Boyfriend Always Thinks I’m a Little Pitiful Chapter 108

Xie Ci sat in a single-seater sofa, occasionally turning a page of the book spread open on his lap, but most of the time his attention was on Gu Yufeng, who was climbing up and down the bookshelf.

With a low curse, Gu Yufeng, holding a small card he had just found, turned around on the wooden ladder and waved at Xie Ci, "Hand me a pen."

"Still need to draft?" Xie Ci went to the desk, picked up a pen, and handed it over.

Gu Yufeng showed him the hint question on the card, "Can you mentally solve this advanced math problem for me? It's a good thing you didn't become a teacher, otherwise those old devils in the Yi Zhong question group would be out of a job."

Still so sharp-tongued. Xie Ci glanced at the multiple-choice question on the paper, "Is it my fault again?"

Gu Yufeng took the pen and started writing the derivation process in the blank space, not forgetting to respond, "I really don't know if you want me to find it or not. Can't you give me some simpler questions?"

Xie Ci: "Like what?"

Gu Yufeng casually said, "Like who does Xie Ci love the most? A. Gu Yufeng, B. Gu Yuhuo, C. Gu Yulei, D. Gu Yudian. Then I could use the process of elimination to get the right answer without bothering you for a pen."

"Good thing your dad only has one son." Xie Ci chuckled, "Without Xiao Fang in the options, this question is not up to standard."

"Xiao Fang is retired, and you're still thinking about it?" Gu Yufeng looked down at Xie Ci standing at the bottom of the ladder, his gaze tracing from Xie Ci's Adam's apple to his raised chin, "I'm young and not neutered, can't you think about me?"

Xie Ci: "… You make it sound like I'm some kind of pervert who would do something to a dog."

"Who's making it difficult for me?"

Gu Yufeng calculated the answer, got option B, and according to the hint in option B, 8-5-6, he went to the eighth row, fifth column, took out the sixth book, and found the next hint card, with a line of Xie Ci's handwriting on it.

[Please go to the second-floor guest room dressing room, open the second drawer on the left.]

"Is this the end? So simple." Gu Yufeng tucked the card between his fingers, smugly taunting Xie Ci, "Teacher Xie, aren't you going to make it a bit harder? I haven't had enough fun yet."

Xie Ci raised an eyebrow, "If you want to play, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future."

Gu Yufeng smugly descended the ladder, passed by Xie Ci, and swaggered up the stairs, "Let me find the love letter first, I want you to read it to me."

"Looking forward to it." Xie Ci didn't follow, returning to the sofa to read.

In the second-floor guest room, Gu Yufeng found the drawer corresponding to the hint, inside was a paper box about thirty to forty centimeters long, with a familiar small card on top.

[Congratulations on passing the test, please draw a reward, proceed to (10-9-9) for the next test.]

"There's more." Gu Yufeng picked up the card, saw the slit underneath, reached in to feel a small ball, opened it, and found a folded note inside.

[Draw again.]

Gu Yufeng: "…"

Gu Yufeng picked another one.

[Draw again.]

[Draw again.]

[Draw again.]

Gu Yufeng gritted his teeth, growing more curious about what the prize could be, it was so hard to draw, it really piqued his competitive spirit.

On the sixth try, it finally wasn't "draw again," and Gu Yufeng was delighted.

[Congratulations on winning the grand prize]

[Abstinence for half a year.]

[Please redeem your reward with Xie Ci using this note]

Gu Yufeng angrily threw the note back.

He had overestimated Xie Ci's emotional intelligence; this was clearly a prank game, love letter? Nonexistent!

Xie Ci heard footsteps at the staircase, looked up to see Gu Yufeng's eyes not looking like eyes, nose not looking like a nose, his face changing faster than flipping a book.

"Got the reward?"

Gu Yufeng leisurely spoke, "Indulging for half a year, six to seven times a day, I'm afraid you can't handle it."

Xie Ci: "…"

"When I get all the rewards, I'll have a good talk with you." Gu Yufeng seemed to be gritting his teeth, returning to the bookshelf with even more determination than before.

Xie Ci watched Gu Yufeng with a sullen face, angrily searching for cards, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

The second round seemed to be a memory test because the questions had completely changed style.

[What color shirt was Xie Ci wearing the first time you went to his house for dinner? A. Black, B. Gray.]

[Where was your first date with Xie Ci? A. Opera House, B. Art Gallery.]

[What was the first gift you gave Xie Ci? A. Cufflinks, B. Tie]

From the options, Gu Yufeng judged that this "first time" wasn't in this life, but in the previous one, which was eleven years ago.

It's amazing Xie Ci remembered so clearly, using these things to test him.

His memory wasn't worse than Xie Ci's.

Gu Yufeng answered quickly, with almost no hesitation.

With each question, memories flashed before his eyes, suddenly realizing that Xie Ci's expressions, the words he said, and the emotions of curiosity, anticipation, happiness, and anxiety he felt back then were still vivid, as if it happened yesterday.

Fifteen questions were all found in over half an hour, and Gu Yufeng pulled out the fifth book from the second row, fourth column, finding the reward hint card for this round.

