Upon returning home, Gu Xiuyi found Ji Ruan engaged in a video call with Han Xiaolin. An eye-catching notebook on the table, with boldly written red letters, grabbed Gu Xiuyi's attention:
"A List of Essential Items for Boarding School!"
The size, color, and prominence of those words overwhelmed Gu Xiuyi, causing a momentary dizziness. Meanwhile, Ji Ruan, the culprit, sat in pajamas on a chair, hair in disarray, and blinked with a bewildered expression.
"How did you come back?" Ji Ruan stood and approached Gu Xiuyi, poking his arm with a finger, as if to confirm his existence.
Wow, muscular, what a nice physique.
Gu Xiuyi firmly grasped the limp fingers of the prospective college student and wrenched them away. "Do you want to live on campus?"
His expression and tone remained unchanged, but Ji Ruan failed to notice anything peculiar and simply beamed. "Of course."
What an inexplicable allure campus life seems to possess. Even a child's dimples overflow with sweetness.
Gu Xiuyi opened and closed his lips twice, momentarily at a loss for words.
Ji Ruan's unruly hair stood out conspicuously, catching Gu Xiuyi's attention multiple times, making it impossible to completely ignore. "You haven't combed your hair yet?"
As he spoke, Gu Xiuyi reached out and tried to press down the unruly strands, but the soft hair stubbornly resisted his efforts.
"I washed it when I woke up," Ji Ruan felt a tinge of annoyance and took a step back. "But I can't help it if my hair curls up after sleeping..."
Gu Xiuyi: "..."
Never mind, hair is not the focus right now.
Gu Xiuyi glanced at Ji Ruan's pale complexion, noticing his listless lips, and realized he was hungry again—having woken up early without eating, and now making video calls with classmates?
Gu Xiuyi tapped on the table and gestured toward the phone with a raised chin. "Is whatever you're discussing so important that it needs to be said now?"
Ji Ruan turned to look at the phone. The large face of Han Xiaolin, their chatting classmate, was reflected on the screen. Ji Ruan quickly turned the phone away. "Han Xiaolin has extensive experience living on campus, so I wanted to ask him for advice. But he's currently in military training, with limited time and a heavy workload, so it makes sense for me to collaborate with him."
Perfect, now back on track.
With one hand resting on the table, Gu Xiuyi turned the phone back around and delivered a brief message to the stunned Han Xiaolin, who appeared to be an energetic young man clad in military camouflage. "Classmate Han Xiaolin, I'm taking Ji Ruan away now. You can focus on your military training."
Without waiting for Han Xiaolin's surprise-filled response, Gu Xiuyi abruptly ended the video call. While lowering his head, he accidentally caught a glimpse of the minute details on Ji Ruan's school list.
This guy even knows which color washbasin to choose!
Without saying a word, Gu Xiuyi took Ji Ruan downstairs, fearing he might become dizzy while climbing the stairs. He tightly held Ji Ruan's hand.
Ji Ruan followed along, perplexed. "Do you have something to say?"
Gu Xiuyi spoke in a deep voice, "We need to have a serious conversation."
Two minutes later, at the dinner table.
Gu Xiuyi and Ji Ruan sat across from each other. Mr. Gu didn't even have time to change out of his suit. Leaning back in his chair with his legs crossed, he exuded his years of experience in business meetings and a commanding presence that transformed the elegant marble dining table into a negotiation desk.
As for his negotiating partner, a curly-haired prospective college student named Ji, his round eyes were fixed solely on the steaming meat buns and soy milk in front of him—his breakfast.
Ji Ruan swallowed hard and reached out to grab a bun. However, as soon as his fingers made contact with the freshly steamed dough, he quickly withdrew his hand—it was scalding hot, having just been released from the steamer.
Blowing on his fingertips, Ji Ruan shifted his gaze to Gu Xiuyi. "Why don't you start first."
It's better to get it over with quickly before I start.
Gu Xiuyi straightened his posture, interlacing his fingers on the table, and emitted an air of seriousness. "What is your reason for wanting to live on campus?"
Ji Ruan was taken aback by Gu Xiuyi's formal demeanor, instantly assuming that this person was here to negotiate a contract with him.
He blinked. "Everyone does it, didn't you live on campus when you were a freshman?"
"That's different." Gu Xiuyi coldly stated, employing double standards and dismissing the first reason.
Ji Ruan, puzzled, tilted his head with a smile. "How is it different?"
Accepting the coffee Aunt Zhao handed over, Gu Xiuyi gently placed it on the table. "You have health issues, and it may not be safe for you to live on campus."
Ji Ruan frowned, refuting, "Why would it be unsafe?"
