Rebirth: Start to Save the Treasure Girl

At the dinner table, Xue Rui didn't mention poaching Wu Hongwei. Instead, he kept putting food on Wu Hongwei's plate and quickly refilling his wine glass when it was almost empty.

Teng Wenbo understood immediately; Xue Rui's meaning was clear: he wanted Teng Wenbo to get Wu Hongwei drunk here.

After a few glasses of baijiu, Wu Hongwei's face turned red, and he began to slur his words.

"Old Teng, looking back now, you were the one who did the best out of our class."

Xue Rui smiled awkwardly, thinking to himself that Wu Hongwei's alcohol tolerance was too low, probably because the Americans spoiled him.

"I only earn a meager living in the country, how can I compare to you?"

Although Teng Wenbo said that, his mouth was practically stretched to the sky in a grin.

He wasn't doing so well at school back then, and there was no hope of him staying on as a faculty member. But he was doing so well outside of school that the school hired him back.

Now, when he meets those old classmates who stayed at the university, he naturally feels a cut above them in terms of mentality.

He felt incredibly pleased, especially after hearing the praise from Wu Hongwei, a top student.

"Old Teng, don't be modest. Those who can make money in China are all highly capable people. It's the incompetent of us who go abroad." Wu Hongwei said with a self-deprecating smile, staggering to his feet as he held up his wine glass.

"Regarding my parents... I won't say much in terms of gratitude, but I'll toast you with this glass."

"Sigh, we're all just trying to make a living by following Boss Xue."

Teng Wenbo immediately stood up, grabbed his wine glass, rushed towards Xue Rui, and drank it all in one gulp.

He couldn't forget who the key figure at this drinking party was, and his actions were also a wake-up call for Wu Hongwei.

Xue Rui was quite surprised. His professional teacher was truly flexible and adaptable. One moment he was immersed in pride, and the next he could immediately change his mindset and toast his students.

No wonder he's doing so well...

When Wu Hongwei looked at Xue Rui, his eyes cleared up considerably, and he realized that Xue Rui was indeed the mastermind behind it all.

He was absolutely right.

Wu Hongwei was unaware of the severity of his mother's illness, but he knew he couldn't ask right now.

Whenever he thought of the text message his father sent him, he felt as if he had been stabbed in the heart.

"President Xue, I toast you." Wu Hongwei gritted his teeth, downed the liquor in one gulp, and poured himself a full glass.

"It's just about catching up, having a little to drink, eating some food, and maybe singing a few songs." Xue Rui replaced the wine bottle in Wu Hongwei's hand with a microphone.

"I'll select a song for you. What would Teacher Teng like to sing?" Xue Rui walked to the center console.

“A playlist of songs from the 80s generation will do; I was a karaoke king back then,” Teng Wenbo said cheerfully.

"Does anyone born in the 80s know Jay Chou's songs?" Xue Rui asked.

"Yes, of course! Jay Chou was already famous when we were in college."

"Oh, all right."

Xue Rui nodded, adding a little personal touch to the playlist.

For the next half hour, melodious singing filled the private room.

First came the song "My Deskmate," and Xue Rui gently crossed his legs to the rhythm.

Who will marry someone as sentimental as you?

Who read your diary?

Who tied up your long hair?

"Who made your wedding dress?"

Xue Rui nodded affirmatively. He hadn't heard any techniques; it was almost entirely about emotion.

Yes, whose youth is without regrets?

He just can't sing with that feeling anymore, because his former deskmate has come back to him.

He naturally styled her long hair into a bun.

……

"Forgive me for my unruly and unrestrained love of freedom throughout my life."

"I'm also afraid that one day I'll fall down, oh no~"

Anyone can betray their ideals.

"Why would I be afraid of a day when it's just you and me?"

Xue Rui glanced at the playlist and a meaningful smile appeared on his lips.

His "personal agenda" was about to be revealed, and it came at the height of Wu Hongwei's emotions.

A song by Jay Chou called "Listen to Mom".

Xue Rui looked down at his phone, pretending it was already in his playlist.

Xue Rui didn't know if the two of them hadn't heard the song before, or if they couldn't keep up with Jay Chou's rap rhythm.

In short, the atmosphere in the private room fell silent for the first time, with only Jay Chou's voice echoing in the air:

You don't see how hard your mother works.

A comforting recipe resides in her heart.

Listen to your mother and don't let her get hurt.

I want to grow up quickly so I can protect her.

Beautiful white hair sprouts amidst happiness.

……

Wu Hongwei stared quietly at the big screen, seemingly lost in thought.

Xue Rui sighed. He hadn't been able to find "A Pot of Old Wine" earlier. Jay Chou's songs were still lacking in terms of feeling guilty.

Suddenly, a barely perceptible sob was heard.

"What the hell idiot made this playlist?"

Xue Rui cursed loudly and stood up to change the song, but Wu Hongwei grabbed his arm and slowly shook his head at Xue Rui.

So Xue Rui obediently sat back down.

