VFGRC Chapter 88

Ji Rongyu had a lengthy dream.

He dreamt of his first encounter with Yu Bai. This time, he didn’t put on any pretenses. He showed his true self before Yu Bai.

In the beginning, Yu Bai was wary of him, but through Ji Rongyu’s relentless efforts, they eventually became friends.

With Yu Bai’s agreement, Ji Rongyu invested freely in Yu Bai’s snack stall, and together they transformed it into a small eatery, then expanded it into a chain store.

Their unexpected encounter after a night’s drinking appeared again.

One night, Ji Rongyu awoke from a dream. He realized that he had unknowingly fallen in love with Yu Bai.

He wanted to take their relationship further.

He repeatedly conveyed his feelings to Yu Bai, only to be rejected each time.

Courage was something Ji Rongyu had plenty of in the dream.

Even when Yu Bai rejected him multiple times, he didn’t lose heart.

In the end, with unwavering sincerity, Ji Rongyu managed to touch Yu Bai’s heart.

They became lovers and lifelong partners.

It was a beautiful dream.

In the dream, Ji Rongyu, as a bystander, even found Xing Xing much more adorable.

How wonderful it would be if dreams could become reality.

As the dream faded, Ji Rongyu fell back into darkness, unable to feel any pain in his body.

Was he about to die?

But fortunately, Yu Bai and the little kid were unharmed.

Ji Rongyu thought, before dying, being able to kiss Yu Bai wasn’t a loss.

Yu Bai’s lips were as soft and sweet as before, carrying a pleasant lemony scent.

His only regret was that he was too weak at the time, and all the strength in his body was only enough for one kiss.

If he had another chance…

He would be prepared next time, not wasting words, directly embracing Yu Bai’s neck, and giving him a thorough kiss all at once.

As Ji Rongyu was lost in his thoughts, he suddenly felt a chaotic and noisy sound ringing in his ears.

Voices talking, machinery roaring, crying, and screaming…

However, those sounds were all mixed together, making it hard for him to hear clearly.

So noisy.

So noisy.

The clamor was giving Ji Rongyu a splitting headache.

If this was death, then death seemed to be quite torturous, wasn’t it?

Suddenly, a piercing light entered Ji Rongyu’s vision.

He opened his eyes.

He saw the white ceiling, cold instruments laid out beside him, and the pungent smell of disinfectant in the air.

Ji Rongyu wanted to furrow his brows, but he lacked the strength to do so.

After a long slumber, his mind was in a state of confusion.

Where was he now?

“Ji Rongyu! You little brat, you finally woke up! You scared me to death!”

A high-pitched female voice resounded, and Ji Rongyu’s second sister, Ji Rongyou, immediately stood up. After pressing the call button for the doctor, she leaned close to Ji Rongyu.

“You unlucky fellow, how do you feel now? Is there any discomfort?”

Ji Rongyu looked at his excited second sister without expression, remaining silent.

Being stabbed several times, how could someone feel comfortable?

The next moment.

With a loud “bang,” several men and women squeezed into Ji Rongyu’s single-patient room.

“Excuse me, excuse me.”

A man wearing silver-rimmed glasses, with a gentle appearance and dressed in a white coat, pushed through them and entered.

Ji Rongyu’s third brother, Ji Rongmo, cleared his throat and asked Ji Rongyu a few questions with a serious expression, then made some notes.

“Little Third.” Ji Rongyu’s eldest brother, Ji Rongling, asked, “How is Little Five’s condition now?”

Ji Rongmo, with his narrow amber phoenix eyes, shot his eldest brother a fierce glare.

He hated being called “Little Third”!

The Ji siblings totaled five, and unfortunately, the first two, Ji Rongling and Ji Rongyou, didn’t inherit their parents’ composure. Instead, their personalities were somewhat similar to the family’s dog named “Majesty.” Both had a simple-minded nature.

Realizing he had spoken incorrectly, Ji Rongling nervously touched his nose.

Ji Rongling changed his address, “Xiao Mo, how’s Little Five’s condition now?”

“Can’t die.”

Ji Rongmo finished his sentence and cast a cold glance at Ji Rongyu lying on the bed. “If that knife had shifted an inch to the side, you wouldn’t be lying here today; you’d be lying in a coffin.”

Ji Rongmo had the sharpest tongue in the Ji family, earning him the childhood nickname “Ironmouth Rooster.”

However, just like “Ironmouth Rooster,” “Little Third” was a nickname Ji Rongmo couldn’t stand.

If anyone dared to use these two nicknames, Ji Rongmo’s beak could peck their heads until they bled.

Though Ji Rongmo’s tongue was sharp, his heart was ultimately soft.

