The Protagonist 'Gong' Became my Wife - Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Mother Gu

After clearing the air, the group headed to the hospital together. Gu Zhuo sat in the back seat of the car, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

77, don’t worry yet. We still have Cannon Fodder Gongs four, five, six, and seven. Who’s up next?

It’s Number Four, the orthopedic expert Wen Shi. He’s also Wen Xiyu’s cousin.

Wen Shi graduated with a doctorate from a prestigious medical school and held the highest academic qualifications among the “Gongs.” His entanglement with Gu Xiao began because of Wen Xiyu. In the original plot, Gu Xiao wouldn’t have known Wen Shi yet, but Wen Shi already knew of him as the little “stand-in” Wen Xiyu was keeping.

Knowing that Gu Xiao also had a connection to the main protagonist, Wen Shi approached him with a gossip-seeking attitude. Eventually, under the “magic” of the plot, he also fell in love with Gu Xiao. It was baseless and absurd.

Gu Zhuo walked lazily behind Gu Xiao with his hands in his pockets. He watched Gu Xiao and Wen Xiyu interact as they boarded an elevator, but he paused, switched to a different elevator, and went to a different floor.

The original soul’s mother was also hospitalized here. This was Gu Zhuo’s first time visiting her. Standing before the ward, hearing the voices inside, his hand hovered over the doorknob, momentarily hesitant to press down.

Gu Zhuo felt a twinge of trepidation and took a step back. But the door opened from the inside.

A haggard but still beautiful face lit up with unprecedented vitality upon seeing him. The woman asked warmly, “Zhuo Zhuo? Why didn’t you come in? Has studying been hard lately? You look thinner!”

Gu Zhuo touched the soft flesh on his face, embarrassed to admit he had actually gained five pounds. The caregiver behind them interrupted with a smile.

“Little Gu, you’re finally here! Your mother has missed you so much. She kept saying she heard footsteps and insisted on checking the door. Who knew she’d actually be right today?”

Mother Gu lowered her head, looking a bit shy. Gu Zhuo spoke up, calling out somewhat tentatively: “Mom, let’s go inside and talk.”

Once the first word was out, the rest became much easier. Following the original owner’s habits, Gu Zhuo asked the caregiver about his mother’s condition. Hearing the answer, the smile on his face became more genuine.

What a coincidence the original owner’s mother looked exactly like his own mother. It was a blessing that in this world, her condition wasn’t critical. 77 said she could be saved.

However, it required points, which translated to roughly ten million RMB. As for the points earned from completing missions, they wouldn’t be credited until the plot completely concluded. In short, Gu Zhuo’s only option right now was to raise the money himself.

Mother Gu knew nothing of these worries. After chatting for a while, she suddenly pulled a box from the cabinet and took out several documents.

“Take these. These are all our family’s belongings. Take them back and keep them safe, okay?”

“Mom, why are you giving me this now?”

Mother Gu tucked a stray hair behind her ear, a strained smile on her face. “Mom doesn’t know how much longer I have. You’ve grown up and can stand on your own now. I’m afraid if something happens to me, you won’t even know what your parents left for you.”

Because Gu Zhuo hadn’t visited for a few days, she had grown anxious and decided to prepare for the worst. Gu Zhuo took the box into his arms, accepting it. As expected, Mother Gu looked as if a great weight had been lifted.

Checking the time, Gu Zhuo suddenly got up and walked out. Mother Gu rose frantically, thinking he was leaving already. But soon, Gu Zhuo returned carrying two takeout bags. 77 had placed the order through his phone while they were talking.

Gu Zhuo set the table and sat opposite his frail mother, saying with a smile, “Mom, let’s eat together!”

…

Ding! Today’s mission is complete! The host, Wen Shi and Gu Xiao met, and he agreed to perform the surgery.

Got it. Where are they now?

Right outside the elevator.

With another ding, the elevator doors opened. Gu Xiao happened to turn around and waved Gu Zhuo over.

“Zhuo Zhuo, I was just looking for you! Come on, let’s go see my dad.”

Gu Zhuo inconspicuously scanned Wen Shi. He didn’t look like the gossip-loving person from the original plot. Wen Shi noticed his gaze and gave a slight, aloof nod of acknowledgment. Extremely cold.

77 perched on Gu Zhuo’s shoulder, fluttering its wings occasionally. 【Host, scanned him. No issues. Want to strip his clothes?】 【No need. The drinking trick won’t work on him, and I don’t want to be kicked out as a pervert.】 77 puffed its cheeks. 【Oh.】

Since he had decided to save Mother Gu, earning money became a priority. After asking Gu Xiao, Gu Zhuo learned that Gu Xiao had a part-time job he couldn’t attend because he needed to care for his father. Gu Xiao readily gave the opportunity to Gu Zhuo.

Coincidentally, the host of that banquet was the young master of the Li family, Li Chuan—who was also Cannon Fodder Gong Number Five in the original plot. Fortunately, the servers at the gala wore masks. As long as Gu Zhuo attended under Gu Xiao’s name and triggered the plot, the mission would be completed. 77 turned a blind eye to this arrangement.

