezhou said.

This was a keyword that the three of them had agreed upon beforehand.

Once this keyword is triggered, the three of them will have to collude... no, they'll have to cooperate wholeheartedly.

Gradually break down Chu Xingli's defenses.

Chu Xingli opened her phone, tapped a couple of times, and then generously handed it to Gu Zezhou: "Here, these are all."

Gu Zezhou grinned: "Xingli, can I see your browsing history on the search engine?"

This move was mainly intended to test Chu Xingli's vigilance.

If Xing Li hadn't been so wary, their subsequent plans might have been easier.

As soon as Gu Zezhou finished speaking, before he could even look up to see Chu Xingli's reaction, a blur flashed past in front of him.

...It was almost in front of his eyes when it started to swell.

Chu Xingli displayed unusual agility, snatching her phone back from Gu Zezhou's hand.

First, she frantically checked if her search engine was open. After confirming that Gu Zezhou was of decent character, Chu Xingli, still shaken, angrily rebuked him:

"I advise you not to push your luck!"

Gu Zezhou had secretly memorized the whole process as soon as Chu Xingli pulled him into the storage room and asked those nonsensical questions.

After coming out, he took advantage of the moment when Chu Xingli went to get a drink and was not paying attention to the situation here, and quickly relayed the whole story to Chu Lianqing and Luo Xiaoran.

The group quickly devised a new plan.

"Xingli, may I take a look?" Chu Lianqing asked with a smile.

Chu Lianqing hadn't originally intended to look at his browsing history; she just wanted to join in the fun.

Hearing Chu Xingli's intense reaction, he found it much more interesting than seeing Chu Xingli's phone browsing history.

His younger brother is much more interesting than a cell phone.

"Dream on! Even if you're my older brother, you still have to respect my privacy!"

Gu Zezhou slapped him once, and his older brother slapped him twice.

Chu Lianqing: "..."

Luo Xiaoran received a signal from his older brother and Gu Zezhou, clearly indicating that he should also take the opportunity to test the reaction to a hug:

"Hug me, can I take a look?"

“Luo Xiaoran,” Chu Xingli’s tone was tinged with heartache and disappointment as she spoke of Luo Xiaoran, “You are very special to me, but I never expected that you would end up like the other two…”

But Chu Lianqing and Gu Zezhou could only laugh.

It was almost to the point where I couldn't hold it in anymore.

Until I heard the second half of Chu Xingli's sentence.

Chu Lianqing: "???"

Gu Zezhou: "???"

...a sharp, pointed object?

Don't you even bother to cover it up?

"I've always given you very special treatment."

Chu Lianqing and Gu Zezhou exchanged a glance, looking very worried about Chu Xingli's condition.

...Why are you suddenly acting like a chuunibyou again?

Gu Zezhou added fuel to the fire at the opportune moment: "Xing Li, Xiao Ran is just asking you if he can see your browsing history."

Chu Lianqing nodded, her tone unusually gentle: "Yes, Xingli, there's no need to suddenly escalate the situation."

Luo Xiaoran looked at Chu Xingli.

He could see the nervousness and guilt in Bao Bao's eyes, of course. He suppressed a laugh and asked again, "So, Bao Bao, speaking of which, may I see it?"

Chu Xingli turned around.

He certainly treated Luo Xiaoran specially.

Even if it's something special, his browsing history is still something that can't be shown to others.

His cold rejection was tinged with an indescribable air of domineering arrogance.

Of course, it's something only Luo Xiaoran has.

"Sorry, we're just a married couple, you've crossed the line."

Luo Xiaoran: "..."

Such special treatment.

*

Chu Xingli used his righteous and indignant demeanor to scare away the three villains who were eyeing his search engine browsing history.

Immediately afterwards, fearing that his phone was in an extremely dangerous environment where it might be spied on, he quickly took his phone and returned to his room.

Maintain a safe distance from these people.

"Where are you going?" Chu Lianqing had just taken out her phone to film a few videos of Chu Xingli moving around the house and then forward them to Ms. Ye Huihui.