"University dorms have bunk beds and desks, and you have to climb stairs. What if you become dizzy and fall?" Gu Xiuyi appealed to emotions and reasoned, "Furthermore, you have a rare blood type. Any injuries you sustain could result in severe bleeding."
"Well..." Ji Ruan lowered his gaze, appearing to seriously consider Gu Xiuyi's words.
The meat buns had cooled down, so he wrapped them in paper and began to nibble slowly. One of the meat buns was about half the size of his face.
"But I—" Ji Ruan began speaking incomprehensibly and ceased as soon as he started.
Whenever he had something in his mouth, he found it impossible to talk. He gently covered his mouth with his fingertips, lowered his gaze, and chewed slowly.
Gu Xiuyi couldn't tear his eyes away from Ji Ruan's face—so refined and polite.
He pushed the soy milk toward Ji Ruan. "Drink it."
To his surprise, Ji Ruan took a long time to chew a mouthful of buns. By the time he finished swallowing and licked his glossy lips, Gu Xiuyi felt like he was about to become incredibly patient.
"But I haven't experienced any dizziness in the past two days," Ji Ruan said, blotting his lips with a tissue. "And didn't you buy me candy?"
Gu Xiuyi refrained from seasoning his response. "Not only do you experience fainting from hypoglycemia, but you also have anemia. Your anemia has not yet improved."
The second reason for rejection.
"Is it that severe?" Ji Ruan bit the straw. "Doesn't our school require freshmen to live on campus?"
Gu Xiuyi took a sip of his black coffee. "If you have a legitimate reason, you can apply for day study."
Ji Ruan held the cup of soy milk, pondering for a moment. As he contemplated Gu Xiuyi's various rationales, he finally questioned his soul.
"But I'm going to school, not joining the military. The school isn't a dangerous place, so why can't I go?"
Gu Xiuyi paused, his fingertips suspended in mid-air. Facing Ji Ruan's questioning eyes filled with doubt, he couldn't immediately counter with a third reason.
He hesitated momentarily, turned his head, and looked at Aunt Zhao, who was cheerily humming a tune in the kitchen. "Zhao Ma, what do you think?"
He believed that Aunt Zhao would undoubtedly join forces with him and help persuade Ji Ruan.
"Ah? You're asking me?" Aunt Zhao chuckled as she held a dishcloth. "Why are you asking me?"
Ji Ruan also turned towards Aunt Zhao, speaking earnestly, "Your opinion is truly valued."
Aunt Zhao's status unexpectedly soared, suddenly becoming a leading figure in the negotiations. She temporarily couldn't handle the responsibility.
"Uh... well..." She pondered for a moment, smiling at Ji Ruan. "Do you want to live on campus, Ruan Ruan?"
Ji Ruan sat up straight, resembling a primary school student under questioning, his tone slightly melancholic. "Just a little bit. Mainly because I've never lived in a dormitory before, and I want to experience it at least once..."
Aunt Zhao couldn't bear such a look, her motherly love overflowing once again, as she twirled the dishcloth. "Oh, Xiao Gu, you heard Ruan Ruan himself say that he wants to go. College life is so important; it will become a cherished memory in the future. Let him go."
"..."
Gu Xiuyi found himself suddenly isolated and helpless. His old nanny, who had been by his side for twenty years, had taken Ji Ruan's side, despite only knowing him for two months. All because Ji Ruan would always take out Gu Xiuyi whenever and wherever he pleased.
Though Gu Xiuyi didn't show it on his face, he was deeply affected by this. He couldn't bring himself to say yes or no, so he simply pointed at the steamed bun on the table and said, "Eat another one."
Ji Ruan leaned back in his chair and rubbed his stomach, saying, "I can't eat anymore."
He was once again acting weak, as he always did whenever things didn't go his way. His lips were no longer as pink as they used to be.
Gu Xiuyi felt frustrated. He couldn't reason with Ji Ruan, nor could he be cruel to him. And he couldn't tell Ji Ruan that he wanted to move back.
If he were to say that he wouldn't let Ji Ruan leave, wouldn't it mean he was forcing Ji Ruan to stay with him?
Gu Xiuyi couldn't bring himself to do that. It felt like a heavy weight was crushing his heart.
Unable to refuse any longer, Gu Xiuyi finally compromised, saying, "Fine, fine... Go, let's move to dormitory."
He never won any confrontations with Ji Ruan.
"Really?" Ji Ruan's eyes lit up, instantly regaining his vigor.
He immediately resumed eating the steamed bun. It hadn't cooled down yet, but it still tasted delicious. Ji Ruan narrowed his eyes in delight and said, "Thank you, Boss Gu."
