What's Wrong with Changing to a New Wife? [Rebirth] - Chapter 9

“Can you handle spicy food?” Gu Ji asked, tilting his head.

Yan Congyu was fastening his seatbelt and wasn’t sure what level of spiciness the other was referring to. He hesitated before replying, “Yes, but not anything too spicy.”

“As long as you can handle a little, that’s fine.” Gu Ji smiled. “I’ll take you to a really delicious place.”

Cheng Zhuo squeezed his head forward from the backseat, enthusiastically recommending, “It’s seriously super tasty. Besides the guys from our dorm, you’re the only one Brother Gu has brought here. Trust me, the flavor is absolutely amazing—we don’t tell just anyone about it.”

Yan Congyu was taken aback. He was the only one?

Gu Ji explained, “It’s a private kitchen run by my cousin. But don’t worry, the taste is beyond doubt. He’s a bit particular, though. He doesn’t make mild dishes.”

After leaving Rong City in his previous life, he hadn’t eaten there again. Just thinking about it made him nostalgic for the flavors.

“Yan, about what happened at the bar last night, I’m really sorry. I was seriously drunk,” Cheng Zhuo said from the backseat, sounding a bit embarrassed as he apologized. “I was acting out of my mind and called you ‘sister-in-law’. I definitely didn’t mean it.”

As for the incident on the road at noon today, Cheng Zhuo had simply slipped up. He didn’t know how to explain it—could he claim he was still drunk from the night before? If Yan didn’t bring it up, Cheng Zhuo decided he’d just pretend to have forgotten.

Yan Congyu replied, “It’s fine, but why would you call me ‘sister-in-law’ when you’re drunk?”

Cheng Zhuo suddenly froze and instinctively glanced at Gu Ji.

He couldn’t very well say he’d been trying to find Gu Ji a new boyfriend, could he? If he uttered those words, there was no doubt he’d be thrown out of the car and left on the roadside in the next moment.

Gu Ji casually offered an excuse, “That’s just how he is when he’s drunk. He calls people whatever comes to mind.”

Cheng Zhuo quickly nodded in agreement. “Yeah, yeah, exactly.”

The private kitchen wasn’t too far from the school. After about ten minutes of driving, the car finally stopped in front of a small courtyard.

Gu Ji said, “Orange, take Xiao Yan inside to order first. I’ll go park the car.”

“Alright, got it.”

Cheng Zhuo and Yan Congyu got out of the car and entered the courtyard. Once inside, Cheng Zhuo whispered, “Brother Gu is treating today, so order whatever you want—go all out. Our cousin’s cooking is seriously amazing; you have to try a lot.”

Just as Cheng Zhuo was speaking, a man with a buzz cut emerged from inside. He was introduced as Gu Ji’s cousin, though he bore no resemblance to Gu Ji in appearance. Seemingly drawn out by the noise, he squinted and said, “…Orange? Why are you alone? And a new face—first time here, right?”

Cheng Zhuo waved in greeting. “Brother Gu is here too—this is Brother Gu’s friend…”

He then turned to Yan Congyu and said, “This is Cousin Boss. His cooking is incredible.”

Duan Chen stepped out of the house, giving Yan Congyu a once-over. Based on appearances, he guessed, “Are you Xiao Gu’s boyfriend?”

It wasn’t entirely unreasonable for Duan Chen to think so. He’d only heard that Gu Ji had a boyfriend but had never met him. Judging by looks alone, the person in front of him—fair-skinned and handsome—seemed to fit the bill and even appeared quite compatible.

Cheng Zhuo quickly interrupted, worried that if Gu Ji overheard, he might think Cheng Zhuo had put the idea in his cousin’s head. “No, no—”

Duan Chen seemed to recall something. “Oh… I remember now. That guy couldn’t handle spicy food, so it probably wasn’t him… So, did he change boyfriends?”

Cheng Zhuo panicked and quickly explained, “Cousin, he’s not Brother Gu’s boyfriend. They’re just good friends, straight, straight.”

Yan Congyu visibly paused for a moment.

Why did Cheng Zhuo emphasize that he was straight? Did Gu Ji tell him that?

…Does Gu Ji think he’s straight? Why?

Duan Chen let out an “Oh” and said, “Then I misunderstood. What about Xiao Gu’s previous one? Have they broken up yet?”

Cheng Zhuo glanced toward the door, seeing that Gu Ji hadn’t returned yet, and whispered quietly, “Not yet, but I feel it’s not far off. Brother Gu hasn’t been calling that person much these past few days.”

“That’s good then, it’ll save Auntie from worrying. It’s hot outside, take your friend inside to sit.” Duan Chen patted Cheng Zhuo’s head and then looked at Yan Congyu. “By the way, do you have any dietary restrictions?”

Yan Congyu shook his head. “No, I’m fine with anything.”

The restaurant usually had good business, with many people sitting in the main hall. Cheng Zhuo directly led Yan Congyu into a small private room, which was quiet and had a nice atmosphere.

Cheng Zhuo had a very good impression of Yan Congyu and asked cheerfully, “Buddy, what’s your major?”

Yan Congyu replied, “Fine Arts.”

Cheng Zhuo’s expression suddenly turned strange for a moment, as if he had thought of something unpleasant. “Do you know people in your major?”

Yan Congyu seemed to guess what Cheng Zhuo wanted to ask. “Are you talking about Lin Qingran?”

“You know him too.” Cheng Zhuo leaned back in his chair, sighing with worry. “I’ll tell you secretly—he’s Brother Gu’s boyfriend.”

Yan Congyu listened without saying anything.

