The Gentle, Sickly Beauty Is Won Over By The Loyal Big Shot - Chapter 16

Qi Ran lifted his chin. “You can kiss me.”

Gu Han leaned in, but his lips lingered before reaching Qi Ran’s cheek. He hesitated slightly and said, “Little Qi Ran, I always like to keep a bit of stubble. It’s very short, but will it prick you and hurt?”

As he spoke, Gu Han raised his hand, his fingertips gently pinching Qi Ran’s cheek. “Your skin is so fair and tender. I’m a bit worried you won’t like it.”

“I like it,” Qi Ran said, wrapping his arms around Gu Han’s waist. “Go ahead and kiss me.”

Having received Qi Ran’s permission, Gu Han’s lips pressed against Qi Ran’s snowy-white, soft cheek. His movements were incredibly gentle and slow. After the kiss, Gu Han pulled Qi Ran into his arms and held him silently.

Gu Han desperately wanted to confess his feelings, but a hospital room hardly seemed like a formal enough setting. He wanted to find a more suitable moment to express his heart. He was no longer thinking about preparing a special dinner, he believed a better occasion would present itself.

In truth, Gu Han’s feelings for Qi Ran had already transcended the initial fluttering of his heart. Now, it was more like love and a deep desire to protect him. The transition from liking to loving had happened so naturally that even Gu Han was only realizing it in hindsight.

Gu Han remained silent, and Qi Ran stayed quiet as well, leaning into Gu Han’s embrace. As the sky grew darker, the lights in the distance multiplied. Nightlife in the Litian Special Zone had begun. The district was always bustling, featuring a famous advertising tower officially known as Litian Tower, alongside soaring office buildings belonging to gold shops. The highways were filled with a steady stream of traffic, all glowing with dense lights. Qi Ran turned to look at the night view of the special zone, lost in thought.

Following Qi Ran’s gaze, Gu Han noticed him staring at Litian Tower. He rubbed Qi Ran’s back and asked, “Little baby, do you like that tower?”

“I do,” Qi Ran said. “So this is what Litian looks like at night. This hospital is in a great location, you can see the whole tower from here.”

Gu Han curled his lips into a smile. “Actually, the view here isn’t as good as my office building. My office is on the 19th floor. It’s very high up with massive floor to ceiling windows. If you like the night view, you can stay there with me for a night. There are only three offices on that entire floor, mine, Yu Shen’s, and one for my future secretary. I turned the remaining large space into living quarters, the layout is similar to this room. Sometimes when I’m busy, I stay at Jianchen for a few days and only go home once the work is done. I’ve been so busy and traveling so much over the years that, in my heart, I’ve never really had a true home. So, it’s the same no matter where I stay.”

Qi Ran looked forward to it. “Can I really stay there with you, President Gu?”

“Mm,” Gu Han stroked Qi Ran’s head dotingly. “I’m also planning to have you be my personal secretary. That empty office will be yours, so you can see the view of the Litian Special Zone anytime.”

“Thank you, President Gu,” Qi Ran happily hugged Gu Han’s arm. “You’re so kind.”

As Qi Ran acted spoiled in his arms, Gu Han’s heart softened to the extreme. He instinctively held Qi Ran tighter.

Gu Han wanted to give Qi Ran all the best things, all his pain, love, and tenderness. If Qi Ran weren’t so indifferent to material wealth, Gu Han would have loved to give him half of the business empire he had built over the years. If Qi Ran wanted it, he would give him everything.

Give his love to Qi Ran, and give Jianchen to Qi Ran as well. This was a childish thought, anyone over the age of three learns to perform simple cost-benefit analyses. If this was a mistake, even a child who had just learned to speak wouldn’t make it. But Gu Han thought it over and followed his heart, the answer was still that he was willing. If Qi Ran liked it, Gu Han would certainly offer it all with both hands.

Wholehearted devotion, leaving no path for retreat, just like a dog boasting of its master’s love, it was instinctual. Gu Han had already accepted the fact that he was Qi Ran’s “puppy.”

Two people deep in the throes of passion have a chance of both turning into fools, though the conditions for this are very strict, biological attraction and unconditional, mutual love.

