Boyfriend Always Thinks I’m a Little Pitiful Chapter 119

Chapter 119

"Another new schedule? How many times has it been now?"

On the other end of the phone, Gu Yufeng's tone was quite sharp. "Last week, you stood me up to meet some old guys from the group. The week before that, you had to return to the country. The week before that, you had a last-minute social event. None of your stuff can be postponed! I've been trying to meet my boyfriend for two months, and I haven't even seen a ghost of you!"

In the car, Xie Ci had his hand on the steering wheel, his gaze sweeping over the traffic lights ahead. After taking the scolding, he finally replied, "I was supposed to meet a client next Monday, but their schedule changed to Saturday. I promise I can make time next weekend."

"Next week again," Gu Yufeng's voice was a bit cold. "President Xie, how many 'next weeks' do you want me to wait?"

"You really want to see me that much?" Xie Ci inadvertently let out a teasing smile, hearing Gu Yufeng's frustrated sigh on the other end. Before the call could be hung up, he added unhurriedly, "I really want to see you too."

Gu Yufeng: "Really?"

Xie Ci: "I'm going crazy thinking about you, dreaming about you every day."

Gu Yufeng: "With President Xie's busy schedule, you still have time to dream?"

Xie Ci: "It shows how much I really miss you."

"What do you dream about?" Gu Yufeng's tone softened a bit.

Xie Ci: "I'll tell you when we meet next Saturday."

Gu Yufeng: "Keeping me in suspense?"

Xie Ci: "Some things are inconvenient to say over the phone."

"Here we go again," Gu Yufeng was quite dissatisfied.

A call came in, and Xie Ci glanced at it. It was a wealthy businessman he had recently closed a deal with, also from the son's group.

"I have a call, hold on a second," Xie Ci said to Gu Yufeng before answering the call.

The middle-aged man spoke fluent American English, cheerfully inviting Xie Ci to a party next Saturday, intending to introduce him to some business friends.

Xie Ci felt a bit helpless.

He had just promised to meet Gu Yufeng next Saturday, and if he agreed to this, he'd get scolded again.

"Xie? Can you hear me?" The businessman on the other end sounded puzzled.

Xie Ci calmly replied, "Sorry, the signal was bad just now. I'll definitely be there on time for the party on Saturday."

After hanging up with the businessman, Xie Ci tried to switch back to the call with Gu Yufeng, but the line was already disconnected.

He tried calling back, but it was hung up after just one ring, and it happened three times in a row.

Now he was really angry.

Back at the apartment, Xie Ci casually made something to eat, sat down to organize the materials he needed for tomorrow's social event, and around seven, he called Noke.

After confirming that Noke was home, he drove over with the materials.

Noke's wife, Annie, opened the door. Since Xie Ci often visited, they were quite familiar with each other.

"He's washing dishes, you can sit in the living room for a bit," Annie said, turning to make coffee for Xie Ci.

"Bro!" A six-year-old boy rushed down from upstairs, jumping up to hug Xie Ci's leg.

Annie stopped him, "I've told you many times, Xie is Uncle, not Bro, and don't be so rude, get off his leg."

"He's my brother." The boy looked up at Xie Ci expectantly, "Let's play darts together!"

Xie Ci led him inside, "Only until your dad finishes washing the dishes."

The boy gave a satisfied thumbs-up.

Before they reached the living room, a toddler with a pacifier toddled over, tugging at Xie Ci's pants for a hug.

This was Noke's younger son.

Xie Ci picked him up and sat down on the living room sofa.

When Noke finished in the kitchen and came to find Xie Ci, his older son was lying on the sofa facing away, sulking, while the younger one nestled in Xie Ci's arms like a pet.

"What's up with him?" Noke nodded towards his older son, taking the younger one to sit on a single seat nearby.

"He lost at darts and is reflecting," Xie Ci handed over the materials he brought, "I have something to do, I need to go to country D tomorrow. For the party with Mr. Smith on Saturday night, you go for me. Everything he wants to know is in the materials."

Noke opened the file bag, casually asking, "Is there a client in country D that needs development?"

Xie Ci: "No, it's personal."

"Personal?" Noke looked at Xie Ci in surprise.

This was the first time he heard of Xie Ci putting personal matters before work.

