Earlier than leaving the hospital, Gu Xiuyi organized a complete bodily examination for Ji Ruan. A fasting situation was required for the morning check-up, so Ji Ruan was pulled off the bed at daybreak, wandering by varied departments, feeling starved and weak. 

Leaning towards the bedside, Ji Ruan glanced at Gu Xiuyi. The person’s face appeared to fly up into the sky one second and crash again right down to earth the following. Dizziness overwhelmed him, forcing him to ultimately shut his eyes. 

Aunt Zhao fed him half a bowl of porridge, however his starvation pains continued and he ended up vomiting it shortly after. Though he was purported to be discharged from the hospital that day, the additional issues induced him to remain one other night time and at last be taken residence the next morning. 

Throughout Ji Ruan’s sickness, he survived on a food regimen of solely dew and needed to depend on Aunt Zhao’s overcooked porridge, which he may barely abdomen. Often, he would nibble on some greens. His weak spot was evident as Gu Xiuyi needed to half-carry him upstairs and tuck him into mattress. 

Gu Xiuyi felt distressed when he seen the small sliver of Ji Ruan’s wrist peeking out from underneath the blanket, highlighting his weight reduction. 

Nevertheless, the meticulously organized bodily examination solely delivered a worse report. Gu Xiuyi learn by it a number of occasions, even dusting off his not often used studying glasses, however he could not imagine what he was seeing. He began suspecting that there was one thing fallacious along with his imaginative and prescient. 

Anemia, hypoglycemia, malnutrition – all the indications had been a large number, struggling to barely meet the minimal necessities. It wasn’t a significant situation, but it appeared problematic on a number of fronts. 

The report gave Gu Xiuyi a headache that lasted the entire day. He could not assist however suppose that the delicate little boy he married to keep away from issues was spiraling uncontrolled. He was turning into a real troublemaker, the sort that will faint on the slightest trace of harshness. 

Ji Ruan remained bedridden and dizzy for 2 days till his abdomen improved and he regained some power. It was as if a dry patch of grass had lastly been revitalized by a refreshing spring rain, brimming with vitality. He felt rejuvenated. 

Every single day, as he sipped on Aunt Zhao’s mild soup, which lacked substance, Ji Ruan would lament the truth that people could not survive with out meat. 

Gu Xiuyi turned busy once more. Ji Ruan had spent nearly a whole summer season trip at residence. Though Gu Xiuyi not often returned to the villa, he would usually name to speak and inquire about Xiao An’s well-being, in addition to the dinner that Aunt Zhao had ready. However as of late, Ji Ruan hadn’t acquired a single name. Gu Xiuyi appeared occupied. 

The following time Ji Ruan noticed Gu Xiuyi, it might be on his college orientation day, which fell on a Saturday. Earlier than he had an opportunity to report to school, he fell in poor health and was admitted to the hospital. So, he had by no means skilled school life till now. 

With this newfound lease on life, Ji Ruan was thrilled to step foot on the college campus. 

As anticipated, human wishes proceed to develop. When confronted with near-death experiences, all one wishes is to stay. However as soon as survival is achieved, the want transforms right into a need for a greater, simpler, and extra liberated life. 

That night time, Ji Ruan went to mattress early. The following day, he deliberately wore a lightweight blue short-sleeved shirt that resembled a watercolor portray. Aunt Zhao commented that he seemed very good-looking in it. 

After breakfast, Gu Xiuyi picked him up from the courtyard. 

Not wearing a go well with, Gu Xiuyi now wore an off-the-cuff striped shirt with black trousers. His broad shoulders and tall determine resembled a assured senior on campus, precisely how Ji Ruan had imagined. 

Ji Ruan admired him continually. 

Two days in the past, it rained, however the climate at this time was nice – not too scorching, with occasional daylight. 

“How’s your well being?” Gu Xiuyi requested as they sat within the automotive. 

Ji Ruan was texting Han Xiaolin and typed his reply, “I am feeling significantly better.” 