Even though Gu Xiuyi knew that Ji Ruan's earlier weakness was just an act, he couldn't help but feel uneasy when he saw Ji Ruan recover so quickly. His heart grew heavier.
He stared at Ji Ruan's lips for a moment, then spoke coldly, "Blue."
"Huh?" Ji Ruan spoke with the tilde sound at the end, his mouth still full of the steamed bun.
Gu Xiuyi subconsciously rubbed the ring on his finger and said, "Choose a blue washbasin."
Ji Ruan was momentarily surprised, realizing that Gu Xiuyi must have seen his wish list.
In this household, Gu Xiuyi still had some say, even if it was just about the washbasin. Ji Ruan understood this well.
"No problem," Ji Ruan generously smiled, "I can listen to you."
His smile was bright, like the summer roses, Its petals opening wide to greet the day, blooming in the yard outside the window during early summer, and like the dimples Gu Xiuyi had when he ate rice dumplings as a child.
All of Gu Xiuyi's dull and stagnant feelings suddenly disappeared because of this smile. He felt as though he had become a chameleon lately, with his emotions changing in an instant.
Ninety percent of these changes were because of Ji Ruan.
This realization made Gu Xiuyi's heart skip a beat.
A few days later, on a sunny weekend, the freshmen at Peking University finished their military training.
Ji Ruan headed to the dormitory first, carrying nothing, while Gu Xiuyi carried Song Ling's bags.
"Ding—"
The elevator doors opened, revealing a spacious dormitory corridor. Despite being a male dormitory, it was much cleaner and fresher than expected.
"Not bad," Song Ling commented beside Gu Xiuyi, "They even have an elevator. During our time, we had to walk everywhere."
Gu Xiuyi's expression was gloomy as if he was in a usual mood. He knocked on the door of Room 601 and said, "What's the use? With so many students on one floor and only two elevators, it'll be crowded during rush hour."
If Ji Ruan's small figure could squeeze in, then let Ji Ruan take care of it.
Seeing Gu Xiuyi's downward-turned lips, Song Ling shook his head. Boss's lips had been curved like that for the past few days. Just walking around the office was enough to terrify the entire top floor, and everyone was worried about bankruptcy.
Song Ling had been bombarded by countless people attempting to indirectly inquire about the company's recent financial situation. Little did they know, it was because the boss's facial expression had changed because the young spouse was going to live on campus. Song Ling understood it was not appropriate to disclose such family matters, so he pretended to be profound, but it seemed to make the employees even more anxious.
Song Ling sighed inwardly, maintaining his professionalism as he responded, "You're right, Boss."
Footsteps could be heard behind the door, and the next second, it clicked open.
Room 601 was located at the corner of the corridor, with a larger area than the other dormitories and good lighting. Ji Ruan's face appeared in front of them under the bright natural light, accompanied by a gust of wind.
His fair skin, curved eyes, fluffy hair, and the soft halo surrounding him made him look like a little angel. Even Song Ling found him pleasing to the eye, not to mention Mr. Gu.
Mr. Gu had long left behind his somber demeanor.
What gloom? It no longer existed.
Song Ling pushed the luggage in, and all the roommates were present, gathered around a small table. On the table was a deck of shuffled playing cards, indicating they were in the midst of a game.
"Let me introduce you." Ji Ruan tugged at Gu Xiuyi's sleeve and smiled, "You already know my roommates, Li Yu, Qin Shan, and Han Xiaolin."
Li Yu, a Fine Arts major, and Qin Shan, a Finance major, both with glasses and a slightly dazed expression, saw this scene and felt a little puzzled.
Ji Ruan continued to smile gently and said naturally, "This is my husband, Gu Xiuyi, and the handsome guy next to him is his good friend and assistant, Song Ling."
Song Ling amiably greeted everyone.
Gu Xiuyi was pleased by Ji Ruan's use of "husband," wearing a genuine smile on his face as he placed a few exquisitely packaged bags on the small table.
"Hello, everyone. As it's our first meeting, I wasn't sure of your preferences, so I brought some snacks. Ji Ruan isn't in the best health, so I'll rely on all of you to take care of him in the future."
After all, they were well-known figures and legendary alumni of the school. The two new roommates were reserved and uneasy.
"Hello, Mr. Gu!"
"Welcome, President Gu!"
"Mr. Gu, please have a seat!"
Gu Xiuyi smiled and declined, "No, I'll help Ji Ruan settle in and leave. Having me here would make all of you uncomfortable as well."
He found Ji Ruan's empty bed, rolled up his sleeves, and along with Song Ling, cleaned the bed and tables, helping Ji Ruan organize all his belongings, including the bed curtain.
Ji Ruan only tidied up the desk by himself. He took out the Lucky Cat and candy jars, handing out candies to his roommates and feeding one to Gu Xiuyi and Song Ling.
