Chapter 639
Remember to return it to me
The car was eerily quiet; Xue Rui could even hear Lin Ruoxi's breathing.
Xue Rui gently rubbed Lin Ruoxi's head, feeling warm inside, yet with a hint of bittersweetness.
This girl is so straightforward. What she just said meant: You are my family.
"scoff~"
Lin Ruoxi couldn't help but laugh out loud. Xue Rui's words, "There will be one in the future," meant he was promising her a home.
Looking at the smug Lin Ruoxi, Xue Rui suddenly felt a little worried. The atmosphere was just too wonderful, but he had to leave at this time to celebrate Gu Muxue's birthday.
Lin Ruoxi noticed Xue Rui's hesitation and said softly:
"Go ahead, I'll stay home and wait for you."
Lin Ruoxi unbuckled her seatbelt and took out two wrapped gift boxes and a small cake from the trunk. Because she didn't have a free hand, Lin Ruoxi stood next to the passenger seat and waited.
As for Xue Rui, he didn't get out of the car immediately. He was pondering whether he should stay in Hedong with Gu Muxue today.
Looking at the warm lights in the distance, and then at Lin Ruoxi's gradually fading smile, Xue Rui made a decision.
Gu Muxue was very happy today, with her family by her side. Because he had lowered Gu Muxue's expectations beforehand, his arrival was a surprise in itself.
The key point is, he can't just take Gu Muxue away in the middle of the night, can he?
Staying overnight at Gu Muxue's house?
Xue Rui thought for a moment, then shivered.
Living with your future father-in-law is never a good thing.
Therefore, the best way is not to go inside, but to call Gu Muxue out separately.
Xue Rui rolled down the car window: "Xi Xi, I don't think Lao Gu wants me to stay at his house. Let's leave after we deliver the gift."
Lin Ruoxi's eyes widened instantly, shining brightly.
If you calculate it that way, she actually benefits.
……
at the same time.
At Gu Muxue's home.
As the birthday candles were blown out, the living room brightened up again.
Gu Muxue stood among her family members, holding a cake knife and beginning to cut the cake.
"The first piece is for Grandpa." Gu Muxue handed over a piece of cake.
Generally speaking, Gu Muxue would give the first piece to her mother, as her birthday was also the day her mother suffered.
However, since her grandparents rarely come this year, Gu Muxue chose to distribute the gifts according to the order of seniority.
"Good good..."
The old man's face was radiant.
"Next up is Grandma..."
Gu Qingshan stared longingly at the third piece of cake, wondering if it would be his turn next.
I can't be the last one, can I?
However, Gu Muxue's words, "Mom, you've worked hard," shattered Gu Qingshan's last shred of hope.
Old Gu was suffering inside, but he didn't say anything.
Let it be the last one, it's always been like this anyway.
Zhao Lizhen gently shook her head at Gu Muxue, then glanced in Gu Qingshan's direction, hinting that Gu Muxue should give the cake to Gu Qingshan first.
Ever since Gu Muxue started dating, her husband has become sensitive about such trivial matters.
Gu Qingshan noticed the exchange of glances between the two and said coldly:
"I don't like sweets, give these to your mother first, today is her day of suffering."
At the same time, Gu Muxue's phone screen lit up.
Xue Rui: [Mu Xue, come out quickly.]
Gu Muxue suddenly raised her head and stood on tiptoe to look out the window.
For the past few years, Xue Rui has always been with me on my birthday, but not this year.
Gu Muxue could understand, after all, Xue Rui had been very busy lately, and he had promised to make it up to her...
But the belated birthday celebration ultimately lost its meaning.
Gu Muxue had been waiting, waiting for Xue Rui to give her a surprise.
According to her understanding of Xue Rui, Xue Rui shouldn't do nothing, not even have someone send him a bouquet of flowers.
However, Gu Muxue also had a slight worry: now that Xue Rui had won her over, would he become perfunctory?
Now, the arrival of this text message shattered the last trace of worry in Gu Muxue's heart.
Xue Rui is still the same Xue Rui, he has never changed.
However, because it was nighttime, it was impossible to see outside the window from inside.
However, Gu Muxue was certain that Xue Rui must be at her doorstep.
"Xiao Rui is calling me, I'm going out for a bit."
Without hesitation, Gu Muxue left a sentence and ran out, completely forgetting that someone hadn't gotten the cake yet.
"Huh?" Gu Qingshan exclaimed subconsciously; he hadn't received the cake yet.
Gu Muxue paused in her steps: "Dad, what's wrong?"
Gu Qingshan opened his mouth, then put on a serious expression: "It's so late, don't run around with him."
"Okay." Gu Muxue stuck out her tongue.
Zhao Lizhen glared resentfully at Gu Muxue, then glanced at the cake on the table, hinting that Gu Muxue should cut a piece for Gu Qingshan before leaving.
"Mom, Dad just said he doesn't like sweets."
In Gu Muxue's mind, her father was naturally a steady and reliable figure.
You can't just say you don't want it while secretly craving it, can you?