From the first day he met Xie Ci, Noke felt he was extraordinary, with an uncanny eye for investment and a seasoned approach to business, always hitting the mark, and never blinking when taking advantage of wealthy clients.

Noke even thought that Xie Ci, constrained by the company's early stage, held back during negotiations. Otherwise, he could strip those investors down to their underwear, making Noke often wonder what kind of big shot he was really partnering with.

The determination and focus Xie Ci showed towards work often made Noke forget that he wasn't even twenty yet, just a college student.

Noke subtly sensed something from Xie Ci's attitude, grinning slyly, "Going to see your girlfriend?"

Xie Ci didn't explain, just vaguely responded.

"This is so unlike you, leaving work to date," Noke shook his head in disbelief.

Xie Ci's gaze fell on the file in Noke's hand, his tone deep, "Working hard is for a better life. If you give up life for work, isn't that putting the cart before the horse?"

Noke was shocked, "Hearing that from a workaholic like you is unbelievable."

Xie Ci: ...!

Compared to his past life, he was already much more restrained.

Noke, with a gossipy face, asked, "What kind of girl is she? To have you so smitten, is she very beautiful or very outstanding?"

Thinking of how Gu Yufeng got angry and sarcastic on the phone today because they couldn't meet, a faint smile appeared in Xie Ci's eyes.

In his past life, even when things fell apart, Gu Yufeng was always dignified and restrained in front of him. He had never seen Gu Yufeng's childish side, never seen him vent his emotions freely, exposing his unseemly side completely.

Noke whistled like a rogue, "I'm really curious, what kind of person can win you over."

Xie Ci didn't explain much, "You'll see when I get married."

After entrusting the work to Noke, Xie Ci bought a ticket for the next evening's flight to country D. He wanted to tell Gu Yufeng, but the other was still angry and wouldn't answer his calls, so he had to go first and hope it would be a pleasant surprise, not a shock.

The next day, Friday, while Xie Ci was in class, a commercial flight from country D to country M landed smoothly.

A tall man, about 1.9 meters, followed the crowd out of the cabin. His invisible pressure made passersby unconsciously step aside, glancing up at him.

The young man wore a baseball cap and mask, dressed casually in a loose denim jacket over a black T-shirt, with loose pants and sneakers. The hand holding the boarding pass was beautiful, with long, distinct fingers, and a wrist adorned with an expensive watch.

A young girl passing by lingered her gaze on his hand for a moment.

The man had a faint scent of cologne, surprisingly without any unpleasant body odor.

Gu Yufeng retrieved his car from the parking lot and headed straight to Xie Ci's school.

After class in the afternoon, Xie Ci checked the time, preparing to drive to the airport.

"Xie Ci!"

A male student called out to Xie Ci, who was walking ahead, quickly catching up, "We're having a party tonight, why don't you come along?"

The student, Zhang Feng, was also from country C. Perhaps because they were fellow countrymen, he felt a special affinity for Xie Ci and naturally got closer than other students.

"No," Xie Ci declined, "I have something to do this afternoon."

"Why do you always have something to do? Working again? You can't keep doing this," the student thought Xie Ci was making excuses again, leaning in to whisper, "They said this opportunity won't come again!"

Friends, I heard there are several girls from the neighboring art department, very pretty and classy.

Students in country M are enthusiastic about various themed parties, which to Xie Ci seemed no different from the social gatherings of domestic college students. Most guys went to find potential partners, playing was just secondary.

Xie Ci: "If I don't go, won't you have one less competitor?"

Zhang Feng was momentarily speechless, opening his mouth, "That's true, but if you don't come, some girls won't either."

As they walked and talked, Zhang Feng saw that Xie Ci was unmoved, his tone carrying a hint of pleading, "They insisted I persuade you to come. I'm the hope of the village, just come, at least show your face and leave. You're smart and handsome, they all want to get close to you, but you don't pay attention to anyone. If this continues, your interpersonal relationships will suffer."

For most students, college classmates are excellent networking resources. It's relatively easy to meet people from different backgrounds in school. After graduation, everyone returns to their own circles, making it harder to make friends across social classes.

Knowing Zhang Feng meant well, Xie Ci didn't shut him down completely, "I really have something today, I'll definitely go next time."

"You said it!" Zhang Feng waved to a group of boys and girls behind him, "Xie promised to come to the next party!"

