Everyone I Flirted With Says They Won’t Let Me Go (Quick Transmigration) - Chapter 5

After returning from the hospital, Xia Chengxi behaved himself for several days. During this time, he had been particularly accommodating, allowing himself to be thoroughly “plucked” until he could barely get out of bed.

Xia Chengxi felt like a field about to be over-plowed by Gu Chengxi, the tireless ox.

Yet Gu Chengxi woke up every morning full of energy, showing no signs of having slept only a few hours the night before!

Suppressing his discomfort, Xia Chengxi got out of bed to freshen up. Seeing the mottled marks on his body, he covered his face, blushing from head to toe as he recalled the bizarre positions and shameless antics of the previous night.

The system suddenly mocked him, [Host, you only have five months left to live.]

[A happy death under the peony is to die a romantic ghost.]

There seemed to be movement outside the room—low, urgent voices. Xia Chengxi checked his phone; it wasn’t yet time for Gu Chengxi to return.

He buttoned his shirt meticulously and opened the door, just in time to see Gu Chengxi’s back disappearing into the study.

Tiptoeing toward the study, Xia Chengxi found the door slightly ajar. As he reached for the handle, he heard Gu Chengxi’s voice.

“You should understand why Old Man Chu is testing you. You’re reluctant, but your dear brother certainly isn’t.”

“There are only two of you brothers in the Chu family—either you or Chu Ran. If you seize power, he might survive. But if he takes control, you’re as good as dead.”

“He came to Jiang Cheng to collaborate with me precisely to gain control of the Chu family. As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t matter who I work with. But now, I’ve changed my mind.”

“…”

Xia Chengxi stroked his chin, lost in thought. It seemed Gu Chengxi was dissatisfied with his relationship with Chu Ran and, to eliminate any future trouble, had decided to cooperate with Chu Ran’s brother to bring him down.

Clutching his chest, Xia Chengxi felt his heartbeat quicken. Unconsciously, the corners of his lips curled upward. Why did this domineering yet considerate gesture feel so heartwarming?

[Host, stop grinning foolishly. What good does Chu Ran’s downfall do for you? In the end, won’t you be the one to die?]

[…]

The study door swung open abruptly. Caught off guard, Xia Chengxi was discovered by Gu Chengxi.

Gu Chengxi didn’t seem surprised to find him there. He casually wrapped an arm around Xia Chengxi’s shoulders and guided him into the study. “You slept late last night and had a slight fever. Are you feeling better now?”

Xia Chengxi’s face flushed crimson. He simply lowered his head and murmured a soft “Mm.”

“You still feel a bit warm,” Gu Chengxi frowned, pressing a hand to his forehead. “Rest at home these next few days. Don’t go out until you’re fully recovered.”

Such a mild fever hardly warranted days of rest, but Xia Chengxi understood his meaning and nodded.

Gu Chengxi casually picked up his suit jacket from the sofa and put it on. Xia Chengxi adjusted his tie for him. As Gu Chengxi’s impossibly handsome face drew closer, Xia Chengxi grinned foolishly.

“Brother, you’re so handsome.”

“What mischief have you been up to now?”

As if his secret had been exposed, Xia Chengxi stiffened his neck and retorted, “I haven’t done anything.”

Gu Chengxi glanced at him and chuckled. “Looks like you really have been up to no good. I have things to attend to now. Think carefully at home about whether you want to confess willingly. If I find out on my own, the consequences will be severe.”

He punctuated his words with a threatening pat on Xia Chengxi’s backside.

Xia Chengxi feigned a terrified, speechless expression.

“Alright, I won’t scare you anymore. Whatever you’ve done, I’ll forgive you. How’s that?” Gu Chengxi gave him a quick kiss on the lips. “I’m heading out now.”

Xia Chengxi held Gu Chengxi’s hand, staring at him intently as he said earnestly, “Brother, you promised that no matter what I do, you’ll forgive me.”

“Yes, I’ll forgive you.” Gu Chengxi’s face showed signs of weariness. “Let’s talk about whatever it is when I get back tonight. Don’t overthink things, alright?”