Of course, Song Ling failed to successfully eat his candy. Gu Xiuyi intercepted Ji Ruan's wrist halfway, and Song Ling took the candy and put it in his mouth.
Once everything was nearly packed, Gu Xiuyi took Ji Ruan to the corridor to chat for a while. After the room was empty, the roommates heaved a sigh of relief.
Li Yu glanced at the snack bags and exclaimed, "Wow, these are all expensive imported brands. These bags must have cost thousands..."
Qin Shan leaned on Han Xiaolin's shoulder, looking relaxed as he said, "Brother Han, is that Boss Gu... The one we see in financial news every day?"
Han Xiaolin, who had met Gu Xiuyi a few times, suddenly took on an air of superiority and said, "Look at you, who've never seen the world. What's wrong with Boss Gu? He's also a man, and as a man, he has to get married. Learn from me, my brother. Don't be surprised by changes, just get used to them."
The group decided to open the snack bags and share. Li Yu sighed and said, "But I must say, Mr. Gu treats Ji Ruan exceptionally well. It's different from what I imagined."
Qin Shan agreed, "Yes, exactly. I used to listen to Mr. Gu's speeches. He was always so serious. I didn't expect him to be quite approachable in private."
"Perhaps it depends on the circumstances. If it wasn't for Ji Ruan, we wouldn't see this side of him in private."
"That makes sense."
Han Xiaolin, being one of the few privy to Ji Ruan's impending nuptials, pondered on the inconvenience of incessant private discussions revolving around Ji Ruan.
In a half-joking manner, he remarked, "Let's spare Mr. Gu any further discussion in the future. You lot don't know how thin-skinned Ji Ruan is, and how uncomfortable he gets when the topic is broached. Let's continue our usual interactions."
"Of course," Li Yu chimed in. "We won't talk about it much outside."
Qin Shan echoed the sentiment, saying, "We'll heed Brother Han's advice."
"Good on you, brother," Han Xiaolin smiled with contentment, raising a snack as if toasting with a wine glass. "Cheers!"
The corridor was ablaze under the scorching sun, causing Ji Ruan to lower his head and squint his eyes. However, Gu Xiuyi grabbed his wrist and led him to the shade.
Crossing his arms, Gu Xiuyi remained silent for a moment, but eventually couldn't help but offer a few words of caution. "You must prioritize your safety while living on campus, you know?"
Ji Ruan nodded.
"If you feel lightheaded upon waking in the morning, don't rush to get out of bed. Have some sugar and take it slow. Make sure you're fully awake before getting up."
Ji Ruan nodded, smiling.
"If you feel unwell, go to the school clinic. If you can't walk, ask your roommate for assistance. Don't hesitate to ask for help. I'll thank them on your behalf. Take it easy—"
"—Mr. Gu."
Gu Xiuyi's train of thought was abruptly interrupted, leaving him momentarily stunned. "What?"
Smiling, Ji Ruan leaned against the wall. "Did Zhao Ma teach you to say all these things?"
Gu Xiuyi stuffed his hands into his pockets. "I came up with them on my own."
Ji Ruan rolled his eyes, his dimples making an appearance once more as he smiled and said nothing.
Only then did Gu Xiuyi realize he might have been overzealous in his advice. Trying to play it cool, he adjusted his sleeves and buttoned his cuffs. "Alright, that's enough for now. I should head back."
Ji Ruan stopped him. "Aren't we supposed to have dinner together?"
Halfway into his walk, Gu Xiuyi turned his head. "No, I have a meeting. You can have dinner with your roommate, a chance to bond. Quick, go inside. It's sweltering out here."
Ji Ruan pursed his lips. "Alright then."
Waving at Gu Xiuyi, he bid him farewell with a bright smile. "Bye-bye."
Gu Xiuyi merely nodded slightly before entering the elevator with Song Ling.
In the evening, Ji Ruan went to have a hot pot with his roommate.
Throughout his entire pre-book life, Ji Ruan had rarely indulged in hot pot.
They chose a well-known, age-old establishment that stood just outside the university gates. It was said to be a rite of passage for every freshman to dine at this restaurant. By partaking in this hot pot, one truly entered Beijing University.
The restaurant's interior decor was unremarkable, the atmosphere lively and bustling. Several adjacent shops had been interconnected to form a considerably spacious area.
Ji Ruan and Li Yu from the Fine Arts Academy weren't particularly fond of spicy food, so they opted for a combo featuring mandarin duck hot pot, settling in for a chat.
The other three had arrived over half a month before Ji Ruan and had already familiarized themselves with all things pertaining to the school.
