Chapter 19
Lin Zheng didn’t expect his guess to be accidentally correct.
So Gu Lin really went to Yinlu County to find the main protagonist (shou)? They really met beforehand?
If they really met beforehand, once Gu Lin met the shou, it would mean he could practically pack his bags and leave.
He didn’t expect this day to come so quickly.
Then, after arriving in Yinlu County…
Lin Zheng stood beside Gu Lin, looking at the elderly man sitting in a wheelchair. He gently nudged Gu Lin’s shoulder and whispered, “Is the Mr. Wu you’re looking for this old gentleman?”
Gu Lin looked back at him, “Mm.”
“…………”
A miscalculation, a misjudgment.
Lin Zheng originally thought Gu Lin was looking for the original novel’s main protagonist (shou), but the purpose of this trip was to visit an elderly person.
After Gu Lin’s introduction, Lin Zheng learned that the old gentleman was the adoptive father of Gu Lin’s mother, his nominal grandfather. Since the book didn’t mention this, Lin Zheng didn’t know about this person.
He quickly put down the things in his hands and greeted the old gentleman.
The old gentleman loved nature and had given up city life to live in seclusion in a small mountain village in Yinlu County, a place that was his ideal paradise. The old gentleman was always in good health, but two days ago, while mountain climbing with a friend, he accidentally sprained his ankle and fell. He had been lying in bed for two days. Although he said he was fine, Gu Lin was still worried, so he came directly.
The old gentleman’s residence was a stylish detached small villa. Although not large, every detail showed the old gentleman’s meticulous care.
The yard was filled with various flowers and plants, the most numerous being orchids. The old gentleman was sitting in a chair, basking in the sun.
“You child, your mother too, and you as well, I’ve told you, my old bones are strong; you don’t have to worry about me at all,” The old gentleman’s hair was already gray, but his voice was strong and energetic. Except for being in a wheelchair and having some mobility issues, he was still very energetic.
“The more you say that, the more worried my mother and I will be.”
“It’s all because you’re making a fuss over nothing. I don’t think it’s a big deal, you’re just overthinking.”
Gu Lin had changed into casual clothes and was tending to the plants for the old gentleman. Hearing this, he looked at the old gentleman and said, “Then please take better care of yourself. Outdoor exercise is fine, but in moderation.”
Lin Zheng couldn’t help much, so he only helped Gu Lin with small tasks, such as picking up fallen branches and occasionally watering the flowers.
Listening to their conversation, Lin Zheng felt that the bond between this grandfather and grandson was truly strong.
Lin Zheng grew up in an orphanage, without parents and naturally no other elders. He had never felt this kind of care from an elder before, and he felt a little envious.
“You’ve overwatered that one. This kind of flower doesn’t need much water.”
Gu Lin’s voice came from behind. Lin Zheng came to his senses and quickly straightened the watering can, “Ah, sorry!”
Realizing he had made a mistake, Lin Zheng apologetically looked at Gu Lin, “Did I damage the flower?”
Gu Lin looked at the person in front of him, whose brows were slightly furrowed with apology, then looked at the flower that had clearly been overwatered, and smiled, “It’s alright, this flower is very hardy.”
Hearing Gu Lin say this, Lin Zheng finally felt relieved.
Next to them, the old gentleman smiled at the two standing together in the distance. He coughed, breaking the atmosphere between them, “You two chat. If you get hungry, ask the housekeeper to prepare something for you. Gu Lin, the doctor will be here in half an hour. Call me when he arrives.”
Gu Lin nodded.
Lin Zheng politely bowed to the old gentleman. After seeing the old gentleman inside, he pulled Gu Lin’s sleeve and nervously asked, “Is the old gentleman angry that I mistreated his flowers?”
Gu Lin smiled, “Don’t worry, the old gentleman likes you.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“How did you figure that out? I can’t tell!”
Gu Lin leaned close to his ear and whispered, “Secret.”
Then he continued to tend the flowers elsewhere.
Lin Zheng followed, “No, explain yourself. You’re not being sarcastic, are you?”
“Guess for yourself.”
“How can you be like this…”
Half an hour later, the doctor arrived as scheduled.
The man was in his twenties, with handsome features and a very calm demeanor.
He was much taller than Lin Zheng, almost as tall as Gu Lin.
After changing the old gentleman’s dressing, the man left them with instructions and left.
Lin Zheng heard from the housekeeper that the doctor wasn’t a local doctor; he was from the capital and was only staying in Yinlu County for a while. He seemed to have met the old gentleman while mountain climbing.
