Chapter 29 Tennis "I'll keep you safe."

As the night deepened, Gu Ci and Huo Wenyuan approached the car. Butler Feng, still gazing at the photos on his phone with a smirk, couldn't help but curl his lips.

Old Du had reminded the two teenagers to come over, and he quickly exited the chat screen, but his smile remained undimmed.

Especially after his eye was drawn to the yellow diamond brooch on Gu Ci's chest.

Butler Feng opened the back door for them, eagerly asking, "Young Master and Xiao Ci finished the dance?"

"Did you enjoy it?"

Gu Ci nodded emphatically, replying, "Yes!"

"That's good." Butler Feng climbed into the passenger seat, fastening his seatbelt as he glanced pointedly at his young master. "Young Master? How are you feeling?"

"Besides Xiao Ci, did you dance with any other classmates?"

You couldn't blame him for being nosy; it was simply that Young Master Huo rarely had such occasions, so he naturally wanted to gossip a little. Just like a few years ago, didn't he celebrate the birthday of a female classmate named Liu? I wonder if the young master is still in contact with her.

Huo Wenyuan, sensing Butler Feng's gossipy nature, raised his eyes calmly and said in a cold voice, "I wasn't in an ambulance."

The implication was that he hadn't made contact with anyone else.

Butler Feng: "..."

It felt like the air was frozen.

Very good. With each passing year, the young master's sarcasm has improved considerably. Especially after this year's study of financial management and social psychology, his temperament has become increasingly unpredictable, even giving passing lizards a slap. Gu Ci was the only exception.

Butler Feng looked at the two people getting along harmoniously in the back seat and once again inwardly marveled at Mr. Huo's foresight.

While it might not be fair to Gu Ci, the feelings between the two young men at this moment were deep and sincere. As for whether they would be driven by profit or something else in the future, who could say for sure?

Arriving at the Huo residence, Butler Feng watched Gu Ci and Huo Wenyuan go upstairs. After a moment of contemplation, he called Mr. Huo to report back as usual.

"Mr. Huo, it's me. Yes, the young master went to the ball. The ball is over, and he's fine..."

Thinking of something, he added, "There's one more thing I need to ask you. One of the yellow diamond brooches that Madam left for the young master... yes, the one sold in London in 2003. It seems to be in Xiao Ci's possession today, and pictures have been leaked. Does he need to deal with it?"

Huo Xiao was indeed silent. Only after he reminded him again did he slowly say, "That was left to him by Wen Yan. He can deal with it himself."

"But don't cause trouble for Xiao Ci,"

Butler Feng understood.

That night, a post titled "Late-night irresponsible gossip, a casual discussion about the life story of that mysterious high school nerd—yes, the beautiful one"—appeared on Xichen's forum.

Main Post: [My friends, this is what happened. My idol is Huo Shen, and my sister's idol is a beautiful academic genius. Today, after the two of them had an earth-shattering dance, I was so happy that I couldn't help but post the photos to the family group to show off.]

[Then something unexpected happened...]

As soon as the post was posted, it immediately became a trending topic. Many students, still in the excitement of the dance, jumped up and down in the melon field, and the replies asking for follow-up content immediately piled up dozens of stories.

94L: [I'm late. I just confirmed it with my mother in person! Continuing from the previous post, I posted the photos in the group. My mother happens to be a jewelry collector and she saw at a glance that Gu Ci's brooch was special!]

95L: [I caught up with the live broadcast! I think that brooch looks so shiny and bright. Tell me what makes it special!]

96L: [I advise you to delete it. Doesn't the poster know? It’s best not to discuss that person’s background on Gua Forum…]

97L: [The above person is right, but I’m really curious! I’d accept being locked up! OP, please tell me! This is truly an unsolved mystery of Xichen…]

98L: [Then I’ll tell you quickly! My mother said that the brooch was bought by Mrs. Huo at a sky-high price in London many years ago, and it has never been sold since then. In other words! It belongs to the Huo family now! And now it’s on the body of the beautiful Gu Ci!]

99L: [Haven’t you noticed? Beautiful Gu Ci has been in Xichen for three years, and still no one knows his background… We only know that he might be temporarily staying at the Huo family and has a close relationship with Mr. Huo, but no one knows what the relationship is exactly. But just now! My mother mentioned it, saying that she heard that there was a turmoil in the Huo family three years ago. Although it was suppressed deeply, there are still rumors that someone very important has died…]

Three seconds later, the post disappeared.

Shang Zui, unsure of what was said, was furious at the title, ready to fight. "?" A

post was deleted faster than he could reply, but fortunately, it didn't spread widely.

Although he and Gu Ci were good friends, since Gu Ci wouldn't reveal his background, he wouldn't pry into it. It was Gu Ci's privacy, and there was no need to know everything. There should be a clear understanding of what should and shouldn't be discussed.

This is the "professional ethics" of a gossip paparazzi.

The next day was business as usual, as if nothing had happened.