Gu Xiuyi fastidiously noticed Ji Ruan’s eyes. Though the lacking flesh hadn’t absolutely regenerated, his spirit had considerably improved, and he gave the impression to be in a really joyful temper. 

At present, he lower a dashing determine, clad in a lightweight blue short-sleeved shirt and white shorts. The sleeves of his shirt had been rolled as much as his elbows, revealing his well-defined forearms. He carried an off-the-cuff satchel, its strap slung nonchalantly throughout his shoulders. His entire demeanor exuded the colourful power of a younger school pupil. 

Gu Xiuyi could not assist however really feel that Ji Ruan was the proper match for mild blue. 

A smile tugged on the nook of Gu Xiuyi’s mouth as he requested Ji Ruan as soon as extra, “Have you ever been feeling dizzy just lately?” 

Dizziness and fatigue had been frequent signs of his anemia and hypoglycemia. 

Ji Ruan glanced at Gu Xiuyi with an expression of “You would not perceive” and sheepishly replied, “A bit… particularly after I’m hungry.” 

Though Ji Ruan had at all times been conscious that he did not get very hungry, now when he did really feel hungry, dizziness would accompany it. One morning, he even fell when getting up, feeling shocked as he sat on the bottom for some time earlier than getting again up. 

“You are a bit anemic, which makes you liable to dizziness. Take care to sit down up and get up slowly, and be cautious when strolling to stop falls,” Gu Xiuyi repeated the physician’s phrases verbatim. 

Ji Ruan calmly touched the tip of his nostril and selected to not point out his current fall. “Okay, I perceive.” 

The freshman mobilization assembly and the open day made Peking College abuzz with exercise. Banners adorned the lengthy boulevard, and freshmen, alumni, family members, and volunteers carrying blue jackets crammed the realm with laughter and liveliness. 

Strolling quietly beside Gu Xiuyi, Ji Ruan would sometimes look at passers-by after which elevate his massive eyes to learn the banners above. 

The boulevard was lined with rows of sycamore timber, their historic trunks gnarled and twisted just like the limbs of wizened outdated males. Their leaves had been a deep inexperienced, casting a cool shade over the road under. The occasional ray of daylight would filter by the branches, illuminating the mud motes that danced within the air. Ji Ruan squinted for a second earlier than elevating his head once more to proceed his observations. 

Gu Xiuyi quietly noticed Ji Ruan, sensing his real curiosity and eager for school life. 

“Ji Ruan—!” 

From a distance, Han Xiaolin, engaged in dialog with a senior carrying a blue jacket, noticed Ji Ruan and waved at him. 

Ji Ruan discovered Han Xiaolin’s antics amusing and burst into laughter. 

Gu Xiuyi patted Ji Ruan on the shoulder and stated, “Go.” 

Ji Ruan seemed up at him, his lengthy eyelashes sweeping. “What about you?” 

The corners of Gu Xiuyi’s lips curved into a delicate smile as he replied, “Alumni are gathering on the North Level Sq.. Are you headed to the multipurpose corridor? I am going to discover you later.” 

“Hmm… that is effective,” Ji Ruan contemplated for a second, recognizing that Gu Xiuyi had his personal enterprise to take care of. 

“By the way in which,” Gu Xiuyi pointed and reminded him, “Do not run, take your time.” 

“I received it.” Ji Ruan waved his hand and turned in direction of Han Xiaolin. 

Gu Xiuyi watched as Ji Ruan weaved by the gang to affix his buddies. At first, he walked obediently, however as quickly as he and Han Xiaolin made contact, they broke right into a jog, shoulder to shoulder. 

Gu Xiuyi could not hear what Han Xiaolin stated to tease Ji Ruan, however he noticed the kid’s real and joyful smile. The corners of his mouth lifted excessive, and the arches of his eyes had been fantastically curved, a smile distinctive to the age of eighteen. 

