Chapter 77 Happy Birthday, Luo Xiao...
Chapter 77
Chu Xingli helped Luo Xiaoran turn off the light and returned to her own room.
It was only a little past eight o'clock, but he wasn't sleepy at all.
To avoid disturbing Luo Xiaoran, who was already asleep next door, Chu Xingli closed the door gently as soon as she entered the room, without making any obvious noise.
"Buzz, buzz."
My phone, which was in my pajama pocket, vibrated twice.
The vibration rhythm doesn't sound like a WeChat message.
Chu Xingli took out her phone and couldn't help but laugh.
It's a message from the stars.
...It was only four hours ago.
The people sending messages in the group right now are River and Estuary.
I just bumped up the message that Xingxing posted earlier.
Chu Xingli scrolled up the chat history to view the first message Xingxing had sent.
[My Star: Pear, how have you been these past few days? It's changing seasons, so remember to keep warm!]
[My Star: [loopy wink.jpg]]
Chu Xingli felt strange when she saw the message from Xingxing.
How did she know she wasn't feeling well these past few days?
Chu Xingli thought about it again and realized that since he and Xingxing were good friends, it was perfectly reasonable for Xingxing to care about his well-being.
[Showing off a ton of tangerines: I'm doing pretty well, how about you?]
[Showing off a ton of tangerines: It's definitely getting colder lately, I feel like it'll snow in a few days]
After replying to Xingxing, Chu Xingli continued scrolling down to see what River and Estuary had said in the group chat.
River: I'm so cold, I need some milk tea or coffee.
[River: Any good food recommendations? (*^▽^*)]
[River: Why is everyone so quiet?]
【River: I'm so lonely. You guys are so heartless! You created a group chat but don't say anything ╭(╯^╰)╮】
[River: Huh? Why is the pear called "A Ton of Crazy Sugar Tangerines"?]
River: Do you really like eating tangerines?
Chu Xingli: "..."
He figured it out.
River is a busy person on weekdays, but he is very talkative and tends to chatter a lot during certain periods.
Estuary is quite busy, but not extremely busy. You can often see them chatting in the group, but they're too lazy to respond; they're very sparing with words.
He would only appear in the group chat to give Chu Xingli enlightening advice when he couldn't help himself or when he had a highly authoritative perspective on certain issues.
Therefore, Chu Xingli preferred to listen to what Estuary had to say, as for River... he seemed to be quite fond of selling swords.
Like one of his friends.
Chu Xingli did not reply to River immediately, but continued reading.
[Estuary: This is indeed very intriguing]
[Estuary: Why is Pear's nickname "A Ton of Crazy Sugar Tangerines"?]
Chu Xingli: "..."
He wanted to retract the extremely high praise he had just given to Estuary.
However, the fact that River and Estuary asked the same question together did make Chu Xingli start to think.
Actually, upon closer reflection, he doesn't remember why he was named that.
After all, in his existing memory, he had never liked tangerines and intended to show off a ton of them.
[A ton of tangerines: I've actually forgotten why it's called that]
Chu Xingli is very honest.
If you can remember, say you know; if you can't, just admit it.
[Estuary: Could it be related to someone important to you? Is that why you chose this name?]
[Estuary: For example, is it something your favorite person likes to eat, or something your family member likes?]
Chu Xingli was somewhat surprised.
The usually taciturn Estuary actually started analyzing his relationship status?
Chu Xingli tried hard to recall, but still came up empty-handed.
He felt he should talk to Xingxing alone.
Ultimately, Chu Xingli still felt somewhat helpless when she thought about what she had to do tomorrow.
He needs someone to keep him company for a while.
[A ton of tangerines: Star, I want to ask you some questions, and maybe have a heart-to-heart talk.]
While waiting for Xingxing's reply, Chu Xingli, having nothing else to do, casually clicked on Xingxing's homepage.
He wanted to see the other person's reading list for the next few days so he could also take a look.
Suddenly, Chu Xingli's attention was drawn to the IP address of Xingxing's homepage.
...He remembered that Xingxing had said she was currently studying in Beijing, but why was her IP address showing up in Sichuan Province?
Just then, my phone vibrated, leaving me confused.