But while walking around campus, Gu Ci noticed that the looks he and Huo Wenyuan received had intensified. They'd barely walked a dozen steps when someone approached them with a note asking for their contact information.

A junior student had asked for his WeChat account to discuss biology, and Gu Ci almost gave it to Huo Wenyuan, but Huo Wenyuan brushed him off with a retort, "If you have any questions, talk to the biology teacher." There was also an exaggerated one who wanted to have both his and Huo Wenyuan's WeChat accounts at the same time. After being rejected by Huo Wenyuan repeatedly, he even suggested that they could set up a group chat face to face.

Huo Wenyuan had a cold face and pulled Gu Ci away. Perhaps because they were afraid of his expression, no one came to greet him again.

Gu Ci walked into the classroom, breathed a sigh of relief, and sat down in his seat, feeling like he had "escaped from death." Just as he was sighing to himself, someone patted him on the back.

Turning around, he saw Shang Zui eagerly asking: "Gu Ci, do you want to play tennis?"

Gu Ci tilted his head: "Ah?"

Doesn't Shang Zui dislike ball sports? Why did he suddenly want to play tennis?

Shang Zui boasted proudly: "Last night, my goddess accepted the invitation and danced with me!"

Qu Zhi on the side heard it and said "huh" in dissatisfaction: "That's because my sister is generous, and you are lucky. All the people who invited her to dance last night were lined up in Duxing Building, but she chose you."

Shang Zui chuckled: "That shows that I am charming too!"

Qu Zhi: "You laughed. I've never seen such a narcissistic person."

Shang Zui said generously: "Laugh, laugh, be careful or you will have to call me brother-in-law in the future."

Business is important. Shang Zui disdained to bicker with Qu Zhi, and then conspired with Gu Ci: "It's like this, little Gu Ci, that..."

When the words came to his lips, Shang Zui, who had always been carefree, suddenly became a little embarrassed. He lowered his voice and said shamelessly: "I wanted to invite Shi Fei to play tennis together, but I'm a little embarrassed. So I thought of pulling you and Liu Zhi together, and we can form a doubles game, how about it?" Hearing

his intention, Gu Ci opened his eyes wide in disbelief, and looked at Shang Zui with first understanding and then admiration.

He always respected all brave people.

Gu Ci asked without hesitation: "When exactly?"

Shang Zui: "Strike while the iron is hot. Tomorrow afternoon happens to be a free activity day. How about three o'clock in the afternoon, tennis court?"

Gu Ci looked at Huo Wenyuan and said: "No problem, it's just that my tennis playing may not be very good. Will it affect you..."

Shang Zui: "No! It's great that you can help me!"

Gu Ci: "Okay~"

After finding a time, he told Huo Wenyuan about Shang Zui's plan.

Huo Wenyuan was not interested in what Shang Zui did. It didn't matter to him who he wanted to pursue and how he wanted to pursue them. But when he heard that Gu Ci and Liu Zhihe were also going to participate, his expression instantly became a little subtle.

He asked coldly: "Can't he do it alone?"

Why did he have to let Gu Ci accompany him?

Although he'd never been in love with anyone, the thoughtful Gu Ci understood Shang Zui's feelings perfectly. He explained, "He's probably just afraid of embarrassment. I hear even the most outgoing people feel a little uncomfortable around someone they like."

Huo Wenyuan asked speechlessly, "Who told you that?"

Gu Ci: "...Shang Zui."

Huo Wenyuan: "...What did he instill in you?"

"You're not allowed to go,"

the usually obedient Gu Ci shook his head in a rare refusal. "No, I have to go."

Huo Wenyuan: "Then I'll go too."

Gu Ci: "Huh...?"

Shang Zui was devastated when Gu Ci said Huo Wenyuan was going, wanting to scream. He ran over, clasped his hands together, and addressed Huo Wenyuan respectfully: "Brother Huo, Master Huo, I beg you, we've been brothers for ten years. Please, please, just spare me this time, okay?"

Everyone knew Shi Fei liked Huo Wenyuan. If Huo Wenyuan went, how could he still have a chance?

Besides, didn't Huo Wenyuan usually dislike Shi Fei's interactions? Why was he actively participating this time?

Seeing Gu Ci on the side, Shang Zui understood.

Seriously, isn't it just borrowing Gu Ci? He made it look like he'd borrowed and never returned.

During lunch, while Huo Wenyuan was away, Shang Zui pulled Gu Ci aside, earnestly pleading with him to persuade Huo Wenyuan to stay out of the game tomorrow.

Unsure of Huo Wenyuan's attitude, Gu Ci hesitantly said, "...I'll try my best."

But on second thought, it did seem strange. He'd played tennis with Shang Zui a few times before, and Huo Wenyuan hadn't joined. He wondered why he was acting so strangely this time.

Shang Zui understood, but didn't dare voice it.

The most urgent task was to avoid this Buddha.

...Success or failure depended on this one move!

