Boyfriend Always Thinks I’m a Little Pitiful Chapter 62

When the old man saw Gu Yufeng, he was all "Little Gu this, Little Gu that," inviting him to sit down and wait for dinner. It was Gu Yufeng's first time meeting Xie Ci's grandmother, and he was a bit taken aback by the warm welcome. Still, he smiled and introduced himself, "Grandma, I'm Gu Yufeng, Xie Ci's classmate. There was a bit of a situation today, so I came over without notice. Sorry for the intrusion."

"What's all this about intrusion? It's rare for the house to be this lively," the old lady said, placing a fruit platter in front of Gu Yufeng. "Your family isn't around, so how could we let you spend the New Year alone?"

Gu Yufeng made some polite conversation until the old lady was called away. Then he leaned over to Xie Ci and whispered, "Did you mention me to her?"

"I called Grandma before you came," Xie Ci replied, pouring him a cup of hot water from a disposable cup. There were tea leaves on the table, but he was worried the young master might not be used to them.

Gu Yufeng took the cup and glanced at Xie Qian, who was sitting nearby chatting with Xie Ci's eldest maternal uncle. They exchanged a slight nod as a greeting.

Dealing with introverts is simple; you don't have to talk, and they don't want to hear you talk either.

Not long after, two middle-aged men arrived. One of them wore a big gold chain around his neck and carried a bag, looking like a nouveau riche boss.

"Are those your relatives too?" Gu Yufeng asked in a low voice.

Xie Ci looked at them for a while but still couldn't recognize them. Although he grew up here, he didn't often visit relatives, and after so many years, even if he had met them before, he had forgotten.

Xie Qian and the eldest maternal uncle stood up to greet them, and Xie Ci and Gu Yufeng, as juniors, followed suit.

After the eldest maternal uncle introduced them, Xie Ci remembered that the man with the gold chain was his mother's cousin, which made him his uncle, and the other was his second uncle.

After exchanging pleasantries with the eldest maternal uncle, the uncle turned to Xie Qian, his smile becoming somewhat subtle. "You're here too. Why didn't Xiaorou come back with you?"

At the mention of Ye Yurou, the expressions of several people in the hall became awkward. The old lady, who had just come out to greet them, turned around and went back to the kitchen with a sullen face.

Xie Qian noticed the awkward atmosphere but still replied, "Xiao Ci is staying with me now."

The uncle wanted to say more, but the eldest maternal uncle stopped him. "Alright, Xiaorou is probably busy and couldn't come back. Let's not mention her. Sit down."

Xie Ci, used to being alone, hadn't dealt with so many relatives in a long time. Experiencing it again, he found it a bit annoying and glanced at Gu Yufeng.

It was rare for the young master to rush back to spend New Year's Eve with him, only to end up having dinner with this group. He wondered if it would spoil his mood.

Gu Yufeng, however, seemed indifferent, munching on sunflower seeds while watching a melodramatic TV drama. Unable to stand it, he changed the channel to sports and asked Xie Ci, "Next weekend, shall we go watch a game together?"

Xie Ci replied, "Sure, I'll follow your lead."

Gu Yufeng turned to him, "You're really enjoying being the hands-off boss."

Xie Ci didn't deny it, "One person takes a turn, and it's your turn now."

Dinner started at six, and the whole family filled the table. Xie Ci sat with Gu Yufeng next to Xie Qian.

The uncle was displeased and called out to Xie Qian, "Why are you sitting with the kids? Come over here and have a drink with us."

"No, I don't drink," Xie Qian had no intention of changing seats.

The uncle seemed determined to embarrass Xie Qian, insisting that he move over, or else it would be disrespectful.

"How about I drink with you instead?" Xie Ci smiled, "My dad's not in good health and can't drink. I'm young and can handle it; if I get drunk, I'll just lie down for a couple of days."

Hearing this, the old lady was displeased and retorted to the uncle, "You two drink on your own. Is alcohol such a good thing? Ah Qian can't drink, and you still insist?"

The uncle laughed it off and finally let it go.

Gu Yufeng rarely ate at a table with others, and seeing the middle-aged men not using serving chopsticks, he didn't say anything but wouldn't touch the dishes they had touched.

If this continued, he wouldn't have anything to eat. It wasn't about being hungry; not eating at all would make him stand out.

Just as this thought crossed his mind, a bowl of fish soup and a bowl full of dishes appeared in front of him.