Before he could even open the camera, he discovered that Chu Xingli had slipped away towards the room.

"Huh? Me?" Chu Xingli pretended to be confused, his brain working at lightning speed, and came up with a reason that his older brother wouldn't refuse him. "I'm dizzy and want to go back to my room to rest."

Luo Xiaoran had just finished collecting the clothes when he heard Chu Xingli's words. He subconsciously looked up and glanced at him with concern.

Seeing that Chu Xingli's face was delicate, rosy, and radiant, and that he didn't seem to be in as much pain as he had said, they were finally relieved.

Gu Zezhou held the book that Chu Xingli had been reading that afternoon, covering most of his face, and secretly watched the interaction between Chu Xingli and his older brother.

Luo Xiaoran nodded slightly to Gu Zezhou, who was looking at him, as if confirming Gu Zezhou's guess.

“Then let Xingli get some rest,” Gu Zezhou said to Chu Lianqing with a friendly expression that seemed to be speaking up for Chu Xingli. “He’s had a long and tiring day. He’s been picking up dog poop and getting pricked by a python needle. He’s really had a tough time.”

Chu Xingli: "...???"

It sounds like they're speaking up for him, but the more I listen, the worse it sounds.

"Alright, Xingli, you go inside and lie down first. Xiaoran and I will chat about work for a while longer before heading back." Chu Lianqing waved to Chu Xingli casually.

Chu Xingli finally relaxed his guard, bent down and shakily picked up the three cats, not caring how much weight his arms were bearing at that moment, and ran back to the room in a flash.

After a quick wash, Chu Xingli leaned back on the soft pillows and opened her novel app, intending to pet her cat while reading a novel.

However, as soon as he opened the reading interface, his phone vibrated twice.

"Buzz, buzz."

Someone sent him a private message.

[Official Push: Click to watch "Master-Disciple Wallpaper Love: The Arrogant Master Can't Escape"]

Chu Xingli was captivated by the title and immediately added it to her favorites.

[Official Post: Click to watch "Ex-Husband and Current Wife Love Each Other Fiercely: The Down-on-His-Luck Substitute Comes Home"]

Chu Xingli, being a country bumpkin, still added it to his favorites as usual.

[Official Push: Click to read "Office Romance: Don't Make a Sound"]

Chu Xingli, a lecherous man, still harbored wicked intentions and added the book to his favorites, planning to read it first later.

The last message was from Xingxing.

[My Star: Pear, do you like watermelon?]

My own star: It's the kind of gossip that comes from all walks of life, covering everything.

【My Star: If you like, we'll have even more in common! (*^▽^*)】

"Pear" was the name he gave to the star when the star asked him his name.

Chu Xingli's eyes lit up when she saw the last few sentences of Xingxing's message.

Eating melon seeds?

This hit him right where it hurts.

[A ton of tangerines: I absolutely love them!]

[Showing off a ton of tangerines: I also have lots of juicy gossip to share!]

They are truly a match made in heaven, sharing such similar interests.

[My Star: I have two good friends who, like us, enjoy reading the same type of stories]

[My Star: They all love gossip too]

[My Star: And both of them, like me, are transmigrators.]

Chu Xingli: "???"

[A ton of tangerines goes viral: Stars, isn't this a bit outrageous?]

[A ton of tangerines in a frenzy: Why are there so many transmigrators in this book?]

The stars quickly replied.

[My Star: I've been here for quite a while now]

[My Star: It's perfectly normal to find a few like me~]

Chu Xingli was stunned.

...Is it really normal to find several transmigrators in a book all at once?

Wait, the same kind? That's a rather sharp word.

Chu Xingli tapped the screen rapidly.

[A ton of tangerines in a frenzy: [Sea otter holding face in a daze.jpg]]

[A ton of tangerines in a frenzy: Why do I feel like transmigrators are experiencing inflation?]

[Showing off a ton of tangerines: Also, are you sure there's no risk in telling me this?]

My star: mainly because you're a good person.

[My Star: I believe you will keep this a secret for all of us (doge)]

Chu Xingli felt as if he had been praised, but it didn't sound like a compliment... but he had no proof.