Cheng Zhuo continued, “I don’t know what’s so great about him. How could Brother Gu fall for him? His personality isn’t great, and on top of that, he’s not even as good-looking as Brother Gu.”

Yan Congyu sighed softly in his heart. He wanted to know the answer to that question too.

With Gu Ji not around, Cheng Zhuo had no filter and didn’t think to hold back around Yan Congyu, spilling everything: “I heard they knew each other in high school. They got together before starting university and still haven’t broken up. They were high school classmates, both from Rongcheng No. 1 High School.”

Halfway through his words, Gu Ji happened to lift the curtain and walk in, catching only the latter half. “What about Rongcheng No. 1 High School?”

Cheng Zhuo felt a bit guilty. “I was just telling Yan that you’re from Rongcheng No. 1 High School, nothing else. Right?”

“That’s what we were talking about,” Yan Congyu glanced at Gu Ji and said, “What a coincidence, I’m also from Rongcheng No. 1 High School.”

Cheng Zhuo was surprised, and Gu Ji was even more astonished. When he found out Yan Congyu was his university classmate, it was already hard to believe, but he never expected they had also attended the same high school.

Rongcheng No. 1 High School wasn’t very big, with all students in the same grade together, and art students in a separate class. Yet, Gu Ji had no impression of Yan Congyu—not even his name was familiar.

“Were you in the main campus?” Gu Ji pulled out a chair and sat down. “That shouldn’t be right. How could I not have seen you?”

Although Yan Congyu knew full well that Gu Ji didn’t recognize him, hearing it still made him feel a bit disappointed. He pursed his lips. “I had some reasons back then and didn’t go to school much.”

Throughout the three years of high school, Gu Ji had certainly seen him, but he just had no impression of him.

“So that’s why,” Gu Ji said. “No wonder I never saw you.”

“…”

Yan Congyu felt a little upset. “But I’ve seen you.”

Gu Ji asked, “When? Tell me, maybe I’ll remember.”

“You used to like playing basketball. I saw you on the playground during class.”

This was indeed something Gu Ji enjoyed doing in high school. He would often sneak out to the basketball court during self-study periods.

Gu Ji raised an eyebrow slightly. He was genuinely curious why Yan Congyu, who had seen him in both high school and college, never mentioned it when they met again years later.

Just then, Duan Chen walked in and asked, “Xiao Gu, if you have no dietary restrictions, shall we serve the same dishes as before?”

“Cousin, wait a moment.” Gu Ji handed the menu to Yan Congyu. “Take a look! Is there anything you’d like to eat?”

“Xiao Gu, Auntie asked when you’re coming home.” Duan Chen walked over to Gu Ji, paused, and carefully added, “She’s really concerned about you.”

Duan Chen’s aunt was naturally Gu Ji’s mother, though not his biological one. When he was young, his family was poor. His father’s business failed, leaving them with a mountain of debt, and his biological mother ran off with someone else.

It wasn’t until a few years later that their family’s situation gradually improved, and the business began to thrive. His father remarried, bringing along a stepbrother three years younger than Gu Ji—an extra burden.

However, by the time his stepmother entered the picture, Gu Ji was already older, so the two never grew close. Aside from occasional greetings during holidays, they rarely spoke.

He vaguely recalled that around last year, before the New Year, he brought Lin Qingran home. They hadn’t even stayed half a day when, for some unknown reason, his stepbrother started arguing with Lin Qingran, even threatening to hit him with a stool and yelling at him to get out. The scene was intense.

In his previous life, seeing Lin Qingran treated unfairly, Gu Ji naturally scolded his stepbrother and immediately left home with Lin Qingran. From that point on, his relationship with his family gradually soured, eventually breaking down completely over subsequent events.

Gu Ji replied, “I’ll go back during the upcoming holiday.”

Duan Chen breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s good. I’ll let Auntie know later. She’ll be thrilled.”

Yan Congyu finished ordering, and as Gu Ji took the menu back, he glanced over it and casually asked, “Don’t you like potatoes? Why didn’t you order any?”

Yan Congyu hesitated. “But you don’t eat potatoes, do you?”

“Oh, this classmate is quite considerate,” Duan Chen chuckled from the side. “Xiao Gu is just picky like that—potatoes are delicious, but he won’t touch them.”

Gu Ji snorted lightly with a smile and added, “Cousin, throw in a potato dish for him—he likes it.”

Cheng Zhuo chimed in with a hint of envy, “Gu Ge, that’s not what you said last time we ate together. You insisted that potatoes weren’t allowed at the table when dining with you.”

Gu Ji shrugged indifferently. “Well, this meal is for Xiao Yan.”

Duan Chen watched their banter with amusement and said, “That should be all then. I’ll have the kitchen prioritize your order.”

“Cousin, could I get a takeout box?” Cheng Zhuo raised his hand. “I’ll pack some for Jing Yin to try later.”

Duan Chen nodded. “Sure, I’ll have a server bring it over.”

Homestyle dishes were served quickly, and soon the table was filled with richly flavored, vibrant dishes that whetted the appetite.

Gu Ji didn’t start eating immediately. Instead, he watched Yan Congyu and asked, “Try it—how is it?”

Under Gu Ji’s gaze, Yan Congyu felt a bit flustered. He picked up a bite from the nearest dish and murmured, “…It’s good.”

Gu Ji felt relieved. It would have been awkward if he had treated someone to a meal only to find out they didn’t like the food. Fortunately, Xiao Yan seemed to enjoy it too.

“Is it too spicy?” Gu Ji poured a glass of water and placed it beside him. “I noticed your ears are a little red.”

Yan Congyu suddenly coughed lightly, lifting the cup to take a sip of water as if to hide his reaction. He murmured softly, “…No, it’s fine.”