Chapter 65 Published
Dating!
The couple immediately exchanged glances.
Bai Yue didn't seem to have expected this kind of answer, and the smile on his face froze for a long time before he could maintain it:
"Date...Xiao Ruan didn't tell me just now. If I had known, I wouldn't have disturbed you."
"Don't bother me," Gu Xiuyi smiled, "What did you guys talk about so excitedly? Tell me about it."
Bai Yue took a deep breath and said, "Nothing much. Grandpa's birthday is next week, so we just chatted for a few minutes."
Lao Gao's brain raced, he judged the current situation and made a quick decision, he smiled flatteringly and said very deliberately:
"Yes! We are all envious. Who wouldn't want to see the Gu family's banquet? However, only people like the Bai family who are particularly close to you can go. People like us who are small can only watch it on the news, hahahaha."
Bai Yue was stunned. He didn't expect that this man named Gao would say that.
On the surface, it sounds like he is flattering both of them, but in fact he is hinting at Bai Yue's random connections.
Bai Yue's breathing was trembling.
Gu Xiuyi slowly turned his gaze to Lao Gao: "Who is this?"
When Lao Gao saw that he had finally gotten a chance to talk to someone, he bowed repeatedly, "Hello, Mr. Gu. I'm Gao Dahai. We were in the same class in senior year of high school!" He patted his chest wildly, "I! Gao Dahai!"
Gu Xiuyi frowned, as if searching his memory in vain.
Lao Gao wasn't embarrassed at all, he smiled and said, "Hey, I guess you wouldn't recognize me, I was so thin back then, now I've been running a business for two years and I have a beer belly, my appearance has completely changed, if you come to the class reunion, I guarantee you'll laugh at me along with everyone else, hahahaha."
Gu Xiuyi then pretended to understand and nodded: "So it's an old classmate. I had a rare day off on the day of the class reunion, so I stayed at home to accompany Ji Ruan. It was really rude."
Ji Ruan couldn't help laughing, then lowered his head to listen to the opera while eating ice cream.
Lao Gao cursed Bai Yue even more in his heart. Didn’t he just say he was in a meeting, but he ended up being at home with his wife!
He even invited Bai Yue to dinner, hoping that he would help introduce him at the class reunion, but Gu Xiuyi didn't even give him face!
Lao Gao smiled but didn't really smile. He kept a steady expression and flattered her: "Look at what you said. You are a man who does big things. Of course you have to stay at home with your wife when you have time. We are not like a small business like ours, where we have to run around a lot. It's nothing compared to the Lingzhou Phase III project you recently started. If there is any residue from such a big project, it will be enough for us to live on for the rest of our lives. Hahahaha."
Gu Xiuyi understood the meaning of his words, smiled and did not respond, and turned to look at Bai Yue: "In the early years when grandpa was still the top leader, our two families did have some exchanges."
He laughed with an ambiguous tone: "But I remember that the Gu family and the Bai family haven't cooperated for a long time, right?"
Bai Yue lowered his eyebrows, seeming to be holding back his anger and said, "Yes, our business has not been very prosperous in the past two years."
He looked at Ji Ruan's face, then at Gu Xiuyi, biting his lip: "Are you unhappy? ...Are you unhappy because others are speculating about our relationship?"
He looked at Gu Xiuyi with a little trepidation.
Gu Xiuyi had a calm expression, showing no emotion.
But the more this happens, the more uncertain people become, causing them to feel extremely uneasy.
Bai Yue clenched his fists and said tentatively: "You may have misunderstood. I am also very distressed. I have always told others not to speculate about our relationship. Originally, we were just friends."
He lowered his head and looked a little gloomy: "Besides... you are already married."
Ji Ruan was amazed by the look of wanting to say something but not being able to. Isn't this acting more sophisticated than the melodramatic dramas at the 8 o'clock prime time?
It’s a pity that Aunt Zhao wasn’t there, she would have loved to watch it.
Gu Xiuyi embraced Ji Ruan and said casually: "No, just be an ordinary classmate. I can't bear to be a friend."