[My Star: Haha, I was just kidding. They're not transmigrators, they're my good friends.]

[My Star: Actually, it's because their daily lives are quite rich and exciting that I wanted to introduce them to you.]

[My Star: Maybe chatting with you will make you feel better~]

Chu Xingli was moved by Xingxing's kindness.

Aside from family, who would care so much about a complete stranger, constantly worrying about their feelings?

[A ton of tangerines: Star, thank you, you're not only my book buddy, but also my good friend]

Because of their respective identities, Chu Xingli knew that the two of them might never actually meet.

Even so, Chu Xingli still believed that Xingxing was his good friend, and that fact would never change.

Xingxing quickly created a group chat and then invited her two friends to join.

River: Hi Pear, I'm a friend of the stars, just call me River.

[Estuary: Same as above]

Chu Xingli blinked.

The guy named "Estuary" seems pretty aloof.

But it's okay. Since he's a friend of Xingxing, he must have some special qualities. We can get to know him better in the future.

[A ton of tangerines: Hello River, hello Estuary, nice to meet you in the future]

Just as Chu Xingli was about to say something more, he heard Gu Zezhou calling him goodbye through the door from the living room outside.

Are they getting ready to go back?

Chu Xingli quickly got up.

However, he moved too quickly, and as soon as he stood up, he was hit with a dizzy spell accompanied by tinnitus.

After finally recovering, Chu Xingli staggered out of the door, saying, "Wait."

Chu Lianqing turned around and watched her younger brother walk into the dressing room, then come out with two more coats.

“I think Big Brother really likes the spring rolls in our fridge,” Chu Xingli patted Luo Xiaoran’s arm, gesturing for him to get some spring rolls from the fridge. She also reminded her brother, “The weather is getting colder and colder, Big Brother. You should wear more layers when you go out, and be careful not to catch a cold.”

Luo Xiaoran felt very sad about the instinctive, familiar commands that Bao Bao often gave him.

...Since you can unconsciously do or say the same things or words as before, why can't you remember him a little more?

Gu Zezhou noticed Luo Xiaoran's sudden drop in mood and, worried that Chu Xingli would notice, followed closely behind Luo Xiaoran into the kitchen.

I patted his shoulder to comfort him.

“…Xiao Ran,” Gu Zezhou said in a low voice, paying attention to the volume of the two brothers’ voices, “I believe there will be results soon.”

Hang in there a little longer.

Luo Xiaoran lowered his head and packed spring rolls, his voice soft, but the melancholy had lessened considerably: "Yes, it's dawn."

He had endured the endless darkness alone, and fortunately, he caught a glimpse of the faint light of day.

No one held onto this hope more tightly than him.

"Big brother and Zezhou, drive carefully," Luo Xiaoran saw them to the door, pointed to the house, "The cat hasn't been fed yet, I'm going to prepare cat food."

He has stopped taking the medication on his own for several days.

A wave of frustration washed over him, making it difficult for Luo Xiaoran to continue escorting the two to the elevator. He had no choice but to return to the living room to compose himself.

Chu Lianqing and Gu Zezhou were aware of Luo Xiaoran's condition. After saying goodbye to him, they walked out one after the other.

Chu Xingli followed behind them, handing the two coats to her older brother and Gu Zezhou respectively.

Although he often argues with Gu Zezhou, he still cares for his good friend in the slightest.

"By the way, Xingli, tomorrow is a special day. If Xiaoran neglects to take care of you because of his condition, don't hold it against him."

When Chu Lianqing said this, he looked very heavy-hearted, which made Chu Xingli's breathing slow down for no reason.

A sense of unease crept into my heart.

It was rare for Chu Xingli to hear her older brother say such heartfelt words to her.

but……

"...What's wrong with tomorrow?"

Chu Xingli had a vague premonition.

But he dared not make wild guesses.

Chu Lianqing paused for a moment, looked at Luo Xiaoran who was half-squatting in the living room grooming the cat, and whispered to Chu Xingli:

Tomorrow is the anniversary of Xiao Ran's mother's death.