After Time Traveling, I was Forced to Marry a Wealthy Family

Gu Huai spent an hour attempting to change his title back from “Young Master Gu.” It sounded foreign to him, but Mu Ci was reluctant and refused to address him as such, preferring to call him simply “Young Master Gu” like everyone else. After a series of threats and inducements, Mu Ci reluctantly agreed to address him by his name.

It was said to be coercion and inducement, but it was not necessarily true. Young Master Gu simply placed his hand over his chest with a somber expression and said, “In modern society, everyone calls me by my name. If you don’t call me by my name, don’t you consider me a friend?”

While Gu Huai was making his case, Bai Ling discreetly rolled his eyes several times. However, Mu Ci appreciated it, as he was particularly averse to causing trouble to others, so he quickly consented.

Afterward, Gu Huai spent approximately two weeks laying out a world map on a large table in the study, complementing it with various video materials, magazines, newspapers, and more to acquaint Mu Ci with the contemporary world’s general layout.

These two weeks were undoubtedly when Gu Huai was most considerate. While explaining the external environment to Mu Ci, he also dealt with Mu Ci’s various peculiar and childlike questions

For instance, Mu Ci asked why the globe was so round. Gu Huai didn’t delve into historical figures; he simply told Mu Ci that the earth was round, so the globe wa round too, just like how Mu Ci’s last name was Mu because his father’s last name was Mu. Mu Ci found it somewhat challenging to accept this, given his ingrained belief in a flat sky and square earth.

Nonetheless, despite these minor challenges, things generally progressed smoothly. After two weeks of personal instruction, Mu Ci’s worldview had undergone significant changes. He now had an understanding of the number of countries in the world, the characteristics of the country he resided in, its social structure, as well as common knowledge regarding modern healthcare, education, law, employment, and more.

He even expressed his delight in the idea that everyone was considered equal here, to which Gu Huai sneered but didn’t elaborate on his thoughts, leaving Mu Ci perplexed as he gazed at his handsome face.

Gu Huai didn’t say much but presented Mu Ci with numerous video materials and explained some modern terms using a dictionary. Although there were differences between simplified and traditional Chinese characters, Mu Ci managed to grasp the basics.

At times, Gu Huai felt like an elementary school teacher, but thankfully, Mu Ci was a diligent student. Despite his teacher’s shortcomings, Mu Ci absorbed a considerable amount of knowledge, ensuring that he wouldn’t appear out of place in his words and actions.

During this period, Mu Ci also learned about Gu Huai’s family.

The Gu family’s wealth began during the Republic of China era, originally involved in the underworld before transitioning to legitimate business once they had enough capital. By Gu Huai’s generation, they had largely distanced themselves from their criminal past and become successful businessmen.

However, they retained many of their past connections and resources, such as the bodyguards at the Gu family mansion, some of whom were foreign mercenaries. These guards were trained as a specialized force by the Gu family.

For instance, let’s consider Bai Ling. He had been living with the Gu family since childhood, raised by them.

As for the bodyguards, Mu Ci recalled them, faintly remembering the imposing figures in black suits who often strolled in the courtyard with wolf dogs. In the winter, they maintained their black-clad appearance and robust physique.

“Much like the Shadow Guards, aren’t they?” Mu Ci remarked, finding an apt comparison.

Gu Huai smiled, “Exactly.”

He neatly cleared the magazines and maps from the table, summoned a maid to bring in two cups of black tea and a plate of snacks, and started conversing with Mu Ci.

Gu Huai was both well-informed and engaging in conversation. He couldn’t help but open up. It had been a while since he’d engaged in such lively discourse with someone.

The two of them exchanged stories and opinions, and Gu Huai mentioned, “You may not be aware, but here, same-sex couples can get married.”

Mu Ci was taken aback, “Even two men?”

“Yes, and two women as well,” Gu Huai replied with a meaningful smile. “It’s only been legal for two years, but the marriage certificate holds legal weight.”

“Oh,” Mu Ci replied thoughtfully as he looked at the black tea before him. “That’s good.”

Gu Huai gazed at him with a profound expression, his thoughts concealed. If Mu Ci happened to turn around and meet his eyes at that moment, he would surely be startled, as Gu Huai’s eyes were burning with intensity, like a hunter who had journeyed far and wide, finally discovering his prized quarry and preparing to strike.

Boom!

A hefty hardcover encyclopedia tumbled from the shelf and landed on the floor, startling Mu Ci, causing his shoulders to tremble slightly.

He appeared somewhat easily startled. It left one wondering if he had experienced something traumatic in his childhood.

Gu Huai stood, retrieved the fallen book, and casually said, “You’ve been cooped up in the study for a few days. How about I take you for a walk?”

Mu Ci gratefully smiled and agreed, “Okay, thank you.”

.

It was perfect timing, as it was a Sunday, and the students were on break, making the commercial street bustling with activity.

Given the slightly chilly temperature, Gu Huai suggested that Mu Ci wear a thicker coat and drove him out personally.

This was Mu Ci’s first exploration outside the Gu family mansion since his arrival in this world. It truly was an eye-opening experience. The bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and vehicles whizzing by on the road left Mu Ci in awe. Although he had seen such scenes on television, witnessing them in person was a whole different level of amazement.

The outing also provided Mu Ci with a fresh perspective. He realized that not everyone in this world lived like Gu Huai, in a luxurious mansion with beautiful maids at their beck and call.

Most of the pedestrians on the streets were ordinary folks, appearing either weary or content, bundled up in their winter jackets, hurrying across the streets. Observing the diversity of people and their daily lives, Mu Ci gazed outside without blinking, his lips slightly parted, an expression of wonder in his eyes.

Gu Huai surreptitiously glanced at him, his lips forming a silent smile. When they passed by a a jewelry store, Gu Huai stopped the car.

Mu Ci turned to him in confusion and asked, “Do you want to buy something?”

“Let’s have a look at the diamond rings,” Gu Huai said, opening the car door and allowing the cold wind to rush in.

Mu Ci, having an inkling of the ring’s purpose, couldn’t help but be taken aback. “Are you getting married?” he inquired.

Gu Huai turned and smiled gracefully. “Yes, that’s why I asked you to help me choose a ring.”

Mu Ci didn’t offer a comment but followed Gu Huai’s lead, opening the car door, stepping out into the cold wind, stretching his body, and then joining Gu Huai as they entered the store.

It was an uncommon sight to see two men in a jewelry store, especially two men with striking appearances. The sales clerk, donning high heels, was immediately drawn to them and approached them hastily.

After inquiring about the purpose of their visit, the clerk presented this year’s latest wedding rings.

Gu Huai nodded to Mu Ci and said, “See if there’s anything you like.”

As soon as he spoke, the expressions of the nearby three or four clerks changed, and they exchanged teasing glances.

Mu Ci’s ears turned crimson, and he hurriedly clarified, “I’m just helping him choose. It’s not that kind of relationship. He already has a partner.”

The clerks all wore expressions that conveyed their understanding without the need for further explanation.

Mu Ci felt even more embarrassed and shot Gu Huai a somewhat strange look.

After all, Gu Huai was the one getting married, so why had he involved Mu Ci in the ring selection process?

As though oblivious to Mu Ci’s discomfort, Gu Huai warmly draped his arm over Mu Ci’s shoulder and said, “Come on, I believe you have great taste. Join me in choosing.”

To others, this small gesture appeared entirely ordinary, just an act between close friends, but for Mu Ci, Gu Huai’s resemblance to Ji Yunshu made him feel a tad uneasy. However, he restrained his feelings and did not show them in front of the onlookers.