Jing Li looked at the person in bewilderment before finally uttering, “Tingshen-ge, you came to pick me up?”
“Of course. Didn’t your brother tell you?” Gu Tingshen smiled at his dumbfounded expression, raising a brow. Seeing how genuinely surprised Jing Li seemed, he kindly explained, “Your brother’s car broke down on the way, so since I was free, he asked me to pick you up instead.”
Upon hearing this, Jing Li silently took out his phone to check and found it was still in airplane mode. After switching modes and waiting a moment, the screen displayed two missed calls from his brother and an unread message: [Couldn’t reach you, are you already on the plane? My car broke down, so I asked Gu Tingshen to pick you up.]
Jing Li pursed his lips before looking up at the man before him. “Ah, my phone was in airplane mode earlier, that’s why I just saw it now.”
“So, can we go now?” Gu Tingshen gave him a teasing look.
“Yeah, let’s go.” Jing Li nodded calmly, then turned to call out to the others behind him, “You all can take the other car.”
The others nodded in acknowledgment and headed towards the rear vehicle. The assistant carrying Jing Li’s luggage began to follow, but Gu Tingshen casually reached out to stop him. “Is this Xiao Jing’s?”
Seeing the nod, he naturally took the suitcase, his expression neutral. “I’ll take it.”
The assistant hesitated briefly before glancing at Jing Li.
“Let him carry it,” Jing Li told him. “You can just head back to the city with the others, no need to make an extra trip.”
The assistant acknowledged and handed the luggage to Gu Tingshen before bidding them farewell.
Gu Tingshen pulled the suitcase and began walking towards the car, telling Jing Li, “Let’s go.”
Jing Li gave an acknowledging nod and hurried to catch up.
Once inside the car, Jing Li called his brother first. Learning that it was just a case of the car breaking down with no major issue, he informed his brother that he was with Gu Tingshen and told him to just head home, before hanging up.
As Gu Tingshen drove, he chuckled upon hearing Jing Li end the call. “You and your brother are really alike. Brothers who care about each other’s well-being, even saying similar things.”
Gu Tingshen didn’t expect a response, simply making an observation before changing the subject. “Do you have any other schedules after wrapping this project? The New Year is coming soon, will you be spending it at home with your brother this year?”
“Yes, I’ll be staying home for New Year’s with no other plans for now,” Jing Li replied. After a moment’s thought, he added, “At most, I’ll do some promotions before the New Year, but there’s just one variety show left scheduled for after the holidays.”
“Ah right. Your drama premieres on New Year’s Eve, so the pre-holiday promotions will probably keep you busy for a few days,” Gu Tingshen nodded. “Coincidentally, your brother and I will also be busy at the company until then. Once New Year’s arrives, we can keep you company and watch the premiere ratings together.”
Jing Li smiled, assuming Gu Tingshen meant watching together at his home, without reading further into it.
Noticing this, Gu Tingshen glanced at him, his lingering smile carrying a subtle meaning that he didn’t elaborate on.
There was still some distance before reaching the Jing residence, and the car fell into a comfortable silence.
Jing Li stole a sidelong glance at the man beside him. Preoccupied with filming previously, he had nearly forgotten something important.
That day during his tribulation, Gu Tingshen must have sensed something, right?
Yet all this time had passed without him inquiring about it, acting as if he knew nothing, not even asking about Jing Li’s situation.
The more Jing Li thought about it, the more uncertain he became, stealing another glance at the other man.
However, Gu Tingshen’s perception was too sharp, and he immediately noticed. “What’s wrong? You’ve looked at me several times now.”
“Ah, nothing…” Jing Li instinctively denied it before tentatively asking, “Tingshen-ge, have you had any new dreams lately?”
The question seemed out of context, but Gu Tingshen clearly understood. He paused before replying, “No new ones, but I occasionally revisit previous dreams. I haven’t made any breakthroughs, so I didn’t mention it. Is something the matter?”
“No, I just hadn’t seen you since that dinner at the private restaurant and wanted to check on you.” Jing Li smiled, deliberately mentioning the private restaurant to gauge his reaction. Seeing none, he casually added, “The rain that day came rather suddenly, didn’t you find it strange?”
“Hmm, it was quite strange,” Gu Tingshen agreed pensively before shrugging it off. “Wang Lele even joked that it felt like some demon was undergoing tribulation. I just thought, if it was a benevolent one, then not witnessing it wouldn’t matter much.”
He glanced at Jing Li with an amused smile. “What, does Master Jing have other thoughts on the matter?”
His phrasing implied he may have guesses, but had no intention of prying.
Jing Li was briefly taken aback before chuckling as well.