The students gathered around to chat with Xie Ci. They had been rejected so many times, they no longer had the courage to approach him.

Xie Ci was really hard to get close to, always alone and in a hurry, as if he was very busy, but no one knew what he was busy with.

A group of people laughed and chatted as they walked to the parking lot. A white girl whispered to her companion, "Who's that guy over there, staring at us? Isn't that Xie's car?"

Another girl: "I noticed him earlier, he doesn't seem friendly, is it a challenge?"

The others looked over.

A tall young man leaned against the front of Xie Ci's car, his baseball cap pulled low and large sunglasses covering most of his face, only a clear jawline and glowing white skin visible.

Hearing them mention his car, Xie Ci casually glanced over, his steps pausing slightly.

That kid who wouldn't answer his calls actually came to find him first.

"Xie Ci, do you know that person?" Zhang Feng asked worriedly.

Xie Ci's attention was all on Gu Yufeng. Although he couldn't see his expression, the tight line of his lips showed that Gu Yufeng was in a bad mood, like he had flown over specifically to pick a fight.

"I know him," Xie Ci's tone was relaxed and casual, even Zhang Feng could tell he was in a good mood.

Gu Yufeng, on the other hand, was the opposite, watching Xie Ci laugh and chat with a group of boys and girls, growing increasingly displeased.

The white boy next to Xie Ci was of the same type as him, no wonder he wasn't in a hurry to see him, he had a substitute by his side.

Bidding farewell to the students, Xie Ci walked towards Gu Yufeng, "Why are you here? Didn't I say this weekend—"

"I don't care if you're free or not," Gu Yufeng interrupted, his tone impatient, "By the time you're free, my great-grandson will have died of old age."

Xie Ci: ... "Where did you get a great-grandson?"

Gu Yufeng didn't respond, his gaze sweeping over the group of students not far away, "Who's that sneaky little pretty boy? When did you meet him, where did you meet him?"

Sneaky little pretty boy? Xie Ci turned his head in confusion, "Which one?"

Gu Yufeng: "The one who looks like me."

Xie Ci: ...

Jealous to the point of insulting himself.

Xie Ci glanced over, roughly guessing who Gu Yufeng was talking about, "Where's the resemblance? Did you forget your glasses again?"

"From looks to temperament to personality, all have my shadow."

Gu Yufeng's face was stern, "Let me make it clear, I won't let you fool around outside like in the past life."

Xie Ci: "Firstly, there's not a single point of resemblance. Secondly, that's a friend's classmate, first time meeting today."

Gu Yufeng's tone softened, "Not my substitute?"

"Who could replace you? That's just a passerby." Xie Ci flicked Gu Yufeng's forehead, "If I had the time, I'd rather spend it with you. Why look for a substitute, making trouble for nothing."

The word "passerby" improved Gu Yufeng's mood a bit.

It was almost dinner time, and Xie Ci gestured for Gu Yufeng to get in the car, suggesting they go eat dinner first.

As Gu Yufeng got up, he noticed the white boy looking over, seemingly worried about Xie Ci being bullied. Casually, he wrapped an arm around Xie Ci's shoulder, leaning in to kiss his cheek.

Not far away, Zhang Feng couldn't help but curse, his face full of surprise.

Worried that Xie Ci might get into trouble, the students who hadn't dared to leave were dumbfounded.

Even a cheek kiss would be rejected by Xie Ci, let alone being kissed by a man. But now, not only did he not refuse, he seemed used to it?!

Such an ambiguous atmosphere couldn't be ignored!

After straightforwardly declaring his ownership, Gu Yufeng turned and opened the passenger door, leaving Xie Ci to face the shocked gazes of his classmates alone.

Xie Ci nodded slightly to the students, nonchalantly getting into the driver's seat.

On the road, Xie Ci glanced at Gu Yufeng in the passenger seat, who was resting his chin on his hand, looking out the window, not in a good mood.

"Suddenly remembered there's something urgent I haven't done," Xie Ci said, holding the steering wheel, his elbow resting on the window, lost in thought.

The words immediately annoyed Gu Yufeng, his tone turning sour, "What else do you have to do?"

Xie Ci handed over his phone, "I'm driving, it's inconvenient. Help me with something."