Unconsciously, Gu Xiuyi’s expression softened. Shaking his head, he turned and walked in direction of his personal alumni affiliation. 

With so many abilities at Peking College, numerous folks on the alumni affiliation acknowledged Gu Xiuyi from the enterprise world. They approached him one after one other, looking for a better connection. His telephone vibrated, indicating a name from Track Ling. Gu Xiuyi answered. 

“Boss, Xiaoya stated you modified your supply deal with again to the villa?” Track Ling inquired. “Why the sudden transfer?” 

“Sure,” Gu Xiuyi declined a glass of champagne and defined, “If there are any future deliveries, do not ship them to the residence.” 

“So sudden… You’ve got been busy recently, is all of it due to this transfer?” Track Ling clicked his tongue. “Might I ask, why?” 

Gu Xiuyi paused for a second, pursing his lips. “Xiao An does not even acknowledge me anymore, so I have to spend extra time with him whereas taking good care of a cat.” 

Xiao An used to stay with Gu Xiuyi in an residence, and Aunt Zhao would sometimes come to deal with him. However since Ji Ruan moved in, Aunt Zhao took over the duty of taking care of him and introduced the cat again to the villa. 

It was a great excuse. 

Nevertheless, Track Ling did not imagine him and even gave the impression to be chuckling. “Actually?” 

Whereas it could be true that he needed to spend extra time with the cat, this cat was not the identical as Xiao An. 

Gu Xiuyi responded, feeling a slight dryness in his throat. He adjusted his collar and requested a volunteer for a bottle of mineral water. 

– 

“Have you ever seen the dormitory allocation desk within the group?” Han Xiaolin pulled Ji Ruan by the densely packed crowd. 

“Look,” Ji Ruan stated, barely out of breath. “Why am I sharing a dorm with you?” 

Han Xiaolin laughed heartily. “We’re each leftovers. You are the final one left within the Chinese language Division, and I am the final one left within the Bodily Schooling Institute. The opposite two…” 

“The Effective Arts Division and the Finance Division,” Ji Ruan added, taking off the ribbon from his hair. 

There was an occasion on the highway that they had simply handed, with lots of salute barrels firing, which had splattered Ji Ruan. 

“It is fairly particular. The one co-ed dormitory for our freshmen yr selected us. Perhaps I can buy a lottery ticket later,” Han Xiaolin grinned, displaying his eight entrance tooth. 

Ji Ruan checked out him helplessly. “I want you luck and win 50 million.” 

“Thanks,” Han Xiaolin pushed open the glass door of the multipurpose corridor and requested Ji Ruan, “So, are you going for navy coaching? When will you progress into the dormitory?” 

Ji Ruan had been frightened for the previous few days. “I am unsure. I do not wish to do navy coaching. Let’s discuss to Gu Xiuyi after we return. Perhaps we’ll come a number of days later.” 

With delicate eyebrows and truthful pores and skin, Ji Ruan exuded class even when he frowned barely. 

Han Xiaolin was barely bowled over and muttered, “It is alright. Mr. Gu should be reluctant to half along with your navy coaching…” 

Ji Ruan checked out him, confused. 

The registration workplace for the Chinese language Division was by the doorway, whereas the Bodily Schooling Institute was situated on the again. Han Xiaolin modified the topic. “I am going to go forward. Are you able to name me later?” 

Ji Ruan shook his head. “Gu Xiuyi is coming to see me.” 

With clear eyes, Ji Ruan possessed the expertise to effortlessly tease single folks with out saying a phrase. 

“…Alright,” Han Xiaolin smiled. “Goodbye.” 

A gust of wind handed earlier than Ji Ruan’s eyes. Han Xiaolin, engaged in observe and subject, was as skinny as a monkey, however his legs had been crammed with muscle mass. He swiftly disappeared. 

The senior sister on the Chinese language Division’s registration desk brightened as she noticed Ji Ruan. “Is that our junior? Come, report in!” 