“Alright, now that he’s awake, let him rest properly.” Ji Rongmo said, “He’s still in the recovery phase, and the wounds are improving. If he doesn’t rest well, the wounds will heal slowly, which would be troublesome.”

Ji Rongmo became the chief physician at one of the top three hospitals in the capital city when he was in his thirties. His words carried more authority than anyone else present.

Ji Rongyu’s eldest brother and the others didn’t dare to disturb his rest anymore. They quietly left Ji Rongyu’s hospital room.

As Ji Rongmo was about to leave as well, Ji Rongyu called him back.

“Third Brother.”

“What’s up?”

Ji Rongyu hesitated for a moment. “Um… how long have I been staying here?”

“With so many patients, how could I remember how long you’ve been here?” Ji Rongmo’s tone turned cold. “Five days.”

Ji Rongyu blinked. “So during this time… only you guys have been here?”

“Otherwise? Who else do you want to see?” Ji Rongmo narrowed his amber phoenix eyes, then added, “Do you want to see the older one or the younger one?”

Younger one? Did he mean that green tea brat, Xing Xing?

He absolutely didn’t want to see him!

Ji Rongyu: “Of course, the older one…”

As Ji Rongyu spoke, his third brother, Ji Rongmo, tugged at the corner of his mouth, and his gaze seemed to regard Ji Rongyu as a scumbag.

Ji Rongmo: “The older one is in another room now. Tsk, men…”

Ji Rongyu felt as if he was being mocked by Ji Rongmo again.

However, Ji Rongyu’s attention had already shifted to the matter of “Yu Bai being in a hospital room.”

“Why is Yu Bai in a hospital room?” Ji Rongyu asked. “Is he sick? Or did that bastard hurt him again while I was unconscious? How is he now?”

“The bastard who hurt you, Qiao Kang, has been apprehended by the police. Mom and Dad also exposed the mastermind behind the scenes, Qin Xun from the Qin Group…” Ji Rongmo’s tone was light, almost casual. “Qin Group really bit off more than they could chew this time.”

The Ji family members didn’t show it on their faces, but each of their personalities was like a ferocious “wolf.” And wolves are one of the most cohesive animals.

Whoever harmed a member of the Ji family would surely face severe consequences.

Ji Rongmo looked at Ji Rongyu, and his tone turned colder again. “You wake up and the first thing you do is look for Yu Bai! After nearly dying because of him, you still have the energy to worry about him?”

After being unconscious for several days, Ji Rongyu had a faint stubble on his chin, his body was wrapped in bandages, looking haggard and desolate, a far cry from his usual aloof handsomeness.

Ji Rongyu lowered his voice pitifully. “Third Brother…”

Ji Rongmo’s face turned cold. “That Yu Bai guy, he’s not sick, he’s enjoying good food and drinks in the hospital room every day.”

Ji Rongyu: “He’s not sick, so why is he staying in a hospital room?”

Ji Rongmo raised an eyebrow slightly. “Don’t you know?”

Ji Rongyu looked bewildered. “Should I know something?”

Ji Rongmo said with a smirk, “Scumbag.”

Ji Rongyu immediately refuted, “Yu Bai is not a scumbag. Don’t talk about Yu Bai like that.”

“Heh.” Ji Rongmo grinned insincerely. “I wasn’t talking about Yu Bai, I was talking about you.”

Ji Rongyu, waking up only to be labeled a “scumbag”: ?

“Yu Bai has been pregnant for over three months, and he told us that the child is yours.”

“You got Yu Bai pregnant, and now you’re claiming you didn’t know? Are you not paying attention to Yu Bai’s physical changes? Unmarried and pregnant, not even caring about the well-being of your partner – if you’re not a scumbag, then who is?”

Suddenly stabbed multiple times by his own elder brother, Ji Rongyu struggled to decide whether he should be surprised or feel wronged.

Wait a minute.

Three months ago… wasn’t that the night he and Yu Bai had drinks?

Yu Bai, carrying his child?!

Ji Rongyu muttered incredulously, “The child… is really mine?!”

“If it’s not yours, then whose could it be? Heh, are you implying you don’t want to acknowledge this child?”

“How could that be!”

Yu Bai was pregnant with his child. He was so happy about it, so how could he not acknowledge the child?

However…

The smile on Ji Rongyu’s face dimmed slightly. “Yu Bai, does he know about his pregnancy?”

“He knows.”

Ji Rongyu asked cautiously, “And… does he… like this child?”

He and Yu Bai are still just friends. Their child was born out of an unexpected incident during a night of drinking.

