Rebirth: Start to Save the Treasure Girl

When Gu Muxue sent the message, she did not deliberately avoid Xue Rui.

Xue Rui stared at his phone, feeling somewhat anxious.

The girl's words carried a threatening tone, and Xue Rui guessed that she was still angry.

Gu Muxue noticed Xue Rui's gaze, so she moved her phone away and picked up a piece of fried chicken, bringing it to Xue Rui's lips: "Eat."

Xue Rui looked grim. He had just left Lin Ruoxi's house. How could Lin Ruoxi let him come back hungry?

He really couldn't eat anymore, but he couldn't refuse. He forced himself to take the chicken piece and chewed it slowly, but he still couldn't swallow it.

"Have you eaten yet? You always eat alone behind my back."

Gu Muxue pouted and picked up her chopsticks to eat by herself.

Xue Rui couldn't help but smile. If Gu Muxue was really angry, she wouldn't eat the food Lin Ruoxi cooked.

He asked gently, "Aren't you angry anymore?"

“I’m angry.” Gu Muxue glared at Xue Rui. “Even when you’re angry, you still have to eat. If I starve to death, some people will probably be very happy.”

"Mu Xue, she's not that kind of person," Xue Rui hurriedly defended.

"I'm talking about Chen Tingting, why are you in such a hurry?" Gu Muxue said slowly, a smile hidden in the corner of her eyes. She was teasing Xue Rui.

Well, she was angry when Xue Rui made a mistake, but she also liked how obedient he was when he made a mistake.

Xue Rui breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this; Gu Muxue was just teasing him.

He secretly reached for his phone, wanting to tell Lin Ruoxi that Gu Muxue had been appeased and that what he said earlier was just said in anger and didn't count.

"do not move."

Gu Muxue grasped Xue Rui's wrist, and the two looked at each other in silence for a long time.

"Fine, it's Xixi's fault for making a mistake. I'm not going to talk to her today. She should be taught a lesson and understand who the boss of our family is."

Xue Rui did not defend Lin Ruoxi, but instead chose to appease Gu Muxue.

As long as Gu Muxue is happy, everything will be simple.

As expected, Gu Muxue laughed.

"Xiao Rui, I said those things in anger, but I have my reasons." Gu Muxue released her wrist and lowered her voice:

“My mom already knows about us. Given her suspicious nature, she’ll definitely keep an eye on me for a while longer.”

Xue Rui nodded in agreement. His mother-in-law was no pushover; she had actually hired someone to spy on him.

But he couldn't say that out loud. He defended her, saying, "Don't say that. Mom is doing this for your own good."

"Pah, you actually know that." Gu Muxue spat, thinking to herself that Xue Rui's skin was really thick.

"Mu Xue, what exactly did Mom say?" Xue Rui asked guiltily.

It was something that happened before the Lunar New Year, and Gu Muxue only mentioned it for the first time today, so it must have been a very big deal.

Gu Muxue paused, her chopsticks still. She had begged her mother for a long time before she reluctantly agreed not to hold it against her.

“She… agreed to let Lin Ruoxi stay.” Gu Muxue’s eyes darted away.

"What are the conditions?" Xue Rui pressed, knowing full well that Zhao Lizhen must have conditions, after all, she was a businesswoman.

Gu Muxue gripped the chopsticks tightly, her fingertips turning white, and the tips of the chopsticks trembling slightly.

Having handled many similar cases, my mother made two requests with practiced ease.

First, you can't bring it home.

But which home does this "home" refer to?

Does it refer only to the home in Hedong, or does it also include the house in Chang'an...?

If it's the latter, will Xue Rui be unhappy?

The second demand was even more outrageous: to make Lin Ruoxi give up her right to have children.

Gu Muxue knew very well that Lin Ruoxi had always lacked a sense of security and longed to have a child with Xue Rui.

If both measures are implemented simultaneously, it would be tantamount to extinguishing all of Lin Ruoxi's hopes for the future.

She can't do it, and she won't do it.

After hesitating for a long time, Gu Muxue sighed and decided to take a long-term view.

“She won’t let Ruoxi come to the house.” Gu Muxue smiled slightly and only stated the first condition.

Xue Rui frowned. If this was the only condition, did Gu Muxue need to think about it for so long?
Gu Muxue guessed Xue Rui's thoughts, and she explained softly:

"If I don't let her come, will she stop coming? She's like your shadow, following you wherever you go."

"That's why I said those harsh words. Let's lay low for a while," Gu Muxue said, propping her chin on her hand.

The three of them living together was a bit strange, but the thought of living separately suddenly made them feel a little reluctant.

Thinking back carefully, it seems like I never had any conflicts with Lin Ruoxi; things were even more harmonious than in the girls' dormitory...

"Live separately?"

Xue Rui instantly understood that Gu Muxue's harsh words were meant to keep Lin Ruoxi at a distance, so as not to go to Gu Muxue's house with him and ruin Gu Muxue's plans.