The day of the banquet arrived quickly. After changing, Gu Zhuo stood at his post with a tray, staring at his toes like a wooden post.

[Gu Xiao was worried about his injured father and was somewhat distracted at work. Suddenly hearing someone call him, he hurriedly raised his tray according to the rules. A lady behind him happened to trip, bumping into his back. A full glass of red wine poured onto the expensive suit of the person in front of him. Gu Xiao turned pale with fright, bowing and apologizing repeatedly, hoping for a lighter punishment. But there was none. The man curled a wicked smile, leaned down, and whispered in his ear: “Little guy, you’ve successfully caught my attention.”]

【Yuck~】

Reading this snippet of the original text during a break, 77 and Gu Zhuo both felt nauseous. 77 closed the screen in annoyance. 【Host, even though I’ve upgraded my features to read the original text, let’s try not to look at it if we can help it.】 Gu Zhuo had no objections. But thinking about what was coming next, he shuddered.

Suddenly, he felt something bump into him from behind. He turned in confusion to see a lady who had tripped. Gu Zhuo extended an elbow to offer her support. Li Xianyue let out a small gasp of pain, tried rotating her ankle, and then looked up to thank him.

“Thank you…” Li Xianyue looked at the person in front of her and froze for a moment, but it was only brief. She straightened her clothes and was about to leave when she saw the person behind Gu Zhuo. A mocking curve appeared on her lips. She picked up a glass of red wine and splashed it.

That expensive suit was completely ruined.

Ho-Host, that’s Li Chuan.

The plot was careening in an unknown direction, and 77 couldn’t pull it back. The gentle-looking woman was sharp-tongued, leaving Li Chuan speechless.

“Oh, isn’t this our Young Master Li? What a coincidence! Look at me, I was so excited to see you my hand slipped. You don’t mind, do you?”

Li Chuan’s face was as dark as a pot’s bottom as he dismissed the assistant trying to wipe the wine. “It doesn’t matter. It’s just a suit. If it’s ruined by Miss Li’s hand, it’s not a waste.”

Li Xianyue rolled her eyes, put the empty glass back on the tray, and walked away leisurely. Gu Zhuo held his breath, watching Li Chuan bypass him and leave.

The farce ended, but the banquet continued. As a part-time waiter, Gu Zhuo’s professionalism was top-notch. He greeted everyone who wanted a photo with him with a smile—photos didn’t hurt, and he occasionally got tips. However, his face was beginning to cramp from smiling.

Halfway through the banquet, there was a commotion at the entrance. 77 flew over to check and brought back surprising news.

Why is the Main Protagonist here? Isn’t he supposed to avoid being at the same event as Li Chuan?

Jiang Yanning certainly didn’t want to be there. But Li Chuan was a troublemaker. He had specifically invited a big shot Jiang Yanning had been trying to meet for a long time. To secure the partnership, Jiang Yanning rushed here straight from the airport, but he was still late.

Li Chuan was waiting at the door, loosening a button on his fresh suit with a malicious grin. “President Jiang, arriving so late you’re not giving me much face, are you?”

Jiang Yanning knew entry wouldn’t be easy. “I wouldn’t dare,” he replied perfunctorily.

“President Jiang knows my rules. Three penalty drinks first.”

A waiter brought three massive beer mugs. Li Chuan personally mixed them—red wine, white spirit, and beer all together. Forget three; even one would be brutal. Jiang Yanning exhaled slowly. His good upbringing prevented him from being too rude. He stepped forward.

77, hiding in the crowd, was anxious for him.What’s happening? This wasn’t in the original text!Gu Zhuo reached out to pet its round body, his own fists tightening.

Jiang Yanning picked up a heavy glass, weighed it, and his brow relaxed slightly. Then, he splashed it right into Li Chuan’s face. To hell with upbringing; a brat like this deserved a beating! After splashing all three drinks, Jiang Yanning finally felt better. He took out a handkerchief to wipe his hand.

As for Li Chuan, this was the second time he had been splashed tonight—and in front of everyone. Fine. Very well!

“Is President Jiang here alone? Good. Men!”

Jiang Yanning turned warily, watching the bodyguards file in. Suddenly, his wrist was grabbed. He looked back and saw a pair of familiar eyes.

“You!” “Come with me!”

In terms of close-quarters combat, dozens of bodyguards might not even be a match for Gu Zhuo. Li Chuan watched the scene spiral out of control and cursed, “Useless!”

He watched helplessly as Jiang Yanning was slung over a stranger’s shoulder, placed on a small electric scooter, and driven away. He was so angry he crushed the glass in his hand. Shards dug into his flesh, making him frown in pain. He looked at the bodyguard beside him.

“Who was that man in black?” “Boss, it was a part-time waiter, Gu Xiao.”

Li Chuan grit his teeth. “Gu Xiao…”