Gu Yufeng thought he was being asked to send a message or make a call, skillfully unlocking the phone with the password, "If it's a social event, go yourself, I'm not going with you."

Xie Ci: "Help me change your contact name."

Gu Yufeng was puzzled, "Change it to what?"

Xie Ci: "Jealous Gu."

"..."

Gu Yufeng's finger hovered over the rename page, looking at Xie Ci with a faint gaze, "In thirty seconds, your ID will become 'Player Xie'."

Xie Ci: ... "Then you might as well change it to 'Impotent Xie', I'm afraid you won't be able to handle the jealousy."

Gu Yufeng was amused.

"Enough joking," Xie Ci instructed Gu Yufeng to open the ticketing app, his tone more serious, "I booked a flight for tonight. Since you're here, I won't go. Help me cancel it."

"You were originally going on a business trip?" Gu Yufeng said as he switched to the booking page, immediately noticing the destination city. All his frustration vanished, "Didn't you say you were busy this weekend?"

Xie Ci: "Work isn't as important as you."

Gu Yufeng raised an eyebrow, "President Xie is getting better at sweet-talking."

Xie Ci: "It's the truth, how is it sweet-talking?"

Gu Yufeng: "Then tell me, how important am I?"

Xie Ci focused on the traffic ahead, casually saying, "I'd give you my life."

Gu Yufeng was amused by Xie Ci's casual tone.

"Does getting older make you thicker-skinned?"

Xie Ci: "After hanging out with you for so many years, I've picked up a bit."

Gu Yufeng: "Is that a compliment or an insult?"

Xie Ci chuckled, "A compliment."

Xie Ci made a reservation at a Chinese restaurant he frequented.

After dinner, the two walked the streets of a foreign country, strolling to digest.

Gu Yufeng's phone vibrated, it was a call from Robertson.

Since they were close, Xie Ci could vaguely hear Robertson's anxious voice on the other end.

"Where did you go? I've been looking for you everywhere."

Gu Yufeng: "I went out to take care of something, don't make such a fuss."

Robertson: "I thought you were kidnapped! Next time you go out, please let me know."

Gu Yufeng clicked his tongue, "Got it, you're so naggy."

After Gu Yufeng hung up, Xie Ci asked, "You didn't tell them you were coming to country M?"

"How could I tell him?" Gu Yufeng locked his screen, putting the phone back in his pocket, "Say I'm going to country M for a secret rendezvous, don't tell my mom?"

Xie Ci: ...!

They didn't go anywhere too crowded, strolling along, chatting about work and life, enjoying the rare time alone.

Gu Yufeng: "In high school, we were together every day, doing whatever we wanted. Now, even meeting is so troublesome."

They both had too much to do. He had to reorganize the company and deal with family infighting, while Xie Ci's career was just starting, and they had to plan against Desen.

Several times, Xie Ci left him for work. Gu Yufeng wasn't unable to understand, on the contrary, he fully supported Xie Ci's career development, and Xie Ci was also accommodating him.

But because of this, they had to miss out on each other's lives for these few years.

Just as Xie Ci was about to speak, Gu Yufeng turned his head, changing the subject, "But sneaking around has its fun, secretly running to a foreign country to meet, it's quite thrilling."

Xie Ci's gaze swept over Gu Yufeng's hair blown by the wind, reaching out to brush away the strands caught by his eyelashes, "You're so optimistic."

They walked until they were tired, catching a movie along the way. Before returning to the apartment, Gu Yufeng suggested a trip to the supermarket.

Pushing the shopping cart, Xie Ci watched Gu Yufeng's shopping spree, stopping him, "We're not going to finish all this food."

"Leave it for you to eat slowly."

Gu Yufeng placed the items in the cart, "When you want to eat, seeing the ingredients will remind you of me."

Gu Yufeng gestured for Xie Ci to head to the toiletries section.

"Towels and toothbrushes need replacing too."

Xie Ci: "You want to mark every corner of the house?"

Gu Yufeng didn't deny it, "If I don't keep an eye on you, what if you fool around outside?"

Pushing the cart, Xie Ci followed behind, "These things can't restrain me."

Gu Yufeng thought carefully, realizing it made sense.

On the way back, after finishing a call, Gu Yufeng told Xie Ci, who was driving, "I had a 60-inch photo printed, it'll be delivered in a few days. Hang it over the bed."