Pointing to the street beyond the window, Qin Shan's plump finger moved animatedly. "Right behind that street is where you'll find the snack street. There's this incredible snail noodle shop there. Xiao Ruan, we should check it out next time?"
Li Yu frowned upon hearing that, pushing up his glasses. "You still want to eat? Won't you get tired of it after a week?"
Han Xiaolin rested his chin on his hand, feigning disillusionment. "We've already eaten with him so much that he practically felt sick. Besides, you seem like a person who survives on water alone. Do you think he'd invite you?"
Taking a sip of watermelon juice, Ji Ruan responded, "Then I won't go."
He pretended to have a sudden realization, a mock epiphany. "So I'm just a backup plan?"
Qin Shan, in a state of panic, responded, "That's not it! I'm not that kind of person, Xiao Ruan. Don't pay attention to their nonsense. I genuinely and sincerely invited you... Sister Zizhang!"
The chubby guy abruptly shifted his attention, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets, as he glimpsed a beautiful figure walking past. "She's so gorgeous... Do fairies also indulge in hot pot?"
Ji Ruan followed his gaze and recognized the girl. "Why wouldn't she eat it?" Li Yu remarked. "Even the Jade Emperor would surrender when faced with hot pot, let alone fairies."
Han Xiaolin leaned closer to Ji Ruan. "Cheng Zizhang, our campus beauty. She's also in the Chinese Department, your senior."
With a touch of Han Xiaolin's arm, Ji Ruan suddenly remembered. "Oh, it's her."
Qin Xiaopang, an absolute fan of Goddess Cheng, couldn't contain his excitement. "Xiao Ruan, do you know Senior Zizhang?"
"Not really..." Ji Ruan scratched her nose and smiled. "I met her on the day of our orientation meeting. We exchanged WeChat contacts, but we haven't chatted."
"Damn," Qin Shan muttered in shock. "Indeed, beauties just love playing with handsome guys. You manage to add the goddess on WeChat as soon as you enter school..."
Despite his envy, Qin Shan was sensible enough not to ask Ji Ruan for the goddess's WeChat.
As the hot pot started to boil, Ji Ruan casually picked up a slice of lotus root and took a bite. In a light-hearted tone, she joked, "Don't worry, I'm attracted to men, and I'm married. It won't hinder your pursuit of the goddess."
Qin Shan smiled instantly. "Exactly what I'm talking about. If we end up like you, we'd have to be into men. Otherwise, what other prospects do we have when it comes to finding a partner?"
The other two chuckled and started placing vegetables into his oil dish.
"Enough of your nonsense."
"Eat up."
After taking a few mouthfuls, Li Yu interjected, "But I heard that Senior Zizhang has a boyfriend. Isn't it that senior from the School of Mathematics next door, Bai?"
Qin Shan, about to eat duck intestines, raised his eyebrows upon hearing this. "Bai Ange?"
Li Yu nodded. "Yes, Ange."
"Give me a break," Qin Shan scoffed. "He's not as good-looking as our little Ruan."
With that, he turned to Ji Ruan, who couldn't quite understand what was happening. "Compared to the current campus heartthrob, many girls claim that he's handsome, but honestly, he's not as good-looking as you."
"I don't think it's a matter of looks," Li Yu analyzed rationally. "Xiao Ruan has a beautiful and calm demeanor, while Bai Ange is more of a dazzling talent."
"But that might change in the future." Li Yu glanced at Ji Ruan. "Right now, Xiao Ruan's reputation has already surpassed Bai Ange's."
Qin Shan nodded in agreement. "I believe so. There's always a wall between the man of the hour and the one of the day."
The topic suddenly shifted to himself, and Ji Ruan chuckled. "So, I'm the man of the hour, huh?"
"You're incredibly influential." Li Yu sighed.
Qin Shan added, "You're the top student in our school!"
Coughing, Han Xiaolin, who had remained silent until then, poured himself a glass of beer. It seemed like he had something important to share. "Gossip."
Han Xiaolin, who had recently earned the title of the "Gossip Guru" in Xinsheng, claimed to be privy to all news and happenings at Beijing University.
Li Yu and Qin Shan leaned in eagerly.
Han Xiaolin covered half of his mouth with his palm and spoke in a hushed tone. "I've heard that Bai Ange also has an interest in men."
"Really?" Li Yu gasped, covering her mouth in shock.
Qin Shan paused for a moment, then burst into uproarious laughter. "It must be true hahahahaha—"
He poured himself a glass of beer. "I'm one step closer to the goddess. This is fantastic."
"Get lost."
"Get lost."
Ji Ruan smiled quietly.
The hot pot restaurant teemed with people, creating a lively atmosphere. College students chatted away, filling each table with constant noise. The topics of conversation ranged from gossip to games, with no mention of studying. This seemed to be the norm across all universities in the country.