The couple watching the show looked at each other in shock.
Bai Yue never thought that Gu Xiuyi would say such harsh words to him in front of others. It was like a bucket of cold water poured over his head:
"...Xiuyi? You, you don't even want to be my friend now?"
His face turned paler and paler, and I felt even more pitiful when I saw him.
Gu Xiuyi turned a blind eye and sighed: "If I remember correctly, you are Gu Xiuli's friend. You come to my house as a guest, but to me you are just a guest."
Lao Gao and the other man stared at Bai Yue, so directly that it was almost naked.
Bai Yue gritted his teeth. He wanted to try his luck again, betting that Gu Xiuyi would not embarrass him in public:
"I see. Are there some rumors that made Ji Ruan unhappy? But I have been clarifying it and telling them not to think too much. But I can't do anything about it because the mouth is on someone else. If Ji Ruan is still unhappy, then I apologize to him--"
"Mr. Bai!" Gu Xiuyi interrupted harshly.
When he mentioned Ji Ruan, he suddenly became more serious: "Ji Ruan doesn't need you to apologize, but please respect yourself."
"Respect yourself?" Bai Yue shook his head: "We have known each other for twenty years, and I have always regarded you as my best friend. Now you want me to respect myself?"
Gu Xiuyi's eyes were cold. In such a lively atmosphere in the mall, the air around him was so cold that it was about to freeze. His eyes gradually changed from perfunctory to annoyed:
"If you insist on saying that, then I might as well tell you--"
"A friend would not approach my lover without permission. A friend would not use unfounded rumors to provoke my lover when he is aware that he is in poor health. A friend would not mislead others with words, saying that it is okay but then doing something that is more misleading."
He looked at Bai Yue deeply: "If you think this is just a friend, then I'm sorry, you and I have a completely different view of friendship. - Do you need me to continue?"
How could he rely on a little friendship from childhood to spread rumors and win people's hearts? The Bai family's business has been shaky for so many years but has never really collapsed. It is more or less because some people believed those rumors and secretly gave them some face.
As Gu Xiuyi spoke calmly yet with a sharp edge, Bai Yue's face turned paler.
It was as if those sharp knives were constantly cutting his skin, blood was flowing out, and his face could not turn any other color except pale.
Ji Ruan was also a little stunned.
Really, the current atmosphere is too awkward.
No one spoke after Gu Xiuyi's words. In the busy shopping mall, the five of them stood next to a claw machine. The eerie quietness of the atmosphere attracted many passers-by to look over.
The Gao couple even supported each other and took two steps back, taking out tissues to wipe their sweat. Gu Xiuyi's aura was so strong that even if he dressed like a college student to match his wife, people were still scared to look at him and their scalps tingled.
Bai Yue obviously didn't have the face to speak anymore. He stood there stiffly, only barely holding on with his self-esteem.
In order to do some business, Lao Gao took the risk and jumped out to act as a breakthrough when the atmosphere was tense to the extreme.
He just smiled apologetically and wiped his sweat with a piece of paper:
"Yes! I also hate those people who say one thing in front of you and another behind your back and try to build relationships randomly. You can't make friends with such people! But I appreciate Mr. Gu's straightforward personality the most. He says what he thinks and doesn't engage in empty talk!"
The girl also quickly agreed: "Yes, yes, yes, and Mr. Gu, your wife is young, beautiful, and an artist. Who can envy this, right? Hahahaha..."
"That's right, when I saw Teacher Ji today, I felt that you two are a perfect match, an artist and a big businessman, just like in a Republic of China storybook, a match made in heaven!
"Don't mention that you, Mr. Gu, also care about your family. You spend the weekends with Mr. Ji. It's really rare!"
The couple worked together like a duet, with each talking back and forth, and finally managed to reverse the awkward atmosphere that was about to break up.
tear——
It seems that you can hear the ice in the air quietly melting.
Gu Xiuyi restrained his momentum, smiled slightly, glanced at Lao Gao, and sighed:
"It turns out that people with families can understand each other."