[Please go to the kitchen, open the rightmost cabinet inside.]

These were places he usually wouldn't go.

Gu Yufeng walked up to Xie Ci, shaking the card in his hand, "What did you put this time?"

Xie Ci, resting his hand on the armrest, ready to turn the page, looked up at the words, "Why don't you go see for yourself?"

Gu Yufeng found the corresponding cabinet, opened it, and inside was another paper box, just taller, with a card on top.

[Congratulations on passing the test, please draw a reward, proceed to (6-9-9) for the next test.]

The box had no lottery opening, Gu Yufeng tried to open the lid, and inside was a lottery barrel. He was about to casually pick one, but remembering the lesson from the last round, he rubbed his hands.

Can't be unlucky every time, right?

He wasn't even nervous during a negotiation, but drawing a lottery made him nervous, his heart in his throat.

Gu Yufeng took a deep breath, drew a bamboo stick, and the lower part had Xie Ci's handwritten calligraphy.

[Top Fortune]

[Don't worry, this time it's really a good one]

Gu Yufeng: "…"

You know your rewards aren't reliable?

Gu Yufeng curiously flipped to the back.

[Clear your wish list]

Gu Yufeng's heart settled, almost instantly listing a whole wish list in his mind.

Having Xie Ci propose was impossible, but he could still look forward to the wedding and honeymoon.

Gu Yufeng's mood improved, smiling as he held the stick out, suddenly realizing.

For a reward in a little game, he was getting angry and happy, completely played by Xie Ci.

Xie Ci waited for Gu Yufeng, expecting him to come out happy this time, but instead, he had a half-smile, unreadable expression.

"Didn't get the reward you wanted?" Xie Ci was genuinely puzzled.

Gu Yufeng walked up to Xie Ci, propped a hand on the sofa back, leaned in close, "You gave me so many questions, how about I give you one? If you get it right, you can draw a stick, and I'll make it happen for you."

Xie Ci looked up into his beautiful eyes, nonchalantly agreeing, "Teacher Gu, please ask."

Gu Yufeng: "Our first kiss, was it you or me who initiated it?"

Xie Ci: "Of course, it was you."

"Wrong, it was clearly you."

Gu Yufeng's fingertip pressed against his chest, smiling mischievously, "Forgetting such an important moment, aren't you too unfaithful?"

Xie Ci calmly replied, "It was indeed me who kissed you first, but you tempted me first, I was passively responding, so if we're counting who initiated, it was you."

"Don't twist the facts." Gu Yufeng retorted, "We hadn't known each other long, how could I have tempted you?"

Xie Ci saw Gu Yufeng was serious, recalling the situation back then.

It was at Gu Yufeng's place in Country D, after watching a musical, he sent Gu Yufeng home, and Gu Yufeng invited him in for a drink.

They sat down to drink and chat, he went to take a call midway, came back to see Gu Yufeng leaning against the sofa back, looking at him with deep affection, and even closed his eyes, wasn't that an invitation?

Xie Ci thought so, and asked, only to see Gu Yufeng with a speechless expression.

"Two days before the date, I had just pulled an all-nighter, and the movie was too boring, making me drowsy. I just wanted to see if you were back, if not, I'd nap a bit, didn't expect you to suddenly kiss me."

Xie Ci was puzzled, "You closed your eyes after seeing me."

Gu Yufeng: "I'm nearsighted, and the lights weren't on, couldn't see anything at that distance."

Xie Ci: "…"

So he misunderstood?

The "deep affectionate gaze" was just a nearsighted person looking dazed because he couldn't see clearly?

Xie Ci rubbed his temples, feeling a headache.

How did they manage to get married in the last life?

Thinking back, Gu Yufeng inviting him for a drink in the middle of the night, he really had the guts to go in, and they actually just sat and drank, who was more foolish?

"Heh…" Xie Ci chuckled.

"What are you laughing at?" Gu Yufeng curiously pushed him, "Don't try to cheat, wrong is wrong."

Xie Ci suppressed his laughter, asking the bewildered Gu Yufeng, "Don't you know what it means to invite a date home at midnight?"

Gu Yufeng opened his mouth, wanting to say he didn't think much at the time, but it didn't fit his persona, wanting to say he knew, but that would play right into Xie Ci's hands.

"I asked who initiated the kiss, don't go off-topic."

Xie Ci didn't follow his lead, instead seriously asking, "Honestly, was this your first relationship?"

Gu Yufeng wanted to deny it, but under Xie Ci's gaze, he couldn't say it.

They'd been together for so many years, even if his persona was exposed, it wouldn't affect anything, just that Xie Ci might laugh at him for a long time.

Gu Yufeng pretended to be calm, chuckling, "Not just my first relationship, it was also my first kiss."

Xie Ci raised an eyebrow, thinking, as expected, "Me too."

Gu Yufeng's eyelid twitched.

"You too—?!"

Seeing Xie Ci's expression wasn't joking, memories flashed before Gu Yufeng's eyes, from shock to disbelief to bewilderment, slowly realizing.

It sounded absurd, but not without traces, instead, it felt like everything made sense.