“Sure,” Ji Ruan stated, pursing his lips and smiling. 

The senior sister was very welcoming and positioned a kind on the desk. “Come, sit down and fill out the shape.” 

Ji Ruan felt barely uncomfortable with the extent of enthusiasm, so he opened the stool and sat down. “Thanks, senior.” 

The multipurpose corridor had central air-con, however because of the massive variety of folks, it had little impact. Virtually each division had introduced in massive followers to chill down the realm. 

Ji Ruan confronted the Chinese language Division’s fan and felt a bit dizzy from the breeze. He barely moved the stool to the aspect earlier than persevering with to fill out the shape. 

As he wrote, the curve of his neck was swish, resembling that of a ballet dancer. The tip of his nostril and the areas round his eyes had been barely reddened from sweat, exemplifying a fascinating magnificence that mixed composure and vitality. 

Increasingly folks inexplicably gathered round him, trying to strike up a dialog. 

“Can I add you on WeChat?” 

“Do you may have a girlfriend, little brother?” 

“Do you like older or youthful folks? Would you take into account courting somebody of the identical age?” 

As the gang grew and the air turned thinner, Ji Ruan began feeling a bit lightheaded. Pausing his pen on the tip, he raised his head and smiled softly. “I am already married.” 

A sudden silence appeared to fill the air. 

Ji Ruan set free a sigh of reduction, shortly crammed out the shape, and handed it to the senior sister. 

After a number of seconds, the silence broke, and the sound of individuals round began to rise once more. 

“Married? Is not he…” 

“It is perhaps true. He wears a hoop on his ring finger…” 

“Oh my god, they’re all highschool graduates, and so they’re pulling out their marriage licenses sooner than I can move my driver’s license check. I’ve failed the second grade 5 occasions!” 

Ji Ruan accepted the present bag from his senior sister, rotated, and left in a low-key method. 

“Hey! Is not he that… Gu… form of resembles…” 

“Rattling it, that picture… it appears to be like like… Gu Xiuyi…” 

“Eighteen years outdated, admitted to a prestigious college, married right into a rich household, and so stunning… What a winner at life…” 

Ji Ruan as soon as once more underestimated Mr. Gu’s affect, however he hadn’t anticipated to be acknowledged. He hurriedly made his approach out, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden crowd. 

Fortuitously, Gu Xiuyi referred to as at that second, and with out pondering, Ji Ruan shortly answered the decision. “Hey?” 

“I am right here…” Gu Xiuyi’s voice paused and all of a sudden turned extra critical. “Why is it so noisy over there?” 

Ji Ruan tightly lined his ears, fearing the exterior noise would drown out his voice, and his tone trembled barely. “I’m—” 

As he spoke, he caught sight of Gu Xiuyi standing outdoors by the hole within the crowd. The second their eyes met, Ji Ruan instantly hung up the telephone and hurriedly made his approach towards Gu Xiuyi. 

It appeared that Gu Xiuyi had run over as nicely, trying visibly involved. Ji Ruan was held by the hand after simply operating a few steps, and he ran into Gu Xiuyi. 

Ji Ruan’s palms started to sweat. 

Gu Xiuyi steadied him, supporting his shoulder. “Are you scared?” 

Ji Ruan swallowed and regained his composure, shaking his head. “Lots of people requested for my WeChat earlier, and I discussed that I used to be married. Then they realized that I am your associate…” 

He furrowed his eyebrows, feeling each unsettled and stunned. 

Gu Xiuyi raised his eyes and glanced on the crowd forward. His chilly expression emitted an aura that signified strangers shouldn’t intrude, and he successfully remoted the gang on the steps within the distance. 

“It is alright,” he reassured, taking Ji Ruan’s hand. “Let’s go.” 

—– 

Writer’s Be aware: 

Mr. Gu: Good job, I knew you would not entertain their advances. 

Ruan Ruan: They surrounded me and scared me to dying!


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