Rebirth: Start to Save the Treasure Girl

With a "bang!", the door was locked.

Upon hearing Xue Rui's voice, Lin Ruoxi anxiously stood up, wanting to open the door to greet him.

However, Lin Ruoxi was stopped by the woman at the checkout counter.

"Here's fifty for you, Auntie won't let you lose money." The woman took out a fifty-yuan note and insisted on stuffing it into Lin Ruoxi's arms.

"An optocoupler costs only a few cents, I'm not losing money..."

"Technology is money, take it now."

After the woman finished speaking, she vaguely felt that the sentence sounded familiar, as if the owner of the repair shop had said the same thing.

She understands the reasons, but when she encounters a business that is too conscientious, she feels guilty and is afraid that the business will go out of business.

……

Outside the gate.

After Xue Rui uttered a curse, the surrounding noise stopped abruptly, and the people in line behind him also stopped chatting and turned their attention to Xue Rui.

The old man made way for Xue Rui, saying, "If this is your house, then you can use your key to open the door and go in."

"Wait here." Xue Rui bent down and moved the flowerpot; his house key was kept here.

However, today there was nothing under the flowerpot except for a dustpan beetle.

Xue Rui scratched his head; the little girl had taken the keys away…

"Young man, you've taken a fancy to Master Lin, haven't you? I advise you not to do anything illegal."

The old man blocked the door even tighter, because many people like to leave their keys at the front door, and in his opinion, Xue Rui was completely bluffing.

Xue Rui's eye twitched. Master Lin?
This is what the older generation calls "technical talents".

However, in Xue Rui's view, it was completely inconsistent with the little girl's innocent and cute image.

"I'm her family," Xue Rui explained, preparing to knock on the door and go in.

"What does Master Lin look like?"

The old man blocked the door, looked him up and down, and showed a disdainful expression.

Xue Rui narrowed his eyes. Although the old man didn't say the second half of his sentence, he had already imagined it: How could you be related to her with your appearance?
Suddenly, the door clicked open, and Lin Ruoxi peeked out, glancing guiltily at Xue Rui before explaining to Grandpa Li:
"Uncle Li, Xue Rui is my...my boyfriend."

Lin Ruoxi originally planned to ventilate the house, turn on the air conditioner to warm it up, and then cook dinner before letting Xue Rui in.

She wanted to give Xue Rui a warm home.

But while she was opening the door to ventilate the house, someone came to visit and asked her to help fix some appliances.

In the era of mobile communication, news spread like wildfire, and the entire neighborhood knew that Lin Ruoxi had returned, resulting in a long queue.

Lin Ruoxi didn't know how many people were behind her, and she was only thinking about finishing the repairs quickly so she could cook, so she forgot about the time.

"Rui, are you hungry? I'll go cook something right now."

Lin Ruoxi weakly tugged at Xue Rui's sleeve, not daring to look up at him, afraid that he would be angry.

Lin Ruoxi felt it was her fault for not managing her time well.

In an instant, Xue Rui noticed many strange looks coming from around him, and heard whispers all around him:

"Master Lin seems very afraid of him. Could he be an abusive man?"

"Eighty percent yes."

“We’ll keep a close eye on her. Ms. Lin has only lived here for a few years; we can’t let her suffer in our community.”

"Yes, get evidence against him."

Hearing this, Xue Rui felt a little heavy-hearted. This house was his hometown, but he was blocked at the door. Everyone assumed that this was "Master Lin's" home.

What left Xue Rui speechless was that Lin Ruoxi habitually adopted a submissive attitude in front of him, which made people mistakenly think that he was a "domestic abuser".

"No, Rui is very good to me." Lin Ruoxi quickly hugged Xue Rui tightly, her eyes smiling as she said:

"He gave me a house, a home, and taught me so many things..."

Lin Ruoxi softly recounted her story with Xue Rui, and everyone's gaze softened. When they looked at Xue Rui again, their faces were filled with affirmation and admiration.

Xue Rui, holding Lin Ruoxi, glanced contemptuously at Old Man Li, who was blocking their way.

Grandpa Li chuckled awkwardly, patted Xue Rui on the shoulder and said, "Good job, young man. I was worried that there would be too many petty thieves around the New Year, and it wouldn't be safe for Master Lin, a girl all alone."

"Thank you." Xue Rui nodded in thanks; what Grandpa Li said made a lot of sense.

As for locking the door, Xue Rui couldn't find fault with it either.

Xue Rui had heard Chen Shen mention that the crime rate is highest before the Spring Festival because thieves also need money to go home for the New Year. So, he had to stay at Lin Ruoxi's house for the next few days to be on guard.

"Well, Rui can fix things too. He fixed the air conditioner at home. He's my mentor..."

Lin Ruoxi kept talking about Xue Rui's special talents; she liked hearing others praise Xue Rui.