Lao Gao was keenly aware of Gu Xiuyi's change of mood and said in one go: "Of course not! Let me host you tonight and we can have a good chat. He is an unmarried man, so he doesn't understand!"
"Forget about the meal," Gu Xiuyi refused kindly, "Ji Ruan's stomach isn't very good, I'll take him home to eat."
Lao Gao didn't hold out hope at first, but he nodded immediately: "That's fine, health is the most important thing, we old classmates can get together anytime!"
Gu Xiuyi said without further ado: "For the bidding, please ask Xiao Huang, the person in charge, to follow the regulations."
Lao Gao was stunned for a moment, then he was overjoyed: "Hey! Great! Thank you, Mr. Gu! Thank you!!"
Lao Gao never dreamed that there would be such a dramatic turn of events.
He has been running around to curry favor with Bai Yue these days just for these words from Gu Xiuyi.
For a small start-up company like theirs, it is simply a fantasy to want to cooperate with Gu's company. They can't even submit a bid.
But with Gu Xiuyi's words, at least he can go in and see the world, even if he ends up being a runner-up. Through Gu Xiuyi's words, he can get to know the person in charge named Huang. At least he can have some food to eat. What Gu Xiuyi looks down upon may be a big business for his family!
"Ji Ruan!" A low shout startled Lao Gao. Turning around, he saw Mr. Gu holding Ji Ruan's hand with an anxious look on his face. He didn't look at all at ease.
"Didn't I tell you to only take two bites?"
Gu Xiuyi was helpless. The box of ice cream was now empty. He was not paying attention and Ji Ruan had secretly eaten most of it.
Ji Ruan was also a little shocked. He was too engrossed in watching the show just now, and the box of ice cream was small to begin with, so he almost finished it in just a few bites.
He slowly opened his mouth and laughed dryly: "Sorry, I didn't notice..."
“…”
It’s already been eaten, what else can Gu Xiuyi do?
He could only take the last bit, saying "Excuse me", and then left with Ji Ruan in his arms.
"Hey, Mr. Gu, have a nice trip!" Lao Gao waved his hand enthusiastically.
Only after watching the two figures walk away did I breathe a sigh of relief.
He turned to look at Bai Yue, his expression of smiling and sticking to her face disappeared, and he brushed his sleeves: "Okay, then Xiao Bai, we will go back first. We have some things to do in the company, please do as you please."
So this means he changes from Mr. Bai to Xiao Bai?
Bai Yue was completely humiliated by Gu Xiuyi, so he could no longer tolerate Gao Dahai's displeasure, so he pointed at his nose and said:
"Gao Dahai, is this how you talk to me? Have you forgotten how you tried to curry favor with me in the first place?!"
"What other attitude do you want?" Gao Dahai directly retorted! "I'm giving you face by not asking you to pay me back for the meal!"
He turned around, followed Gu Xiuyi's example, hugged his wife and walked out, spitting:
"It's so fucking unlucky. I ate two meals with him, which cost me nearly ten thousand yuan, but in the end I just swelled my face and pretended to be rich. I couldn't get anything done. It's not as effective as my compliments to that kid named Ji."
The girl chuckled, "What did I tell you? It's different for those who have a marriage certificate. The Bai family's business has been closed for several years. If he really has a relationship with Gu Xiuyi, can Gu Xiuyi not help? You are just stupid. You believe everything he says."
Gao Dahai smiled foolishly: "Of course, my wife is the one who has foresight."
"Spread this matter among the alumni groups and the local groups. I've noticed that Mr. Gu has been annoyed with Mr. Bai for a long time. If we can make him happy, our business will be better."
"Hey, okay, I'll listen to you."
Bai Yue had never been so angry in one day. He was so angry that his whole body was tense to the extreme and he couldn't help shaking. His mind was full of Gao Dahai's insults to him and Gu Xiuyi's expression when he left.
She cared so much that she pinched the face of the little kid whose hair had not even grown out yet, spoke in a low voice, and didn't dare to be too loud even when she wanted to scold him.
He had never seen Gu Xiuyi like this before.
