Chapter 53 Luo Xiaoran, we're on our way...
Chapter 53
After the kiss, Chu Xingli felt weak all over.
He instinctively wanted to lean against the wall behind him to support his body.
Unexpectedly, Luo Xiaoran pulled her into his arms first: "Be careful."
There were loose stones underfoot, and it was too dark to see clearly, making it easy to twist your ankle.
“…Thank you.” Chu Xingli blushed, driven by embarrassment, and didn’t dare to look up at anyone. She could only whisper her thanks to Luo Xiaoran.
Luo Xiaoran seemed determined to tease him, deliberately asking, "What are you thanking me for? A kiss or me hugging you?"
Either of these options would make it difficult to say anything due to feelings of shame.
Chu Xingli was unusually angry and quickly glared at Luo Xiaoran.
Luo Xiaoran couldn't help but laugh, reaching out to straighten his slightly disheveled clothes and then kissing the tip of his nose.
In a flash, Chu Xingli suddenly realized a fact.
If Luo Xiaoran and Pei Jianian have a pleasant conversation tonight...
Starting tomorrow, he and Luo Xiaoran will truly become complete strangers.
At that time, let alone hugging or kissing, you won't be able to communicate with each other even if you meet face to face while walking.
No one wants any unnecessary entanglement with their ex-husband or ex-wife after a divorce.
People like Luo Xiaoran, who have clear likes and dislikes, should be even more so.
Thinking this to herself, Chu Xingli unconsciously withdrew her hand from Luo Xiaoran's forearm.
"A hug?" Luo Xiaoran looked at his expression with surprise.
Chu Xingli lowered her head, feeling somewhat stifled and uncomfortable.
“I was thinking, we should…” Chu Xingli didn’t meet Luo Xiaoran’s gaze, her eyes casually falling on the small stones at her feet, “keep a proper distance.”
His voice was soft and low.
Luo Xiaoran thought he had misheard: "Hug me, I didn't hear you clearly."
He heard it clearly.
However, he didn't think he understood what Chu Xingli meant.
Their tacit understanding always seems to appear at inopportune moments.
For example, Chu Xingli was fully aware of the lies Chu Xingli told Luo Xiaoran.
“You heard me right,” Chu Xingli deliberately corrected Luo Xiaoran’s choice of words, “We’re getting a divorce soon.”
Perhaps worried that Luo Xiaoran might say something else that would shake his resolve, Chu Xingli quickly added, "Two more weeks."
The cooling-off period for divorce will end in two weeks.
They will... get their divorce certificates and go their separate ways.
Luo Xiaoran helped Chu Xingli stand steadily, then held Chu Xingli's neck with both hands and used his thumbs to lift his chin, making Chu Xingli raise his head.
I carefully examined his face.
Say it again.
Chu Xingli was forced to look into his eyes.
The tears that had welled up during that deep kiss were about to fall.
"Don't cry. Say it again," Luo Xiaoran repeated.
He wiped away Chu Xingli's tears with his fingertips.
Chu Xingli shook her head, unwilling to obediently repeat herself.
However, Luo Xiaoran's shackles prevented him from moving at all, leaving him no choice but to confront the problem directly.
"Speak." This time, Luo Xiaoran didn't want to let him off easily.
Chu Xingli couldn't stop her tears.
He didn't know what was wrong with him.
Just looking into Luo Xiaoran's eyes made his heart ache terribly.
Just thinking about Luo Xiaoran's stern expression towards him right now makes his heart ache.
...That shouldn't be the case.
Luo Xiaoran shouldn't be like this.
Chu Xingli sighed and closed her eyes.
Only by closing his eyes could he avoid facing Luo Xiaoran, and the deep disappointment revealed in those dark eyes.
"In two weeks, our lives will no longer intersect."
Luo Xiaoran released his hand.
His voice was still as hoarse as when he had just woken up.
"good."
He only said one word.
He stood there silently for a few seconds, then turned and left.
Hearing Luo Xiaoran's footsteps gradually fade away, Chu Xingli still didn't dare to open her eyes.
His hands gripped the slightly protruding wall tightly behind his back.
It hurts my nails.
More than Luo Xiaoran's attitude towards him, Chu Xingli wanted to know why he felt so sad.
This feeling was something he had never experienced before.
It felt unfamiliar, and it hurt.