After the meal, Li Yu and Qin Shan invited their friends to hang out, while Han Xiaolin grew tired and pestered Ji Ruan to take a stroll around the campus for half an hour before slowly making their way back to the dormitory.
The dorms at Beijing University were equipped with private guards and unlimited hot water. When Ji Ruan finished showering and climbed into bed, the other two returned after checking the access control.
Ji Ruan's bed was adorned with uniformly blue bed sheets, quilt covers, and curtains. Even the small table lamp by his bedside was in varying shades of blue. It resembled an ocean about to recede. These were all chosen by Gu Xiuyi.
Ji Ruan often struggled with making choices, especially when it came to small things like these while moving dormitories. He sat on the sofa, pondering and indecisive.
Beside him, Gu Xiuyi sat neither watching TV nor playing with his phone. He seemed eager to help but remained tense, unable to speak.
Ji Ruan, too laid-back to worry, decided to let Gu Xiuyi take charge and make the decisions as the "master of the house."
That night, Gu Xiuyi personally arranged the details of Ji Ruan's bed sheets, and the next morning, a smile played at the corners of his mouth when Ji Ruan woke up.
Ji Ruan tossed aside the quilt and settled into the bed. Boss Gu had even chosen the mattress, which turned out to be soft and comfortable. Ji Ruan closed his eyes in bliss, capturing an image of the dark blue haven created by Gu Xiuyi.
Almost immediately, a video call came through.
Ji Ruan scrambled to find his earphones and plugged them in before answering the call.
Gu Xiuyi appeared to be sitting in front of a darkened computer screen, his face half-illuminated by the blue light. He wore pajamas and half-rimmed glasses, which accentuated his sharp facial features and added a softness to his overall demeanor, a charm different from his usual self.
Ji Ruan observed the background behind him, dimly lit. It was a place he had never seen before. "Are you in your usual apartment?"
"Yes," Gu Xiuyi confirmed.
After Ji Ruan had chosen to live on campus, Gu Xiuyi's plan to move back to his villa was discarded. It had been an enthusiastically pursued plan that abruptly came to a halt, known only to the two of them.
Gu Xiuyi didn't push the topic further and instead rested a finger against the frame of his glasses, asking Ji Ruan, "Is the bed comfortable?"
"Very comfortable," Ji Ruan replied with a smile. "And the bedding smells wonderful. Thank you."
Like a cherub in repose, his chin tucked beneath the quilt, only a hint of his pink lips was visible. His dark hair cascaded across the pillow like a waterfall of midnight.
His long lashes were like raven's wings, catching the soft glow of the bedside lamp and casting mysterious shadows across his pale cheeks. His eyes sparkled like stars.
He truly complemented the blue surroundings, resembling a little mermaid in the sea, while the bed embodied the vast ocean.
Gu Xiuyi gazed at Ji Ruan on the screen, his eyes unconsciously softening. "What did you have for dinner?"
"Hot pot," Ji Ruan answered. "There's this legendary Liji hot pot place outside the main entrance that has supposedly been around for years. You must know it, right?"
Gu Xiuyi pondered for a moment. There did seem to be such a place. "Is that the infamous restaurant that everyone says you have to try when you enter Peking University?"
"Yes, yes, exactly!" Ji Ruan exclaimed in surprise. "So this saying has been circulating since your time?"
"It goes even further back," Gu Xiuyi nodded, deep in thought. "Seniors who are several years older than me talked about it even before they entered school. The origins of the saying can't be traced. What are your thoughts on the taste?"
Ji Ruan rolled over, hugging the quilt, and pondered. "It's delicious, but it doesn't quite live up to the hype. Maybe because I'm not particularly crazy about hot pot, to begin with?"
"Ah," Gu Xiuyi nodded in agreement. "Probably half truth, half publicity effect."
"But Han Xiaolin thought it was amazing," Ji Ruan adjusted his earphones and continued. "He ate so much that he nearly had an abundance of leftovers, so I gave him a box of digestive tablets."
His voice carried a slight huskiness, speaking softly and slowly, making conversations with him an absolute delight.
Gu Xiuyi matched his pace: "And how about you? Are you feeling alright?"
Ji Ruan playfully narrowed her eyes: "Oh, I'm fine. I exercised great restraint and only had the clear soup from the mandarin duck hot pot we ordered."
"Well," Gu Xiuyi gently rested his forehead on his hand, "You've got impressive self-control."
Ji Ruan struggled to hear clearly. Usually, he preferred to communicate through messages and only occasionally made phone calls. This was the first time he wore earphones while talking on the phone like this.