Especially Xie Ci's "first love" joke, which was very straightforward, but he didn't take it seriously.

Being fooled for so many years, Gu Yufeng laughed in anger, not knowing whether to be mad at Xie Ci or himself.

"Great acting, President Xie."

Xie Ci nodded, "Likewise."

Gu Yufeng thought of their pretentiousness in the last life, those overt and covert calculations and schemes, those gains and losses and late-night overthinking, the more he thought, the funnier it got, burying his face in Xie Ci's neck, laughing uncontrollably.

"I'm really impressed, what else have you lied to me about, confess it all at once."

Xie Ci pulled him over to sit on his lap, thinking, "Besides gender, I can't guarantee anything else."

Just as he finished speaking, he got bitten on the neck.

"Born with a scumbag's physique."

Xie Ci didn't deny it, just laughed, soon hearing Gu Yufeng's low laughter in his ear.

Small cards scattered all over the floor, leaving only the sound of their laughter in the small hall.

Xie Ci patted the person in his arms, "Still treasure hunting?"

Gu Yufeng nudged forward, rubbing against Xie Ci, lightly biting his ear, "Let me finish finding the rewards, then we'll have seven rounds tonight."

Xie Ci slapped his butt with a warning, "Don't arbitrarily change the reward content."

"That's not up to you." Gu Yufeng pressed Xie Ci's shoulder to get up, casually grabbing a piece of fried small fish to continue treasure hunting, "What I want, I'll take myself."

Xie Ci: "…"

Who knows who'll be begging for mercy then.

The third round's questions had switched from the last life to this one.

[Which bar did Xie Ci work at? A. Twilight, B. Night.]

[On which street did you snatch Xie Ci's stall? A. Xingfu South Road, B. Xingfu West Road.]

[What punishment did we receive after bringing marinated food into the dormitory? A. Stand + 500-word reflection, B. Stand.]

[What did we do the first time we climbed the wall to skip class? A. Auction, B. Date.]

Gu Yufeng could basically tell the answers at a glance, only two questions involving being punished by Lao Xiang were uncertain, as he was punished too many times in that half-year at Yi Zhong, his reflection papers were numb.

He got one question wrong, took a detour of three questions, and smoothly got the hint card at the end of the round.

[Please go to the right side of the bookshelf, pull open the bottom two compartments.]

"Pull open?" Gu Yufeng curiously walked over, squatted down to look, tried pulling to the side, and with little effort, the three compartments at the bottom slid open like sliding doors, revealing a safe embedded inside.

A card was stuck on the safe.

[Congratulations on passing the test, please ask Xie Ci for the safe password to get the reward, code "Husband, open the door for me"]

Gu Yufeng: "…"

Such a tease!

Gu Yufeng tore off the card, turned to find Xie Ci.

"President Xie is so calculating, aren't you afraid I'll just give up?"

Xie Ci quickly browsed the suspense novel spread on his lap, turned a page, and leisurely replied, "Aren't you curious what's inside?"

Gu Yufeng: "…"

Of course, he's curious.

After searching all night, giving up at the last moment wasn't his style.

Xie Ci's gaze was on the book, but he didn't read a word, his peripheral vision watching Gu Yufeng's reaction, seeing him walk over, pretending to be calm as he turned the page.

Gu Yufeng circled behind the sofa, hugged Xie Ci's shoulders from behind, bent down to breathe in his ear, "Husband, help me~"

Xie Ci: "…"

Who can out-tease you?

Gu Yufeng's hand caressed Xie Ci's neck and collarbone, single-handedly unbuttoning his shirt, exploring inside, humming a few times in his ear.

"Hurry up, I can't wait~"

"…" Xie Ci grabbed his hand, reported the password.

Gu Yufeng held back a laugh, "Surrendering already?"

Xie Ci: "Go open the box, weren't you impatient?"

Gu Yufeng successfully opened the safe, inside was nothing but a square box.

"Another lottery?"

A sticky note was stuck on the lid, with a few bold pen strokes, writing "To Feng."

Gu Yufeng instinctively felt this reward was different from the previous ones, his playful mood subsided a bit, casually sitting on the carpet, placing the box in front of him to open.

Seeing the contents, his eyes flashed, gently picking it up.

It was a group photo from high school graduation, two identical ones, one of which should be his.

Back then, he hurried back to take the photo and left, thinking the homeroom teacher Xiang Haibin gave the photo to his dad, didn't expect Xie Ci to keep it.

Gu Yufeng's gaze swept over the youthful faces in the photo, some even recalling one or two scenes, like the always sharp-tongued Yang He, and the boy too timid to ask Xie Ci questions, finally bringing a girl along.

His gaze fell on the last row, he and Xie Ci standing side by side, their smiling faces showing a hint of childishness, radiating vibrant vitality like the morning sun.

Gu Yufeng stared at the two people in the photo, feeling a sense of temporal dislocation, like dreaming, yet incredibly real.

He shouldn't have been in this photo, the former senior class one didn't have him, but because of rebirth, he altered history, forcibly intertwining more with Xie Ci's life.

This photo proved he had been there.

"How's the photo?"