Xue Rui looked at him strangely. "Isn't that the air conditioner motherboard you repaired?"
If I go up and reconnect the wire, does that mean I fixed it?
"And there's more... um!"

Lin Ruoxi's mouth was covered by Xue Rui.

Xue Rui gave everyone an awkward smile and dragged Lin Ruoxi back to the room.

"Xi Xi, can you please not drag me into your bragging? It's putting your teacher in a difficult position," Xue Rui whispered in Lin Ruoxi's ear.

Look at the surprised looks on people's faces outside; they're clearly thinking: "We have a repairman in our neighborhood? That's great!"

"Oh." Lin Ruoxi pouted. In her heart, Xue Rui was the most capable, and she felt that she was right.

"Master Xue, take a look at my grandson's toy car." Grandpa Li smiled and handed over the toy car.

He had only heard that Lin Ruoxi was very good at repairs, but Lin Ruoxi just said that Xue Rui was the real master.

Xue Rui glanced at it, then said with an air of superiority:

"My fees are quite high. You should contact Xiaolin first. If she can't solve it, then come to me."

"Hmm!" Lin Ruoxi nodded, picked up a screwdriver, and skillfully disassembled the toy car. In a few quick movements, she found the source of the problem: "It's just a loose solder joint..."

Two minutes later, the toy car started shining lights and making sounds again.

Grandpa Li asked curiously, "Master Xue, you're so young, who taught you?"

"We're college students, after all," Xue Rui replied casually, using an excuse that older generations would easily accept.

"Those who have gone to university are really amazing; they can do everything," an old lady couldn't help but praise.

“But my son is also a college student. All he does all day is eat and sleep. I have to find other college students to fix things. I’ll give him a good talking to when I get home.” A middle-aged woman suddenly lost her temper.

Xue Rui grinned. "Someone else's kid?"

Lin Ruoxi's excellence has absolutely nothing to do with being a college student, but Xue Ruicai is too lazy to explain for her.

Xue Rui touched his nose guiltily, feeling like he had tricked all the college students in the neighborhood.

Just like in his previous life, he majored in computer science and was often asked: "If you study computer science, you must be able to fix computers, right?"
To avoid such a situation, Xue Rui actually taught himself computer repair.

Judging from the results, he has indeed grown.

"Hmm, he might not be in this field."

Lin Ruoxi explained that she was afraid the aunt would argue with the child when she got back.

The middle-aged woman's anger subsided considerably, and she muttered to herself, "He also seemed to say that his major wasn't relevant to her job."

"Xixi, did you end up with a job that matches your major?" Xue Rui chuckled.

Lin Ruoxi shook her head blankly: "No."

"Then why are you learning these things?" Xue Rui asked patiently, wanting to help all the college students in the community grow.

"Hmm, Master said it's always good to have more skills," Lin Ruoxi said softly. The woman frowned again upon hearing this. She looked at Xue Rui, then at Lin Ruoxi, and made up her mind to get the college student in her family to work as soon as she got back.

Xue Rui retrieved paper, pen, and tape from the room and handed them to the people queuing at the door: "Everyone, write down the problem with the item on a piece of paper and leave your phone number. We'll contact you when we're done fixing it."

Xue Rui didn't intend to ruin the little girl's "side hustle," but he also didn't want her to be too tired.

A dozen minutes later, Xue Rui saw everyone downstairs and took the old lady home with him.

The small living room was filled with all sorts of small appliances.

Seeing Xue Rui return, Lin Ruoxi led him to the head seat at the dining table, set out the bowls and chopsticks for him, and then sat down naturally to the side.
“Rui, I’ll listen to you. If you say you won’t do it, I… I won’t do these things anymore.”

"Do it if you like," Xue Rui said with a smile.

Although they don't make money, there are some benefits too. For example, they didn't have to cook lunch today because a familiar aunt paid for the repairs with the food.

Lin Ruoxi has also made many good friends, and this kindness will transform into an invisible net that firmly protects Lin Ruoxi.

This is what is meant by good people being rewarded.

The young girl thrives in her familiar social circle.

"Actually... I have my own selfish motives," Lin Ruoxi said softly.

"Of course I know."

Xue Rui laughed. He had actually guessed what was going on; the little girl wanted to hear others praise him.

"Mmm." Lin Ruoxi smiled sweetly.

Lin Ruoxi wants to help more people, which will also benefit her greatly.

As long as she has enough acquaintances, wherever Xue Rui goes, people will remember that Xue Rui belongs to her.

Just like today when she called out the wrong name while buying groceries, but Xue Rui responded to her.

Thinking of this, Lin Ruoxi smiled shyly, her cheeks becoming even redder.

"Old..." Lin Ruoxi wanted to call Xue Rui one more time.

However, as she was about to speak, Gu Muxue's smile flashed through her mind.

Does she have the right to shout?

What if Xue Rui doesn't agree?
Lin Ruoxi secretly observed Xue Rui's micro-expressions, trying to see if he was angry.