Xie Ci was puzzled, "What photo?"

Gu Yufeng confidently replied, "A selfie of mine."

Xie Ci: ...

Is this to restrain him or suppress him?

Back at the apartment, Xie Ci sorted the groceries, gesturing for Gu Yufeng to shower first.

"Underwear is in the second drawer on the left."

Heading to the bedroom, Gu Yufeng teased, "You're so trusting, what if I find someone else's intimate clothing here?"

Xie Ci sorted the ingredients, "Then I might need to invite a Taoist priest to perform an exorcism."

Raising an eyebrow, Gu Yufeng didn't respond, happily grabbing his change of clothes for a shower.

A few minutes later, Xie Ci heard Gu Yufeng's phone vibrating on the bar counter. Ignoring it, he finished organizing everything, but the phone vibrated again, the same number.

Picking it up, he walked to the bathroom door, knocking twice, "Your phone's been ringing, might be something urgent."

From inside, Gu Yufeng's voice came, "Answer it for me."

Hesitantly, Xie Ci pressed the answer button, intending to explain it wasn't him, but the other side spoke first.

"Feng, are you free tonight? I promised to buy you a drink last time."

The young man's voice was clear and friendly, and just from the excited yet restrained tone, Xie Ci could tell this person was interested in Gu Yufeng.

The way he addressed him was also interesting.

"Feng?"

Xie Ci's voice was calm, "Sorry, it's not him. He's busy and can't take the call. Is there anything I can pass on?"

The voice on the other end paused, "Sorry, I didn't know he had plans tonight. Could you ask him to call me back when he's free?"

Xie Ci: "Sure."

When Gu Yufeng finished his shower, Xie Ci handed him the phone, "Someone invited you for a drink."

Drying his hair, Gu Yufeng checked the call log, "Him, I thought it was Robertson again."

"He asked you to call back when you're free," Xie Ci said, heading to the bedroom.

Watching Xie Ci's back, Gu Yufeng followed, "He's from my university, his grandfather and my grandpa are friends."

"Mm," Xie Ci casually grabbed his change of clothes, leaving the dressing room.

Observing Xie Ci's expression, Gu Yufeng tentatively asked, "He's pursuing me."

"I could tell," Xie Ci's tone was flat.

"That's it?" Gu Yufeng followed to the bathroom door, blocking it from closing, "Someone's pursuing me, and you don't feel anything?"

Leaning against the door frame, Xie Ci patiently countered, "Someone's pursuing you, not me. What should I feel?"

Gu Yufeng: "Aren't you jealous?"

Ruffling Gu Yufeng's damp hair, Xie Ci said, "Go dry your hair in the bathroom."

Watching the bathroom door close, Gu Yufeng felt a bit deflated.

Getting Xie Ci to speak his true feelings was harder than defeating Desen.

After drying his hair, Gu Yufeng grabbed his laptop from the study, settling on the living room sofa, opening the community website and entering the son's group.

Besides playing the "call me daddy" game, the group was lively with daily chats, and Gu Yufeng often browsed when he had time, frequently gaining useful information.

After his shower, Xie Ci poured himself a glass of water in the kitchen, sitting next to Gu Yufeng, his gaze sweeping over the computer screen.

From 8 PM to 1 AM, the son's group was most active, with daily stock tips luring people in, and those who got tricked cursing in the group, while others fanned the flames for fun.

Seeing Gu Yufeng's ID, Xie Ci casually asked, "Why is your name OH?"

Taking the half-drunk glass from him, Gu Yufeng downed it in two gulps, handing it back, "Old Honey, a nickname you gave me in high school."

Xie Ci: ...

Holding grudges, aren't we?

Setting down the glass, Xie Ci wrapped an arm around Gu Yufeng's waist, pulling him closer, watching the group messages together, chatting idly about the topics.

To free up the weekend, Gu Yufeng had nearly pulled an all-nighter, now dozing off in Xie Ci's arms, adjusting his position to use Xie Ci's shoulder as a pillow. It was so comfortable, he felt even sleepier.

"Sleepy?" Xie Ci whispered, "If you're tired, go to bed early."

Gu Yufeng forced his eyes open, "It's still early, we only have two days. Sleeping now is a waste."