Xie Ci's voice sounded behind him, Gu Yufeng turned his head, "Why is it with you?"

Xie Ci sat down, wrapping his arms around him from the front, "Lao Fang asked for your address in Country D, I had him send it directly to me."

Under the photo was an album, Gu Yufeng picked it up to open, didn't expect it wasn't an album.

"What's this?"

Xie Ci: "Yearbook, sent to me along with the photo, heard Lao Jiang and the others prepared it, they also asked each classmate to write something for us."

Yearbooks are truly a relic of the times, Xie Ci had long forgotten about such things, never bought one in the last life.

"Looks interesting." Gu Yufeng eagerly flipped through, each page was different students' personal information and messages for him.

Flipping to Yang He's page, Gu Yufeng glanced at the message on the back.

[Although we were classmates for only half a year, you're excellent, I apologize for the harsh words I once said, wish you a bright future.]

Flipping further, he found Fang Size and the others'.

Zhang Ruochuan: [You and Lao Xie are both gone, so sad, don't forget us!]

Jiang Chenyu: [Wuwuwu Lao Gu, can't bear to see you go, come back for another semester, haven't taken you to the arcade yet!]

Fang Size wrote a long paragraph in neat handwriting.

[... Time doesn't age, we won't part. Keep in touch, finally wishing you both a long-lasting relationship.]

"These guys…" Gu Yufeng laughed while reading, feeling a bit touched, imagining how these guys looked when writing these words, also finding it funny, "Does everyone have to write for everyone else? Means writing dozens of copies?"

"Yeah." Xie Ci kept a straight face, "Good thing we ran fast."

Under the yearbook were a few certificates, first-place awards from the sports meet, previously posted on the bulletin board at the back of the classroom, taken down by Fang Size before graduation and sent to Xie Ci.

Gu Yufeng looked through them one by one, "Frame them and put them in my study."

Xie Ci: "Whatever makes you happy."

Gu Yufeng set the certificates aside, took out a photo frame from the box, turned it over, and was stunned.

Under the exploding fireworks, they were kissing, the image quality wasn't great, but the composition and atmosphere were just right.

"How is there this photo?" Gu Yufeng suddenly turned to ask Xie Ci, "Did you use computer technology to make it?"

At the music festival in the hot spring town, during the fireworks, he kissed Xie Ci taking advantage of the atmosphere, Xie Ci couldn't have prepared for a photo in advance.

"Wang Wei accidentally took it." Xie Ci casually explained, "They've known about our relationship for a long time."

Before studying abroad, Wang Wei suddenly said she had something to discuss, wanted to meet privately, gave this photo for him to decide whether to keep it, maybe thinking he and Gu Yufeng would go their separate ways, not wanting him to have any regrets.

Gu Yufeng looked at the photo, "It's really well taken, if there's a chance to meet, I should thank her in person."

Xie Ci: "You might see her next month at Lao Zhang's wedding."

Speaking of weddings, Gu Yufeng thought of the long-awaited proposal, his good mood slightly dampened, silently setting down the photo, unexpectedly finding another small box in the box, because it was all black, not very noticeable, his attention was on the photo earlier, overlooked it.

This palm-sized velvet box reignited Gu Yufeng's anticipation.

"What's this?" Gu Yufeng picked it up, pretending to be calm, but couldn't suppress the smile at the corners of his mouth.

Xie Ci was amused by his reaction, "Open it and see?"

Gu Yufeng turned to warn him, "Don't mess with me again."

Xie Ci raised an eyebrow, didn't respond.

Seeing his deadpan look, Gu Yufeng didn't say more, solemnly opened the velvet box, inside was indeed a pair of rings, silver bands with a simple yet stylish design, suddenly remembering something, he turned to ask Xie Ci, "When did you buy these?"

"During sophomore year, after dinner we passed by, didn't you look at this ring several times?"

Xie Ci lifted Gu Yufeng's left hand, took off the ring on his middle finger, casually tossed it into the trash.

"It's expensive." Gu Yufeng said, but didn't stop him.

Xie Ci discarded it so decisively, he must have been displeased with that ring for a long time.

"Bought it so early." Gu Yufeng teased, "Seems you were quite eager too."

Xie Ci chuckled, didn't deny it, took out a ring and placed it on Gu Yufeng's left ring finger, looking into his eyes, solemnly said, "Let's get married."

This proposal had no flowers, no candlelit dinner, no fancy romantic elements, just their bare hearts, yet it moved Gu Yufeng more than any other moment.

"Do you know how long I've waited for this moment?" Gu Yufeng tightly held Xie Ci's hand, his voice slightly hoarse, "Eleven years, and finally, you're mine."

After experiencing deceit and scheming, life and death, reincarnation and rebirth, this path spanned two lifetimes, they walked it clumsily and arduously for eleven years.

Xie Ci caressed the corner of Gu Yufeng's eye, kissed his brow, "I've always been yours."

Just as he finished speaking, Xie Ci was tackled to the ground.

Gu Yufeng sat on Xie Ci, took off his shirt and tossed it aside, looking down at him with slightly lowered eyes, "On such a joyous day, we should celebrate properly, let's start with seven rounds here."

