I Got A Girlfriend After Losing My Memory (Transmigration) - Chapter 44
Tao Ran sensed Tang Fuzhi’s concern. She cupped Tang Fuzhi’s cheeks in her hands, meeting her gaze with earnest eyes. “Yes, there’s no one else but you.”
Her sincerity made Tang Fuzhi blush. “Am I… really that amazing?” she mumbled.
Tao Ran and Grandpa Tao had been locked in a misunderstanding for over a decade, one that no one had ever resolved or even noticed. Yet Tang Fuzhi, an outsider, had managed to unravel it.
Tao Ran wrapped her arms around Tang Fuzhi’s waist, gazing at the girl’s upturned face. She reached out and pinched Tang Fuzhi’s soft cheek.
Hmm, she’s finally gained a little weight. Feels much better now.
“Our Tang Tang is the most amazing girl in the world,” Tao Ran cooed, as if coaxing a child.
Tang Fuzhi turned away, secretly grumbling to herself, but a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
No one dislikes being praised, and she was no exception.
Suddenly, she remembered another matter Old Master Huo had mentioned. The smile on Tang Fuzhi’s face faded slightly, and she asked seriously, “Grandpa Huo also said… you suffer from severe insomnia? How come I never knew?”
At first, she hadn’t considered insomnia. When they lived together, Tao Ran might have gone to bed later and woken up earlier, but Tang Fuzhi, who saw her every day, could tell she showed no signs of insomnia.
But Old Master Huo had explicitly stated that Tao Ran suffered from insomnia and frequent nightmares because Tao Yue had committed suicide in front of her.
Considering Tao Ran’s condition when Tang Fuzhi first arrived in H City, her insomnia likely hadn’t been cured yet.
If that was the case, why hadn’t Tang Fuzhi noticed it after sharing a bed with her for so long?
Tao Ran’s fingers traced circles on Tang Fuzhi’s waist as she said in a low voice, “You’re the best medicine. With you here, I never have insomnia.”
She hadn’t originally planned to tell Tang Fuzhi about this.
She often pretended to be pitiful to get some perks, but deep down, Tao Ran didn’t want Tang Fuzhi to worry about her.
Her Tang Tang should be carefree, happy, and playful. As long as Tang Fuzhi was by her side, those insomnia symptoms would never surface.
Tang Fuzhi was skeptical, thinking Tao Ran was just saying sweet things. “I’m asking you seriously.”
Though it sounded sweet, this concerned her health, and she needed to know what was really going on.
Tao Ran lowered her gaze, her long lashes casting shadows beneath her eyes. Her expression turned serious. “This isn’t just sweet talk. I mean it.”
“Think about it,” she said, raising an eyebrow. “When have I ever been in such poor shape when I’m with you?”
Tang Fuzhi couldn’t deny that. Tao Ran’s actual condition spoke for itself.
Her shoulders relaxed, and she let out a silent sigh of relief.
Tao Ran reached out to ruffle the girl’s hair before setting her down. “Now that we’ve seen Grandpa Huo, it’s time to go home.”
Tang Fuzhi was surprised. She’d assumed they’d be staying a few more days.
She looked up at Tao Ran. “Have you finished all your work?”
Tao Ran’s lips curved into a smile. She ruffled the girl’s hair even more vigorously, making it a mess. “You actually thought I came here for work?”
The girl nodded blankly, looking utterly adorable.
Tao Ran couldn’t help but chuckle. She leaned in and kissed Tang Fuzhi’s lips. “Work was just a side benefit. The real reason I came was to get Grandpa Huo to clarify the ‘childhood engagement’ between me and Huo Yuan.”
If it weren’t for this matter, she would never have left Tang Fuzhi before everything was settled.
She had originally expected to have to wear down Grandpa Huo for a few days, but Tang Fuzhi had unexpectedly resolved the issue ahead of schedule.
Hearing Tao Ran’s explanation, Tang Fuzhi instantly understood the deeper, unspoken reasons behind her actions.
Tang Fuzhi tilted her beautiful oval face, a hint of pride in her expression. “As expected, I had to step in.”
Tao Ran’s thumb gently caressed the girl’s lips. “Mm, our Tang Tang is truly amazing,” she said affectionately.
Tang Fuzhi was overjoyed at the prospect of returning home. Though she hadn’t lived long in their small T City apartment, it already felt like home.