Gu Xiuyi's voice sounded crisper and more pleasant than usual, cascading through the earphones and soothing Ji Ruan's ears.
Sinking back into the quilt, Ji Ruan couldn't help but laugh.
Gu Xiuyi caught a glimpse of Ji Ruan's dimple popping out but in an instant, it vanished, hidden away in the quilt.
The little mermaid giggled, hiding beneath the sea, his eyes still sparkling with that mischievous smile, his gaze filled with countless shattered stars.
The corners of Gu Xiuyi's lips curled up slightly: "What have you laughing?"
"Hmm..." Ji Ruan blinked his eyes innocently, "I'm not sure either."
Truly, he didn't know. He pondered it carefully, but couldn't find an explanation for his laughter. It simply felt magical.
Due to Ji Ruan's hearing impairment, he shouldn't have worn headphones for extended periods. Gu Xiuyi chatted a bit more before bidding him goodnight, allowing the little mermaid to dive completely into the sea.
At the start of university, Ji Ruan found herself incredibly busy. Between attending classes, hanging out with friends, going out for meals, and considering elective courses and clubs, he had never felt so fulfilled in two lifetimes.
But for Gu Xiuyi, being busy was the norm.
Their communication dwindled to occasional messages, and even their phone calls became less frequent.
One day, after Ji Ruan finished his noon class, he received an unexpected call from Gu Xiuyi. It was unusual since it wasn't a time when they would typically communicate.
The hallway was bustling with people after class, so Ji Ruan carefully steered clear of the crowd and stood at the corner.
"Hello?"
After a long absence, Gu Xiuyi's voice reached Ji Ruan's ears. The words were familiar but comforting: "Are you skipping your afternoon class?"
"Yes." Ji Ruan wasn't aware of Gu Xiuyi's class schedule, so he answered honestly, "What's up?"
"Not a big deal," Gu Xiuyi's voice flowed lazily, with a hint of nonchalance, "A friend recommended a restaurant to me. They are renowned for their French snails. If you don't have dinner plans, would you like to join me in giving it a try?"
Ji Ruan had grown tired of cafeteria food and longed for a change of taste. He didn't mind having Western cuisine, so he agreed without much thought: "Sure, what time?"
"Half past five. Shall I pick you up at the main gate?"
As the rush hour after classes receded, the hallway emptied. Ji Ruan leisurely strolled, holding onto the handrail. "Sounds good."
Gu Xiuyi seemed to be occupied once more when a voice interrupted their conversation. He covered his phone and spoke a few words to Ji Ruan, "Go have lunch and rest in the dormitory in the afternoon."
"Alright," Ji Ruan nodded, "You go ahead. I'll hang up."
After lunch, Ji Ruan returned to his dormitory, picked up a candy that Gu Xiuyi had bought for him, and glanced at the promotional posters of various clubs.
The sugar in his mouth tasted of grapes, sweet and sour flavors dancing on his taste buds.
Ji Ruan savored the sensation for a while and then looked at the glass sugar bowl on the corner of the table, suddenly wondering if there was any cherry-flavored candy left. Last time, he had only found one, so perhaps there was another that had slipped through unnoticed.
Clearing the table, he poured out all the sugar and chocolate, spreading them out and searching methodically.
The dormitory door swung open, and Han Xiaolin and Li Yu returned. Their jaws dropped when they saw Ji Ruan's table covered in candies: "What on earth are you doing?"
"Oh, nothing," Ji Ruan grinned, "Just helping myself to some sweets. Care to join?"
Without hesitation, the two of them grabbed a candy each, peeled them open, and indulged: "Thanks."
Han Xiaolin settled at his desk and glanced at Ji Ruan: "There's a new chicken hot pot place near the school gate. Shall we all go tonight?"
Li Yu chimed in: "Absolutely! I've heard the taste is amazing, plus there's a 40% discount. I'll call Qin Shan too."
Ji Ruan continued searching for cherry candies, a slight pout forming on his lips as he heard their plans: "I won't be able to make it."
"What?" Han Xiaolin straightened up.
Ji Ruan casually replied: "Gu Xiuyi and I already have dinner plans."
"Yo ho~~~" The two bantered jealously in the dorm room.
Li Yu covered his ears: "Partners can be so intimidating."
Han Xiaolin playfully hooked his arm around Ji Ruan's neck, exclaiming to the sky: "Wow, look at this proud married man."
Ji Ruan playfully swatted his hand away, unable to contain his laughter: "Get lost, I'm outnumbered here."
He meticulously placed the scattered candies back into the jar, confirming that indeed, there were no more cherry flavors left, apart from the one he had already savored.