"…" Xie Ci was speechless, "I haven't finished speaking, and my ring isn't on yet."

"Can't wait." Gu Yufeng's hand slipped under Xie Ci's shirt, kissing and biting his neck, "We can talk while doing it, I've upgraded my gear, I'm terrifyingly strong now."

Xie Ci: "…"

Two engineering guys are indeed immune to romance.

In the end, because the floor was too hard, Xie Ci carried Gu Yufeng back to the bedroom, as for that ring, Xie Ci finally had a chance to wear it by noon the next day.

Gu Yufeng originally wanted to go out to celebrate the proposal, but last night's antics were too wild, he got a fever, and was ordered by Xie Ci to rest at home.

"Still feeling strong now?" Xie Ci sat by the bed, helping Gu Yufeng wipe his sweat.

Gu Yufeng thought for a moment, seriously said, "Seven rounds were indeed a bit much, six rounds tonight will do."

Xie Ci: "… Are you from a suicide squad?"

Gu Yufeng's gaze swept over Xie Ci's left hand, pulled it over to kiss the ring, "Find a time to go home with me, tell them the news, then we'll register."

"Okay." Xie Ci caressed the bite mark on his shoulder, "Does it hurt?"

Gu Yufeng shook his head, "Stay with me for a nap."

Xie Ci lay down beside him, they slept until after three in the afternoon.

By evening, Gu Yufeng's fever had mostly subsided, after dinner, he took Xie Ci to his study, moving a box that hadn't been opened since moving.

Xie Ci recognized the box, "Didn't you say there were things in there you couldn't let me see?"

"My most shameful things have been shown to you, what else can't be seen?" Gu Yufeng opened the box, took out an album, and handed it to Xie Ci, "In the end, we were doing the same thing."

Xie Ci curiously took it and opened it, a bit surprised.

They were photos from high school, individual and group photos with others, and some with both of them, from sports meets to hiking activities, even a few candid shots of him in the classroom.

At the back were a few photos from their university days, but not many.

"And your To signature for me." Gu Yufeng placed the framed picture on his desk.

Xie Ci glanced at the casually written words from back then, "You kept it?"

He thought Gu Yufeng would have thrown it away long ago.

"I've carried it with me all these years, like you're always by my side." Gu Yufeng leaned against the desk next to Xie Ci, seeing his incredulous look, laughed in exasperation, "I need spiritual support too."

Xie Ci ruffled Gu Yufeng's hair, "We won't be apart for so long again."

Their conversation returned to the photos, Gu Yufeng wanted to plan how to display them.

"There used to be no photos of us at home, now there are, it feels more like home."

Watching Gu Yufeng fret over how to decorate their home, Xie Ci leaned closer, kissing Gu Yufeng on the cheek, "There will be more and more."

With Desen's matter completely settled, Xie Ci had fewer tasks on hand, discussing with Gu Yufeng about finding time to return to Country D, but Rongyu collapsed first.

Under multiple attacks, the major and minor capitals holding Rongyu shares couldn't withstand the pressure, withdrew to cut losses, causing the stock price to plummet further, Rongyu's market value severely shrank, exacerbating financing difficulties, falling into a vicious cycle.

At the same time, Rongyu's products faced a comprehensive boycott, sales plummeted over the past few months, revenue dropped sharply, and the capital chain couldn't be sustained.

Under multiple pressures, Rongyu had to sell at a low price, but insiders knew the twists and turns, no one dared to take over the mess, finally, Qingfeng and DR jointly took control.

The high-priced Dolphin System Rongyu acquired eventually returned to Xie Ci's hands.

When Rongyu's president Aisite met Gu Yufeng and Xie Ci again, these two had become his bosses, no longer the same level to negotiate at the same table.

Facing two bosses much younger than himself, Aisite had no choice but to stay, lacking the capital to negotiate with the bosses, he either left or stayed, ultimately deciding to stay as a senior employee.

The first move of the new management was to target the Shark System, announcing the cessation of investment in Shark System development, shifting focus to Dolphin as the core project for autonomous driving systems.

In the last life, the Shark System became a killing tool in Desen's hands, such a thing, Xie Ci couldn't keep it.

In mid-June, Ye Yurou and her husband's fraud case went to trial, Xie Ci returned to the country, attending the hearing with Xie Qian.

During the trial, his "honest" uncle cried, claiming everything was orchestrated by his aunt, he knew nothing, Chen Zhanpeng had a similar testimony, cursing his aunt for ruining his life, silenced by the lawyer.

Meanwhile, his aunt Ye Yurou looked defeated, long gone was her sharp and shrewd demeanor, as if knowing her life was over.

Xie Ci surprisingly understood her thoughts at that moment.

His aunt treated the family as a business, and the betrayal by Chen Xinhong and his son was a bigger blow than imprisonment, destroying her last line of defense.

Sometimes he felt his aunt and his unseen mother Ye Yuman were two extremes.

His mother decisively left after the family situation changed, never getting involved again, while his aunt clung tightly, even enduring domestic violence, outwardly maintaining the facade of a happy family, as if to prove she was living better than her sister.

