Gu Xiuyi’s physique radiated warmth, and his fingers, accustomed to rigorous train, weren’t delicate. Once they brushed in opposition to the pores and skin on the within of Ji Ruan’s wrist, a peculiar tingling sensation enveloped him. 

Gu Xiuyi gazed intently at Ji Ruan’s hand, talking with a voice so delicate that it touched the depths of 1’s coronary heart, like ripples gently spreading throughout the floor of water. 

Maybe this conduct held no which means in itself, perhaps it was simply his approach of talking when he was comfortable. But when Ji Ruan have been nonetheless the Ji Ruan from the unique guide, his coronary heart might need been stirred as soon as extra. 

The eighteenth-year-old’s heartbeat at all times had a approach of conveying itself little by little, infusing each refined motion with significance. 

Actually a Gong, the protagonist of the abusive novel, he may deal with you with tenderness, however by no means fall in love with you. And when you fell in love with him, he would solely keep that abnormal tenderness. However simply as you have been about to lose him, you abruptly realized that you just liked him deeply, carrying a glance of enlightenment in your face. 

However Ji Ruan detested such intricate and entangled feelings. 

Whereas Gu Xiuyi admired his fingers, Ji Ruan quietly noticed Gu Xiuyi in return. 

To some extent, he was an individual of the identical cold-hearted nature as Gu Xiuyi, though Gu Xiuyi’s temperament and upbringing had influenced this trait, whereas Ji Ruan was naturally inclined in direction of it. 

He had no want for love, and had grown weary of actively searching for it out. If he wasn’t the only real focus of a relationship, he merely could not be bothered. 

Thankfully, the connection between him and Gu Xiuyi wasn’t constructed on love. They lived in a realm of half-truths, pretending to be acquainted with one another day-after-day, till they lastly parted methods with dignity. 

Ji Ruan gently withdrew his hand, fingertips flippantly unfold out in entrance of the glowing chandelier in the lounge. He rigorously noticed the ring adorning his ring finger and spoke slowly, “Mr. Gu, I’ve a query that has been on my thoughts for fairly a while.” 

It was the primary time Gu Xiuyi had heard Ji Ruan deal with him as “Mr. Gu.” Propping his chin up, he smiled and quizzed, “Hmm?” 

Ji Ruan seemed up, his angle giving him a naive look. “Is there any distinction between the custom-made rings and those present in shops?” 

He genuinely could not discern any discrepancies, for in his eyes, all plain rings for males appeared fairly comparable. 

Gu Xiuyi did not react a lot to the query. He merely tilted his head, a slight smile enjoying on his lips. “Maybe it is as a result of I am fairly explicit. Track Ling and the others have talked about it.” 

Ji Ruan raised an eyebrow, so that you’re conscious of it too? 

Understanding the which means behind his gaze, Gu Xiuyi shook his head noncommittally, obtained up, and patted Ji Ruan on the again. “Alright, go change your garments, it is time to head out.” 

The Gu household’s ancestral dwelling stood on the outskirts of town, a testomony to the household’s wealth and energy. The traditional, garden-style mansion had withstood the check of time, its partitions bearing witness to generations of Gu ancestors. Over time, the mansion had undergone a number of renovations, however its authentic magnificence remained intact. 

The automobile parked in entrance of the quaint gate, and a respectful housekeeper led them inside. 

This stately manor, with its azure bricks, ebony tiles, and an arboreal cover so huge that it defied simple enumeration, was match for a scene in a sweeping historic drama. 

Passing by way of the gate and the entrance corridor, they entered right into a deep rock backyard that appeared to have been carved out of the earth itself, adorned with towering bushes rose up on all sides, their branches intertwining overhead to type a cover that blocked out the solar. The one sound was the light trickle of water from the meandering streams that wound their approach by way of the backyard. Even the temperature dropped considerably as they stepped inside in comparison with the surface. 

Ji Ruan and Gu Xiuyi walked facet by facet, with the housekeeper trailing carefully forward in silence. 

As they continued strolling, the surroundings remained unchanged, and there was no sight of a major house-like constructing. 

Ji Ruan could not assist however sigh softly. “Is that this a residence or a royal park?” 

Gu Xiuyi glanced at him sideways. “Already drained from strolling?” 

“…” Ji Ruan glanced at him and touched his nostril. “Not but.” 

Gu Xiuyi calmly acknowledged the information. “On the very least, we have now to undergo a hall to achieve the principle corridor.” 

“Actually?!” Ji Ruan could not management his expression. 

As they rounded the bend within the path, a sight appeared that took their breath away. A powerful arched bridge spanned the river earlier than them, its historic stones coated in a lush blanket of untrimmed moss. Caught up of their banter, Ji Ruan and Gu Xiuyi practically slipped after they stepped on it. 

Gu Xiuyi tilted his head and noticed as Ji Ruan patted his chest in shock. “It is so slippery…” 

He paused for a second, then took maintain of Ji Ruan’s hand. “If it is slippery, simply stroll slowly.” 