Xia Chengxi nodded. Gu Chengxi glanced at his wristwatch, kissed Xia Chengxi’s forehead, and said, “I’ll be going now.”

A bodyguard opened the door for him. It was a long time after Gu Chengxi left the study that Xia Chengxi finally emerged, looking utterly dejected. A sight that made the system roll its eyes.

[It’s not like you’re actually betraying your husband. Why are you acting so miserable, as if you’re about to announce to everyone that you’re up to no good?]

Xia Chengxi sighed heavily. [You don’t have such a considerate husband, so you wouldn’t understand.]

He looked at his reflection in the mirror—thinner than before—and wiped his face roughly with his hand.

Xia Chengxi, oh Xia Chengxi, you’re so indecisive. Look at yourself—how could you possibly deserve your husband?

[Where is Chu Ran right now?]

[At ‘Golden.’]

‘Golden’ was one of Jiang Cheng’s top-tier entertainment clubs, a place where money could buy just about any kind of amusement.

Xia Chengxi suddenly felt a surge of determination. [It’s just a matter of winning someone’s sincerity. What couldn’t I possibly achieve?]

As dusk fell, Xia Chengxi took advantage of the cover of night, slipped past the bodyguards, climbed over the windowsill, and sneaked into ‘Golden.’

The clothes Gu Chengxi had bought for him were naturally of the finest quality. The exquisitely tailored outfit didn’t just complement him—he complemented the clothes. With his handsome features and an air of lazy elegance, he truly embodied the phrase “a face like a painting.” Standing quietly without a word, he exuded an indescribable aura of aristocratic refinement, clearly the spoiled young master of a wealthy family.

The moment Xia Chengxi stepped into ‘Golden,’ someone eagerly approached to assist him.

Xia Chengxi raised a hand and shook his head. “I’m looking for someone.”

[Which private room is he in?]

[The top floor.]

Xia Chengxi headed straight for the top floor but was immediately stopped politely by staff who, recognizing his affluent appearance, refrained from using force and instead said respectfully, “Sir, this is the top floor, reserved for special guests only.”

Xia Chengxi’s expression turned cold, arrogance practically written across his face. “I was invited by Chu Ran.”

This was no time for timidity or showing the slightest hint of fear. He had to speak with authority, act with defiance, and carry himself with audacity.

The bodyguard seemed hesitant, but Xia Chengxi impatiently pushed past the outstretched arm and strode toward the private rooms on the top floor.

[Host, aren’t you curious about what Chu Ran is doing at ‘Golden’?]

Xia Chengxi searched casually, unconcerned. [Whether he’s here to party or fool around, it’s none of my business.]

Unlike the noisy first floor, the top floor of ‘Golden’ was eerily quiet, with not a soul in sight. The architecture and decor were uniquely stylish, more reminiscent of an elegant teahouse than a club. Xia Chengxi instinctively paused.

Why did he feel like something was off?

Frowning warily, he heard hurried footsteps approaching. Chu Ran stumbled out of a private room, clearly having had quite a bit to drink.

Xia Chengxi followed him to the restroom. As soon as he pushed the door open, he was met with the sound of violent retching. He waited until the retching subsided into faint gasps before stepping inside.

In the restroom, Chu Ran was leaning over the sink, splashing water on his face with his hands. His usually immaculate hair and collar were now soaked and disheveled.

Though only in his early twenties, he had managed to make himself look utterly wretched.

Chu Ran wiped the water droplets from his face and looked up. Through the mirror above the sink, he caught sight of Xia Chengxi standing quietly behind him. He spun around abruptly, a mix of disbelief and delight in his eyes, and moved closer to Xia Chengxi. “What are you doing here?” Then, as if remembering something, his expression shifted to one of unease as he explained, “I’m just here to discuss some matters. Don’t misunderstand.”

Xia Chengxi couldn’t care less whether Chu Ran was there for pleasure or business. Time was short, and sincerity was what mattered most.

