Chapter 775 - 670: Two’s Company, Three’s a Crowd
Chapter 775: Chapter 670: Two’s Company, Three’s a Crowd
Gu Shaojun leaned back against the pillows, tucked the blanket in for his fiancée, and continued, "Even though your husband ended up like this, a lot of people still have their eyes on him. I had potential marriage candidates coming to the house every day—sometimes three in one day! Good thing you showed up when you did, or your husband would’ve been snatched away!"
Xiao Man rolled her eyes, speechless. He was the perfect example of someone spouting utter nonsense with a straight face.
Back then, Gu Shaojun’s doctors had declared he didn’t have long to live. Even if his family and the organization ignored this diagnosis, intent on finding him a companion, some women were indeed willing. Of course, they were surely only after his status, position, and inheritance. But his heart was already dead to the world, and he was no fool. How could he possibly agree to a marriage?
Xiao Man’s appearance had made him fight with all his might against fate and his illness. He had struggled to live for three more years, watching as Xiao Man transformed and became strong and independent, only to pass away suddenly... In this life, Xiao Man had met him earlier and was certain he truly had feelings for her. However, at the time, Wei Zhenqing, Gu Shaozhen, Zheng Shaolian, and the others all believed Gu Shaojun was merely fulfilling his duty as her destined fiancé.
Even Xiao Man herself had once suspected he was atoning for Tang Yaxuan.
Because the middle-aged Gu Shaojun from her past life was wise and serene, yet imposing and stern, possessing a will of steel. No one could influence his private affairs, and he would never have been so foolish as to drag himself into a useless marriage.
’Three marriage candidates a day? He made it sound so real. The Gu Shaojun of today is surprisingly childish, teasing people with things like that.’
’Fine, let’s play along. I’ll even raise the stakes.’
Xiao Man burrowed into Gu Shaojun’s arms, letting out a soft sigh or two.
Gu Shaojun’s body stiffened, and his mind instantly went blank. ’What is happening right now?’
He wailed internally. ’Is this little rascal trying to murder her own husband? It must be because I mentioned the marriage candidates and said someone was going to steal him away... This punishment is absolutely lethal! I can’t spout nonsense like that again! No, no, we should wait until we’re married. Once we’re a real husband and wife, this little rascal can use this trick on me all she wants!’
A chaotic, exciting, yet sweet and joyful night passed in the blink of an eye. Early the next morning, Xia Qingting came by as planned to take Xiao Man shopping. Gu Shaojun wanted to take the day off to accompany them, since they still needed to buy New Year supplies and he was worried the girls wouldn’t be able to carry everything.
When Xiao Man saw Xia Qingting roll her eyes at Gu Shaojun, she was inwardly amused. ’These two really can’t stand the sight of each other.’ She persuaded Gu Shaojun to go to work, arranging for Xiao Yu to drive and follow them.
They spent the morning shopping and bought quite a lot, only returning after having lunch out. After dropping Xia Qingting at her house, Xiao Man and Xiao Yu returned to the dorm to find Gu Shaojun was surprisingly there. It turned out he had taken a half-day off; Xiao Man was leaving tomorrow, and he wanted to spend time with his fiancée.
They hadn’t gotten enough rest after their wild night, so the two of them took a wonderful afternoon nap. Waking up a little after four, Xiao Man took fresh ingredients out of her spatial storage, preparing to make a lavish candlelight dinner. Gu Shaojun’s culinary skills were mediocre, so he could act as her assistant.
Just as the two of them were happily washing and chopping ingredients in the small kitchen, Xia Qingting showed up again, enthusiastically offering to help. Gu Shaojun’s expression darkened instantly. ’Looks like the candlelight dinner is off. My little fiancée would never have the heart to let the candlelight singe this big dragonfly!’
Sure enough, Xiao Man didn’t bring out the candlesticks and candles. It was just an ordinary dinner for three. The two girls chatted happily as they ate, and Gu Shaojun became a third wheel, finding it difficult to even get a word in. The look he gave Xiao Man couldn’t have been more mournful.
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Xia Qingting pulled Xiao Man into the bedroom to continue their chat. Gu Shaojun cleared the table, washed the dishes, and tidied up. What else could he do? He had turned down invitations from comrades and colleagues who wanted to treat Xiao Man to dinner, all for the sake of spending more private time with his fiancée. But this Xia Qingting was clearly a special case; the moment she arrived, his little fiancée had her under her wing. It wouldn’t look good for a grown man like him to be too petty about it.
Xia Qingting brought Xiao Man a piece of news: Guo Yanyan had been sent to the hospital last night to have her wounds treated. But then, after going home to rest, she rushed back to the hospital in the middle of the night and was immediately admitted.
The news came from the Guo family’s housekeeper. The Guo family’s housekeeper and the one working for Xia Qingting’s next-door neighbor were from the same hometown. Since no one in the Guo family needed dinner, the housekeeper had the afternoon off and came over to visit. The two housekeepers sat in the yard prepping vegetables and gossiping. Their voices weren’t quiet, and Xia Qingting, who was watering flowers nearby, heard everything:
Guo Yanyan woke up suddenly in the middle of the night, her crying and shouting disturbing the entire family. When they went to check on her, they saw she was covered in a red rash. The rash was dense, forming large patches that even covered her face. Guo Yanyan was crying that it was unbearably itchy and painful, and she couldn’t stop scratching. Even Wei Shumin was terrified and rushed her to the hospital. The doctor diagnosed it as a skin allergy, prescribing both oral and topical medication and even putting her on an IV drip. But it didn’t get any better. In fact, it got worse. The red rash turned into black spots, in patches that resembled fish scales or snakeskin, spreading over her entire body from head to toe... It looked truly terrifying!
Xia Qingting wore a disgusted expression. "I have no idea what she touched to have such a bad allergic reaction. I even hit her a few times last night. What if I catch whatever she has? I’m worried sick!"
Xiao Man laughed. "She only broke out in a rash after going to the hospital. It could be a medication allergy, or maybe she caught something from another patient there. You hit her before she went to the hospital, back when she was perfectly fine. It’s nothing, don’t worry."
"Yeah, it’s probably fine, but the thought of it just gives me the creeps. Xiao Man, are you really leaving tomorrow? Why not stay a couple more days? If you can’t stay in Gu Shaojun’s dorm, you can stay with me in the family housing complex over there. I can make sure you get to see him every day."
"I can’t stay any longer. My family is anxious for me to come home. I’ll call you when I get back. I’ve already given you my mailing address and phone number in Beijing, so let’s keep in touch."
"Okay... but I’m still going to miss you so much. Xiao Man, I wish we could hang out every day!"
"Me too."
In the bedroom, the two girls chatted away without a care in the world. Out in the main room, Gu Shaojun straightened the table and chairs and mopped the floor, his movements crisp and efficient. He was thoroughly exasperated. ’My little wife is being led astray by that silly dragonfly, so why on earth am I being so tolerant?’