However, if they live separately, he will have to travel between the two places.

"Mu Xue, have you prepared a schedule for me yet?" Xue Rui asked, rubbing his hands together.

It's not a big deal; it's just a period of separation, and he's still free.

Go to Lin Ruoxi's house on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; go to Gu Muxue's house on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

There's something weird about it, like it's some kind of door-to-door service.

"Sigh~ I wonder if you'll miss me when I'm not around, and feel so lonely that you can't sleep," Xue Rui said shamelessly.

Gu Muxue pinched Xue Rui's leg. She thought Xue Rui would be very upset, but he didn't seem to care at all. She had worried about Xue Rui for nothing.

"What I mean is, I'll miss you a lot," Xue Rui quickly corrected himself.

"Hmm, that's more like it. Have dinner with me."

Gu Muxue picked up some vegetables and fed them to Xue Rui's mouth, not letting Xue Rui's mouth be idle.

After dinner, the two watched TV for a while until they heard Xue Rui's soft snoring. Gu Muxue turned off the light, placed Xue Rui's head on her arm, and stared blankly at the dark ceiling.

She had just woken up a few hours ago and wasn't sleepy at all.

When she first woke up, she couldn't find Xue Rui anywhere. She felt empty inside, as if she had lost something very important. When she came to her senses, the soles of her feet were covered in dirt.

Once upon a time, Xue Rui was shameless enough to insist on sleeping with her.

Now she's used to Xue Rui in her bed.

"Sigh~" Gu Muxue sighed, then turned to look at Xue Rui and smiled.

Life used to be so good. Xue Rui would use some tricks to pester her to buy him delicious food.

But now, Xue Rui has another girl doting on him...

She needs to treat Xue Rui even better, otherwise he will run away.

"Xiao Rui, why do you never tell me what you're thinking?"

"It's like you'll agree to whatever I arrange."

Gu Muxue muttered to herself.

"Say something," Gu Muxue said, her voice growing softer and softer.

"If you don't say anything, it means you're with me."

"That's true, what girl can stand being two-timing? I'm the most magnanimous one."

"Okay, I got it, little grizzly bear."

Gu Muxue's eyes curved into a smile as she nestled in Xue Rui's arms and slowly closed her eyes.

……

The seventh day of the first lunar month.

Xue Rui woke up naturally after a good night's sleep. When he instinctively stretched, he found Gu Muxue "hanging" on him.

One leg was draped over him, and her arms were wrapped around his neck. Xue Rui looked down and saw that Gu Muxue's delicate oval face had shallow dimples, and her thick eyelashes trembled gently, as if she were having a sweet dream.

In the past, Gu Muxue would disappear from the bed before Xue Rui opened his eyes. Most of the time, he would see Gu Muxue dressed neatly, so it was rare to see her like this today.

Xue Rui gently sat up, intending to go to the restroom, but Gu Muxue, seemingly to avoid the outdoor light, unconsciously snuggled into his arms.

Xue Rui did not move, enjoying the rare tenderness from Gu Muxue.

He would occasionally lower his head and nuzzle Gu Muxue's cheek, then gently kiss the little girl's forehead.

Xue Rui's heart was melting, but he thought he should hold back a little longer and not disturb Gu Muxue's sweet dream.

After some time, Xue Rui heard the sound of rushing water downstairs, wondering who was washing their car.

His conditioned reflex made Xue Rui hold it in until he reached his limit. He tiptoed out of bed and ran quickly into the bathroom.

"Whoo~"

After soaking in water, Xue Rui's stomach growled.

Xue Rui walked into the room, casually picked up a piece of fried chicken left over from last night, and looked at Gu Muxue, who was fast asleep on the bed, and showed a gentle smile.

He can eat leftovers, but Gu Muxue cannot.

Xue Rui drew the curtains and quietly closed the door.

When I came back last night, I brought some ingredients from Lin Ruoxi's house, so I'll cook a meal for Gu Muxue first.

The clock on the first floor chimed, and Xue Rui looked up; it was already 11 a.m.

By the time he finishes cooking, it will be almost lunchtime.

Xue Rui tied on an apron and started cooking, the kitchen filled with the sizzling sound of stir-frying.

……

Gu Muxue's room.

Gu Muxue slowly opened her eyes. Her bright, sparkling eyes didn't look like she had just woken up at all.

Gu Muxue had actually been awake for a while, but Xue Rui's gentle actions made her reluctant to open her eyes.

Hearing the sounds of stir-frying coming from the first floor, Gu Muxue couldn't help but smile.

Through the gap in her eyelashes, she saw Xue Rui eating the leftovers from last night.

But Xue Rui only glanced at her before stopping.

At first, she thought she had been caught pretending to be asleep, but now that she thinks about it, Xue Rui probably just didn't want her to eat.

Gu Muxue stretched, got out of bed, drew back the curtains, and rested her chin on her hand, gazing out the window.