A message popped up in the taskbar.
It was the stars' reply.
Chu Xingli stopped thinking about it and directly opened the chat window with Xingxing to start chatting with her.
The reason he was so enthusiastic towards Xingxing was that during this period, every time a recording or work ended, he could see Xingxing's warm greetings and caring words in the chat box.
Such friends are truly rare.
Chu Xingli would naturally care a lot.
[My Star: Okay, Pear, I just saw your message, sorry~]
[My Star: What Would You Like to Talk About?]
Chu Xingli was a little embarrassed, but he figured that since it was just through a screen, Xingxing wouldn't be able to see his awkwardness.
There's nothing to be ashamed of.
[Showing off a ton of tangerines: I want to talk to you about relationships]
Xingxing became noticeably excited when this was mentioned.
【My Star: That's great! I was just about to share my love life with you in the next few days~】
Chu Xingli hesitated for a moment, but still decided to confirm Xingxing's safety.
[A ton of tangerines in a frenzy: Your IP address changed to Xichuan, is it because you're out having fun with your boyfriend?]
Chu Xingli felt that she had probably guessed correctly.
Because Xingxing's replies weren't as quick as before, she was probably out having fun and couldn't keep an eye on her phone to reply to messages.
It took more than ten minutes before Xingxing finally replied.
[My Star: Haha, yes, Pear, you're so smart!]
Seeing Xingxing's reply, Chu Xingli was both happy for her and heartbroken like an old father.
[A ton of tangerines: Stars, no matter how much you like this guy, you must protect yourself in certain ways.]
Chu Xingli has met too many people.
It's natural to know that some men's minds are always preoccupied with that kind of thing.
Xingxing is a good girl, and Chu Xingli doesn't want her to get hurt in any way.
[My Star: Thank you, Pear~ Don't worry, I will definitely take good care of myself]
[My Star: But this is also something I want to share with Pear, my boyfriend is really amazing.]
[My Star: Because of my appearance and intervention, he truly changed his destiny. He didn't become a simp, but stayed with me properly.]
Chu Xingli sometimes really wonders if Xingxing can see into his heart.
Whenever he hesitated to speak, the other person would bring up a topic at just the right moment, naturally helping him finish what he hadn't said.
My Star: Pear, This is a materialistic world!
My Star: You must believe that human will can conquer nature!
[My Star: See, I'm a perfect example! You don't need to be afraid~]
Chu Xingli is not someone who is completely without ideas.
But with Xingxing's words, he will be even more convinced of his current thoughts.
Actually, from the day Pei Jianian returned.
Chu Xingli had already begun to have doubts.
It just took me a whole day in the office yesterday to figure it out.
*
After sharing her feelings with a close friend, Chu Xingli felt much better.
But Chu Xingli also knew that no matter how much his friends advised him, in the end, the matter could only be resolved by him.
If he really makes that decision, and the storyline in the book really can't be changed because of his external influence...
Chu Xingli took a deep breath and leaned back wearily on the sofa.
...Then he will never be able to forgive himself.
Chu Xingli didn't want pessimistic emotions to control her mind.
He needs to harass someone else.
Chu Xingli picked up her phone.
[One punch to destroy this world: Bro, are you asleep?]
[One punch to destroy this world: If you're not asleep, I want to have a heart-to-heart talk with you]
After sending the message, Chu Xingli did not expect her older brother to say anything tender to her.
Moreover, he was even prepared to be scolded by his older brother for things like, "Why are you having heart-to-heart talks in the middle of the night instead of sleeping?"
"Buzz, buzz."
The phone, still in Chu Xingli's hand, vibrated before he could casually toss it aside, indicating that he had received a reply.
[Eldest brother: I'm not asleep]
Chu Xingli glanced at the time.
1:45 a.m.
The older brother was still awake at this hour, and he wasn't surprised at all...
What surprised Chu Xingli was his elder brother's next reply.
[Big Brother: Sure, what do you want to talk about?]
Chu Xingli sat up straight, holding her phone, staring at the screen in surprise.
...He simply couldn't believe his eyes.
What did the older brother say?
Can?
What should we talk about?
Why would his older brother be so patient in saying such things to him?
