After I Gave Up/Let Things Slide, I Became Famous Across The Entire Internet - Chapter 33.1

A gust of wind blew by, and Tang Shuxia let out two quick sneezes, completely losing the thread of the question she was about to ask.

Xu Yujing hurriedly instructed, “Xiao Zhang, quickly go make some ginger tea.”

Tang Shuxia also needed a hot shower and a change of clothes, so she withdrew her hand and didn’t pay much attention to Xu Yujing following her. It wasn’t until the hot water sprayed over her head and the warmth gradually raised her body temperature that her frozen hands and feet regained feeling, and her brain began to function. She looked down at her ten fingers clean and well-defined.

But just a while ago, her hands had been covered in mud.

🌿 The Semi-Heart Vines

Half an hour later, Tang Shuxia sat at a table, manually transplanting the two vines she had painstakingly carried down the mountain into flowerpots. The two vines were still young. Driven by instinct, they had already learned to intertwine with each other. As they wrapped around one another, they filled in the gaps of the other, as if becoming a single entity. The assistant had originally wanted to ask Tang Shuxia how she spent the night on the mountain, but then he saw these two rare little things.

“Sister Xia, what kind of plant is this? It’s so amazing.”

“Semi-Heart Vine (Banxin Teng).”

The assistant looked surprised. He reached out to gently touch them, only to find the two vines wrapped themselves even tighter. “That’s a nice name, but he pointed at the smaller vine that looked like half a heart. “If this one is called the Semi-Heart Vine, is this other one called the Missing Heart Vine?” As soon as the assistant finished speaking, he noticed Tang Shuxia staring at him. “Sister Xia, what’s wrong? Did I say something wrong?”

Tang Shuxia propped her head on her hand and fiddled with the two leaves. “I suddenly think your naming ability is quite good. Let’s call it ‘Missing-Heart’ then.”

The assistant was so flattered he nearly lost his bearings. “Really? My ex-girlfriend used to say I was terrible at naming things.”

Xu Yujing brought over a bowl of steaming ginger tea, just in time to hear Tang Shuxia’s comment. “What is ‘Missing Heart’? What are you two talking about?”

The assistant quickly explained the unique feature of the two vines to her. “Miss Xu, look how cute these two vines are. So young, and they already know how to be in love.”

Hearing this, Xu Yujing couldn’t help but glance at the Semi-Heart Vines, a hint of warmth in her eyes. Was Tang Shuxia really running up the mountain for these two plants? She handed the ginger tea to Tang Shuxia. “It’s warm. Drink it while it’s hot to warm yourself up. Then, let the doctors examine you. I’m worried you might catch a cold after being rained on all night on the mountain.”

As Tang Shuxia picked up the ginger tea to drink, she noticed that the back of Xu Yujing’s hand was very red, as if it had been scalded by something hot. After finishing the ginger tea, the coldness in her heart finally dissipated somewhat. Before she could ask Xu Yujing why she had rushed all the way here, she was taken away for a medical examination.

🏥 The Check-up

After checking Tang Shuxia’s vitals, the doctor was surprised. “Young people have great constitutions. Not like that elderly gentleman just now.”

Tang Shuxia asked casually, “What’s wrong with that old man?”

The doctor turned to organize files. “He’s old, and he has various ailments, more or less. Combined with this rain and high fever, all those previously unnoticed conditions flared up at once. Also, his leg it’s a good thing those two splints were there to stabilize it. Otherwise, if we had only dealt with it now, even if it healed, he’d probably have a limp when walking. Anyway, looking at him, he’ll need to be hospitalized for three or four months and recuperate for a year to fully recover.”

Tang Shuxia was shocked. “That long?”

The doctor looked at her as if she understood nothing. “Young lady, it takes a hundred days for an injury to bone or tendon to heal! Plus, the old man was just found to have some heart problems. If he had been brought in any later, he might have died. For someone with his constitution to climb a mountain his family truly doesn’t care. It’s simply absurd.”

