Chapter 4
Gu Huai was momentarily captivated by Mu Ci’s teary-eyed beauty.
He couldn’t help but marvel at how strikingly attractive this man looked, even while crying. It was as if he embodied the very essence of a picturesque scene, one where pear blossoms fell amidst a gentle rain.
His raised hand, which had been poised for a strike, hesitated and then dropped by his side.
Gu Huai couldn’t help but comment with a mix of amusement and frustration, “Why are you crying? Weren’t you the one who hit me first?”
In truth, compared to Mu Ci’s initial slap, Gu Huai’s retaliatory strike had been considerably more forceful. Half of Mu Ci’s cheek was now swollen and a bright red scratch adorned his fair skin.
Seemingly embarrassed by his tears, Mu Ci struggled to break free from Gu Huai’s grip. He huddled under the quilt like a timid creature, burying his face in the pillow.
In a muffled voice, he uttered, “Don’t look at me, don’t look. I’m not crying…”
Gu Huai, with a hint of mischievousness, had the intention of gazing at him. He used one hand to lift the back of Mu Ci’s neck and forced him to look directly at his face. “You’re not crying? Your face is covered in tears. Are you sure you’re not crying?”
Mu Ci insisted, “I’m not crying for you. I’m not crying because of you, Ji Yunshu…”
Gu Huai was taken aback by the unexpected use of that name. He questioned, “What did you just call me?”
Perhaps sensing that something was amiss with his tone, Mu Ci opened his tearful eyes and scrutinized Gu Huai closely.
It was only then that he realized that this man bore a striking resemblance to Ji Yunshu, but there were subtle differences in the man’s features, a sharper and deeper eyebrows, distinct eyes, and shorter hair, not to mention his unconventional clothing.
Mu Ci’s sobs was stopped as he focused on these distinctions. He absentmindedly brushed away a few strands of hair that obscured his vision and leaned closer to examine Gu Huai’s face.
It truly wasn’t Ji Yunshu. Ji Yunshu would never cast such a cold, disinterested gaze.
Stunned for a moment, Mu Ci gazed around the unfamiliar surroundings. He observed a peculiar and brightly lit room, devoid of candles, but with intricate patterns on the walls.
Large, floor-to-ceiling windows featured prominently on the walls, revealing the glittering lights of a bustling city outside.
This environment was beyond Mu Ci’s realm of understanding. He furrowed his brow in confusion and then looked at Gu Huai with a touch of panic. “Who are you? Where am I? Why am I not dead?”
He had jumped into a well, and he should have been dead. How could he end up in such a strange place?
Gu Huai, who had just been slapped, retained his cold demeanor, “I should be asking you the same questions. You suddenly appeared in the Gu family’s backyard and slapped me as soon as you saw me. You’re the only one who isn’t dead yet,”
He added, “The only reason you’re still alive is that you’re rather attractive, and I happen to be quite intrigued by you. However, if you cause any more trouble, rest assured that you won’t be see the sun tomorrow.”
Bai Ling, who was standing beside him, nodded in agreement, indicating that their boss was right and that Mu Ci should cooperate.
Mu Ci appeared unfazed by the threat and continued to regard Gu Huai with confusion. He inquired stubbornly, “Who are you?”
This marked the first time Gu Huai had encountered such defiance since he assumed power. He was both irritated and intrigued, so he chose to respond with patience. After all, it was rare to lose his temper in the presence of such a beauty.
Gu Huai calmly explained, “I am Gu Huai. You intruded into the Gu family mansion, and you don’t know who I am?”
Mu Ci shook his head and replied, “I don’t know where I am. I should have…”
His voice trailed off as he experienced a sudden headache. He furrowed his brow and added, “I should have been in the garden. I jumped into the well, and then…”
Gu Huai arched an eyebrow and interrupted, “Don’t tell me you were carried away by the current after jumping into the well. Let me be frank. If you have any ulterior motives or if there’s a mastermind behind this, it’s in your best interest to confess now. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”
Mu Ci looked at Gu Huai blankly, it seemed he didn’t understand what he was talking about.
The dignified head of Gu family lost his temper a little but adjusted his sitting position and said in a deep voice, “I will ask you a question and you will answer me. Do you understand?”
Mu Ci looked at his face confusedly and nodded.
Gu Huai asked, “Name?”
Mu Ci hesitated before complying. “My name is Mu Ci.”
Gu Huai continued his inquiries. “Your age?”
“Twenty-three.”
“You are still young. Height and weight?”
Mu Ci looked puzzled. “What’s that?”
Bai Ling, overhearing the conversation, interjected, “He’s asking about your physical stature. How tall are you, and how much do you weigh?”
Mu Ci, now understanding, replied, “I don’t know my height or weight. I’ve never been measured.”
Gu Huai decided to clarify, “Do you have a girlfriend or boyfriend?”
Mu Ci was bewildered by the concept. “What’s a girlfriend?”