That afternoon, Gu Ci accompanied Shang Zui to the entrance of Class 3 to meet Liu Zhihe to discuss tomorrow's "half-day tennis plan." Upon learning that Gu Ci would also be participating, Liu Zhihe agreed on the spot and promised to convince Shi Fei to join.

At this point, Shang Zui felt he had achieved 70% of his goal. The remaining 30% depended on Young Master Huo's grace.

The heavy responsibility of asking for this "grace" fell to Gu Ci. After all, Shang Zui had rarely seen Huo Wenyuan reject Gu Ci.

He wondered if this time would work.

Gu Ci spent the entire day agonizing over his words. He finally managed to formulate them, only to learn that Huo Wenyuan had a follow-up appointment at the hospital that afternoon, leaving him with no chance to chat.

Facing Shang Zui's expectant gaze, Gu Ci steeled himself and sent Huo Wenyuan a WeChat message to test the waters.

"Brother Wenyuan, have you finished your checkup? What were the results?"

Two classes passed, and Huo Wenyuan still hadn't replied.

Gu Ci told Shang Zui, "He's probably still getting his checkup done. Maybe later. I'll ask when he's free."

Evening study was almost over, and Huo Wenyuan

still hadn't sent a message. Gu Ci began to worry. He snuck to the corner of the hallway and called Huo Wenyuan, only to hear his phone was turned off. Gu Ci's heart immediately sank, his unease growing. Without hesitation, he called Butler Feng.

Butler Feng's warm voice rang out, "What's wrong, Xiao Ci?"

Gu Ci asked cautiously, "Uncle Feng, is Brother Wen Yuan's checkup complete? What are the results?"

Butler Feng, who happened to be at the hospital, was silent for a few seconds before replying, "The young master's indicators are a bit off. He's

still comatose, awaiting the results of the reexamination." Gu Ci tensed. "Huh? Is it serious? Do you need me to come?"

Butler Feng soothed, "Don't worry, Xiao Ci. It's not that serious. It just takes some time..."

Gu Ci bit his lip, his eyes brimming with anxiety.

As the bell rang, Gu Ci rushed out of the classroom and took a taxi directly to the hospital where Huo Wenyuan was staying. He took the elevator to his familiar floor.

Arriving at the examination room, he was met by Huo Wenyuan, looking impatient as he emerged. Beside him, Doctor Yang was still painstakingly explaining something, making Huo Wenyuan's face sullen.

Gu Ci: "..."

After all the worry along the way, he could no longer suppress his emotions and quickly walked over to hug Huo Wenyuan: "Brother Wenyuan!"

Huo Wenyuan was still sullen, and was about to lose his temper when someone pounced on him for no reason. But after smelling that familiar sweet and soft scent, he slowly stopped and hugged the other person back.

"Why are you here?"

Gu Ci shook his head, leaving Huo Wenyuan's arms, and looked him up and down: "Are you okay? Are you feeling unwell?"

Huo Wenyuan noticed that Gu Ci's eyes were red and felt a little surprised. He said, "I'm fine. I was just about to pick you up from school. How did you come so soon?"

Gu Ci looked at him eagerly with moist eyes: "Don't lie to me. Uncle Feng clearly said you were in a coma."

Huo Wenyuan: "..."

He glanced at Doctor Yang, who was walking forward on his own, and held his forehead with his hand. "I just anesthetized me during the examination."

So... was this what scared Gu Ci, and made him rush to the hospital alone?

Huo Wenyuan suddenly felt an inexplicable feeling. He reached out and hugged Gu Ci again, gently stroking his back with his palms in a soothing gesture.

"Don't be afraid, how could I be okay?"

Gu Ci muttered a muffled "hmm." After confirming Huo Wenyuan was indeed alright, the heavy weight of his heart finally settled, though his spirits were still palpable.

He nuzzled his face into Huo Wenyuan's arms and tilted his head upwards, asking, "So what did Doctor Yang say to you just now? Why do you look so grim?"

Huo Wenyuan let out a long "hmm," not intending to tell Gu Ci.

—Just now, in the examination room.

Doctor Yang: "Is Young Master Huo worried about something lately? Just now, several of your mood-related indicators have been fluctuating wildly, and you kept repeating Young Master Gu Ci's name."

Huo Wenyuan: "...Don't eavesdrop on patients' privacy."

Doctor Yang: "Not that I was eavesdropping. It's more that you kept repeating it during the anesthesia, and even told him 'Don't leave' and 'Don't play tennis with others.' As your attending physician and psychologist, I believe I need to learn more so I can intervene."

Huo Wenyuan: "..."

"What else did I say?"

Doctor Yang: "You finally sighed and said, 'It's okay, go ahead, I'll take good care of you.'"

Huo Wenyuan's face turned pale.

In front of him, Gu Ci was still clutching the corner of his clothes tightly in his hand. Huo Wenyuan gently separated Gu Ci's fingers from the corner of his clothes, and then held them firmly.

He said: "I won't go tomorrow, it's just a casual remark." "

But you have to protect yourself, don't get hurt, don't make me worry, and don't have close contact with others, okay?"