Xue Rui was very nervous at this moment.

The little girl can't hide her feelings at all; she probably wants to call him "husband" again right now.

It's common for young couples to call each other "husband" and "wife," but his situation is slightly different.

If the little girl shouts it out, should he agree this time?

Lin Ruoxi noticed that Xue Rui's brows were furrowed. She put down her chopsticks and gently smoothed his brows with her thumbs: "It's not good to always frown. I want to see you smile more."

Is Xue Rui in a difficult position?

Then I won't shout anymore...

"Is it okay?" Lin Ruoxi lowered her head, looked up at Xue Rui's eyes, and smiled sweetly at him.

"Okay, okay," Xue Rui said with a smile.

The little girl is so gentle.

The old lady sat on the sofa, turning her head to watch the two eating, and couldn't help but think that the two were really a perfect match.

Lin Ruoxi spent the entire afternoon repairing appliances in the living room, while Xue Rui played on his phone and watched TV on the sofa, occasionally chatting with Gu Muxue on WeChat about their New Year plans.

After putting down his phone, Xue Rui looked at the steaming water glass in front of him and smiled silently, because there was a piece of orange peel soaking in it.

The young woman was the one who worked hard, yet she would still pour him a glass of water and massage his shoulders from time to time.

Xue Rui stretched and looked outside again; it was already dark.

Lin Ruoxi had been working all afternoon and now seemed to have finished fixing things. Like a little cat, she stretched and yawned lazily, not caring about her image at all, even showing her little belly.

Xue Rui found it amusing, so he secretly walked behind Lin Ruoxi and poked her waist.

"It tickles~" Lin Ruoxi turned around with a playful laugh, pushed Xue Rui down onto the sofa, and looked into Xue Rui's eyes without saying a word.

She loved everything about this place. Even though she and Xue Rui had only exchanged a few words during the four or five hours that afternoon, she felt incredibly at ease, more comfortable than anywhere else.

This house holds her most cherished memories.

Suddenly, the sound of the door opening came from behind.

Xue Rui froze, and subconsciously looked up. The old lady was standing at the door with a gloomy face, her expression so dark it seemed like water was about to drip from her skin.

Seizing the moment before the old lady could speak, Xue Rui spread his hands and preemptively said, "Are you just going to watch? Aren't you going to do anything about her?"

The old lady's lips trembled slightly, and her expression became somewhat blank.

Yes, who should I be in charge of?
Judging from their positions, it seems that Lin Ruoxi pinned Xue Rui down.

"Xixi, look at yourself! What kind of girl acts like this?" the old lady said sternly.

"I...I didn't let you see it," Lin Ruoxi muttered softly, hugging Xue Rui tightly.

The old lady hesitated, then sighed and went back to her room to lock herself in.

Xue Rui pushed Lin Ruoxi away: "Xixi, sit down. I have something to tell you."

"Um, okay."

Lin Ruoxi sat upright, but her head kept turning in the direction Xue Rui was looking, until she ended up looking up at the ceiling.

Xue Rui stood behind Lin Ruoxi and gently massaged her shoulders: "I saw you massaging your shoulders just now, are you tired?"

“Yes… a little.” Lin Ruoxi’s body stiffened.

Lin Ruoxi was very nervous; Xue Rui's behavior made her uneasy.

"Rui, is there anything you need me to do? Just say it." Lin Ruoxi held Xue Rui's hand and gently shook her head.

"Can't I even give my girlfriend a shoulder massage if there's nothing wrong?" Xue Rui said seriously.

He did indeed have something to ask of Lin Ruoxi.

But Lin Ruoxi knew him too well. Since his purpose had already been discovered, she might as well let the little girl enjoy herself.

Lin Ruoxi stood up instantly.

The more Xue Rui said this, the more worried she became.

"Alright, I'll get straight to the point. I'm going to Mu Xue's house in a few days, and I'd like you to come with me."

Xue Rui sighed and told the truth.

He wasn't trying to confront Lao Gu directly, but rather to let Lin Ruoxi show her face more often beforehand, planting a seed of suspicion in Lao Gu's mind.

The more doubts there are, the easier it will be for Lao Gu to accept when the truth comes true one day.

Besides, he's already under suspicion. If he doesn't turn that suspicion into reality, wouldn't he be being suspected for nothing?
"Is this all?" Lin Ruoxi asked, looking down.

"Mm." Xue Rui nodded.

With tears in her eyes and her voice choked with sobs, Lin Ruoxi asked, "Is...it really gone?"

"Xixi, I just feel a little bad about letting you visit Muxue's parents," Xue Rui said truthfully.

It was one thing to visit Gu Muxue's home before, but this time it's the Spring Festival, a time for family reunion. The little girl doesn't have parents of her own, yet she has to visit her rival's parents.
Just thinking about it makes him feel like he's not even human.

But the little girl didn't seem to care much.

"Then...you have to listen to me today." (End of Chapter)