As Tao Ran led Tang Fuzhi back, Tang Fuzhi noticed a lipstick stain on Tao Ran’s neck. She immediately stopped, using her thumb to wipe away the red mark.
Tao Ran paused, looking down at the girl’s earnest expression. Her blood-red earlobes betrayed her inner turmoil.
Despite Tang Fuzhi’s efforts, the lipstick stain remained stubbornly visible, even after her thumb was stained red.
Or perhaps it should be called a hickey.
Though Tang Fuzhi had eased her grip at the last moment, preventing a tooth mark, the lingering mark would likely persist for a day or two.
Tang Fuzhi looked dejected.
Tao Ran chuckled softly. “What are you worried about? We’re a proper couple, and soon we’ll be legally recognized.”
Tang Fuzhi, easily embarrassed, retorted, “I still have my dignity!”
She stood on tiptoe, dismantling Tao Ran’s low bun. Her long hair cascaded down, and she arranged a portion over her chest, effectively concealing the mark. “Legal or not,” she muttered, “you haven’t even proposed yet, and I haven’t said yes.”
Tao Ran stood patiently, letting the young woman fuss over her. She wrapped an arm around Tang Fuzhi’s waist for support, her smile deepening. “It’ll be legal sooner or later.”
Tang Fuzhi’s cheeks flushed crimson. She hurried up the steps ahead of Tao Ran, using the height to look down at her. “We’ll talk about that when it’s actually legal.”
Tao Ran quickly caught up, taking Tang Fuzhi’s soft hand in hers. She chuckled softly, “It won’t be long. Just give me some time.”
Tang Fuzhi feigned annoyance, but a tiny spark of anticipation flickered in her heart.
As they were about to bid farewell to Old Master Huo, they passed the living room and overheard Huo Yuxin say, “Grandpa’s resting. I’ll tell him when he wakes up.”
Tao Ran nodded her thanks and left.
Huo Yuxin’s sharp eyes noticed Tao Ran’s hair, a flicker of confusion crossing her face.
Didn’t Tao Ran have her hair up when she arrived? Why is it down now?
As Tao Ran walked past, the slight breeze from her movement lifted the long strands across her chest, revealing a faint red mark.
Though Huo Yuxin was a lifelong singleton, in this age of ubiquitous internet, feigning ignorance would be absurd.
A knowing glint flashed in her eyes, and she stifled a laugh behind Tang Fuzhi and Tao Ran’s backs.
Young people, restless hearts.
Tsk, tsk, tsk… Now I’m tempted to find a romance myself.
Tang Fuzhi hadn’t planned to stay long in H City, packing light with only the essentials. Her suitcase was ready in no time.
Tao Ran’s belongings were equally minimal. By the time Tang Fuzhi finished packing and was ready to leave, Tao Ran was already waiting for her at the door.
The two small suitcases were neither bulky nor heavy, and the hotel had an elevator, so pulling one each wouldn’t be tiring.
Of course, the main reason Tao Ran wanted to carry only one suitcase was so she could hold Tang Fuzhi’s hand. If she had to drag both suitcases herself, she wouldn’t have a free hand for her little girl.
This time, Tao Ran was driving, with Tang Fuzhi in the passenger seat.
Tang Fuzhi, still a bit unaccustomed to sitting up front, asked, “Aren’t we waiting for He Ruo and Xu Rujia?”
Tao Ran patted her head. “The work is mostly done. We’ll leave the final touches for He Ruo to handle. As for Xu Rujia…”
She leaned closer, her warm breath tickling Tang Fuzhi’s neck. Tao Ran reached over Tang Fuzhi’s head, and Tang Fuzhi instinctively tilted her head away. Then she heard Tao Ran’s soft chuckle.
“Tell her to book a flight back tomorrow. It’ll just be the two of us tonight.” Tao Ran’s deliberately lowered voice was slightly husky, carrying a hint of intimacy.
Tang Fuzhi couldn’t shake the feeling that Tao Ran was implying something. She averted her gaze to the window and murmured a quiet “Oh.”
Tao Ran fastened Tang Fuzhi’s seatbelt, patted her hair, and drove to the airport.
Upon arrival, Tao Ran parked the car, placed the keys on the driver’s seat, closed the door, and then left.