*
A nanny van was parked outside the castle gate.
The car door opened, and Zhao Anyu jumped out of the car excitedly.
"Master, you should go back first. I probably won't be going back tonight."
The driver responded, closed the window, and the van slowly drove away.
Zhao Anyu felt he had hit the jackpot.
The time I spent flattering the boss has definitely paid off.
I received a call from my boss as soon as I got up this morning.
He was instructed to attend a birthday dinner for a mysterious and powerful figure in the evening.
The powerful and wealthy.
The boss really understands him.
Zhao Anyu stood at the gate of the courtyard with his hands on his hips, staring wide-eyed at the exterior of the ancient castle.
I was both shocked and envious.
How much money must the people living here have?
If I could fall for him, that would be wonderful.
I need to work harder tonight.
However, since we've come to such a great place, simply taking photos and posting them on Weibo isn't enough.
He also needs to let those haters who look down on him see for themselves that Zhao Anyu is someone who frequents high-end places and will eventually rise to prominence.
Zhao Anyu's eyes darted around, and he took out his phone to start a live stream.
"Hello everyone~" Zhao Anyu smiled and waved at the screen, "I'm here today to attend a friend's birthday party~"
[My God, where is this? A villa? Holy crap, is this a castle?!]
[(Making a sound like a country bumpkin who's never seen anything like it)]
I hereby unilaterally declare that, starting today, Zhao Anyu is my good friend (*^▽^*) ]
[Hilarious! What are you pretending for? It's not even yours.]
Zhao Anyu was my only source of understanding of high society.
Zhao Anyu cautiously stepped through the open, welcoming door.
The security personnel standing on both sides bowed to him at a 45-degree angle.
Just now, because he wanted to save face, Zhao Anyu deliberately said that he was there to attend "a friend's" birthday party.
Fearing that viewers in the live stream would notice his guilty expression, he switched the camera to a rear view.
This will shift everyone's attention to the magnificent and splendid castle.
They couldn't afford to keep harping on his already weak confidence.
As Zhao Anyu walked inside, he interacted with the comments in the live stream: "Yes, this is a super beautiful castle. I'll take you all inside to have a look later."
His relaxed tone drew another round of astonishment from many netizens who were unaware of the truth.
Suddenly, Zhao Anyu spotted a tall young man walking towards the main hall not far ahead.
His eyes lit up immediately, and he chased after her excitedly, calling out, "Brother Xingli!"
[Oh my god, it's a weekday! I can't believe I still got to see my cuddly wife! o(╥﹏╥)o]
[Help! Today's hug features a side-swept hairstyle, and the deep red suit looks so sexy (grow up quickly!)]
Zhao Anyu seems to be really recovering; the resources the company is giving him are quite substantial.
[lhh, why is my baby dressed like a wedding attendant? No, wait, a wedding groom!]
[He's so handsome it's making my scalp tingle, he must be seducing me, right? (creepy smile.jpg)]
Hearing someone calling her name, Chu Xingli stopped and turned around.
Upon discovering it was Zhao Anyu, he narrowed his eyes in surprise.
Does Pei Jianian know Zhao Anyu?
Wasn't he always abroad, and yesterday was only his first time returning to China in recent years?
"Xingli-ge! You're here too?" Zhao Anyu was very happy and greeted Chu Xingli warmly. "Where's Xiaoran-ge? Is he here?"
Chu Xingli had just recovered from her conflict with Luo Xiaoran, and she still looked somewhat dazed, as if she hadn't quite come to her senses.
Upon hearing Zhao Anyu mention Luo Xiaoran's name, he suddenly turned around and searched in the direction Luo Xiaoran had left.
Where did Luo Xiaoran go?
Should he go find Pei Jianian, or just sit somewhere and drink alone in silence?
Or perhaps they did neither, simply enjoying the breeze on the balcony and gazing at the distant scenery.
Distracted, Chu Xingli remained silent and did not answer Zhao Anyu's question.
But his actions have already said it all.
Zhao Anyu also had an answer, and followed Chu Xingli with a grin: "Brother Xingli, how about I go with you to find Brother Xiaoran? We can go together, it'll be like we're traveling together~"
Chu Xingli was born into a wealthy and powerful family, so it's not surprising that she's here.
Zhao Anyu thought to himself that if he could create a slightly ambiguous atmosphere with Chu Xingli that they couldn't show on TV, it would be an extra surprise for him.