Wu Hongwei picked up a wine glass and poured one glass of baijiu into his stomach, and Xue Rui did not stop him anymore.

A dozen minutes later, Wu Hongwei lay on the table, his eyes glazed over, muttering something unintelligible.

Xue Rui muted the speakers, and only then could he hear Wu Hongwei's voice clearly.

"How did I end up like this?"

"My mom is sick and I still have to rely on my old classmate to take care of her..."

In the end, Wu Hongwei burst into tears, tears streaming down his face.

“Uncle Wu, Aunt Jin doesn’t actually blame you,” Xue Rui said.

As expected, Wu Hongwei cried even harder...

Xue Rui's lips twitched. He thought to himself that this guy had terrible drinking manners. He should never let this kid drink in the future, or he would spill all the company secrets.

However, he also took this opportunity to ask more questions.

"Uncle Wu, if it doesn't work out, let's stay in China," Xue Rui suggested tentatively.

"Mom, I'm so sorry."

"#@#%#%..."

Xue Rui grinned.

Do people speak the truth when they're drunk?

Xue Rui didn't believe it. In the business world, everyone is a cunning old fox, and they can all act better than the last.

Although Wu Hongwei's answer was irrelevant, his guilt was undeniable.

This is what he wants.

When Xue Rui turned around, he found Teng Wenbo holding up his phone to record a video.

"President Xue." Teng Wenbo hurriedly shoved his phone behind his back and explained awkwardly, "This is the first time I've seen him like this, I just couldn't help it."

Xue Rui grinned and pointed to the phone on the table. Teng Wenbo took a deep breath. He knew that Xue Rui valued Wu Hongwei highly, and he felt that part of the reason Xue Rui cooperated with him was because of Wu Hongwei.

If Wu Hongwei had stayed in the country, Xue Rui would definitely have chosen to allocate more resources to him.

However, because their majors are so different, there is no direct conflict of interest between the two.

Considering the future relationship, Teng Wenbo gritted his teeth and said, "I understand, I'll delete it right away."

“What I mean is, I want you to send me a copy,” Xue Rui said in a low voice.

"Hahahaha~"

Teng Wenbo burst into laughter, thinking that this was more in line with Xue Rui's usual personality.

However, he was indeed impressed by Xue Rui, who was so good at understanding people's hearts, even setting the stage for his singing.

Old classmate, you've just lost.

When he gets ruthless, he even curses himself!

After dinner, Xue Rui arranged for Wu Hongwei to stay at the hotel, while he himself went to find Gu Muxue.

Gu Muxue arranged for the two elderly people to live in an apartment in the same neighborhood. Zhao Lizhen had invested in several of these apartments, and now they came in handy.

Xue Rui walked into the room, looked around, and said, "Grandpa and Grandma, tell me what you need, and I'll go buy it right now. It's not easy to come out here, so stay and enjoy yourself for a few more days. I arranged for someone to take care of the corn in the village before I left, so you don't need to worry about the work in the village."

Grandpa Wu was quite surprised, thinking to himself that this young man was really thoughtful.

However, his focus wasn't on that right now; he asked eagerly, "Has Hongwei returned yet?"

"He's back. We just finished eating. He drank too much, so I arranged for him to stay."

As Xue Rui spoke, he took out his phone and played the footage that Teng Wenbo had taken for the elderly couple.

In the video, Wu Hongwei cried out, tears streaming down his face, "Mom, I'm so sorry!"

Xue Rui found it touching; he had felt a lump in his throat listening to it earlier.

"Auntie, aren't you touched?" Xue Rui asked.

"What's wrong with this kid? Is he hoping his mother dies soon?" Old Wu cursed.

Xue Rui shuddered, thinking to himself that Grandpa Wu was still the same Grandpa Wu...

"What did you say to him?" Aunt Jin grabbed Xue Rui's clothes and pressed him for an answer.

"I didn't say anything, he just acted like this on his own." Xue Rui shrugged, indicating that it had nothing to do with him.

"Oh dear, I'll have to pack it even heavier... at least until he comes back," Aunt Jin murmured.

Xue Rui beckoned to Grandpa Wu to come closer:
"Sir, we'll arrange a physical exam for you this afternoon, and get you a ward tomorrow. I'll bring Uncle Wu over. When he arrives, you'll guard the ward door and not let him in. Tell him his mother is fine, and persuade him to go back to work in America. Remember to be sincere; smart people like him are naturally suspicious. The more you say he's fine, the less he'll believe you..."

Xue Rui decided to do the opposite.

Since the elderly couple's "credit score" has already been depleted, why not try a reverse approach and do it the other way around?

Xue Rui was certain that Wu Hongwei wouldn't dare to gamble.

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Grandpa Wu's eyes; Xue Rui's idea was flawless...

"Xue Rui, what is an olive branch?" Aunt Jin asked.

Xue Rui: "..."

“Auntie, what does extending an olive branch mean? It means giving Uncle Wu a choice…” Gu Muxue explained softly.

Soon, the four finalized their plan again.