Tang Fuzhi was curious about her actions. “Why did you leave the keys inside?”
Tao Ran naturally took Tang Fuzhi’s hand and explained as they walked, pulling their luggage behind them, “Someone will drive the car back later.”
Their departure from H City had been sudden, and the replacement hadn’t arrived yet. Fortunately, there was a spare key. The replacement could bring it, retrieve the car, and take both the vehicle and the keys inside.
Tang Fuzhi nodded, though she only half understood.
On the plane, Tang Fuzhi felt tired. She curled up in her seat, drawing her legs up, and Tao Ran draped a thin blanket over her.
By the time Tang Fuzhi woke up again, they had already landed.
Tao Ran had arranged for their luggage to be sent home in advance. She hailed another taxi to take them the rest of the way.
Tang Fuzhi: Huh? Aren’t we going home?
Her newly awakened mind was still a bit foggy, and she remained somewhat dazed even after getting into the car.
She turned to glance at Tao Ran’s profile. Her expression was serious, as if she had some important matter to attend to.
What important matter requires her to bring me along?
This wasn’t Tang Fuzhi underestimating herself; she genuinely knew nothing about Tao Ran’s work. After all, different fields are like separate mountains, and her amnesia only widened the gap.
Suddenly, a thought struck her, and the corners of her mouth involuntarily curved upward.
Could it be… the thing we discussed at the Huo Residence?
Tang Fuzhi forcibly suppressed her smile, trying to appear less eager.
Should I agree?
She felt conflicted. From Tao Ran’s perspective, they had been dating for four years and it was time to consider marriage. But for Tang Fuzhi, it had only been about two weeks, which seemed a bit too soon.
Tang Fuzhi glanced at Tao Ran’s profile again. Physically, she certainly matched her aesthetic preferences, and Tao Ran had always been good to her.
Marrying Tao Ran shouldn’t be too difficult to accept.
Besides, they’d been together for four years without breaking up, which meant her pre-amnesia self must have been satisfied with Tao Ran.
Tang Fuzhi silently clenched her fist.
Well, she could force herself to agree to Tao Ran’s proposal.
But for now, pretending not to know would make the surprise more exciting, right?
With that thought, Tang Fuzhi shifted slightly, leaning her head against Tao Ran’s shoulder and feigning sleep.
Hmm… let’s just pretend I didn’t notice. Considering how eager Tao Ran is, I can humor her a little.
Perhaps it was because she felt relaxed around Tao Ran, or maybe because she was genuinely in a good mood, but Tang Fuzhi drifted off to sleep without realizing it.
Her position shifted from leaning against Tao Ran’s shoulder to lying across her lap.
Tao Ran gently stroked the young woman’s smooth, long hair, her lips curving into a soft smile.
Even doing nothing, just being with Tang Fuzhi, felt warm and peaceful.
As they neared their destination, Tao Ran saw Tang Fuzhi sleeping soundly and hesitated to wake her. But it was already quite late, and the young woman might sleep for hours if left undisturbed.
She gently called Tang Fuzhi’s name.
Fortunately, Tang Fuzhi wasn’t in a deep sleep and woke after only a couple of calls.
Rubbing her eyes, her voice still soft with sleepiness, Tang Fuzhi asked instinctively, “Are we there yet?”
“We’re here.”
Where are we? What are we doing here?
Is Tao Ran going to propose?
The word “propose” flashed through Tang Fuzhi’s mind, instantly snapping her awake.
Watching Tao Ran get out of the car, open her door, and wait for her, Tang Fuzhi felt a surge of nervousness.
She glanced down at her outfit.
Thank goodness I dressed properly for meeting Old Master Huo earlier.
She quickly smoothed her hair, which had become slightly disheveled from her nap and Tao Ran’s habit of playing with it.
Seeing Tang Fuzhi hadn’t responded, Tao Ran leaned in and saw the young woman nervously fixing her hair. “What’s wrong?” she asked, puzzled.
Tang Fuzhi took a deep breath before reaching out to take Tao Ran’s hand and step out of the car.
After bracing herself mentally, she finally opened her eyes to look at the “proposal scene” and was immediately dumbfounded.
This was… a hospital?
She glanced at Tao Ran in disbelief.
Could it be that because they first met at a hospital, Tao Ran had decided to propose here?