After all, he and Luo Xiaoran are about to get divorced.
He had to seize the opportunity and hold onto this golden opportunity that had finally become available.
[Is that Ranzi-ge in the back view? Otherwise, why would he turn around to look for something after the hug?]
[So sweet, they attended their friend's birthday party together, what a harmonious couple!]
[Ahhh, this young couple is so sweet together! Ranzi is so lucky (doge)]
Why do I feel like Hug looked like he'd been crying? The camera just flashed by, and his eyes were red o(╥﹏╥)o
[Could it be that he cried again after being kissed by Ranzi? He always cries when he's kissed.]
【Chu, the Crybaby, Hugs, Xingli】
Chu Xingli was in a bad mood.
My parents and older siblings haven't arrived yet.
So as soon as she entered the hall, Chu Xingli found an excuse to leave, not wanting to stay with Zhao Anyu, whose thoughts were written all over his face.
"Where's Jia Nian? I just saw him. Have someone go look for him." Accompanied by a slightly hurried voice, Chu Xingli saw a middle-aged woman dressed in gorgeous clothes.
She looks about five or six parts similar to Pei Jianian.
Even when Chu Xingli was extremely upset, she would subconsciously recall Pei Jianian's words, "I have no family left."
The woman in front of him was clearly related to Pei Jianian by blood.
But why would Pei Jianian lie?
Out of a desire to help Luo Xiaoran and to offer his opinion, Chu Xingli patiently observed for a while longer.
Fortunately, apart from Pei Jianian deliberately concealing things for unknown reasons, his relatives did not know what their nephew had said in front of others.
This would also make it easier for Chu Xingli to understand the situation.
Although Pei Jianian's parents are no longer alive, his uncles, aunts and cousins are still around.
This birthday dinner, specially organized for Pei Jianian, was partly to celebrate his birthday.
On the other hand, he wanted to let the powerful and influential people of Jinghua City recognize Pei Jianian's face.
In the future, I hope I can help their deceased younger brother and his wife's only child.
Therefore, the real purpose of today's birthday dinner is not the dinner itself.
Chu Xingli has been unwell lately and doesn't want to deal with business matters or communicate with anyone.
He sat alone on the red velvet sofa behind the pillar, deep in thought, holding a glass of wine, swirling it in his hand for a long time without taking a sip.
Completely unaware that their every move was being watched by another person.
.
The dome of the castle’s main hall is magnificent and adorned with exquisite murals, while several valuable oil paintings hang on the inner wall of the second-floor railing.
The pianist sat behind the grand piano in the center of the hall, eyes closed, playing the Moonlight Sonata with rapt attention.
The event transported the guests into a tranquil and peaceful moonlit night, allowing them to experience a profound interplay of emotions.
Looking along the spiral staircases on both sides, the smooth marble steps are cut into perfect arcs, with a height that is perfectly suited to the stride of people going up and down the stairs.
Zhao Anyu was completely immersed in the pleasure and enjoyment of lingering in high society, with melodious music flowing gently in his ears.
He picked up a glass of wine and, while drinking, continued to describe the surrounding environment to the viewers in the live stream.
At the same time, she was also dreaming, hoping to meet the owner of this castle at some point.
Suddenly, a gentle voice came from behind him, interrupting his reverie.
"Can you turn this off?" Pei Jianian's tone was polite but distant.
But Zhao Anyu's intelligence alone seemed insufficient to discern the subtle hint of indifference in the other person's words.
"Huh? Can't we do a live stream?" Zhao Anyu didn't know who he was, but he knew that he couldn't afford to offend anyone here, so he quickly put on an apologetic expression.
But as soon as he looked up and saw Pei Jianian's eyes and smile, Zhao Anyu suddenly felt less nervous.
...He's really good-looking.
Wow, so handsome!
How come a guy this good-looking hasn't been discovered yet?!
However, since they don't allow live streaming, shouldn't you shut it down quickly?
[It's no wonder Zhao Anyu, who's so eager to latch onto a powerful figure, is locked up. He'd love for everyone to see that he's found a sugar daddy.]
[So young, can he really be a sugar daddy? Could he be the butler of a castle?]
I don't think he has the air of a butler; he seems more like a young master from a wealthy family.