The first trial sentenced Ye Yurou and her husband to ten years in prison, Chen Zhanpeng to eight years.

The father and son were so scared they went weak in the knees, eventually dragged back.

Two days before Zhang Ruochuan's wedding, Xie Ci suddenly received a call from Xie Hongguang, saying he wanted to talk.

In a tea room private room, Xie Ci met Xie Hongguang, whom he hadn't seen in half a year, the old man's hair was completely white, suddenly looking ten years older.

Xie Hongguang talked about many topics, Xie Ci could see the old man was trying hard to have something to talk about with him.

"Are you married?" Xie Hongguang noticed the ring on Xie Ci's ring finger, cautiously, even with a bit of humility, asked, "Which family's girl? Have you had the wedding?"

If it were before, Xie Ci thought the old man would probably knock his cane, questioning him, "How could you get married without telling the family?!"

"It's not a girl from any family, it's Qingfeng's little Gu."

Noticing Xie Hongguang's sudden change in expression, Xie Ci spoke as usual, "The wedding hasn't been held yet, we'll consider it after this busy period, we're still young, no rush."

Xie Hongguang moved his mouth, finally squeezing out a sentence, "With your conditions, why can't you find a partner? Why insist on a man?"

"Who I choose is my freedom."

Xie Ci set down the teacup, leisurely looking at him, "Did you call me out today just to lecture me?"

Xie Hongguang struggled with his thoughts for a long time, finally swallowing all his words.

"The company has some issues, I wanted to ask for your help."

After hearing him stammer for a while, Xie Ci confirmed that Xie Corporation's finances were in big trouble.

Xie Family's investment vision was poor, losing seven or eight out of ten investments, no amount of money could withstand such squandering, coupled with the stubbornness of the top management, the middle management had no place to exert their strength, decline was inevitable.

Xie Hongguang sought him out, hoping he would invest to help Xie Family through the current crisis.

After speaking, Xie Hongguang gripped his cane tightly, extremely nervous.

Although Xie Ci had conflicts with the family, he was still a Xie family member, when the family was in trouble, shouldn't he lend a hand?

"Okay."

Xie Hongguang breathed a sigh of relief, only to hear Xie Ci continue, "I'll hand this over to the evaluation team, how much help can be provided will depend on the evaluation results."

This businesslike attitude made Xie Hongguang's face stiffen.

"We're family, can't you show a little sentiment?"

"Old Master Xie, you helped me solve some small troubles before, I'm grateful, but you're also the cause of my family's breakup, I can't pretend nothing happened."

Under Xie Hongguang's embarrassed gaze, Xie Ci spoke calmly, "But today we're talking business, setting aside personal grievances, in business, we only talk about interests, not feelings. If you insist on talking about feelings, I won't give a penny."

These words were too blunt and cold, especially coming from his grandson, making it hard for Xie Hongguang to maintain his composure, but he couldn't refuse outright, ultimately having to compromise and agree to Xie Ci's plan.

Leaving the tea room, Xie Ci got into the car driven by his assistant and left.

Watching the car disappear into traffic, Xie Hongguang couldn't suppress his regret.

If he had listened to A Qian's thoughts back then, not pursued relentlessly after his marriage, tried to accept this small family, would things have been different?

Would Xie Ci have grown up in a complete family, supporting the entire Xie family industry, A Qian wouldn't have developed depression, and he and his wife could have spent their remaining years surrounded by children and grandchildren, peacefully and smoothly.

Unfortunately, he realized it too late.

The secretary beside him asked worriedly, "Should we think of another way? Maybe he'll change his mind?"

Xie Hongguang shook his head, "As long as the Xie family still bears the Xie name, that's enough for me, as for which Xie, I can't care anymore…"

On June 28th, Zhang Ruochuan got married, the young couple ultimately decided to hold the wedding at the Gu Family Hotel, upon learning this, Gu Yufeng upgraded the specifications to the highest level.

The wedding scene was luxurious and grand, every invited guest praised it, Zhang Ruochuan's classmates were amazed, wondering if this wedding would directly bankrupt them.

"With my family's conditions, we can't afford such a good wedding." Zhang Ruochuan smiled at a group of classmates, "Thanks to my friend's help."

"Where did you make such friends, with such strong financial power? Introduce us." Someone joked.

Zhang Ruochuan: "He's my high school classmate, he'll be here soon."

Not long after, Jiang Chenyu and the others arrived one after another.

This group of law students looked, wow, not just rich second-generation, but also the mayor's daughter, each one was extraordinary.

They always thought Zhang Ruochuan was like them, a poor guy, didn't expect his circle of friends to be so powerful!

While talking, there was a commotion outside the hall, they looked up to see a Bentley pulling over, the rear door opened, and a handsome man in a suit got out, his cold face and black hair paired with a silver-gray suit, creating a full visual impact.

"That looks like a rich person!" Someone in the group exclaimed.

"Ah, don't you recognize him? That's DR Group's CEO, Xie Ci!"

"How did such a big shot come?!"

"Just passing by, right?!"

"Lao Xie!" Zhang Ruochuan, who was greeting guests, took the initiative to go over.