Bai Ling explained, “A girlfriend is someone of the opposite sex with whom you maintain a romantic relationship. In the future, she may become your wife.”
Mu Ci realized and responded, “You mean a concubine? No, I don’t.”
Gu Huai was astonished. “Concubine? Who do you think you are, an emperor?”
Mu Ci panicked, “No, I don’t. I’m just the unpopular seventh prince.”
“…..”
The room was silent, Bai Ling quietly pulled the doctor over and asked, “Did you check his brain? Did he have brain damage from soaking in the pool?”
Gu Huai had his suspicions, given Mu Ci’s unusual behavior. He thought of the ancient costume he had found in his study and instructed Bai Ling and the doctor to leave the room.
Bai Ling hesitated for a moment, he was scared that Mu Ci was a killer sent by others but looking at the delicate young man, it didn’t look like a killer at all. So, he went out.
.
Once they were alone in the spacious room, the silence was almost palpable. Gu Huai could hear every breath Mu Ci took. This man seemed to breathe so delicately, as though he were doing his utmost to minimize his presence.
Intentionally moving closer, Gu Huai examined Mu Ci’s teary eyes and adopted a semi-playful tone.
“Did you mistake me for someone else, Your Highness?”
Mu Ci averted his gaze and responded, “I was momentarily confused. I admit it.”
His voice carried a hint of hoarseness.
Gu Huai reached for a glass of water on the bedside table, playfully waving it in front of Mu Ci’s eyes. “In that case, if you tell me your identity, I’ll give you some water to drink.”
Mu Ci wasn’t used to this gentle threat, he frowned, “I have already told you; I am the seventh prince of Yi Dynasty….”
He was stunned after that and looked around the strange room, this decorations? Is he really still in the Yi Dynasty?
What kind of country is this? It was completely different from the place he originally lived.
Gu Hai laughed, he usually didn’t have such a good temper but facing this little beauty he was very patient, “Okay, little seventh prince, how did you end up in my backyard?”
This question touched something, Mu Ci’s slender eyelashes drooped at, “I was framed. In order to fight for my inheritance, my elder brother sent someone to hide a dragon robe in my room. After the incident, I jumped into the well. Unexpectedly, I opened my eyes and was here… in your backyard.”
He was telling the truth but he erased the Ji Yunshu’s matter who had deceived him for three years.
Mu Ci apologized sincerely, “I’m sorry for causing you trouble. It was my fault that I hit you just now.”
There were bruises on his face when he said this, but in fact Mu Ci’s slap didn’t hurt very much, but the slap Gu Huai gave back was even harder.
Gu Huai stared at his red face and felt a rare feeling of guilt.
But Gu Hai felt a little suspicious of the story. Gu Huai’s skepticism was entirely understandable. Mu Ci’s story was indeed unbelievable. The idea of an ancient prince suddenly appearing in the 21st century was something that seemed more suited to the realm of science fiction or fantasy.
Gu Huai couldn’t help but wonder whether Mu Ci was simply delusional, had ulterior motives, or was part of something more complex.
Gu Huai’s instinct to kill over the years made him want to call someone to torture Mu Ci to extract a confession, but after thinking about it, he suppressed this cruel idea.
Gu Huai’s fascination with Mu Ci’s unique beauty was undeniable, and it seemed to have piqued his curiosity. Although cautious, he couldn’t resist the allure of this enigmatic visitor. Gu Huai made a decision to investigate the situation further, sending someone to check on the truth of Mu Ci’s identity.
Gu Hai stood up and said, “It’s very late. You need to rest, I will ask you again tomorrow.”
Mu Ci stood up after him. Gu Hai looked at him, “You can call the doctor later, does it hurt?”
Mu Ci wasn’t used by his caring side, he shook his head and walked pass him to touched the transparent bulletproof glass in a daze. He turned around and asked, “What is this?”
“…. Glass.”
“Glass?” Mu Ci followed the word and curiously looked at his shadow reflected on the glass, “I have never seen glass.”
Gu Hai looked at his back and swallowed, this young man was wearing a white coat, his two long and slender legs were exposed. They were white and smooth, making people unable to tear their eyes away.
Gu Huai moved his fingers and almost couldn’t help but rush over and press the person against the glass window to invade, but his perseverance over the years suppressed this desire.
His eyes fell on Mu Ci’s ankles. They were so thin that he could easily hold them with one hand. It would probably feel good when he spread his legs on the bed.
But if he does this, the young man will definitely cry, right?
Gu Huai thought of the way Mu Ci cried inexplicably and hid under the quilt just now, with misty eyes, and the fire in his lower body suddenly burned all over his body.
Something would happen if he stayed any longer.
For the first time, Gu Huai turned around and walked out of the door almost hastily, not forgetting to lock the door.
Leaning against the door and letting out a long breath, Gu Huai suddenly thought, it’s already night now. If that person really traveled through time in ancient times, would he use the bathroom?