Qi Ran was also prepared to spend a lifetime with Gu Han. However, Qi Ran didn’t care much for Gu Han’s money or the fame and fortune his status could bring. Qi Ran only wanted a lot of love from him. Even if Gu Han weren’t the chairman of Jianchen today, even if he were an unknown, ordinary clerk floating in the sea of people. Qi Ran would still be willing to love him.

Both had the answers in their hearts, but they kept their thoughts to themselves for now. They cherished this period of ambiguity, that hazy sweetness was truly unforgettable.

“Should we sleep, Little Qi Ran?”

Gu Han checked his watch. It was nearly nine o’clock. He broke the silence with some reluctance. “It’s getting late, and you have a gastroscopy tomorrow.”

“President Gu, it’s definitely going to hurt,” Qi Ran said piteously, hiding in Gu Han’s arms. “I’m scared.”

“Little baby, I’ll be right there with you.”

Gu Han coaxed him, “Once your stomach problems are cured, you won’t suffer anymore, okay?”

Qi Ran nodded gently. “Mm.”

“Does your stomach hurt?”

Gu Han rubbed his hands together until they were hot. He pushed aside the clothes over Qi Ran’s abdomen and slid his hand inside, pressing his palm against Qi Ran’s stomach. He massaged gently and asked, “Is it still cramping?”

“Gastric spasms are common. I’m used to them. The pain probably isn’t from the spasms,” Qi Ran said, resting his head on Gu Han’s shoulder. “Are you going to sleep with me again today, President Gu?”

Gu Han nodded. “I am.”

Qi Ran hugged Gu Han’s waist and waited for him to lift him up. “Then let’s sleep.”

Gu Han carried Qi Ran back to the bed. Just like the day before, once they were lying down, he extended his arm for Qi Ran to use as a pillow. His long fingers massaged the back of Qi Ran’s neck. “Rest now. I’ll wait until you’re asleep before I sleep.”

Qi Ran shared half the blanket with Gu Han, pulling it over him. “Why?”

“I want to take care of you a bit longer,” Gu Han said. “Your health isn’t good, so you won’t sleep soundly. You even woke up from stomach pain this afternoon. I just want you to be able to sleep more comfortably.”

Qi Ran’s lips curled into a gentle smile. “I want you to get good rest too, President Gu.”

“I will,” Gu Han leaned over and kissed Qi Ran’s forehead. “Stop worrying about me.”

Gu Han and Qi Ran still maintained some distance. Qi Ran was a bit shy, and Gu Han respected him enough that he wouldn’t touch him inappropriately without his consent. A man in his thirties must have grace, this was the standard Gu Han set for himself.

After Gu Han coaxed Qi Ran to sleep, he couldn’t remember exactly what time it was when he finally drifted off. It was a dreamless night, and he woke up early again. This time, Qi Ran was lying on Gu Han’s arm. He hadn’t turned over or kicked the blankets all night, he had slept very peacefully.

At nine o’clock, a doctor from the endoscopy department knocked on the door, telling Gu Han to bring Qi Ran for the gastroscopy. Only then did Gu Han wake Qi Ran. As usual, he rubbed Qi Ran’s belly and said softly, “Little Qi Ran, it’s time for the check-up.”

Qi Ran wasn’t fully awake, but he sat up obediently. He leaned in Gu Han’s arms for a while until the doctor returned with oral anesthesia. Gu Han was told to feed it to Qi Ran. Qi Ran was quite unhappy, his brows furrowing slightly. Seeing this, Gu Han felt a pang of heartache but still coaxed him into drinking the medicine.

Qi Ran hated the taste of medicine and swallowed with difficulty. Gu Han continued to soothe him and rub his stomach until he finally managed to get the medicine down.

“President Gu, I feel nauseous,” Qi Ran’s stomach churned uncomfortably. His cheeks, which had finally gained a bit of color, turned pale again, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead. “I really want to vomit.”

“Slow down, I’ll rub your stomach,” Gu Han pulled Qi Ran into his embrace, his palm stroking Qi Ran’s stomach to help him catch his breath. He coaxed him, saying, “It’ll be better once the gastroscopy is done. Little Qi Ran, just endure a bit longer.”

A few minutes later, when the doctor returned, he told Gu Han to take Qi Ran to the department for the examination. Gu Han carried him the whole way. During the walk, Gu Han could tell that Qi Ran was in extreme distress. The cold sweat was endless, and even his lips had turned white. Gu Han felt the pain deep in his own heart.

