NOVEL NEXT
Chapter 73
The camera was focused on He Suyi, who was trimming a bouquet in the living room. But because Jiang Yan stumbled and fell, many viewers in the live stream unconsciously stared at her in the background, fearing that something else might happen.
As a result, they witnessed that strange scene.
[Two artists were born in the corner.]
[Look at what those two are up to!]
[Isn't there something off about it?]
[This season, Gu Sifu's gaze at his sister has been off from the start, hasn't it?]
[Aww, it feels like a young couple in love having a lovers' tiff.]
[Don't ship it, don't ship it! She's still a baby!]
[A little heads-up: Jiang Yan only looks young, with a doll-like appearance, but she's actually twenty-two already and old enough to get married.]
[Excuse me, does that mean I can call her wife?]
...
The director behind the scenes was thoroughly enjoying the comments, while the two individuals in question remained oblivious.
Jiang Yan withdrew her hand wordlessly, assuming he was still indirectly retaliating against her.
She hadn't deceived him for money or favors, so why was he being so petty?
Gu Xilin did that gesture for no apparent reason and was disliked for it, but he felt a strange sensation in his heart, a hazy feeling like a green sprout breaking through the soil and poking its head out.
He sprawled his long legs on the sofa, tilted toward Jiang Yan's direction, his deep, captivating gaze seemingly fixated on her.
Yet, with his own hands, he made various heart shapes, as if telling Jiang Yan: if you won't play with me, I can do it myself.
The scene was bizarrely comical.
A few days later, the injury on Jiang Yan's foot had healed considerably. However, the program's arranged outdoor activities still didn't allow her to participate.
Gu Xilin, perhaps dodging responsibilities, boldly offered to stay behind and be her wheelchair.
So, in the villa, only the two of them and the camera crew remained.
Due to her foot injury, Jiang Yan had been eating her meals on the sofa in the living room these days. This time was no exception, except that Gu Xilin came and went, bringing her food.
At one moment, he'd fetch bowls and chopsticks; at another, he'd look for a spoon or ladle soup - bustling about in a way that hinted at the semblance of a homely, good husband.
Jiang Yan was cradling a large bowl, taking one mouthful after another of the soft, chewy white rice, savoring its deliciousness.
At that moment, a staff member from the program pushed a small cart over. The cart contained gift boxes, plush toys, and bouquets of various colors.
The staff member explained, "These are gifts from fans sent to everyone, received by the program crew, and now being given to you all."
Jiang Yan was eager to take a look, while Gu Xilin put down his bowl, still nonchalantly holding his chopsticks in his mouth with one hand as he pulled the small cart over to the sofa where Jiang Yan was sitting.
The gifts inside were for all the guests except Gu Xilin, as he never accepted any. The fans knew his principles, so they didn't send him anything.
Jiang Yan found the ones meant for her and unwrapped a creamy yellow little sheep plush toy with round eyes, big ears, and a fluffy, adorable appearance that made her want to melt.
Additionally, there were lollipop bouquets, crystal ball music boxes, clap-activated lamps, and other items that little girls typically love.
Finally, there was a box of small pastries modeled after the twelve zodiac animals, each one round, plump, and snow-white.
As Jiang Yan was delighting in the gifts, the other guests returned from their outing.
He Suyi even brought back a string of candied hawthorn for Jiang Yan, who was delighted to share the box of small pastries with her.
Gu Xilin's expression gradually changed, his crimson lips pressed tightly in a cold, dejected look.
After He Suyi was busy tidying up and left without a trace, Gu Xilin leisurely returned to his seat.
But even after waiting for a while, Jiang Yan still didn't show any reaction. He turned his face sideways, glancing at the carefree person. In his heart, he berated her as a small-minded wolf.
He had been busy attending to her needs for so many days, yet she didn't know to treat him better. Just a single candied hawthorn from He Suyi was enough to win her over.
Truly, she picked up sesame seeds while dropping a watermelon, not even knowing who was more important.
Gu Xilin was annoyed.
When it was time for Jiang Yan to return upstairs that evening, Gu Xilin remained motionless, as if he were blind, but he was actually playing the old "feigning aloofness to entice" trick, wanting Jiang Yan to beg him and acknowledge his kindness.
Jiang Yan hobbled up, placing one foot on the sofa as she habitually gestured for Gu Xilin to come over.
Gu Xilin acted haughty, sitting arrogantly on the sofa, lifting his head with pride, "Beg me."
It was odd, though, that Jiang Yan could act coy in front of the cameras and in the presence of He Suyi and others, but she was unwilling to submit before Gu Xilin.
She waved her hand dismissively and took a step back, "Just help me up."
Gu Xilin seemed lost in thought, remaining seated without moving, repeating once more, "Beg me, beg me, and I'll carry you."
At that moment, the other guests were noisily tidying up the kitchen chores, yet the atmosphere in the living room stood in stark contrast, chilled to the extreme.
The cameraman dared not breathe a word, the high-definition, icy camera lens silently recording the scene unfolding.
In the live stream, fans had already sensed that something was amiss, and arguments even broke out.
[What's going on with them, are they having a tiff?]
[No, what's with Gu Xilin's arrogance? Just help her up or don't, what's there to beg for?]
[Surely, this is just a joke, right?]
[People were just praising him for being attentive in taking care of my darling, hah, and now his true colors are showing again?]
[Don't be angry, their relationship has always been quite good, hasn't it?]
...
True to form, Jiang Yan withdrew her hand with a nonchalant expression, put on her slippers, and then turned around, hopping on one foot while supporting herself on the sofa as she headed toward the stairs.
It was evident that she was struggling, but her back was resolute, and the braided bun on her head swayed with each hop.
The comments in the live stream became even harsher in their condemnation.
Gu Xilin's eyes inexplicably burned, and a fire seemed to be raging within his heart. He abruptly stood up, his low-pressured presence, tall stature, and long legs creating an intimidating aura that startled the viewers once again, as if he were about to start a fight.
However, to everyone's surprise, he took three or four steps forward, blocking Jiang Yan's path.
[Wait, what is he trying to do?]
[He won't let her go without begging him!]
[I'm really about to switch from being a Gu Xilin fan to hating him!]
Unexpectedly, he extended his arms, effortlessly scooping Jiang Yan up and holding her against his waist.
With an expressionless face, his muscular arms wrapped around Jiang Yan's curled back, and the other hand supporting her, He Suyi carried her up the stairs without saying a word.
The last thing the camera captured was Gu Xilin carrying the person around the corner of the stairs.
A strange, silent atmosphere pervaded the live stream room. Everyone collectively fell silent for a few minutes, until an impatient comment popped up.
[I can't help but imagine strange things.]
Another comment followed.
[I have a weird feeling too, like I was the one yelling and cursing earlier, but then I turned around and got robbed.]
Comments became active again:
[I was originally watching this show to relax, but suddenly I'm stuffed with dog food.]
[Wah wah wah I really don't want to know what they went upstairs to do! Wah wah wah it really feels like they went to fight!]
[Is this really something I can watch? Is this really something I can say?!]
[To be fair, Gu's stamina is really good, how could he carry my wife so high, right on his waist.]
[Hiss hiss my wife's feet are so white, my husband's veins on his hands are so sexy.]
[Hey above, did you drop your bitter tea?]
...