“I can’t stay long, but there’s something I need to tell you. My brother… Gu Chengxi has contacted your brother. They’re planning to team up against you. You have to be careful.”

Chu Ran clearly hadn’t expected him to come and share this information. After a moment of stunned silence, he was overcome with joy. “Xiao Xi, you’re worried about me, aren’t you? You care about me, so what you said that day at the orphanage was because of Gu Chengxi, right? You never forgot about me, did you? You’ve been looking for me all this time, haven’t you?”

Xia Chengxi’s gaze was cold and distant.

“It’s been fifteen years. Bringing it up now is pointless. You have your own life, and I have mine. Gu Chengxi is good to me. He saved me and gave me this life of luxury. I’m content.”

Chu Ran pulled him into a tight embrace. “It’s my fault. I know you’ve suffered a lot these fifteen years. I understand that you couldn’t stand up to Gu Chengxi alone. Don’t be afraid. Your Brother Chu is back now. I will protect you and take you away from Gu Chengxi.”

Xia Chengxi frowned deeply. What was wrong with Chu Ran’s brain? Why was he always thinking such nonsense?

[Little Green Hat, check his sincerity level.]

[Standard procedure: make him say ‘I love you.’ Otherwise, I can’t measure his sincerity.]

[Can’t you change this stupid rule?]

[Standard procedure. Don’t blame me.]

Xia Chengxi took a deep breath, pinched the tender flesh on his inner thigh, and looked up. “I just want to ask you one thing: in these fifteen years, did you ever think about coming to find me?”

Drunk, Chu Ran’s words were slightly slurred, but he tried his best to explain. “Xiao Xi, listen to me. I really thought about finding you every single day for the past fifteen years, but…”

Seeing Xia Chengxi’s face, which had grown thinner, looking even more pitiful under the dim yellow light, Chu Ran’s heart clenched violently as if struck by a heavy blow. Words stuck in his throat, and he couldn’t utter any more excuses.

He simply held Xia Chengxi tightly in his arms and said with utmost seriousness, “It’s my fault that I wasn’t by your side when you needed me the most. But I promise you, from now on, I will always be here to protect you!”

The words were touching, but unfortunately, this Xia Chengxi was not the one Chu Ran remembered. His heart remained unmoved.

After a long pause, Xia Chengxi finally spoke. “I’ve said what I needed to say. No matter what, be careful. I have to go now.”

Xia Chengxi’s hands trembled. [Damn, if my husband finds out about this, he’ll beat me to death! A cruel, brutal beating!]

The system hesitated before saying, [Um… there’s something I need to tell you.]

[What is it?]

Suddenly, Chu Ran grabbed his arm, pressing him against the wall with an imposing stance. His eyes burned with intensity as he spoke, word by word, with utmost seriousness: “It was my fault for not being by your side these past fifteen years. No matter the reason, missing out is missing out. But what I want to tell you now is that my feelings are the same as they were fifteen years ago. My love for you has never changed, Xiao Xi. I love you.”

[Congratulations, Host. Chu Ran’s sincerity level: 89%.]

Xia Chengxi lowered his gaze and remained silent. After a moment, he broke free from Chu Ran’s grasp and let out a sigh of relief.

“Even if you still love me, there’s no future for us—unless you can turn back time to fifteen years ago.”

Watching the light fade from Chu Ran’s eyes, Xia Chengxi turned and walked away.

[Little Green Hat, what did you want to tell me?]

As he opened the restroom door, Xia Chengxi froze abruptly, his expression shifting sharply. A familiar aura enveloped the space like an invisible hand, tightly gripping his lifeline.

Outside, Gu Chengxi leaned lazily and dejectedly against the wall, his black shirt slightly wrinkled and his tie crooked. Between his slender fingers, a cigarette burned down to its end, the smoke swirling around him, obscuring his expression. Only his deep, icy eyes were visible, fixed on the distant, glittering nightscape reflected in the glass opposite.

System: […I just wanted to tell you that your husband is right outside the door.]