Shortly after five in the afternoon, Ji Ruan left the dormitory, strolling towards the school gate. The plan was to meet there at half past five, providing him with ample time to reach the destination without rushing.
But today, the sky appeared darker than usual after five o'clock, and a chilly wind brushed against his skin. Ji Ruan, donning a short-sleeved shirt and shorts, anticipated sweating, but instead, he felt an icy chill.
He looked up at the heavens, clouds gathering to obscure the sky, resembling...dark clouds?!
A sense of foreboding stirred within Ji Ruan, and in the next moment, raindrops the size of beans pelted his cheek, causing him to squint from the impact.
What followed was a torrential downpour and a crescendo of thunder and lightning.
Ji Ruan still had a short distance to traverse before reaching the school gate. Apart from the large trees, there was no shelter from the rain. Children know better than to seek refuge under trees during thunderstorms.
In a matter of seconds, the heavy rain cascaded down, leaving Ji Ruan without a moment to think. He could only rely on instinct, covering his ears and sprinting towards the security booth, mere tens of meters away.
Though the distance was short, time seemed to elongate during those fleeting moments. By the time Ji Ruan reached the covered portion outside the security booth, half of his body was drenched.
His clothes clung to his back, sticky and uncomfortable, while the wind made him shiver. Ji Ruan's heart continued to race from the sudden burst of speed, leaving him standing there in a daze.
Buzz—!
The sudden vibration of his phone jolted Ji Ruan out of his stupor.
The caller ID displayed Gu Xiuyi's name.
With the rain pouring down, Ji Ruan instinctively covered his ears. Although his external device hadn't completely soaked through, it was still damp. At this moment, the wisest course of action would be to hang up, send a text to Gu Xiuyi, and promptly remove the wet device, carefully drying it off.
But the thunder was deafening, and the rain relentless. Ji Ruan couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear. Gazing at the flickering phone screen, he hesitated for a moment before answering the call.
"Ji Ruan?" Gu Xiuyi's voice held a tinge of urgency. "Did you bring an umbrella?"
"No..." Ji Ruan attempted to steady his voice. "I'm taking cover under the canopy outside the security booth."
For a moment, there was silence on the other end, leaving Ji Ruan worriedly thinking his ears had failed him. Holding the phone with both hands, he nervously spoke, "Hello?"
"It's alright." Gu Xiuyi sounded relieved. "I see you, just stay where you are."
Ji Ruan strained his eyes to locate him.
He raised his head, scanning his surroundings, heart racing with each passing second. After a thorough gaze, he spotted a familiar license plate tucked away in the blind spot created by a massive old tree near the gate.
From there emerged Gu Xiuyi.
With a wide black umbrella shielding him from the rain, Gu Xiuyi strode towards Ji Ruan, deftly maneuvering around the tree's shadows.
Ji Ruan could hardly make out his figure amidst the dense downpour, the rain transforming into a misty gray, resembling splatters of ink cascading down and billowing the corners of his clothes.
Ji Ruan did his best to retreat further into the center of the canopy. The wind and rain still stung his calves, but Gu Xiuyi's steps remained steady and unwavering.
His long legs propelled him forward with confident strides, swiftly shortening the distance that initially felt so far away. It was only when he drew near that Ji Ruan was able to see his face clearly - a flawless expression, meticulous collar, and commanding presence.
Upon entering the safety of the security booth's canopy, Gu Xiuyi neatly folded his umbrella, allowing the rain to cascade down his ribs and dampen his trousers.
Ji Ruan looked up at him, his delicate eyebrows furrowed, his hair plastered to his forehead, his eyelashes glistening with moisture. His whole body was soaked through, giving him a forlorn appearance.
Gu Xiuyi gently brushed aside a strand of Ji Ruan's wet hair, his gaze fixed on his delicate brows and eyes. The skin beneath his palm felt smooth and supple, slightly cool from the rain.
Ji Ruan had always had a lower body temperature.
"It's alright, don't be afraid," Gu Xiuyi reassured, patting Ji Ruan on the back.
He locked eyes with Ji Ruan, ensuring that his words were heard clearly, before reaching up to remove his external device and sliding it into his coat pocket.
With a soft click behind his ear, the small black device was detached, taking away all sounds with it. Even the thunderous rain became muffled, as if Ji Ruan herself had been transported to another world.
Ji Ruan's heart skipped a beat, instinctively drawing closer to Gu Xiuyi, his eyes tightly shut.
Gently lifting the umbrella, Gu Xiuyi enveloped Ji Ruan's trembling form, encircling him in his arms. Lowering his head, he whispered in his left ear, "It's alright, let me take you home."
-----
Author's Note:
Mr. Gu's little tactic for wooing his spouse - providing a sense of security while teaching them to rely on you.