A soft, fluffy cloud hung in the sky, its shape resembling a small bird.

Gu Muxue took out her phone and snapped a picture, intending to share it with Xue Rui later. She then noticed another missed call from Lao Gu.

After not receiving two calls from Lao Gu, Gu Muxue called him back this time.

After a few rings, the phone was connected.

Before Gu Muxue could speak, Old Gu's laughter came through the loudspeaker: "Muxue, why are you up so late today?"

"Hmph! Who said I wasn't up? I just put my phone on silent," Gu Muxue retorted.

“Look downstairs,” Gu Qingshan said with a smile.

Gu Muxue frowned, her gaze slowly shifting downwards, then her eyes widened suddenly, her pupils trembling violently.

Old Gu had just gotten out of the car, and the driver was opening the trunk. They would be home in a few minutes.

At this time, Xue Rui was probably completely unaware of the situation.

"Dad! Why didn't you tell anyone you were coming back?" Gu Muxue shouted, immediately hung up the phone, and hurriedly ran downstairs.

Gu Qingshan downstairs was completely bewildered, wondering if there was a problem with him going back to his own home.
Besides, I called you twice, but you didn't answer.
"Director Gu, you and your daughter have such a good relationship. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw you. It's so enviable that you two are still so close.

As usual, the driver offered a couple of flattering words.

Gu Qingshan nodded, completely agreeing.

Other people's daughters are so rebellious, and they always have a bad relationship with their fathers after they reach adolescence, but her daughter seems to have no rebellious period and likes to stick to him all the time.

"It's a pity, the girl will get married sooner or later." Gu Qingshan felt a strange sense of loss.

"Hey, with your family's circumstances, why not just find a son-in-law?" the driver said casually.

Gu Qingshan shook his head, not wanting to discuss this topic. He took the suitcase and said, "I'll take it. You go back first. Tomorrow is your first day of work."

"Okay, feel free to call me anytime if you need anything."

……

In the living room.

Gu Muxue ran to the kitchen and anxiously called out to Xue Rui, "Xiao Rui, my dad is back!"

"What?" Xue Rui turned around and found that Gu Muxue had disappeared from sight.

The loud sizzling of stir-frying and the roar of the range hood drowned out Gu Muxue's already quiet voice. Xue Rui didn't hear what Gu Muxue said and continued humming a little tune while cooking.

Just as Gu Qingshan was about to open the door outside, it suddenly opened from the inside, startling him so much that he quickly took a step back.

"You miss your dad that much?" Gu Qingshan smiled gently.

After only ten days apart, Gu Muxue rushed downstairs to open the door for him.

Just as Gu Qingshan was thinking this, Gu Muxue suddenly closed the door and stood outside with him.

"Dad, why are you back so early?" Gu Muxue asked in surprise.

Gu Qingshan was taken aback for a moment: "I have to go to work on the eighth day of the new year."

Gu Muxue: ...

"By the way, I think I heard cooking sounds coming from the room. Did you ask Aunt Liu to come early? What are we having for lunch today?" Gu Qingshan said, opening the door.

Gu Muxue subconsciously grasped Gu Qingshan's wrist: "Dad, let's go out to eat. I want to eat at a restaurant."

"Mu Xue, you're acting strange today." Gu Qingshan felt an inexplicable unease.

There's still the sound of a spatula stirring inside the house. Why are we suddenly going out to eat?

No matter how you look at it, it seems like they're hiding something from him.

"Who's inside? Is it Xiao Rui?"

Gu Qingshan frowned as he spoke, but quickly relaxed.

So, Xue Rui came all this way specifically to cook for his daughter?
"What's the point of hiding this? Dad's not that old-fashioned."

Gu Qingshan gently pinched Gu Muxue's nose.

Gu Muxue looked dazed, wondering if she was being too sensitive.

She thought Old Gu would be angry, so she kept Xue Rui's whereabouts a secret...

Looking back now, it seems I was being overly sensitive.

Yes, Lao Gu is actually quite open-minded.

"Dad, I knew you were the best."

Gu Muxue, arm in arm with Gu Qingshan, walked into the living room with a smile on her face.

At this moment, Xue Rui came out of the kitchen carrying a plate: "Mu Xue, dinner is served..."

The moment Xue Rui saw Gu Qingshan, he shuddered and almost dropped the plate, spilling some soup on the ground.

Gu Qingshan looked around and saw that Xue Rui and Gu Muxue were wearing the same pajamas, which meant that Xue Rui wasn't just there to cook...

Gu Qingshan's face visibly darkened.

With a "gulp," Xue Rui subconsciously swallowed, his voice trembling as he said:

"Uncle Gu is back. I just cooked dinner. Would you like to try some?"

"Who let you in!" Gu Qingshan roared.

Gu Muxue was startled. She clenched her fist and lightly punched Gu Qingshan.
"Old Gu, what are you shouting for? Of course I let him in." (End of Chapter)