"You couldn't reach the dishes over there, so I helped you. Don't be shy, eat up," Xie Ci said, while also serving a bowl of fish soup to his grandmother.

The old lady noticed and smiled at Gu Yufeng, "Little Gu, eat more, make yourself at home."

Gu Yufeng smiled and agreed, looking at the two bowls in front of him, which had carefully avoided the things he didn't like or was allergic to.

No matter how much Xie Ci's personality had changed from before, his attentiveness remained the same.

On the way back, Xie Ci had mentioned that his grandmother was good at cooking fish, so Gu Yufeng took a sip of the fish soup and decided to have it with rice.

Without the need to adhere to strict dining etiquette, eating became much more enjoyable.

Xie Ci found it amusing, "Tastes good, right?"

"Delicious," Gu Yufeng replied, satisfied with a mouthful of rice soaked in fish soup.

The eldest maternal aunt took a bowl of fish soup, and seeing her about to take it out, Xie Ci casually asked, "Is there someone else who hasn't come?"

"No, no," the eldest maternal aunt laughed and explained, "This is for my daughter-in-law. She's in confinement and can't get out of bed."

The eldest maternal uncle and the old lady chatted about this for a bit, and Xie Ci learned that the crucian carp tofu soup was specifically made to help with lactation during confinement.

Gu Yufeng froze, staring at his bowl of rice soaked in soup, unsure whether to eat it or not.

Xie Ci met his gaze, saw the reproach in his eyes, and held back a laugh, "Even those not in confinement can eat it."

Gu Yufeng: "..."

Was this not intentional?

At the other end of the table, after a glass of white wine, the uncle started bragging about how big his business was and how much money he made. In high spirits, he turned his attention to the silent Xie Qian.

"After all these years, you're still painting? How much money can that make? If you had any ability to make money, why would Xiaoman divorce you?"

Xie Qian just nodded, not arguing back.

It was like punching cotton; the uncle mocked him a bit more before losing interest and turning his attention to Xie Ci, starting to inquire about the younger generation's academic performance.

Being asked about grades was almost a staple at family gatherings.

Two boys at the table, about the same age as Xie Ci, shrank their necks, fearing they'd be called on.

"Look at you, so handsome, taller than me when you stand up, but your grades are really lacking. Your dad didn't even enroll you in a tutoring class or anything. You're in your third year of high school now. If you can't get into college, are you planning to work out of town?"

The uncle took another sip of white wine and continued, "My youngest son is the same age as you and ranked in the top five in his class for the midterms. I hardly even manage him; he's been good at studying since he was little."

Out of respect for his grandmother, Xie Ci reluctantly responded, "That's great."

"Compared to you, he's much better," the uncle glanced at Xie Qian, implying, "If someone could properly manage you, getting into a junior college shouldn't be a problem."

Xie Ci just nodded along, too lazy to argue with someone like that; it was pointless.

"Didn't you just get first place in the mock exams?" Gu Yufeng finished his mouthful of rice and asked Xie Ci, feigning confusion, "Is it really that bad that the top student at a provincial key high school can only barely get into a junior college? Is the teaching quality that poor?"

His words drew the attention of everyone at the table.

The eldest maternal uncle exclaimed in surprise, looking at Xie Ci, "Really? You got first place in your grade?!"

Before Xie Ci could respond, Gu Yufeng took over, "Yes, he was first in the midterms and the mock exams, and he also won first prize in the provincial mathematics competition. Didn't you see the news?"

The uncle listened, looked at Xie Ci's calm demeanor, and widened his eyes.

What kind of achievement was this? First in the grade and first in the province?!

"Are you kidding?" one of the boys at the table whispered when he saw the uncle's skepticism.

"It's true. Cousin really won first prize in the province. Our teacher mentioned it in class."

"Cousin also won first place in the provincial basketball league. I saw it on TV."

The eldest maternal uncle was genuinely happy for Xie Ci and asked, "Xiao Ci, when did your grades get so good? I didn't know. I thought you were still the same as before, not interested in studying."

Xie Ci glanced at his grandmother, seeing her finally happy, and decided not to mention his little aunt. He vaguely replied, "Since this semester, Dad has been tutoring me every weekend, and my grades just magically improved. It's really amazing."

Xie Qian: "..."

This kid's ability to talk nonsense is on par with his grades.

The uncle, having been slapped in the face again, sobered up, his face flushed with embarrassment, and didn't dare to speak again. He listened to the table praising Xie Qian and Xie Ci and hurriedly changed the topic.