But he didn't last ten minutes before falling asleep.

Taking the laptop from Gu Yufeng's lap, Xie Ci set it aside, gazing at the sleeping face in his arms for a long time, tightening his hold around his waist, planting gentle kisses from his hair to his brow, then to the fully exposed neck.

"Mm..." The sleeping person frowned slightly, letting out a soft hum.

Pulling back, a red mark appeared on Gu Yufeng's pale neck.

Two days later, dropping him off at the airport, Gu Yufeng wore a long face.

"In the blink of an eye, the weekend's over, and I haven't done anything."

Finding a spot, Xie Ci parked by the curb, "What else do you want to do?"

Gu Yufeng: "If you stop me, I won't go back."

Xie Ci: "Didn't you say you have an important meeting at the company tomorrow?"

Gu Yufeng hesitated, reluctantly unbuckling his seatbelt, opening the car door, dragging out his farewell, "I'm leaving."

"Yufeng."

Just as Gu Yufeng was about to step out, hearing Xie Ci call him, he turned, caught off guard by a kiss, the leg stepping out silently retracting.

Surrounded by the familiar scent of Xie Ci, he was even more reluctant to leave.

Until he was breathless, Gu Yufeng pulled back slightly, a hoarse voice tinged with laughter, "What's this, a goodbye kiss?"

Xie Ci's gaze swept over Gu Yufeng's moist lips, "A farewell kiss."

"..."

Turning to leave, Gu Yufeng was stopped by Xie Ci, "I'll come find you the week after next."

Turning back, Gu Yufeng asked, "President Xie, are you trying to make me happy?"

Xie Ci: "An engineer doesn't sweet-talk, only speaks the truth."

Gu Yufeng smirked, "Bullshit."

"President Gu, be elegant," Xie Ci reminded.

With a smile, Gu Yufeng retorted, "When you're messing with me in all sorts of ways, why don't you remind yourself to be elegant?"

Xie Ci: ...

The next afternoon, Gu Yufeng went to school, running into the white guy, Steve, who had called him a few days ago.

"Did you go on a business trip over the weekend?" Steve, running into Gu Yufeng, was in a good mood.

Only then did Gu Yufeng remember he forgot to return the call, vaguely brushing it off, feeling a bit annoyed at Xie Ci's indifferent reaction that night.

Steve brought up the drink invitation again, inadvertently noticing a red mark on the back of Gu Yufeng's neck, half-hidden by the collar, yet very noticeable.

Thinking about it, Gu Yufeng saw Steve glancing at his neck several times, puzzled, "Is my collar not straight?"

"No, it's not that," under Gu Yufeng's curious gaze, Steve hesitantly asked, "Did a bug bite you on the back of your neck? There's a red mark."

"Red mark?"

Taking out his phone, Gu Yufeng turned his head to the screen.

Near the collar, there was a hickey, hard for him to notice, but clear to others.

Leaving a mark in such an obvious place, quite possessive.

"Do you need to see the nurse?" Steve suggested.

"No need," Gu Yufeng casually replied, "My boyfriend left it, sorry for the embarrassment."

Steve's expression almost faltered.

If not for a strong sense of possession, he wouldn't leave a hickey in such an obvious place.

Steve thought of the call a few days ago.

The person who answered must have been Gu Yufeng's boyfriend, and this hickey was for him to see, a straightforward and forceful warning—"Gu Yufeng is mine."

After sending Steve off, Gu Yufeng called Xie Ci, who should be waking up around this time.

The call connected quickly, and on the other end, Xie Ci's voice was low and hoarse from just waking up.

Leisurely, Gu Yufeng spoke, "I just discovered a hickey on the back of my neck, wonder who did it."

Xie Ci's tone was calm and steady, "Who was so careless?"

With a smile, Gu Yufeng replied, "Do you think it's possible someone was jealous and did it on purpose?"

Xie Ci: "That's too immature."

Gu Yufeng: "Absolutely childish."

Xie Ci: "You're right."

Gu Yufeng: "I'm thinking of changing his contact name to Jealous Gu, what do you think?"

Xie Ci: "I just asked, and he said he likes it."

Raising an eyebrow, Gu Yufeng asked, "Not denying being a jealous guy?"

Xie Ci: "He said it's better than being a player."

Gu Yufeng: ...

—The End—