Could it be that he really has a terminal illness?!
No, I need to call Gu Zezhou and ask him properly before I can feel at ease.
The moment Chu Xingli dialed the number, she suddenly remembered the time she had just checked.
It's almost 2 a.m. now, Gu Zezhou must be resting by now...
"Hello?" Gu Zezhou answered the phone after it rang once.
Clearly, he hasn't gone to sleep yet.
"What's wrong, Mr. Chu? Why are you calling me in the middle of the night?" Gu Zezhou's voice sounded tired, but it was well masked by his usual cheerful way of speaking.
At least Chu Xingli didn't notice this subtle clue for even a second.
"Tell me the truth, has the Chu family doctor ever told you that my older brother has some kind of terminal illness?" Chu Xingli asked bluntly.
"How could that be?" Gu Zezhou seemed unsure, giving an ambiguous answer. "Lianqing... Brother, he might just have had a slight cold these past few days?"
"What's that sound over there?" Chu Xingli's hearing was comparable to that of a police dog.
"Wow, are you a dog? How come you know everything..." Gu Zezhou's words were cut short as he quickly swallowed them back, getting back to the point, "Ahem, I'm on duty, is there anything else?"
Chu Xingli was preoccupied and naturally had no interest in delving into Director Gu's nightlife: "It's alright. If anything happens to my brother's health, you must tell me immediately."
Treatment must not be delayed.
After ending her call with Gu Zezhou, Chu Xingli returned to her chat with her older brother.
[One punch to destroy this world: Bro, if I want to pursue my love, will you support me?]
The elder brother's quick reply undoubtedly proved to Chu Xingli that he was in good health and had quick reflexes.
[Big Brother: If you want to pursue your love, you've succeeded as long as you don't get a divorce.]
Chu Xingli: "..."
Sharp, unpleasant, and scathing.
Upon seeing his elder brother's reply, the rebellious nature of the young master of the Chu family was fully revealed.
[I'll smash this world with one punch: Bro, how do you know the other person involved in the love I'm pursuing is definitely Luo Xiaoran?]
It's fun to be a little mischievous.
Anyway, my brother is in a good mood today.
He is not afraid.
[Big Brother: Isn't the other person involved Xiao Ran?]
Although written words lack vivid tone, it is easy to perceive hostility in other people's words.
But Chu Xingli still sensed a strong murderous intent in her elder brother's words.
With a try-it-and-see attitude, Chu Xingli continued to recklessly test the limits of his elder brother's temper:
[One punch to destroy the world: Yes]
[One punch to destroy this world: What if it weren't for Luo Xiaoran?]
Chu Lianqing replied much faster than she had just said.
...It was as if they had anticipated Chu Xingli's question long ago and had already prepared the answer, ready to send it out at any time.
[Brother: A new patient with a leg fracture will be admitted to the Kangchu Orthopedic Inpatient Department.]
Chu Xingli: "..."
Sorry to bother you.
His older brother is still his older brother.
However, after being scolded by his older brother, he felt much better.
Chu Xingli sometimes really doubts whether she is just a scoundrel.
*
Chu Xingli didn't sleep all night.
He didn't even lie down in bed, but instead sat on the low sofa in the bedroom all night.
He felt incredibly excited and nervous about what he would say and do the next day.
Gradually, the sky began to brighten.
"Cough cough..."
Chu Xingli was brought back to her senses by a soft cough coming from outside.
Luo Xiaoran woke up, but it seemed he hadn't rested well.
Otherwise, why would I be coughing?
I only felt slightly unwell last night, but it sounds like it's gotten worse this morning.
Thinking of this, Chu Xingli suddenly remembered that he hadn't been completely idle all night.
At least, he did something very meaningful.
This applies to both himself and Luo Xiaoran.
Chu Xingli jumped up from the sofa, pushed open the bedroom door, and ran out.
Before Luo Xiaoran arrived in the kitchen and started cooking, he opened the pot lid that he had already prepared.
"Sit down quickly, you're getting a free meal today," Chu Xingli commanded.
Luo Xiaoran was curious, so he obediently sat down.
"Longevity noodles~" Chu Xingli shook her hand, which had been burned by the rim of the bowl, and said to Luo Xiaoran with a smile, "Happy birthday."