Gu Han dropped Qi Ran off at the department and went outside. Watching the doctor close the door was agonizing. He didn’t even want to message Yu Shen, despite having so much progress in his relationship to share.

Qi Ran lay on the examination bed. The cold endoscope descended down his throat. His stomach suddenly felt very bloated, and the spasms intensified at that moment. The original dull ache became sharp, like needle pricks. Qi Ran’s body was almost unable to bear the agony, his heart nearly skipped a beat. He could no longer distinguish if the pain was in his stomach or his esophagus. This unbearable pain and the urge to vomit caused his eyes to fill with tears, which rolled down from the corners of his eyes.

Qi Ran was strong. Even with such pain in his gut, he didn’t make a sound. His fair, slender fingers gripped the flannel cloth beneath him so hard he nearly tore it.

Once the gastroscopy was finished, Qi Ran struggled to get up. Without waiting for the doctor to call his family in, he leaned over the side of the bed and began to vomit. His throat burned from the surging stomach acid. The doctor cried out in surprise. Qi Ran couldn’t remember what the doctor asked him later or exactly when Gu Han rushed in. He only felt his bloated stomach contract violently, twisting into a knot. He could only keep vomiting up mouthfuls of bitter, clear fluid until his chest cramped and his ears rang, leaving him unable to hear anything.

Gu Han patted Qi Ran’s back and rubbed his stomach. After finally helping him stop vomiting, Qi Ran was so weak that his breathing was shallow. He looked at Gu Han through tear-filled eyes.

Gu Han hurriedly picked Qi Ran up. Seeing the tear stains all over his face and his red, swollen eyes, Gu Han felt like his heart was being twisted by a knife. He couldn’t help but feel a lump in his throat, and his voice trembled as he spoke. “Qi Ran, I’m sorry. It’s all my fault for forcing you to do the exam. It’s all my fault.”

Seeing Gu Han so scared that he was shedding tears, Qi Ran wanted to comfort him or say something in response. However, Qi Ran seemed to have lost his voice. He moved his lips fruitlessly, but before he could say a word, his body went limp in Gu Han’s arms, and he lost consciousness completely.

By the time Qi Ran woke up again, it was dark. His stomach still hurt, and the endoscope had likely irritated his throat and esophagus, leaving a burning sensation in his chest. However, compared to the agony of the procedure itself, this was considered a significant relief.

“Qi Ran, you’re awake?”

Gu Han had been keeping watch by Qi Ran’s side. Seeing him open his eyes, he hurriedly stood up to check on him. “Do you feel any better?”

“Mm,” Qi Ran nodded slightly. “Much better.”

“Qi Ran, I was so scared.” Gu Han’s nerves had been taut for too long. Now that Qi Ran had finally woken up, the weight on his heart finally lifted. As he spoke, his eyes turned red, and tears began to fall. He sobbed, “I was so afraid something would happen to you. If I had known you would suffer so much, I wouldn’t have let you do the check-up. I’m sorry.”

“President Gu, it’s not your fault.”

Qi Ran took hold of Gu Han’s cold hand. “Why is your hand so cold? I remember your hands are always hot. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Gu Han said, wiping away tears. “I was just too scared.”

“Be a good boy, President Gu. Don’t cry,” Qi Ran was very weak, and even lifting his hand took a great deal of effort, but he stubbornly wiped away Gu Han’s tears. “What did the doctor say about me?”

“They said you vomited because your gastrointestinal tract is too sensitive and cannot be stimulated. The damage in your stomach is quite severe, but with proper rest and a careful diet, things will slowly improve. There were no signs of malignancy in those lesions.”

Gu Han continued to sob as he recounted the doctors’ words. “The doctor told me that from now on, it’s best if you eat home-cooked, light meals. Qi Ran, let’s live together permanently. I’ll learn how to cook. I want to help you get better.”

This thirty-five year-old man was crying like a child for Qi Ran’s sake. Qi Ran felt sorry for him and kept trying to wipe his tears, but they just wouldn’t stop.

“President Gu, stop crying,” Qi Ran pulled Gu Han’s hand and coaxed him. “I’ll give you a kiss too, okay?”