Just then, Grandma Gu Muxue said:
"Mu Xue, just cut a piece, otherwise your dad won't be able to sleep well tonight."
Gu Qingshan's lips twitched repeatedly, thinking to himself, "Why are you trying to undermine me?"
Gu Muxue looked puzzled, but she still patiently cut a piece for Old Gu before running out in a flash.
Looking at the cake, Gu Qingshan felt a mix of emotions.
We've lost face and substance, and there's even a thug eyeing us from the doorway...
……
The moment Gu Muxue stepped out the door, she raised her chin and scanned her surroundings, then her eyes fixed on something, and she slowly turned her head away.
Upon closer inspection, she saw a familiar car parked not far away, which caused Gu Muxue's expression to change slightly, but she quickly returned to normal.
Gu Muxue was only momentarily taken aback by Lin Ruoxi's arrival, but not overly surprised.
Gu Muxue ran away, but the moment she saw Xue Rui, she deliberately suppressed her feelings, slowed her pace, and walked towards Xue Rui in a hesitant manner, her face full of resentment.
Xue Rui had a faint smile on his lips. He had seen everything clearly from outside. The moment Gu Muxue saw the message, she rushed to the door.
But once outside, he walked slowly, pretending to be composed.
Lin Ruoxi, standing to the side, was filled with confusion; she couldn't understand what Gu Muxue was doing.
If it were her, she would have pounced on Xue Rui immediately.
"Why are you here? Didn't you come to get a replacement?"
Gu Muxue didn't give Xue Rui a friendly look and continued to speak sarcastically.
"Happy birthday, Mu Xue."
Xue Rui stretched out his arms, gesturing for Gu Muxue to hug him.
"You came empty-handed? Where's my gift?"
Gu Muxue lifted her foot and gently stepped on Xue Rui's toes.
Lin Ruoxi's expression changed, and she stared intently at the faint shoe print on Xue Rui's foot.
After watching for a while, Lin Ruoxi finally couldn't hold back anymore.
She opened the car door, silently walked between the two, and knelt down to wipe Xue Rui's shoes. Gu Muxue looked down, speechless, at Lin Ruoxi.
Xue Rui was both amused and exasperated. The two girls were like cats and dogs, naturally incompatible.
"Alright, alright, the gift is in the car, let's talk in the car."
Xue Rui glanced warily at Gu Muxue's front door, fearing that Lin Ruoxi would be seen by Gu Qingshan.
Old Gu is still unaware of the truth and only thinks Lin Ruoxi is his secretary. But a beautiful secretary who is still working so late seems suspicious.
Gu Muxue didn't refuse and pulled Xue Rui into the back seat of the car.
With a "bang," the car door slammed shut, and Lin Ruoxi tilted her body, turning her face towards the back seat.
"Happy birthday, Mu Xue."
"Thank you," Gu Muxue replied politely.
She had a lot to say to Xue Rui, but Lin Ruoxi's stare made her lose interest.
Xue Rui also felt very uncomfortable. The girl had a proud and arrogant personality and always spoke in a roundabout way, the subtext being: "Quickly coax me."
Lin Ruoxi, on the other hand, couldn't stand seeing Xue Rui bow his head and would always inadvertently undermine him.
"Xi Xi, why don't you go out and keep watch for us?" Xue Rui wanted to get Lin Ruoxi out of the way.
"Let them out for a breather?" Lin Ruoxi asked, looking puzzled.
In Lin Ruoxi's mind, "taking a break" was not a good thing.
It's usually used for shady or improper things...
Is Xue Rui going to do something in the car?
A realization flashed in Lin Ruoxi's eyes. Xue Rui hadn't seen Gu Muxue for a long time. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder; if she hadn't seen Xue Rui for a long time, she would probably think the same way...
"Here...?"
After Lin Ruoxi finished speaking, she looked at Gu Muxue with a complicated expression.
Xue Rui felt a chill run down his spine. He understood perfectly well that the little girl had misunderstood.
Xue Rui shouted in his heart:
Why do you suddenly start making suggestive remarks?
I didn't intend to do anything at all!
What kind of image do I have in your heart?
"Yes, you should get out of here."
Xue Rui didn't want to get too entangled with Lin Ruoxi on this issue, so he decided to go along with what Lin Ruoxi wanted.
"Oh."
Lin Ruoxi pouted and reluctantly walked out.
After Lin Ruoxi left, Gu Muxue asked with a puzzled look:
"Xiao Rui, you two...were exchanging glances just now? Are you hiding something from me?"
"No, no, let's look at the gifts first." Xue Rui quickly changed the subject.
Compared to Lin Ruoxi, who is a seasoned pro, Gu Muxue is as innocent as a little white rabbit.
Xue Rui presented two gift boxes: "Xi Xi and I prepared a gift for you. Would you like to open it and take a look?"
Gu Muxue originally didn't want to take it apart, but seeing Xue Rui's expectant expression, she still didn't want to disappoint him.
Fine, I'll grant your wish this once.
So, Gu Muxue opened the first box, which contained a scarf and a watch box in the middle.