I thought this might be the last birthday I'd spend with Hugs.
Luo Xiaoran then felt even more grateful.
He didn't want to keep clinging to him with hugs or saying anything to try and keep him from leaving.
It will only cause more trouble for those who are soft-hearted and want to hug.
Luo Xiaoran did go to bed very early last night.
Not only because he wanted to avoid the hug he was about to say, but also because he really had a low-grade fever.
I feel terrible all over, especially the dizziness and headache, it's so hard to bear.
Luo Xiaoran looked down at the bowl of noodles in front of him.
The longevity noodles had a bright and clear broth, and the words "Happy Birthday" were prominently displayed on top of the noodles.
The words "Happy Birthday" were carved from a carrot.
The level of dedication goes without saying.
"...Thank you for the hug." Luo Xiaoran felt a mix of emotions.
I felt more sad than moved.
"I ruined a few bowls, but nothing went to waste," Chu Xingli said with a smile, pointing towards the kitchen and patting her stomach, looking quite proud. "I ate them all."
Luo Xiaoran glanced into the kitchen and saw three bowls of noodles piled together.
...It looks like he ate three big bowls.
"Is it alright?" Luo Xiaoran was worried about Chu Xingli's stomach, and even more worried about his cooking skills.
Even though it was truly inedible, he forced himself to eat three bowls.
This is what's prone to causing big problems.
"Wait, wait, wait~" Chu Xingli seemed to be in a great mood.
Seeing Luo Xiaoran pick up his chopsticks and take a bite of noodles, he quickly walked towards the kitchen, took a small bowl from the small pot, and returned to the dining table.
"My memory is really bad."
This statement meant nothing to Chu Xingli, who was used to having a bad memory.
But to Luo Xiaoran, hearing this was more painful than being cut by a knife.
Chu Xingli didn't notice Luo Xiaoran's reaction and continued, "We still need to eat eggs~ Luckily I cooked ten, even though six exploded, there are still four left."
Luo Xiaoran took a deep breath.
...The egg drop rate is quite high.
The survival rate of longevity noodles is one in four, and eggs far outnumber them.
"What about the other six?" Luo Xiaoran's heart skipped a beat.
He worried that the six boiled eggs, like the three bowls of noodles, would also be hugged...
"I ate them all," Chu Xingli said matter-of-factly.
Luo Xiaoran: "..."
*
After eating longevity noodles, Chu Xingli prepared to take Luo Xiaoran somewhere.
Luo Xiaoran didn't ask where they were going.
He was willing to go anywhere as long as he was with Chu Xingli.
However, as the car headed towards Xiaohuangshan, Luo Xiaoran couldn't help but turn his head in surprise to look at Chu Xingli.
"Why are you looking at me?" Chu Xingli looked straight ahead, but didn't miss the fact that Luo Xiaoran was looking at her out of the corner of her eye. She laughed, "It's your birthday, of course we have to come and visit Mom."
I want to thank my mother for bravely bringing Luo Xiaoran into this world.
Upon arriving at their destination, Luo Xiaoran got out of the car.
His steps were somewhat heavy.
It wasn't just because he was at his mother's grave, but also because he was thinking that after visiting his mother, he and Baobao might face...
They've reached the point of divorce.
Chu Xingli held the bouquet she had chosen in advance in her arms, closed the car door, and quickly caught up with Luo Xiaoran.
The two bowed and paid their respects at their mother's gravestone.
Luo Xiaoran helped Chu Xingli straighten the slightly heavy bouquet.
He then straightened up, his eyes not daring to fall on Chu Xingli beside him.
"hug."
Luo Xiaoran finally decided he didn't want to deceive himself anymore, so he called out to Chu Xingli.
Chu Xingli turned to look at him.
Luo Xiaoran looked down at his fingers, his heart heavy and complicated. After a long pause, he asked, "...After we get divorced, will you be with someone else?"
Chu Xingli was somewhat taken aback by his seemingly nonsensical question.
When did he say he wanted a divorce?
Does Luo Xiaoran want a divorce?
The moment Chu Xingli heard the other party say "after the divorce," she said it was impossible not to be sad.
