Rebirth: Start to Save the Treasure Girl

Xue Jianfeng had just seen Gu Qingshan off, who was grinning and grimacing, while calling him "in-law" repeatedly, when he turned around and discovered that his son was bringing another girl home for the New Year.

"you!"

"What's wrong with me?"

Despite Xue Jianfeng's anger, Xue Rui remained unyielding.

After all, Xue Jianfeng couldn't very well beat him up in the square, could he?

"Are you so sure that just because there are more of you, I won't dare to hit you?" Xue Jianfeng sneered and picked up a wooden stick from the roadside.

From the moment the two started arguing, many people around had been paying attention to the father and son. Now that they saw the father grabbing a weapon, many passersby stopped in their tracks, looking on with gossip in their eyes.

There's no way around it; the "love of joining in the fun" is ingrained in the genes of the Chinese people.

"Forget it, why hit the child during the New Year? Corporal punishment is unacceptable."

An elderly man passing by tried to persuade Xue Jianfeng while snatching the stick from his hand.

Xue Jianfeng switched the stick to his other hand and said helplessly, "Old man, I've raised a rebellious son who causes trouble for me every day. Tell me, has anyone ever driven away his own father's car and left his father to freeze on the side of the road?"

"His mother was so worried when he didn't come home for six months that she couldn't eat dinner every night."

Xue Rui's eyes widened suddenly.

"My mom did it to maintain her figure..."

Before Xue Rui could explain, Xue Jianfeng angrily interrupted:

"Bullshit! How would you know if you don't even come home? Your grandparents love you so much, and the first thing you do when you get a holiday is go gallivanting around. They've asked me so many times when your holiday is coming up..."

Xue Jianfeng labeled Xue Rui as "unfilial".

Xue Rui gasped in shock.

I found you two daughters-in-law? Isn't that a good thing?
Are we leaving you on the side of the road so you can walk a few more steps and get some exercise?
It's just to get the traffic police to keep an eye on you, so they'll make you a law-abiding citizen...

Every single thing I've done, in the end, is for your own good, and yet you're slandering me?

Upon hearing this, the old man thought of his grandson, who hadn't visited his home for a year.

"Spare the rod and spoil the child; a child who deserves to be beaten must be beaten."

The old man put his hands behind his back and made way for Xue Jianfeng.

"No, sir, that's not what you just said."

Xue Rui looked utterly incredulous, while Xue Jianfeng smugly hefted the stick.

Lin Ruoxi stood there blankly, as if she had lost her soul.

As Xue Jianfeng drew closer, the onlookers frowned, their gazes towards Xue Rui filled with mockery and a hint of pity.

Xue Rui sneered inwardly.

Since you're so heartless, don't blame me for being ruthless in return!
"Xi Xi~" Xue Rui pretended to be scared to Lin Ruoxi.

Upon hearing Xue Rui's cry for help, Lin Ruoxi instinctively shielded him, holding him tightly, her soft voice trembling uncontrollably:

"Uncle, you...you can hit me, it's all my fault."

In an instant, the eyes of the onlookers turned to Lin Ruoxi.

Xue Rui smiled slightly. The little girl was naturally endearing. She only needed to exert 30% of her strength to pin a blame on Xue Jianfeng.

"Xixi, don't be afraid. No matter how he slanders me or hits me, he can't break us up. I will never leave you..."

Xue Rui held the little girl in his arms, deliberately keeping his voice very low, which attracted passersby to listen.

What you shout out loud may not be the truth, but what you whisper softly is definitely what's in your heart.

Lin Ruoxi's heart pounded wildly, a mix of overwhelming emotion and a lump in her throat, all as she heard Xue Rui's soft murmurs in her ear...

The bitterness gradually dissipated, converging into a clear river that flowed quietly across Lin Ruoxi's exquisite and flawless face.

Xue Rui made another promise to her.

No matter what, she and Xue Rui will be together.

No one can stop it...

"Xixi, cry for him to see," Xue Rui said in a very low voice without moving his lips.

In fact, Lin Ruoxi didn't even need Xue Rui to give instructions; her face was already streaked with tears.

Xue Jianfeng stared blankly, a sudden tremor running through his heart, a nameless unease rising within him.

What is this kid talking about?
Lin Ruoxi's eyes were blurry with tears, but a happy smile seemed to be on her lips.

That smile was so poignant that it made his heart ache.

Suddenly, Xue Jianfeng felt a sharp, stabbing pain in his back. He looked around and his heart skipped a beat as he finally realized where the unease was coming from.

Oh no, have I become the villain who broke up a pair of star-crossed lovers?
"As the saying goes, it's better to tear down ten temples than to break up one marriage. The child is already so big, why are you bothered by these things?" the old man said with a dark face.

"Yes, seeing that girl cry made me want to cry too," the old woman carrying New Year's goods said with heartache.

"Xiao Rui, explain yourself clearly. When did I ever intend to break you two up?"

Xue Jianfeng instinctively dropped the wooden stick, because at this moment the "spectators" had become "enthusiastic people".