Yu Bai doesn’t like him. Could it be that he also won’t like the child inside his belly?

Yu Bai already has Xing Xing. Adding another child, would it be a burden for Yu Bai?

“If I say I don’t like it, what will you do?”

The door of the hospital room was opened once again, and Yu Bai appeared in Ji Rongyu’s room wearing a simple blue and white striped patient gown.

Yu Bai smiled at Ji Rongmo, “Hello, Dr. Ji.”

Ji Rongmo, who usually had a cold attitude towards people, surprisingly showed a smile to Yu Bai, “Hello. I have other patients to attend to. You two chat, I’ll take my leave.”

Ji Rongmo left the room, leaving only Yu Bai and Ji Rongyu inside.

Ji Rongyu’s eyes kept glancing toward Yu Bai’s belly. Due to the early stage of the pregnancy and the loose patient gown, Ji Rongyu could barely make out the fact that there was a little life inside Yu Bai’s belly with just his eyes.

Yu Bai casually sat on a chair next to Ji Rongyu’s bed, “If I say I don’t like the child in my belly, what will you do? Would you ask me to abort it?”

Upon hearing the word “abort,” Ji Rongyu’s hands instinctively clenched. However, being newly awakened, his fingers barely moved.

Lying on the hospital bed, Ji Rongyu shifted his gaze to Yu Bai.

He stared at Yu Bai intently, “Do you want to abort it?”

Before Yu Bai could respond, Ji Rongyu continued, “Yu Bai, I’m happy that you’re carrying my child.”

“It’s our child. I… I want it to be born.”

“I’ll take good care of it. You might find pregnancy troublesome, and it might affect the things at the shop… don’t worry, I can handle all of that for you.”

“If you don’t want us, I can take care of the child without involving you. I’ll personally take care of its life and raise it.”

Ji Rongyu lowered his gaze, whispering softly, “As long as you don’t abort it, that’s all I ask.”

Upon learning about Yu Bai’s ability to become pregnant as a male, Ji Rongyu had immediately searched for related information.

The situation of males giving birth is extremely rare, and the probability is exceptionally low.

So, Yu Bai being able to conceive his child was akin to winning the lottery for Ji Rongyu.

He didn’t want to helplessly watch this hard-won child vanish completely.

Yu Bai: “Ji Rongyu, do you see me as a heartless father who would casually abort our child?”

Hearing Yu Bai’s words, Ji Rongyu’s eyelids twitched.

When he looked at Yu Bai, there was a trace of astonishment in his deep gaze.

Yu Bai’s hand lightly touched his own flat abdomen, “I won’t abort this child. And also…”

A hint of fiery anger tinted Yubai’s beautiful brows and eyes, “Ji Rongyu, when did I ever say that I don’t like you anymore?”

Ji Rongyu’s breath hitched.

Could it be that Yu Bai’s words meant…

Yu Bai took a deep breath.

“From the past until now, I’ve never been in a romantic relationship. So, when it comes to emotions, I’m a bit slow.”

“Before meeting you, I thought maybe I would live a simple life with Xing Xing, just as usual.”

“Since you appeared, my thoughts have started to change a bit. Honestly, there are times when you’re annoying, but sometimes… you’re a bit adorable.”

“Your presence turned my previously quiet home into a place full of noise. Watching you quarrel with Xing Xing, fighting over food… that’s when I realized our home gained a certain atmosphere.”

Yu Bai continued, “The day I was trying to explain my unique constitution, were you actually trying to reveal your true identity to me? But due to the accident, you couldn’t say it out, and I ended up discovering it first.”

“I was angry about your concealment, but I was even angrier that you overthought things, that you lacked hope and trust in our future.”

Yu Bai’s fingertip landed on Ji Rongyu’s cheek, slid down slowly, and came to a stop between Ji Rongyu’s lips.

“Because I had too many expectations of you, that’s why I felt so disappointed. If you had been honest with me earlier…”

Ji Rongyu’s breath paused.

Yu Bai’s long, fluttering eyelashes blinked gently, “Perhaps I would have realized sooner that I can’t be without you.”

On that rainy night, Ji Rongyu was covered in blood, yet he steadfastly stood in front of Yu Bai.

In this world, no one had ever protected Yu Bai like Ji Rongyu did, even willing to pay the price of their life.

Ji Rongyu’s final, feather-light kiss, accompanied by the words “I love you,” was something Yu Bai would never forget in his lifetime.

At that moment, Yu Bai tasted the flavor of “falling in love.”

He had fallen in love with Ji Rongyu as well.

Yu Bai’s fingertips were warm and gentle, causing Ji Rongyu’s lips to tingle.