Tang Shuxia: “………………”

This check-up result was truly unexpected.

In contrast, Tang Shuxia’s results were excellent. Apart from mild cold symptoms, there were no other issues.

Tang Shuxia grabbed a sticky note, left a phone number, and asked the doctor to pass it to the elderly Mr. Zhang. “Please tally up the medical expenses for this old man later. I will cover them.”

The doctor was quite surprised. “Young lady, may I ask what your relationship is with that old gentleman?”

Tang Shuxia was stumped by the question. As for her relationship with the old man… a transactional partner? That didn’t seem right. She hadn’t had a chance to fulfill her promise yet, and judging by what the doctor said, the old man probably wouldn’t be practicing Tai Chi anytime soon. She pondered for a moment. “Fellow sufferer.”

The old man, afraid that she, a young girl, would be scared, had insisted on helping her, only to fall and injure himself. Afraid that she would be scared by the landslide, he had forced himself to stay awake all night, rambling about his heroic stories from his youth, almost making her ears go numb.

The doctor: “???”

Tang Shuxia thanked the doctor and left. The doctor was stunned for a moment before remembering, “Oh, I forgot to mention, that old gentleman has already been taken away by helicopter.”

🛫 Returning Home

While Tang Shuxia was being examined, Xu Yujing packed all her luggage. “Tang Tang, Uncle is waiting for us at the airport.”

Tang Shuxia: “???”

This was the very definition of “speed is of the essence” a scene Xu Yujing was presenting to her now.

Tang Shuxia hadn’t been in a rush to leave and was thinking of strolling around the mountain again, maybe finding another bargain. However, Xu Yujing had already neatly arranged all the miscellaneous matters for her: the suitcases were packed, the accommodation fee was paid to the village chief, the gifts of thanks from the villagers were all moved into the car, and she had even arranged for people to address the negative impact the landslide had caused on Zhao Family Village… Looking at the ‘village mansion’ she had stayed in for two days, she realized there was no real need to stay.

Tang Shuxia was still slightly dazed even after getting into the car.

Xu Yujing carefully secured the two potted treasures of Tang Shuxia’s, the vines, to prevent them from being damaged by the bumpy ride. She handed over a bucket of pre-warmed instant noodles. “You must be hungry. Have this first to tide you over. Uncle booked us a hotel near the airport.”

Tang Shuxia was indeed famished. Once she smelled the fragrant noodles, she started eating without hesitation, wolfing down the entire bucket of hot noodles in just a few mouthfuls. She mumbled, “Not flying straight home?”

Xu Yujing propped her head on her hand and watched her, feeling that Tang Shuxia even ate noodles with character. She didn’t mind the strong instant noodle smell filling the car. Zhang Zeyang tried to remind her several times but saw the two in the back seat completely immersed in their own world and gave up. He quietly opened a crack in the window. He heard Xu Yujing say, without blushing or a hint of panic, “Uncle’s intention is for you to rest well first. Once you’re rested, then go home. No need to rush.”

Sheng Gaoyang’s intention?

Tang Shuxia tore open two bags of tomato-flavored potato chips. Crunch, crunch, crunch. Since no one was talking, and the assistant had been arranged into another car, the only sound left in the car was Tang Shuxia crunching chips, like a little mouse secretly hoarding and eating biscuits. She occasionally noticed Xu Yujing’s focused gaze a look she had seen before. A fan looking at an idol?

It didn’t seem quite right either.

As Tang Shuxia ate, her lips felt a little dry. “Xu Yujing.”

Xu Yujing looked at her expectantly, softly acknowledging her, and simultaneously handed her a hot drink. Tang Shuxia opened the cup and peeked inside it seemed to be ginger tea again.

The moment she frowned, Xu Yujing quickly said, “This is the last cup for now.”

Tang Shuxia didn’t say anything, taking a sip to wet her lips. She finally threw out the doubt in her heart. “Xu Yujing, since when are you this close with my uncle?”