“Yeah, it must have been a benevolent spirit,” he said softly yet resolutely, his expression finally relaxing.
Gu Tingshen glanced at him, his smile deepening though his face remained impassive.
There was no need for further explanation, as if an unspoken understanding had formed between them, leaving that topic behind.
*
Time flew quickly, and New Year’s Eve arrived before they knew it.
Having completed his promotional work, Jing Li hurried back to the Jing residence before nightfall, ready to share the first reunion dinner of the new year with his brother.
As dusk settled and the lights came on, the Jing villa was brilliantly illuminated, the courtyard adorned with rows of red lanterns glowing like beacons, emanating warmth and festivity.
It was evident that someone had painstakingly decorated the place.
Jing Li couldn’t help but smile contentedly at the sight, his weariness seeming to dissipate in an instant, leaving only refreshment and satisfaction.
Arriving at the entrance, he instructed his driver to head home before striding alone towards the villa. Through the windows, he glimpsed the bustle of activity inside, occasionally catching his brother’s joyful voice as if conversing with someone.
Jing Li’s smile widened as his pace quickened. Reaching the door, he knocked before slipping aside, listening intently.
Though the soundproofing was excellent, it didn’t prevent his refined spiritual perception from picking up the noises within.
Sure enough, he heard his brother’s amused voice: “Xiao Jing must be back. I’ll get the door.”
The steady footsteps gradually approached.
Jing Li smiled mischievously, crouching down. The moment the door opened, he sprang forth, launching himself into the person’s embrace with a cheerful “Ge, Happy New Year~!”
However, his smile was immediately replaced with shock.
The man deftly caught him, letting out an amused chuckle. “So this surprise is for me? Seems Xiao Jing really likes me.”
Steadying Jing Li on his feet, he smiled warmly. “Happy New Year, Xiao Jing.”
Regaining his composure, Jing Li greeted him politely. “Happy New Year, Tingshen-ge. You and my brother haven’t finished working yet?”
On such an auspicious occasion as New Year’s Eve, Jing Li could only assume that the reason for Gu Tingshen’s presence, rather than being at his own home, was to join them.
“All done. I’m here waiting for you to have dinner,” Gu Tingshen smiled at him. After some time apart, the man before him seemed even more exquisite and handsome, with his golden-red aura intensifying.
However, Jing Li didn’t notice his expression, too surprised by his words. “You’re also spending New Year with us?”
Didn’t people in the mortal world place great importance on reunion during holidays like this?
“It’s too noisy at home to be interesting, so I came to see you two brothers first and greet you for the New Year.” As if sensing his confusion, Gu Tingshen chuckled softly before mimicking Jing Li’s head tilt teasingly. “Will Xiao Jing find me redundant?”
“Why are you two just standing at the door? Come in and wash up for dinner!” Jing Yu’s voice suddenly called out from inside, likely wondering why they hadn’t entered yet.
Jing Li didn’t argue further, responding affirmatively before quickly removing his shoes and going in.
Dinner was already set on the table, a lavish spread filling it completely.
After washing their hands, the three sat down as Jing Yu poured them each a glass of red wine and smiled. “This is a different year for our family, with a new addition. For this new member, let’s have a toast – wishing us all a happy new year, with boundless prosperity every year.”
“Happy New Year,” Jing Li raised his glass.
“Happy New Year.” Gu Tingshen smiled, clinking his glass with the brothers’ while his gaze lingered on Jing Li’s smiling face. Silently, he added to himself, “I, too, hope for days like this every year.”
The clinking of glasses resounded like the crack of New Year’s fireworks, sparking the beginning of another year.
After dinner, Gu Tingshen remained briefly before excusing himself to leave, as he had simply come to greet them for the new year, as stated.
Jing Li and his brother walked him to the door. As they were about to return inside, Gu Tingshen called out, stopping them. Turning back, they saw him reaching into his pocket before producing an exquisitely wrapped small gift box.
“I almost forgot, your New Year’s present.” Gu Tingshen stepped forward with a smile, placing the box in Jing Li’s hands. “I came across this while traveling and thought you might like it, so I bought it for you.”
“Thank you, Tingshen-ge.” Jing Li clutched the gift tightly while thanking him, a hint of embarrassment in his voice. “But I didn’t prepare a New Year’s gift for you.”
“It’s alright.” Gu Tingshen smiled warmly at him before giving a playful wink. “If you don’t mind, you could give me a blessing as a gift instead.”
Jing Li’s pupils constricted sharply as he stared at Gu Tingshen in shock, nearly blurting out if he had regained any memories.
The author has something to say:
Gu Tingshen: Second time wife took the initiative to throw himself into my arms. Get √
Gu Tingshen: Spending New Year with my wife. Get √
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