Ji Rongyu’s deep gaze was profound.

Yu Bai withdrew his fingers slightly, leaning forward, “I love you too.”

Yu Bai’s soft lips pressed against Ji Rongyu’s.

Their lips met briefly, and just as Yu Bai was about to pull away, Ji Rongyu’s strong right hand appeared behind his neck.

Then, Ji Rongyu’s lips parted gently.

His agile tongue darted out, unabashedly plundering the air in Yu Bai’s mouth.

It wasn’t until Yu Bai’s face turned a deep red, and he was almost breathless, that Ji Rongyu released his grip.

“Cough… cough…” Yu Bai grabbed a tissue to wipe his damp lips.

The breathlessness of the kiss left a hint of redness at the corners of Yu Bai’s eyes, a touch of tears welling up.

Yu Bai was a bit annoyed, “Where did you find the strength? Weren’t you just awake, and your body still weak?”

Ji Rongyu innocently blinked his eyes.

“Well, I was quite weak, but when I heard you say ‘love me,’ I felt more spirited than ever.”

If it weren’t for the bandages still wrapped around Ji Rongyu’s body, he would have already pinned Yu Bai down, and then… ahem.

Ji Rongyu said, “Yu Bai, I love you, and you love me… Can we officially be in a relationship now?”

Yu Bai turned his head slightly and stared at the teacup on the table.

A pretty blush spread across Yu Bai’s cheeks as he softly responded, “Mhm.”

—

During the time Ji Rongyu was hospitalized, Yu Bai frequently visited his room.

However, Ji Rongyu seemed a bit off lately.

He would often gaze at Yu Bai by himself, and as he continued to look, a silly smile would appear on his face.

“Hehe. Hehe.”

Lying on the hospital bed, Ji Rongyu couldn’t help but smile at Yu Bai again.

Yu Bai’s brows furrowed tightly.

Ji Rongyu’s brain hadn’t been tampered with, so why did he seem a bit foolish after going to the hospital?

Yu Bai touched Ji Rongyu’s forehead, “You’re not running a fever, are you?”

Ji Rongyu obediently nuzzled against Yu Bai’s palm like a big golden retriever.

Yu Bai lightly patted Ji Rongyu’s head, “Why are you acting like Xing Xing, always nuzzling around?”

When Yu Bai mentioned “Xing Xing”, Ji Rongyu remembered that there was a little green tea companion that was inseparable from Yu Bai.

Ji Rongyu asked, “Why haven’t I seen the little… uh, Xing Xing these days?”

“Xing Xing is still young and delicate. It’s not suitable for him to run around in the hospital.” Yu Bai explained, “He’s been staying in my room all this time.”

“I see.” Ji Rongyu paused for a moment and then asked, “I remember you saying that you’ve never been in a romantic relationship before?”

Yu Bai nodded.

“Then, what about Xing Xing’s father?”

“Well…” Yu Bai hesitated, “Actually, I don’t know who Xing Xing’s father is.”

Now that Yu Bai and Ji Rongyu were in a romantic relationship, they were likely moving towards an even deeper partnership in the future.

As life companions, Yu Bai naturally had no reservations when it came to Ji Rongyu.

Yubai straightforwardly told Ji Rongyu about his past experiences.

“When I was in university, I used to do part-time jobs in a nearby city. In my senior year, I worked part-time at a hotel. One night, I was doing cleaning service in the hotel, and I accidentally knocked on the wrong room for cleaning.”

Yu Bai lowered his gaze as he recalled, “The guest in the room seemed a bit disoriented. He appeared to be either drunk or drugged. And then… that’s how Xing Xing came into existence.”

“After that incident, I immediately fled.” Yu Bai chuckled bitterly, “When I left, that person had consumed too much alcohol and was still asleep. I thought that when he woke up, he probably wouldn’t remember what happened the previous night, nor would he know that there was a child growing in my belly.”

The events of that night were too absurd. Experiencing such a thing for the first time and being new to the adult world, Yu Bai chose to escape.

As Yu Bai was speaking, the door to the hospital room was pushed open again.

“Xiao Yu¹Rongyu, your father and I have finally sorted out the mess in your company these past few days… I have some free time today, so I brought your favorite chicken soup for you.”

A woman with a modest and understated attire, yet radiating natural beauty, entered the room.

When she saw Yu Bai, Rong An’s almond-shaped eyes curved into a smile, “Xiao Bai is here too?”

Hearing his mother address Yu Bai’s name so affectionately, Ji Rongyu’s eyes narrowed.

How come his mother and Yu Bai seemed so close?

Ji Rongyu said, “Mom, my older brother said I’m still in the recovery period and can’t have chicken soup.”