Xu Yujing lightly bit her lip. “Uncle was afraid you were too busy with work and didn’t want to disturb you, so we exchanged contact information when he left last time.” After saying this, she suddenly looked wronged. “Tang Tang, do you think I shouldn’t have contacted Uncle privately without your permission? Or are you blaming me for being too nosy and telling Uncle about your situation? If so, I’ll delete his contact when we get back.”

Zhang Zeyang, whose ears were perked up in the passenger seat: “???”

Is this really the Miss he’s known for over ten years? Could she have been replaced?

Tang Shuxia noticed that Xu Yujing’s eyes turned red very easily. They were red again now, as if she had been bullied. “…No.”

Tang Shuxia hadn’t expected a landslide to cause such an extravagant fuss. In the past, even if she were seriously wounded by an attacker, she would find a secluded spot to heal herself or just wait for the wound to close up. Now, Xu Yujing had flown in overnight, and even Sheng Gaoyang was waiting for them at the airport.

Meals ordered, hotel rooms booked.

Tang Shuxia hadn’t experienced such meticulous care in a long time. A warm current seemed to flow in her heart. This feeling of being cared for was very novel to her both familiar and strange.

Her attention was only pulled back when a cool hand brushed against the back of hers. Xu Yujing cradled Tang Shuxia’s hand with both of hers. “Then you agree.”

Tang Shuxia: “…”

Not exactly.

She had a feeling she was being led in circles by Xu Yujing.

Seeing that the other person didn’t shake her off as before, Xu Yujing took the opportunity to hold Tang Shuxia’s palm, tilted her head, and leaned it on Tang Shuxia’s shoulder. “Tang Tang, I’m tired. Can I borrow your shoulder to rest on?”

It was phrased as a question, but her head was already leaning over. The small head on her shoulder didn’t weigh much. Tang Shuxia lowered her head and could clearly see the dark circles under Xu Yujing’s eyes and her overly pale face. This person was too light. Tang Shuxia remembered that every time she held Xu Yujing, she felt like the person hadn’t eaten enough, light and airy, as if she might float away at any moment.

Zhang Zeyang timely whispered, “Miss has been worried about your safety, Teacher Tang. She hasn’t slept for two days and a night.”

This made Tang Shuxia silently withdraw the hand she was about to put up.

Perhaps the temperature inside the car was too comfortable, and the drive was extremely smooth. Tang Shuxia looked at the hand that was tightly clutching hers even in sleep. She couldn’t help but recall how Xu Yujing hadn’t minded the dirt and warmed her hand earlier. Thinking about it, she unknowingly drifted off to sleep as well.

Zhang Zeyang saw the two heads resting on each other in the rear-view mirror, intimate like the two Semi-Heart Vines Tang Shuxia had brought back. He secretly breathed a sigh of relief and prayed silently for Xu Yujing, hoping his Miss would get what she wished for.

🏨 The Hotel Arrival

The car arrived directly at the hotel Sheng Gaoyang had booked.

As soon as Tang Shuxia got out of the car, before she could even get a good look at the hotel’s specifications, she was pulled into a tall figure’s embrace. Tang Shuxia’s elbow just started to raise when she heard a familiar voice from above her head. “Xia Xia, you truly scared your uncle to death this time.”

Tang Shuxia silently withdrew her aggressively posed elbow and casually patted Sheng Gaoyang’s back. “Don’t worry, I’m fine.”

Sheng Gaoyang let go and carefully examined her face. “Really?”

Tang Shuxia: “!!!”

What’s going on? Is no one believing what she says now?

The car window next to them rolled down, and Xu Yujing smiled sweetly at Sheng Gaoyang, explaining, “Uncle, as soon as Tang Tang returned, I had the medical team give her a complete check-up. The doctor said Tang Tang’s physical constitution is excellent. Here is Tang Tang’s check-up report.”

Tang Shuxia: “???”

How did she even prepare that?

Sheng Gaoyang was already too tired to correct the endearment. He reached out, took the stack of reports, and flipped through them. Finally, the tension on his face relaxed. “Good.”