"Who are you?" Zhao Anyu was dumbfounded, staring blankly at Pei Jianian's face, unable to look away.
Pei Jianian let him stare at her blankly, then reached for Zhao Anyu's phone and asked, "Is this the button?"
He was referring to the steps to turn off the live stream.
Zhao Anyu let him do whatever he wanted, and even took the initiative to turn off Pei Jianian's live stream for him.
Pei Jianian then answered Zhao Anyu's question: "I am a doctor."
Zhao Anyu immediately showed an expression of admiration: "Wow, that's amazing! What department are you a doctor in?"
Pei Jianian seemed quite interested in chatting with Zhao Anyu a bit more.
He leaned against the table, smiled, and replied, "Neurology."
Zhao Anyu only knew about departments like dentistry, orthopedics, and general surgery, but he really didn't know what neurology specifically did.
But this did not diminish his admiration for Pei Jianian.
Pei Jianian saw through Zhao Anyu's thoughts at a glance and got straight to the point:
"Do you know Xing Li and Xiao Ran?"
Zhao Anyu's eyes lit up, and he quickly nodded: "Yes, I'm participating in the same program as Xing Li and Xiao Ran."
Pei Jianian seemed quite interested: "Oh? What kind of program is it?"
Zhao Anyu was worried that he seemed ignorant in front of him and didn't know how to continue the conversation.
Hearing Pei Jianian's question, which was exactly what he knew, Zhao Anyu couldn't help but smile and say happily, "It's a divorce reality show."
He counted on his fingers:
"There are five couples in total. First, there's the award-winning actor and actress Zhou Maidong and his wife Lu Yunxin, then the super-rich Bao Keming and his wife Qiao Manyun, then the pianist Zhu Ji and the painter Lin Ning..."
Zhao Anyu was worried that the other person wouldn't like to hear it, so he thought he would look at his expression, but instead he caught the other person's patient and gentle smile.
Confidence was immediately boosted, and he continued, "Then there's Xing Li and Xiao Ran, and finally, there's me and my ex-girlfriend Chen Xuanqi."
Finally, out of curiosity, Zhao Anyu asked a question.
He also wanted to show off his humor: "Hey handsome, are you a foreigner?"
Otherwise, how could someone of the same age not know about this currently very popular show?
Pei Jianian smiled and said, "Indeed, I just recently returned to the country."
Zhao Anyu blinked: "You're studying abroad?"
“Yes, that’s right,” Pei Jianian said, not wanting to discuss things about himself, and instead said, “Your eyes are very beautiful.”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Anyu's heart nearly jumped out of his throat.
"I... I'm just average-looking. You're much better looking, like Xing Li and Xiao Ran, who attract a lot of attention."
He was truly flattered to be praised by someone as handsome as Pei Jianian.
"By the way, I still don't know your name," Zhao Anyu asked shyly.
Pei Jianian did not answer.
Just then, a waiter dressed in a black and white uniform with a black bow tie walked steadily toward them carrying a tray.
Zhao Anyu had drunk some wine, and in his daze, he vaguely saw the waiter make a glance at Pei Jianian and nod slightly.
He rubbed his eyes, trying to see more clearly.
But when Zhao Anyu removed his hand, he found that everything had returned to normal.
Pei Jianian continued to look at him with a gentle smile, without exchanging glances with anyone else.
...I misread it.
Zhao Anyu smiled apologetically, picked up his wine glass with both hands, and drank the red wine in one gulp.
He forgot that he had just asked Pei Jianian's name.
“You’ll get drunk if you drink like this,” Pei Jianian reached out and took the wine glass from his hand, her tone gentle and calm. “There’s still a long time tonight.”
Zhao Anyu felt very dizzy.
He felt like he couldn't quite understand what Pei Jianian was saying.
Seeing Zhao Anyu rubbing his temples, Pei Jianian's smile slowly faded.
As the other person rallied, straightened up, and stretched out their arm to reach for the wine glass, a polite smile returned to his face.
He casually picked up a glass of wine from the waiter's tray and handed it to Zhao Anyu.
He turned his head to look at the slender, tall figure not far away, and slightly raised his chin.
The straightforward Zhao Anyu naturally turned his head to look as well.
Pei Jianian raised her hand, pinched Zhao Anyu's chin, turned his face back, and raised an eyebrow with a light laugh:
"Should we go and offer him a toast?"
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