Rong An smiled slightly, “I know! That’s why I brought the chicken soup… Let Yu Bai sit beside you, he can drink it, and you can watch.”

Ji Rongyu: ?

“Who told you not to take care of your health?”

Rong An playfully tapped Ji Rongyu’s head.

“You’re not a child anymore. Don’t act recklessly. Ji Rongyu, it’s time for you to learn your lesson!”

“Ouch—”

The pain from the knock on his forehead caused Ji Rongyu to inhale sharply.

Rong An gave him a sly look, then turned to Yu Bai with a radiant smile, “Xiao Bai, Mom brought chicken soup for you specifically. Now that you have a child, you need to occasionally nourish yourself…”

Yu Bai smiled, “Thank you, Auntie.”

Ji Rongyu asked in confusion, “Mom, you and Yu Bai…”

He had only been asleep for five days, and his mom’s relationship with Yu Bai seemed to be progressing too quickly, right?

Yu Bai explained, “A few months ago, when I was traveling to H City, I happened to meet your parents, and we became friends.”

Ji Rongyu suddenly realized.

A few months ago, in H City… Could it be that during the time when Yu Bai got angry and took Xing Xing out for a trip, he actually met his parents and got acquainted with them?!

“Your dad and I were on a self-guided tour in H City at the time, but we weren’t familiar with the area and many places were unfamiliar to us.” Rong An said, “Coincidentally, we met Xiao Bai at the hotel. During his university days, Xiao Bai frequently did internships in H City. He even worked part-time at the largest hotel there, so he was very familiar with the tourist attractions, transportation, and cuisine there, thus…”

After explaining, Rong An’s tone turned chilly, “I didn’t know at the time that you, my disobedient son, had made Xiao Bai come to H City because of your antics. Xiao Bai has such a good personality and temper, and his skills are impressive… If I were twenty years younger, I’d have kicked your dad to the curb and chosen Xiao Bai! You, young man, really don’t appreciate the blessings you have!”

Ji Rongyu shrank his neck, looking pitifully at Yu Bai.

Whose mother was this? Why was she constantly protecting Yu Bai and scolding him?

Yu Bai, who was sipping the chicken soup, sat upright on the chair. He sensed the resentful gaze from Ji Rongyu.

Yu Bai blinked his watery almond eyes, pretending not to notice, and continued drinking his soup.

“So, you two got to know each other in H City.” Ji Rongyu said sourly, “I’ve been to H City before too. There…”

As he said that, Ji Rongyu seemed to remember something and stopped.

“Yu Bai. When you were in your senior year, at the largest hotel in H City… could it be that you worked part-time at GJ Hotel?”

Yu Bai: “Yes. Why?”

Xing Xing is three years old this year, so…

Ji Rongyu: “Your senior year was four years ago?”

Yubai: “Yes.”

Ji Rongyu: “The person you met that day stayed in the first suite on the right side of the top floor of GJ Hotel? On the night when the incident happened, GJ Hotel held a large-scale gourmet banquet, right?”

Yu Bai’s slender eyebrows furrowed slightly, “Yes, there was a gourmet banquet that night. He did stay on the top floor, but I can’t remember the exact location anymore. It might have been the first suite.”

Yu Bai: “Ji Rongyu, how did you know that GJ Hotel held a banquet the day before? How did you know he stayed on the top floor?”

Four years ago, Ji Rongyu, who had just entered the culinary investment industry, attended a gourmet business banquet held at GJ Hotel in H City. He took a sip of wine from a partner’s offered glass.

As a result, that partner had ulterior motives and secretly spiked the drink, hoping to take advantage of the situation and get into his bed.

When Ji Rongyu returned to his top-floor room after finishing the wine, his consciousness was blurred. He vaguely remembered someone seemingly barging into his room.

The only fragments remaining in his mind were fragmented and disjointed.

Ji Rongyu only remembered a pair of bright and round almond eyes, eyes that held deep emotions, with a beautiful glint of luster when filled with intense feelings, like dazzling stars.

That night felt like a dream.

Upon waking up, Ji Rongyu saw no one else on the large bed except himself. Apart from a few wrinkles on the bed, there seemed to be no particularly unusual signs.

The partner’s plan failed due to his inability to enter Ji Rongyu’s room, and coupled with the partner’s already shady business dealings, Ji Rongyu dealt a harsh blow and sent him to prison.

Ji Rongyu thought that the events of that night and those almond eyes were all just part of a dream.

Little did he know that all of it was real.

The owner of those sparkling almond eyes was none other than Yu Bai.

 

Author’s Note:

PS: The main text will be completed in the next chapter.

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