After starting the conversation, Gu Yufeng sat back and watched the show, happily eating two bowls of rice soaked in fish soup. By the third bowl, he was getting full.

Noticing this, Xie Ci took his bowl and finished it in a few bites.

Gu Yufeng was a bit surprised, "You don't mind eating my leftovers?"

"I grew up eating leftovers."

With so many people around, Xie Ci casually joked, but as soon as he said it, he saw the old lady's eyes dim, realizing he had said something wrong.

After dinner, Xie Ci called Xie Qian to find his grandmother, and Gu Yufeng, not wanting to intrude, stayed in the hall watching the New Year's Eve show with the others.

The three of them talked privately for a long time, and when they returned, Gu Yufeng noticed the old lady's eyes were red, as if she had been crying.

Though it was New Year's Eve, the old lady couldn't stay up and wanted to rest by nine, arranging rooms for them before going to bed.

"There are two empty rooms on the third floor, all cleaned up. Ah Qian, you take one."

She then looked at Gu Yufeng, "Little Gu, I'm afraid you'll have to share a room with Xiao Ci."

Gu Yufeng beamed, "Not a problem, I like sleeping with him."

Xie Ci: "..."

Gu Yufeng's attitude made the words sound like polite pleasantries, appropriate and courteous, making the old lady laugh too, "I'll make walnut soup for you tomorrow morning."

Gu Yufeng: "Thank you, Grandma."

He called her Grandma so smoothly.

After sending the old lady to rest, Xie Ci and Xie Qian exchanged a few words, and then Xie Ci took Gu Yufeng out for a walk.

At this hour, the village roads were mostly empty.

The country road was lit by streetlights, with dark fields on one side and a strong wind blowing.

Seeing Gu Yufeng dressed lightly, Xie Ci asked softly, "Should we go back to the hall? It's too cold outside."

"I'm not cold."

Gu Yufeng tightened the collar of his jacket, hands in his pockets, "I just want to be alone with you for a while."

Xie Ci sensed something was off about his mood. He wasn't teasing like usual, but seemed deep in thought.

"What's wrong? Did something happen at your grandfather's house?"

Gu Yufeng walked slowly, looking at the distant, shadowy mountains, and sighed softly, "I've fallen for you."

"......"

Xie Ci stopped in his tracks, scrutinizing him, "What do you mean?"

Gu Yufeng was puzzled, "The literal meaning, is it hard to understand?"

Xie Ci, seeing his confused look, didn't know whether to be angry or amused, "So you didn't like me before? Then why did you—"

Halfway through, Xie Ci realized.

He could marry Gu Yufeng for benefits, so why couldn't the other do the same?

He always thought Gu Yufeng had many choices, and choosing him must mean there was some affection.

Now it seemed he was completely wrong.

In their past life, not only was he acting, but Gu Yufeng was too. Two people without feelings had put on a show of deep love.

"When I said to start over, why did you agree?" Xie Ci asked him.

"For me, liking or not liking isn't that important. Those messy feelings don't matter if they're unclear. I'm willing to start over with you."

At this, Gu Yufeng turned to look at Xie Ci, "But now I understand, I can't do without you."

Under the streetlight, their hair was tousled by the wind, and Xie Ci clearly saw the determination in Gu Yufeng's eyes and the calm after sorting out his thoughts.

He had seriously considered their relationship.

This time, he wasn't using any tricks to muddle through.

"No one can replace you, not even the you from our youth."

Gu Yufeng looked into Xie Ci's eyes, "I never really thought about it before. I thought it was enough for the two of us to just keep going like this, but now it's different."

Xie Ci's hand at his side slowly clenched, and he asked softly, "What's different?"

Gu Yufeng frowned, his gaze turning sharp, his tone suddenly serious, "I won't allow anyone else around you besides me. You're not allowed to have any thoughts about them, not even a little."

Xie Ci was taken aback.

This domineering stance overlapped with the Gu President from their past life for a moment.

Xie Ci's heart skipped a beat, starting to race uncontrollably.

He could almost hear his own heartbeat.

It turned out that more than the freedom this person gave him, he preferred to be restrained.

Seeing Xie Ci silent, Gu Yufeng shifted his gaze nervously, "I used to say I didn't care, but I've changed my mind. No matter who you're entangled with, cut it off immediately—"

Suddenly, Xie Ci grabbed his wrist and strode forward.

"Xie Ci?" Gu Yufeng struggled but couldn't break free, feeling a bit annoyed, "I haven't finished talking."