If things go wrong, he might not be able to leave today.

“Dad, isn’t it just that you dislike Xixi because she’s an orphan? You dislike that her family is poor…” Xue Rui said helplessly.

"Shut up!"

Xue Jianfeng roared inwardly, but he dared not shout it out, as that would only add credibility to Xue Rui's story.

You damn fool, you're going to ruin your own father!

“Um… I gave her a watch once, and she’s still wearing it. If I disliked her, why would I give her such an expensive watch?” Xue Jianfeng said, pointing to Lin Ruoxi’s wrist.

"Huh?" Lin Ruoxi's expression froze.

Was it given to her by Uncle Xue, or was it requested by Xue Rui?

Just as Lin Ruoxi was about to express her gratitude, she suddenly heard Xue Rui's slightly reproachful voice:

"Was it just for Xixi? Or did all the other children get one? If I hadn't reminded you that day, you probably wouldn't have remembered, right?"

Just as Xue Jianfeng was about to retort, someone couldn't help but curse:
"You're still discriminating against me?"

"What era are we living in? Why are you still preventing free love?"

"Hello, is this the Women's Federation?"

……

Xue Rui sensed that something was wrong; it seemed like someone was about to call the police.

That won't do. He still needs to go home. We can't afford to offend Lao Xue too much.

He hurriedly said, "Dad, you don't need to apologize to me, just apologize to Xixi."

"No..." Lin Ruoxi wanted to explain, but Xue Rui had said too much, and she didn't know where to start.

Uncle Xue just wanted to find Xue Rui a better girlfriend; there was no need for him to apologize to her.

Moreover, upon closer examination, she also owes Xue Rui's father a lot, such as the money Xue Rui gave him during high school, and her current house...

"Phew~" Xue Jianfeng breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Xue Rui hadn't gone too far.

Facing the eager gazes of the concerned crowd, he bowed slightly and said, "I'm sorry, it was my fault before."

"It's...it's okay." Lin Ruoxi released her embrace and bent down even lower:
"Uncle, I apologize on Xue Rui's behalf. I'll bring dinner to Auntie tonight and take him to see his grandparents..."

“In the past… it was your uncle who was harsh on you,” Xue Jianfeng murmured.

That "I'm sorry" was out of necessity;
The apology I just gave was from the bottom of my heart, a genuine expression of remorse.

He had previously thought Xue Rui was superficial and only liked Lin Ruoxi's appearance, but today he realized that Lin Ruoxi had her own precious qualities.

His unintentional words were remembered by Lin Ruoxi, who was even willing to "atone" for her son.

She's a rare find.

"This is so true."

The old man reached out and patted Xue Jianfeng a few times, which made Xue Jianfeng cough.

"Cough cough, old man, if you keep patting me, I'll lie down, you believe me?"

"Who can't lie down?"

……

Taking advantage of the argument between Xue Jianfeng and the old man, Xue Rui pulled Lin Ruoxi and disappeared into the crowd. After leaving the crowd, Xue Rui's pace quickened.

He had already offended his father, and today's incident was like adding fuel to the fire; just thinking about it sent chills down his spine.

Lin Ruoxi followed beside Xue Rui, her high heels making a "clack-clack-clack" sound.

"Rui, didn't you say you'd take me home? Why aren't you with Uncle Xue?" Lin Ruoxi asked softly.

Xue Rui glanced at Lin Ruoxi and shook his head helplessly.

What innocent eyes!

Don't you think about how badly we messed things up for them just now?

Still together?
"Let's go to the mall and buy some Valentine's Day gifts."

As Xue Rui spoke, he led Lin Ruoxi toward the flower shop, which he had ordered a day in advance.

Xue Rui knew Lin Ruoxi didn't like flowers, but he still ordered fresh flowers and a necklace for Gu Muxue.

Feeling that he couldn't show favoritism, Xue Rui also prepared the same gift for Lin Ruoxi.

"Okay, sure." Lin Ruoxi nodded.

Xue Rui glanced at Lin Ruoxi in surprise; it was rare for the little girl not to refuse his gift.

A group of men stood in front of the flower shop, urging the clerk to bring them flowers in a noisy commotion. Some were stamping their feet in the cold wind and breathing into their palms.

"My wife is really something. She's over forty and keeps hinting that I should send her flowers. I can't refuse."

"How old are you, old lady? Still acting like a little girl?"

……

Xue Rui waved to the girl in the shop: "Beautiful lady, I ordered this yesterday."

Upon hearing the voice, the little girl smiled and said, "Wait a moment."

Lin Ruoxi's tall figure and outstanding appearance attracted the admiring gazes of many men.

Some people looked on with envy, while others clicked their tongues and whispered among themselves.

"She's so beautiful, even prettier than the celebrities on TV."

"How much money does it cost to support such a beautiful girl?"

……

As the crowd whispered among themselves, a shop assistant walked around the queue and handed Lin Ruoxi a bouquet of pink and white roses: "Miss Lin, these are your flowers."