The group: "…?!!"

He really came to the wedding?! Zhang Ruochuan calling him Lao Xie, as if they were very familiar!

Xie Ci exchanged a few words of blessing with the newlyweds.

Zhang Ruochuan looked behind him, "Where's Lao Gu?"

Xie Ci explained, "He went back to Country D a few days ago, just got off the plane, still on the way."

"Captain Xie!"

Hearing the voice, Xie Ci turned to see Shen Qiuyue and Wang Wei approaching, Shen Qiuyue had some baby fat in high school, now she looked more refined and beautiful, Wang Wei had permed her hair and wore makeup, looking much gentler.

"Still recognize us?" Shen Qiuyue looked up at Xie Ci, unable to hide her excitement.

Xie Ci was a bit helpless, "Of course, I recognize you."

Shen Qiuyue giggled, "Look at me now, do you feel like pursuing me?"

Xie Ci: "…"

Beside her, Wang Wei laughed and explained, "She's been working hard for blind dates recently."

Xie Ci understood, re-evaluating Shen Qiuyue, "Very pretty, I'm afraid those guys you're dating aren't worthy of you."

"Wow!" Shen Qiuyue exclaimed, "I must be the first girl you've complimented as pretty, right? Why don't you just pursue me?"

Xie Ci: "No, someone would get jealous."

Shen Qiuyue and Wang Wei exchanged knowing smiles, their gaze sweeping over the ring on Xie Ci's left hand.

"Are you already married?" Shen Qiuyue tentatively asked.

Jiang Chenyu, who had just returned from chatting with others, overheard this, cursed, "Lao Xie, you're married?! We haven't seen each other for just over a month, you're so fast."

Fang Size adjusted his glasses, "I wanted to ask earlier, how come there's no news at all?"

Zhang Ruochuan: "Me too."

Mainly afraid of asking about something unpleasant, didn't dare to ask.

"Just successfully proposed, haven't held the wedding yet." Xie Ci calmly responded under everyone's curious gaze.

The only one unaware, Jiang Chenyu, was anxious, "When will you bring your wife out to meet us, so we can hang out together?"

Fang Size and the others: "…"

Only you dare to call her sister-in-law.

Before Xie Ci could respond, several cars arrived, all teachers from Yi Zhong, more than half of whom Xie Ci knew, including Xiang Haibin.

"Lao Xiang!" Jiang Chenyu was the first to greet him, "Come, come, we're having a class reunion today!"

Xiang Haibin laughed, "Let me greet the newlyweds first."

Unintentionally looking up, he saw Xie Ci, his eyes widened in recognition, "Are you Xie Ci?"

Xie Ci nodded, taking two steps closer, "Teacher Xiang, long time no see."

"Oh wow! Good, good, good!" Xiang Haibin looked him up and down, unable to hide his joy and relief, "I knew you'd make it!"

Thinking of the three years in high school when he wasn't abandoned, Xie Ci was genuinely grateful to Xiang Haibin.

In the last life, during high school, his experience and mindset were there, plus his attention was on family matters, often ignoring the people and things around him, his views were biased, once thinking Xiang Haibin always targeted him, but in this life, returning to high school, he saw clearly, Xiang Haibin didn't let down any student, he was a pretty good old man.

While they were chatting, other teachers who saw Xie Ci also gathered around to talk, especially the school leaders, looking at him like a golden Buddha, their eyes almost glued to him.

"School anniversary in October, President Xie, if you have time, come join us? Visit your alma mater, and see your old class." The principal smiled warmly.

Xie Ci understood their intentions, but for him now, he could leisurely do some things, like funding some research labs, or donating a building or two to his alma mater.

"Sure." Xie Ci nodded, "Let me know the time in advance, so I can arrange my work."

The principal, hearing this, smiled so broadly his face was full of wrinkles, "Definitely, definitely! I'll personally deliver the invitation!"

"Isn't that Lao Gu's car?"

Hearing Jiang Chenyu's words, Xie Ci looked in the direction, seeing a Porsche stop in front, Gu Yufeng got out wearing a black suit, his light-colored hair and eyes paired with the dark suit, a visual knockout.

Everyone held their breath, the surrounding chatter quieted, all eyes on him.

Inside, a group of law students: "…?!"

Even Qingfeng's little Gu, the young master of the Gu family, came?!

Zhang Ruochuan's circle of friends is unmatched!

After greeting Shen Qiuyue and the others, they noticed the ring on Gu Yufeng's left hand: "…!!"

The same style as Xie Ci's! Are they together?!

Only Jiang Chenyu was clueless, after greeting, he pointed at Gu Yufeng's ring, "Lao Gu, you also successfully proposed? Your ring looks like Lao Xie's, how did you 'match'?"

Hearing this, Gu Yufeng looked at Xie Ci's hand, feigning confusion, "It really does look a bit similar."

Jiang Chenyu looked back and forth several times, "Not a bit, it's exactly the same! Your tastes are so similar."

"What a coincidence." Gu Yufeng walked up to Xie Ci, "President Xie is getting married too?"

Xie Ci played along, "You too?"