·
When he returned home in the evening, Ji Ruan was not able to eat veal steak as expected.
The combined effects of popcorn and ice cream made his fragile stomach rebel. He barely swallowed a few mouthfuls of porridge. After Gu Xiuyi fed him medicine, he could only lie in bed with a pale face.
After taking a shower, Gu Xiuyi quietly squeezed into Ji Ruan's bed, rubbed his palms to warm them up, and reached into his pajamas to cover his stomach. His waist and abdomen were thin and thin, and he had not gained any weight in such a long time. Now his belly was still cold and felt pitiful to the touch.
Gu Xiuyi felt a little distressed: "Are you still feeling bad, baby?"
Ji Ruan turned over and buried herself in his arms, her cheeks and lips were pale, which made Gu Xiuyi feel distressed and angry: "I told you to eat less ice cream, but you didn't believe it. You are the one who is suffering."
Ji Ruan was also a little angry: "I also said that I didn't mean it. Bai Yue's expression at that time was really wonderful."
I want to laugh when I talk about Gu Xiuyi. I feel helpless towards Ji Ruan.
This child is heartless and treats everything as a drama. Even when he was vividly describing today's exciting events to Aunt Zhao, he suddenly started to have a stomachache.
The pain was so sudden that he bent over and his face turned pale.
It also scared Gu Xiuyi.
Gu Xiuyi touched Ji Ruan's belly with lingering fear: "Okay, okay, I don't blame you, I blame myself for not taking good care of you."
Ji Ruan rubbed Gu Xiuyi's shoulder angrily, and the matter was over.
After a while, he suddenly looked up at Gu Xiuyi and said, "You're not really going to let that Lao Gao do the business, are you?"
Gu Xiuyi smiled at Ji Ruan's slightly worried look and said, "Of course not. All projects are carried out according to regulations and procedures. There is a strict review system. I don't have the final say."
Ji Ruan was relieved: "That's good."
Gu Xiuyi pinched his chin and said, "Why, are you afraid that I will be blinded by lust and hand over the business just because someone praises you?"
Ji Ruan's cheeks were a little red, and he said embarrassedly: "...No, I'm just worried."
"Don't worry," Gu Xiuyi hugged him and patted his back gently, "I will work hard to make a lot of money. After all, there is a big money nugget at home that can't be supported without a mountain of gold and silver. No matter what, I can't squander it and go bankrupt, right?"
Ji Ruan smiled and tapped his chest: "How can I be so difficult to support?"
"Yes, yes, yes," Gu Xiuyi begged for mercy: "I was wrong. My baby is not difficult to raise. I am the one who is afraid."
"What are you afraid of?"
Ji Ruan's eyes were bright, and when he smiled, the light rippled, as if there was a stream hidden in his eyes.
Gu Xiuyi looked at him quietly, then leaned over and kissed his eyes.
"I'm afraid you'll get sick, I'm afraid I can't take good care of you, I'm afraid I can't support you."
Whenever Gu Xiuyi mentioned his health, he would unconsciously become more serious, and sometimes even look a little worried.
Ji Ruan shrank into his arms, hugged his waist in a comforting gesture, and whispered, "I won't."
Gu Xiuyi gently stroked Ji Ruan's back: "Well, no."
It seemed like he was comforting Ji Ruan, and also like he was comforting himself.
He touched Ji Ruan's chest and abdomen: "Does your stomach still hurt?"
"It doesn't hurt anymore," Ji Ruan poked his head out of his arms, smiling at him with messy hair: "But you rub it for me again."
Gu Xiuyi could never resist this kind of coquetry.
"Okay." he said with a smile.
But in the end he came up to me and kissed me.
"Um...ah, what are you doing!" Ji Ruan pushed him away with some strength, panting unhappily: "I asked you to rub my belly, not to kiss me."
Gu Xiuyi put his palm on Ji Ruan's stomach and rubbed it gently, still leaning over to kiss him without stopping, and said vaguely:
"I am a business baby, and I need to charge for hiring people."
Ji Ruan paused, suppressed his laughter and turned his head away:
"Neuropathy."
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