Lin Ruoxi's special treatment of "not having to queue" instantly made her the focus of everyone's attention.

"Why are people cutting in line?" someone in line shouted anxiously.

Xue Rui glanced at the color of the bouquet, shook his head and said, "Hello, this is not the color I ordered."

The little girl likes bright red, so Xue Rui ordered a bouquet of red roses.

"Yes, this is mine."

Lin Ruoxi took a step back, tilted her head, and presented the bouquet to Xue Rui, her eyes full of doting smiles.

"Happy Valentine's Day!"

Xue Rui stood there, stunned. He had thought the little girl would give him a gift, but he never expected it to be a bouquet of white and pink roses.

The line in front of the flower shop fell silent instantly, and no one urged them on impatiently anymore, as if someone had pressed the mute button.

"Here, it's for you." Lin Ruoxi's eyes blinked.

After regaining his composure, Xue Rui did not answer the call immediately.

"Don't...don't you like it?" Lin Ruoxi asked weakly.

Just then, the shop assistant spoke up: "Ms. Lin made a reservation a long time ago. She even came to urge us this morning. Because it was a gift from a girl to a boy, I remember it very clearly. It wasn't cutting in line."

Xue Rui couldn't help but laugh. The fact that the little girl gave him flowers had already made many people green with envy.

The shop assistant then went on to explain, which was tantamount to adding insult to injury for the sycophants who were queuing up.

"For me? But I'm a boy!"

Xue Rui feigned surprise and asked in a low voice, but loud enough for the entire team to hear.

These words were like a meteorite crashing into a lake, causing huge waves in everyone's hearts.

"Zhizhizhi~"

The harsh sound of teeth grinding reached his ears, but to Xue Rui it sounded like heavenly music.

If we don't act now, what are we waiting for?

"Hmm, boys can receive flowers too," Lin Ruoxi said in a soft, sweet voice.

"Well, of course."

Xue Rui smiled and patted Lin Ruoxi's head; he knew the little girl would answer like that.

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces turned ugly, as if they had drunk a jar of vinegar, their hearts filled with sourness.

This kid is doing it on purpose, isn't he? His smirk is practically pointing to the sky!

"Xixi, I also ordered a bouquet of flowers for you. It should be our turn soon. Are you in a hurry?" Xue Rui asked.

Lin Ruoxi shook her head: "No rush."

"How about we move to the back of the line and let the customers in a hurry get theirs first?" Xue Rui asked.

"Okay, sure." Lin Ruoxi's eyes were full of tenderness; her Xue Rui was still so kind.

Actually, Xue Rui just wanted to wait in line a little longer and enjoy the envious glances from the sycophants a little longer.

As he spoke, Xue Rui took a few steps to the back of the line and joined the end of the queue.

"Xixi, why did you send me pink roses?" Xue Rui asked loudly.

"Because I asked you what color keyboard and mouse you liked, and you said pink, I thought you probably liked pink..."

Lin Ruoxi's eyes were full of smiles; she had guessed right.

"Hmm, would you like a pink computer case...?"

Before long, someone at the front of the line couldn't help but ask, "Where's the staff? Come out here right now!"

Is there no law anymore? Who will do something about them?

"Quickly give him his flowers! My blood pressure is going to spike." A middle-aged man's face was terribly gloomy.

His wife heard some nonsense from who-knows-where, like "If you don't get flowers on Valentine's Day, it means you don't love me anymore," and she would throw tantrums and threaten to divorce him at the drop of a hat.

When he arrived at the flower shop, he found a group of middle-aged people who shared the same pain as him, which made him feel much better.

But somehow, I ran into this damn dog couple!

The streets are filled with displays of affection, each one as heavy as a mountain, making it hard for him to breathe...

The flower shop was busy on Valentine's Day. A dizzy and disoriented employee was called out and stared blankly at the line: "What's wrong?"

"Quickly give them the flowers, they're much more anxious than we are!" said the unshaven middle-aged man.

The shop assistant scratched his head and walked back into the store, muttering, "That's really strange, nobody's complaining about cutting in line now..."

"Hmm, we're not in a... hurry."

Lin Ruoxi's voice trailed off as she noticed everyone glaring fiercely at Xue Rui. She instinctively stood on tiptoe, blocking Xue Rui's view.

"Wh...what's wrong?" Lin Ruoxi asked weakly.

"Heh~" someone sneered.

Not long after, the shop assistant presented Lin Ruoxi with a bouquet of bright red roses.

"Xixi, let's hurry up and go, lest the flowers freeze." Xue Rui said with a smile.

"Damn it! You bastard!"

A loud, forceful curse came from the front of the group.

After being exposed to the cold wind for so long, everyone was already irritated. However, every word Xue Rui uttered was like a pinpoint explosion, stimulating their fragile nerves.

Lin Ruoxi suddenly perked up her ears; she felt as if someone was cursing Xue Rui.

"I……"

Lin Ruoxi pouted and timidly retorted, "He...he's the best boy!" (End of Chapter)