Xie Qian had parked the car on the dirt by the fields, with no lights around.

Gu Yufeng only had time to confirm the Maybach's license plate before Xie Ci pinned him against the car and kissed him fiercely.

It was more of a bite than a kiss, with a heavy hand.

Gu Yufeng's hair was pulled, forcing him to tilt his head back and accept the other's aggression, the sound of pain escaping between their entwined lips and tongues.

Feeling the hand on his shoulder tighten, soon wrapping around him to respond.

Only when they were nearly out of breath did Xie Ci pull away.

Both of them were breathing heavily, their tongues numb.

Gu Yufeng, panting, looked at the face close to his, "I'm trying to talk about something serious, why are you acting crazy?"

Xie Ci licked his moist lips, "You know I'm acting crazy, yet you still cooperate?"

Gu Yufeng relaxed against the car door, chuckling, "When meat is delivered to your door, why wouldn't you eat it?"

Xie Ci: "Do you know what restraint means?"

"You dragged me here to kiss me, you're so restrained," Gu Yufeng retorted bluntly.

Xie Ci: "So, do you want me to kiss you?"

Gu Yufeng laughed in exasperation, lifting Xie Ci's chin, brushing over the spot he had bitten, and said slowly, "It felt good, do it again."

A gust of wind blew, and Gu Yufeng sneezed, ruining the mood.

The countryside was colder than the city, and with the fields nearby, the wind carried a damp chill.

Xie Ci didn't continue, opening the car door to retrieve a box from the back seat, handing it to Gu Yufeng, "New Year's gift."

Gu Yufeng saw the familiar brand logo on the box, opened it to find a scarf, and asked Xie Ci, "Why did you suddenly buy something from this brand?"

"Didn't you used to like using it?" Xie Ci asked uncertainly, "Don't you like it?"

Gu Yufeng was surprised, "I thought you never noticed."

In the past, no matter the occasion, Xie Ci would give him gifts, but they were usually thoughtless, whatever he could grab.

Xie Ci took out the scarf and helped him put it on, "I remembered when I saw it in the mall. You didn't seem to use the things I gave you before, so I thought I'd try something different this time."

Gu Yufeng let him adjust it, "I was in such a hurry, I didn't have time to prepare anything for you."

"You've already given me something."

Xie Ci pinched his cheek, smiling softly, "The first year we're back together, receiving the best gift is a good start."

Gu Yufeng couldn't hold back, resting his forehead on Xie Ci's shoulder, emotions surging.

"Are you sleepy?" Xie Ci pulled him closer, gently rubbing his head.

After a long silence, Gu Yufeng spoke with difficulty, "Can you forget about Xiaofang?"

"...... Xiaofang?" Xie Ci was puzzled, "What's wrong with it?"

Why bring up Xiaofang in this atmosphere? Was there any connection?

Gu Yufeng lifted his head, "You're still hung up on her, and you ask me what's wrong?"

Xie Ci: "...... huh?"

Seeing Gu Yufeng's hurt expression, as if he was about to break, Xie Ci was at a loss.

This guy rarely showed vulnerability, staying calm even when being chased.

Though he didn't understand, Xie Ci asked, "It's at home, I didn't bring it. Do you want to see it?"

Gu Yufeng cursed softly, "She lives at your place?!"

They took a taxi back to the city overnight.

An hour later, Gu Yufeng nervously followed Xie Ci into the two-story building behind the studio, his mind filled with scenarios of confronting a rival.

"Xiaofang," Xie Ci called into the house.

There was a noise from the stairs, and a dog happily ran down from the second floor, wagging its tail and rubbing against Xie Ci's leg.

"Your pig has gotten fatter," Gu Yufeng bent down to pet its head, and the dog, not shy, leaned into his hand.

But Gu Yufeng was anxious, not in the mood to play with the dog. After waiting five minutes with no movement upstairs, he turned to ask Xie Ci, who was making coffee in the kitchen, "Why hasn't she come down yet?"

Xie Ci was full of questions, "Didn't it just come?"

Gu Yufeng looked around, "Where?"

Xie Ci pointed at the dog, "Isn't it right by your feet?"

Gu Yufeng paused, looking down to meet the dog's bright eyes.

"I'm looking for Xiaofang!" Gu Yufeng was furious.

Xie Ci was helpless, "This is Xiaofang."

"......?"

Gu Yufeng was in disbelief.

What? Xiaofang is a dog?