Gu Xiuyi’s fingers have been giant sufficient to fully engulf Ji Ruan’s physique, their pores and skin assembly and inflicting a slight jolt when their rings brushed in opposition to one another. 

Upon listening to the motion, the housekeeper forward discreetly turned his head. Ji Ruan shortly understood the scenario and with out hesitation, intertwined his fingers with Gu Xiuyi’s, relieving any burden. 

Frightened of slipping as soon as extra, Ji Ruan centered his gaze on the bottom, rigorously inserting one foot in entrance of the opposite. 

Gu Xiuyi absentmindedly watched the crimson carp swimming within the pond. It was solely later that he realized Ji Ruan had fallen silent and turned to have a look at him. 

The younger man delicately held his hand, taking every step with utmost care. 

Gu Xiuyi did not know whether or not to snigger or sigh. “Shall I prepare for a sedan chair for you?” 

Having caught the humorous tone in his phrases, Ji Ruan silently rolled his eyes. With out lifting his head, he squeezed Gu Xiuyi’s hand firmly. “President Gu, joking will not be your sturdy swimsuit.” 

Gu Xiuyi’s low laughter resonated in his ears. “Truthful sufficient…” 

In his hand, he held a tightly sealed kraft paper bag, which he had introduced again together with the afternoon ring. It was evidently one thing of nice significance, unrelated to Ji Ruan. 

Upon seeing this, Ji Ruan recalled one thing and questioned Gu Xiuyi. “That is my first time visiting your home. Should not I deliver a present?” 

Though he had no concept what the ambiance in Gu Xiuyi’s household was like, it was thought of rude to reach empty-handed when assembly your companion’s dad and mom for the primary time. Nonetheless, this sudden go to had left Ji Ruan with no time to consider it. 

Gu Xiuyi did not instantly reply, his eyes revealing a touch of shock as he regarded Ji Ruan. He then shook his head. “No want.” 

After a second of contemplation, he continued, “While you meet the individuals inside later, simply ignore them. Your consolation is all that issues.” 

Though this assertion appeared comforting on the floor, it held an underlying emphasis. 

The hall they walked upon was set above a big pond, inflicting the wind to be stronger right here than in different areas. Ji Ruan frowned and coughed twice. “What?” 

His throat was not in excellent situation, resulting in a lingering cough after every episode. 

Gu Xiuyi positioned himself barely forward of Ji Ruan and defined, “My grandfather, father, stepmother, and two half-brothers all reside there. The older one is my stepmother’s little one from her earlier marriage, whereas the youthful one is my father’s illegitimate little one.” 

He checked out Ji Ruan, his eyes devoid of any emotion. “So, while you see them, simply ignore all the things. Pay no thoughts to their phrases or actions. For those who discover it boring, you may merely change off your listening to.” 

Ji Ruan smiled flippantly. “Do not you dislike it after I casually tune out?” 

Gu Xiuyi’s voice remained regular. “It is okay this time. It isn’t essential.” 

Ji Ruan raised an eyebrow. It appeared that the grievances of rich households have been actually complicated. Gu Xiuyi appeared to haven’t any affection for his so-called “members of the family.” 

Nonetheless, Ji Ruan had at all times been impatient when it got here to getting entangled in such intricacies. He by no means even bothered with Gong Dou after watching dramas. Along with his easy mind-set, he casually contemplated and requested Gu Xiuyi, “So, are they the dangerous guys?” 

Dangerous guys? 

A slight twitch occurred on Gu Xiuyi’s brow. 

It had been fairly some time since he had encountered somebody like Ji Ruan, somebody who merely categorised individuals as “good” or “dangerous.” 

He himself had lengthy deserted the act of defining human nature. 

For a second, Gu Xiuyi could not present a solution to this query. 

After a prolonged pause, he gazed into Ji Ruan’s light eyes, and unconsciously felt a major weight lifted off his shoulders. “From my perspective, you would say that.” 

He curved his lips. “So, don’t be concerned about the rest. Simply observe my lead.” 

Ji Ruan nodded thoughtfully. It simply so occurred that he had no inclination in direction of delving into difficult issues. 

He had at all times been adept at simplifying issues. 

The observant housekeeper discreetly stole glances on the couple, Ji Ruan and Gu Xiuyi, as they stood in shut proximity. Ji Ruan, ever the crafty charmer, embraced Gu Xiuyi’s arm with a passion that would not be simply misconstrued. 

In a hushed tone, he posed a query that bore a touch of mischievousness, “My expensive, would not or not it’s fairly handy if I have been to play the position of a deaf and mute particular person?” 

To this attractive proposition, Gu Xiuyi responded with a collection of low chuckles, conveying each amusement and settlement. “Certainly,” he replied, his laughter embodying an air of velvety attraction. 

—– 

The creator has a intelligent interjection: 

Ji·The Suave Pretender·Ruan Ruan 

Mr. Gu: My astute and charming partner