Xu Yujing’s smile widened.

Zhang Zeyang reminded them, “It seems two people over there have recognized Teacher Tang. It’s best not to stand at the hotel entrance.”

Sheng Gaoyang quickly tried to pull Tang Shuxia towards the hotel. “I forgot how popular my Xia Xia is. Next time, Uncle will arrange two bodyguards for you. Take them with you when you film shows, have them guard you on either side, so no one can get close.”

Tang Shuxia glanced over and indeed saw two young women whispering and staring at them. They kept watching her and were secretly taking out their phones. It seemed she had really been recognized. She gradually realized that she might truly need to wear a disguise when going out in the future.

Tang Shuxia tugged at Sheng Gaoyang’s sleeve. Sheng Gaoyang asked, “What is it?”

Then, he watched as his precious niece suddenly turned back to the Cayenne, opened the rear door, and, before he could react, skillfully lifted Xu Yujing horizontally into her arms. She strode quickly into the hotel. Seeing people taking photos, Xu Yujing quickly buried her face in Tang Shuxia’s embrace, taking a deep breath of the scent on her, feeling all her previous fatigue instantly swept away.

The two girls outside who had taken a couple of photos on their phones almost screamed. They wanted to follow them in, but seeing the burly security guards, they quickly backed down. They covered their mouths and whispered, “Oh my god, Tang Tang is so handsome! She just carried that girl right up!”

The other girl zoomed in on the photo. She could only see Tang Shuxia’s dashing back and a small head nestled in her arms. “Aww, I’m so jealous! I wish I were the girl Tang Tang was carrying. Too bad I couldn’t clearly see her face.”

Xu Yujing tightly clutched the fabric on Tang Shuxia’s chest. “Tang Tang.”

Tang Shuxia walked briskly forward but didn’t forget to look down at the person in her arms. “What is it?”

Xu Yujing wanted to ask, Aren’t you afraid of being photographed? but didn’t say it. Instead, she buried her little head deeper and nuzzled against her.

Tang Shuxia confirmed that the two people couldn’t get in. Zhang Zeyang immediately got into the car and had the driver pull into the hotel parking lot. The wheelchair would be sent directly to the room. Along the way, Sheng Gaoyang kept scrutinizing the person in Tang Shuxia’s arms. “Xia Xia, are you tired? Let Uncle carry her.”

The body in Tang Shuxia’s arms immediately stiffened.

Tang Shuxia lightly patted her. “No need, Uncle.”

Sheng Gaoyang quickly led them to the room, which was a luxury suite on the top floor. His own room was downstairs, with a similar setup. As for Xu Yujing’s room, it was one floor down from his.

When Xu Yujing was settled onto a chair, her face was flushed because she had been hidden for so long. Staring at Sheng Gaoyang’s eyes, she had to sit up straight. The atmosphere in the room was a little tense. She even felt that Sheng Gaoyang’s gaze was about to see right through her. It wasn’t until Zhang Zeyang brought the wheelchair that she spoke. “Uncle must have a lot to talk about with Tang Tang, so I won’t interrupt.”

Sheng Gaoyang was finally relieved once Xu Yujing left. He talked with Tang Shuxia for a while, intending to offer a few words of caution, but seeing that his precious niece seemed utterly clueless, he felt troubled. It didn’t feel right for him, as her uncle, to bring up such matters.

Seeing that it was about time, he noticed Tang Shuxia was hungry and ordered room service. “Uncle is just downstairs. Call me if you need anything.”

Tang Shuxia suddenly felt that Sheng Gaoyang had similarities to that old man. “Don’t worry, Uncle. I can take care of myself.”

Sheng Gaoyang reluctantly gave two more instructions before heading downstairs.

As soon as he left, Tang Shuxia was about to start eating when she received a WeChat message from Xu Yujing. It was a picture, seemingly of a bathroom faucet.

[XYJ]: Tang Tang, the hot water isn’t working in my bathroom. Can I borrow your bathroom?

It was accompanied by a pitiful little kitten emoji!