But he has always been a very generous person, and nothing can stump him.
So...no.
Humans have mouths.
If you have something to say, you should ask it clearly.
He must not let misunderstandings sever his love with Luo Xiaoran.
"Do you like Pei Jianian? After our divorce, do you want to be with him?" Chu Xingli asked directly.
Things have developed to this point, so there's no need to hide anything anymore.
If Luo Xiaoran likes Pei Jianian, he will step aside; if Luo Xiaoran doesn't like Pei Jianian, he will continue to be with Luo Xiaoran.
Although it is simple and crude.
But it is also the best way to solve the problem.
After Chu Xingli asked the question, she expected to receive an unwavering answer from Luo Xiaoran.
Unexpectedly, after waiting for more than ten seconds, and almost losing patience, Chu Xingli looked up at Luo Xiaoran and saw the extreme shock in the other's eyes.
"Hug, what... what did you say?" Luo Xiaoran asked, almost uttering each word clearly.
Chu Xingli suddenly lost her confidence and weakly repeated, "I'm asking you... do you like... or don't you like Pei Jianian?"
In the original book, Pei Jianian is perfect, gentle and strong; no one could dislike him.
Even Luo Xiaoran, who still has a legal spouse, is powerless to resist.
Chu Xingli kept thinking that even if Luo Xiaoran still harbored some feelings for him, when faced with their destined partner, he... must have felt a slight flutter in his heart, right?
Luo Xiaoran looked completely bewildered: "Why would I like him?"
Is the intention to disgust oneself to death and then achieve the goal of suicide?
This time, it was Chu Xingli's turn to be dumbfounded.
He stared blankly at Luo Xiaoran, then took a deep breath.
Unexpectedly, they said in unison—
"I thought you liked him?"
I thought you liked him!
Chu Xingli: "..."
Luo Xiaoran: "..."
The two stood facing each other, gazing at one another.
No one spoke.
A smile played in his eyes and at the corners of his lips.
But as I was laughing, tears started to fall.
Chu Xingli has always been a brave hugger since she was a child.
This time is no exception.
He was the first to take action.
"Mom, we might have to go over there and do something a little impolite."
Chu Xingli raised her hand to rub her eyes, and then bowed deeply towards her mother's tombstone.
Then, grasping Luo Xiaoran's hand, she quickly walked to the car parked fifty meters away.
Luo Xiaoran let him pull him along.
Just follow Chu Xingli forward.
It was only a few dozen steps away.
Luo Xiaoran felt as if he had been walking for a very long time.
After a while, his nose started to sting and his eyes became hot.
"……hug."
No matter what, Luo Xiaoran dared not allow himself to greedily imagine that Hug might say something about not divorcing him.
Actually, Luo Xiaoran was already in a good mood when he heard Bao Bao say that he didn't like Pei Jianian.
So... so even if we really have to go get a divorce certificate in a little while, it's okay.
Luo Xiaoran pursed his lips bitterly.
He still has time; he can wait another ten years.
Decades, a hundred years.
"Luo Xiaoran, we're not getting a divorce."
After Chu Xingli finished speaking, tears streamed down her face.
Because he saw Luo Xiaoran's back stiffen.
...He clearly couldn't believe what he had heard, but he didn't dare turn around to confirm it.
Chu Xingli had never felt so sorry for anyone before.
He reached out and gently tugged at Luo Xiaoran's arm.
With just a little effort, Luo Xiaoran was pulled around.
Those dark eyes, which often conveyed a sense of indifference and aloofness, were now brimming with tears.
Chu Xingli chuckled and gently wiped away his tears with her fingertips.
“I haven’t thought about our past yet,” Chu Xingli said, tilting her head slightly, her eyes sparkling with tears, “but I want to take a gamble.”
Chu Xingli stepped forward, opened her arms, and hugged Luo Xiaoran's waist and back tightly.
Happy birthday, Luo Xiaoran.
As soon as she finished speaking, Chu Xingli raised her hand and took off her coat, much to Luo Xiaoran's astonishment.
She slowly revealed the bow tied with a deep red ribbon edged with gold around her neck, and handed the long tail to Luo Xiaoran's hand—
"Now... you can open your birthday present."
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