"This is Xixi's gift," Xue Rui explained.
Gu Muxue touched the scarf; its thick texture felt very familiar. She had already received one before, and she didn't expect to receive another one this year.
Without a doubt, it must have been knitted by Lin Ruoxi herself.
Gu Muxue glanced in Lin Ruoxi's direction, smiled slightly, and her lips moved almost imperceptibly, silently saying "Thank you."
Upon opening the watch box, the watch face inside caught her eye, and a glint of wonder flashed in her peach blossom eyes after noticing the direction of the crown.
Is this a watch specifically for left-handed people?
"Xiao Rui, you put a lot of effort into this, I really like it."
Gu Muxue turned her head, gave Xue Rui a light peck on the cheek, and held up her wristwatch to examine it closely.
"It was a gift from Xixi, why are you thanking me?" Xue Rui didn't hesitate to give the credit to Lin Ruoxi.
Gu Muxue turned her head, looking into Xue Rui's eyes with a smile: "Xiao Rui, guess whether I believe you or not?"
Xue Rui touched his nose. He knew he couldn't fool Gu Muxue, but he just wanted Gu Muxue to have a better impression of Lin Ruoxi.
Unfortunately, Gu Muxue did not appreciate it.
Gu Muxue smiled brightly upon hearing this, and pinched Xue Rui's cheek, saying, "Just because I like this watch doesn't mean I hate scarves."
Xue Rui's eyes lit up, and he hugged Gu Muxue and kissed her deeply:
"Mu Xue, you understand me best."
"Shh~" Gu Muxue quickly made a shushing gesture, signaling Xue Rui to keep his voice down.
Lin Ruoxi had exceptionally sharp ears, and upon hearing Xue Rui's words, she was sure to start overthinking things again.
"Okay, okay." Xue Rui felt a warmth in his heart and handed over another gift box:
"There's one more copy, let's open it and take a look."
Xue Rui prepared a special gift: a copyright contract he had obtained from a record company when he went to Shanghai to seek funding from miHoYo, in which he purchased the copyright to a song.
As for the lyrics, Xue Rui plagiarized them, filling in every single word of the lyrics to "The Wind Rises" from his memory.
"Keep it, I want to take it apart myself."
Gu Muxue shook her head. She was already very satisfied that Xue Rui had put so much thought into preparing such a watch.
She leaned gently against Xue Rui's chest and chatted with him about what had happened in the past few days since they last met.
At the same time, she was also curious about where Xue Rui and Lin Ruoxi had gone to play.
……
"Xiao Rui, haven't you and Ruoxi gone out to play? You've been staying at home for so many days?" Gu Muxue asked in surprise.
"No, she's extremely busy with work," Xue Rui said with a bitter expression.
He's been staying home so much lately he's practically moldy; the sofa's even shaped like his butt.
Lin Ruoxi not only didn't go out, but she also kept a close eye on him at all times, asking him questions even when he went downstairs for a walk.
"That's good, it means she's become independent and less clingy to you," Gu Muxue said with a smile.
Xue Rui gave a wry smile, thinking that the truth was quite the opposite.
Lin Ruoxi works intensively from home, spending large chunks of her time in front of the computer.
In terms of time, Lin Ruoxi is indeed not as clingy anymore.
However, Lin Ruoxi only sacrificed "quantity" and chose to improve "quality".
Whenever she had a spare moment, Lin Ruoxi would hug Xue Rui and give him a good "sniffing" session, just like those cat lovers who would rub against their cats for a long time.
Xue Rui didn't understand the meaning behind Lin Ruoxi's actions, but Lin Ruoxi explained: "After working for a long time, people need to recharge."
Xue Rui was baffled, and had the illusion that Lin Ruoxi was treating him like a "pet".
……
After chatting for an unknown amount of time, Lin Ruoxi knocked urgently on the car window and said in a hurried tone, "I saw Uncle Gu come out."
Gu Muxue looked puzzled, thinking, "So what if you're coming out? Why are you so nervous?"
Is it urging me to go back quickly?
Gu Muxue glanced at her new watch; it was already 10 p.m. They'd been chatting for over two hours without realizing it, and it was time to go home.
Gu Muxue took a deep breath and said with some reluctance, "Xiao Rui, I'll go back now."
"Okay, I'll take you." Xue Rui said, reaching for the car door.
"No need." Gu Muxue smiled slightly and pushed Xue Rui back.
As I passed by Lin Ruoxi, I heard a soft voice say, "Mu Xue, the watch wasn't actually a gift from me."
"Take Xiao Rui with you. It's not convenient for me to keep him here. Remember to return him to me when school starts."
Gu Muxue left those words and walked towards her front door.
Lin Ruoxi didn't know how to express her gratitude, so she simply bowed deeply to Gu Muxue's departing figure.
"Xi Xi, what are you doing!" Xue Rui scolded in a low voice.
"Um, you...you mean your good friend doesn't say thank you?" Lin Ruoxi muttered softly, her tone slightly aggrieved.
"You still can't bow, it's bad luck!" (End of Chapter)