At that moment, Wu Hongwei was fast asleep in the hotel, unaware of the "trap" that awaited him.

……

The next morning, April 21st.

Xue Rui, carrying a stack of medical reports, accompanied the two elderly people as they ran around.

Xue Rui skillfully moved between the various departments, occasionally calling the elderly couple in for a check-up.

Aunt Jin held onto Gu Muxue's arm, her heart trembling, fearing that she might be diagnosed with some kind of illness.

"Grandma, please relax," Gu Muxue comforted her, looking at Xue Rui's retreating figure with a strange sense of peace.

This was the first time she had gone to a hospital with Xue Rui.

But Xue Rui's performance completely exceeded her expectations. Xue Rui was very familiar with the hospital and asked the doctor very precise questions, just like taking a family member to see a doctor.

Xue Rui is really, really handsome when he's focused on his work.

But why is Xue Rui so familiar with hospital procedures?

Suddenly, the face of Lin Ruoxi's grandmother flashed through her mind...

It turns out that Lin Ruoxi had already been here; she was just repeating what Xue Rui had done with Lin Ruoxi.

Thinking of this, she suddenly felt a sense of powerlessness, along with a strange anger and helplessness.

Today is Xue Rui's birthday, Lin Ruoxi should be cooking at her house...

Aunt Jin noticed that Gu Muxue was tightening her grip on his wrist, but she became less nervous and teased, "Muxue, why are you watching so closely? He's not going to get lost, is he?"

"N-nothing..." Gu Muxue quickly looked away.

"Tell me, I can tell you have something on your mind," Aunt Jin pressed.

"Today is Xue Rui's birthday." Gu Muxue realized she had said the wrong thing and that it would put a psychological burden on the two elderly people. She quickly lowered her voice and said, "He told me not to tell him, so please don't tell him."

Grandpa Wu heard everything clearly from behind. He sighed deeply. He didn't know what kind of job Xue Rui wanted his son to do, but Xue Rui had gone to his hometown alone to help him farm and even accompanied them to their medical check-up on his birthday.

When Xue Rui returned, Grandpa Wu said, "Xue Rui, didn't we agree to act? Just give it a shoddy performance."

"How can this be? Your age is the most dangerous time. If there are any lesions, you need to get checked as soon as possible." Xue Rui ignored him and continued to queue with the form in hand.

"This……"

Grandpa Wu felt like a stone was pressing on his heart. His son hadn't done a single thing that only a biological son would do; on the contrary, it was Xue Rui, an outsider, who was busy running around doing everything...

Wu Hongwei didn't owe Xue Rui a favor yet, but he already did...

Thinking of this, he was so angry that he kept grinding his teeth.

Xue Rui turned around and tossed a slip of paper to Grandpa Wu: "Grandpa, stop grinning, take a look at this."

Xue Rui pointed to the diagnosis results: "Thyroid nodules."

Grandma Jin, who was faking illness, didn't find anything wrong, but Grandpa Wu, who seemed quite healthy, was found to have quite a few minor ailments.

"This illness is mostly caused by anger; you need to control your temper," Xue Rui advised before going back to queue.

Grandpa Wu shrank his neck and chuckled awkwardly, adding another mark against Wu Hongwei in his mind.

Xue Rui spent the entire morning busy with the examination. Spring is the off-season for hospitals, and Xue Rui managed to get a VIP ward with almost no effort.

The four of them gathered in the room. Grandpa Wu lay in the middle of the hospital bed, an IV drip attached to his hand, staring at the ceiling with a furrowed brow.

The doctor said he should stay in the hospital for observation for a few days, as he has quite a few minor health problems.

"What should I do?" Grandpa Wu was on the verge of tears.

He was supposed to stop Wu Hongwei, but he ended up getting an IV drip first.

Xue Rui rested his chin on his hand, lost in deep thought. He hadn't expected this to happen, so he could only improvise.

However, before he could come up with a solution, the elderly couple huddled together and discussed, "It's the child's birthday today, what's the point of him staying with us?"

Mr. Wu felt really bad, so he sat up straight, still holding the IV pole:

"You guys go back first, go do what you need to do. Didn't the doctor say that my illness isn't serious?"

Xue Rui hurriedly tried to help him up, but Grandpa Wu's actions only became more agitated, as if he wanted to kick Xue Rui out.

But no one dared to approach and touch Grandpa Wu; they all kept a half-person distance from him.

Grandpa Wu squinted, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his narrow eyes, and the smile on his lips grew wider.

Xue Rui's heart skipped a beat, wondering what the old man was up to now.
“You don’t dare touch me, and that kid Wu Hongwei certainly doesn’t dare either. I’ll just stand at the door with the IV drip bottle; I doubt he’ll dare go in.”

Grandpa Wu held the IV pole as if he had received some kind of treasure:
"Xue Rui, call him over now. You old woman, get into bed and lie down."

“Okay.” Grandma Jin didn’t stand on ceremony and lay down on the hospital bed.

Xue Rui rubbed his temples, feeling a pang of worry for Wu Hongwei. (End of Chapter)