Gu Yufeng slowly nodded, "Didn't expect the wedding rings to match President Xie's, seems our fates are intertwined."

Xie Ci: "My ring is custom-made, how could it match?"

Gu Yufeng was puzzled, "Mine is custom-made too."

Xie Ci suspiciously asked, "Let me see?"

Gu Yufeng raised his left hand to Xie Ci.

Xie Ci also raised his hand, comparing them together.

Others couldn't help but look at the two rings, the more they looked, the more alike they seemed.

"They really are the same." Xie Ci said, holding Gu Yufeng's hand down, naturally holding it.

Gu Yufeng returned the grip, chuckling, "See clearly? Don't get it wrong."

A faint smile appeared in Xie Ci's eyes, "Rings can be mistaken, but people can't?"

Others: "…?!!!"

What's going on?! How did they end up holding hands?!

Shen Qiuyue paused briefly, then started cheering, even the groom, Zhang Ruochuan, joined in.

"What's happening?" Jiang Chenyu was dumbfounded, looking around in confusion, seeing everyone cheering, only he was clueless, "Why are they holding hands?"

Fang Size quietly explained, "They've always been a couple, how come you haven't noticed until now?"

Jiang Chenyu's ears buzzed, "A couple? What do you mean? Aren't they both getting married?"

Fang Size: "They're indeed getting married, the rings are a pair, got it?"

Jiang Chenyu slowly widened his eyes, completely stunned.

Lao Xie and Lao Gu are a couple? Since when?!

Fang Size sympathetically patted Jiang Chenyu's shoulder, "You go sit at the kids' table."

Jiang Chenyu: "…"

Xie Ci and Gu Yufeng coming out at the hotel entrance didn't cause much commotion, but the news spread quickly, by the time the wedding banquet ended, everyone who needed to know already knew.

After the newlyweds' toasting session, many people rushed to toast Xie Ci and Gu Yufeng, many were high school classmates, even Jiang Chenyu and the others joined in.

Xie Ci and Gu Yufeng tried to decline as much as possible, but with so many people, they still drank quite a bit.

By the end, most guests had left, only a group of friends still partying, saying they wanted to crash the bridal chamber, Xie Ci and Gu Yufeng didn't follow, leaving the hotel hall together.

The night breeze was cool, at this hour, there weren't many cars on the road.

Both were reeking of alcohol, so Xie Ci took Gu Yufeng for a walk to clear their heads, two drivers following slowly in cars.

Gu Yufeng looked at Xie Ci's hair, slightly tousled by the wind, reaching out to remove a small leaf caught in it.

Xie Ci pulled his hand over to hold.

Gu Yufeng: "Holding hands doesn't feel awkward?"

Xie Ci: "If you don't hold hands, what kind of relationship is it?"

Gu Yufeng found the words familiar, it was what he said to Zhang Ruochuan before, amused, he asked, "You care a lot? Remembering this for so many years?"

"Wanting to hold the hand of the one you like, isn't that human nature?"

Xie Ci met his teasing gaze, slowly speaking, "We've come out now, I'll often hold your hand, you should get used to it."

The gentle yet firm attitude made Gu Yufeng sense that familiar difference, the feeling of marrying the same person in two lifetimes, yet completely different, doing things he wouldn't do before, experiencing feelings he never had before.

He once thought the way they interacted in the last life was the best, but looking back now, it was absurdly wrong.

He didn't truly like being respectful and distant, he just liked this person too much, subconsciously making many concessions, drawing boundaries to maintain order, fearing getting too involved would be inextricable, fearing exposing too much would increase the chances of stepping on landmines, leading to the collapse of the relationship.

Compared to the Xie Ci in the last life, who always respected him and maintained a sense of distance, he preferred the Xie Ci in front of him, sometimes gentle, sometimes cunning, sometimes strong, who would express needs and demands to him.

Gu Yufeng returned the grip on Xie Ci's hand, the two leisurely walking forward, chatting idly, "Tonight's wedding was really nice, I'm a bit envious."

Xie Ci: "Envious of the groom, or the bride?"

Gu Yufeng half-jokingly said, "If I say I'm envious of the bride, you won't secretly order a wedding dress, will you?"

Xie Ci: "You want to wear a wedding dress?"

Gu Yufeng: "If you wear it, I can try it too."

Xie Ci: "Then we'd probably be stuck on the news headlines, not coming down for a month."

Gu Yufeng laughed, "When did you ever care about public opinion?"

Xie Ci: "Not caring about others' opinions and deliberately making a fool of oneself are two different things, I have my pride too."

The dim streetlights stretched their shadows long, the early summer breeze carrying their soft whispers and occasional short, pleasant laughter.

Thinking of the familiar and unfamiliar high school classmates he saw tonight, and the yearbook he hadn't opened in six years, like opening a time capsule, with a strong sense of temporal overlap, like seeing both the past and present them, Gu Yufeng couldn't help but softly ask Xie Ci, "If you were to write a message for me, what would you write?"

Xie Ci looked at the straight road ahead, thought for a moment, and tightened his grip on Gu Yufeng's hand.

"This time, I won't miss you again."

—End of Main Story—