He lived not far from the old gentleman’s house, and seemed to have a friend living with him, but that friend only appeared every few days.
Lin Zheng listened and looked outside. Yinlu County was famous for its scenery. This was the best area in Yinlu County. The door opened to natural scenery, and there weren’t many houses nearby. Those who could live here were either rich or influential.
So the doctor must be quite important as well.
Remembering almost damaging the old gentleman’s flowers, Lin Zheng was initially reserved, but after spending an afternoon with the old gentleman, he discovered that the old gentleman was a very cheerful person. Besides outdoor activities, he seemed to love chatting with people.
Lin Zheng wasn’t a quiet person either, and when the two of them got together, sparks flew instantly.
The old gentleman talked about his time in the army, how difficult it was during those years, and then about Gu Lin’s childhood antics.
Even Gu Lin was getting annoyed.
Later in the conversation, the old gentleman suddenly asked about his preferences. There was no need to be guarded with an elderly person, so Lin Zheng happily told him everything. After listening, the old gentleman held his hand, “Tell Gu Lin what you like in the future. It doesn’t matter how expensive it is; let him buy it for you, okay?”
Lin Zheng thought the old gentleman thought he was too tired running around with Gu Lin as an assistant. He honestly said, “I have a salary; I can buy it myself.”
The old gentleman was unhappy. They were having a good conversation, and Lin Zheng didn’t want to spoil the mood, so he agreed with the old gentleman.
The old gentleman smiled even wider.
After dinner, worried that Lin Zheng would be bored staying there, he asked Gu Lin to take Lin Zheng out for a walk.
“It’s okay, I’m fine staying here.” Lin Zheng said.
The old gentleman said, “Although this place isn’t big, every view is spectacular. Going out for a walk after dinner, enjoying the scenery and the breeze, is also a kind of enjoyment.”
In the end, Lin Zheng went out.
The road out of the old gentleman’s house was a small slope. Going down the slope and straight ahead was a naturally formed small beach. If you went up the road, besides the forest on the left, there was a small pavilion further up, with a beautiful view. Gu Lin and Lin Zheng had mentioned this; he asked Lin Zheng whether he wanted to go up or down.
Lin Zheng hesitated for a long time before deciding to go up.
Going up, he could see the distant sea and the high-altitude scenery. It was a win-win situation.
“The little bunny is getting smarter.”
Lin Zheng glanced at him speechlessly, “Thank you, I’ve always been smart. And don’t call me little bunny.”
Then he started walking uphill.
“Okay, no little bunny, then what should I call you?”
“Lin Zheng.”
“What?”
“Lin Zheng.”
“What?”
“…”
Lin Zheng ignored him.
On the road, Lin Zheng thought.
The main protagonist (shou) in the original novel has the surname Wu and is in Yinlu County. Gu Lin is here now, but he’s looking for his grandfather, who also has the surname Wu and lives in Yinlu County. Is it really such a coincidence?
Lin Zheng calculated that according to the plot, there was about half a month left until Gu Lin met the main protagonist (shou) two months later. Would this half-month be brought forward because of his appearance?
If it were brought forward, he would have to prepare accordingly.
“What are you thinking about? We’re here.”
Reminded by Gu Lin, Lin Zheng came to his senses and realized they had reached a high point.
Instantly, he was captivated by the beautiful scenery, temporarily forgetting what he had just been thinking about.
Gu Lin wasn’t lying; the view here was really beautiful.
Beneath the colorful sunset were rolling hills. Looking down, there were beautiful buildings, and further down, a sea shimmering with orange light.
The messy thoughts in his mind seemed to be drawn away, and his head became clear.
The evening breeze gently lifted the stray strands of hair on Lin Zheng’s forehead. He faced the wind and took a deep breath of the fresh air.
Gu Lin suddenly reached out to him.
Lin Zheng didn’t react for a moment.
“Couples come to see such a beautiful scenery; don’t you think it’s a waste not to hold hands?” Gu Lin said.
Lin Zheng looked at the large hand in front of him. He had held that hand many times, but even so…
“We don’t need to hold hands,” Lin Zheng explained, “Just looking at the scenery is good enough.”
Gu Lin’s gaze remained fixed on him. After a few seconds, he said, “It’s therapy.”
Lin Zheng was speechless. He had promised to go through therapy with Gu Lin.
A gentle breeze brushed past his ears. Lin Zheng slowly raised his hand and finally placed it on that palm.
Their hands overlapped, facing opposite directions.
“Wrong.”
“Huh?”
Gu Lin changed the direction of his palm, his slender fingers reaching up and interlacing with Lin Zheng’s fingers. He curled his fingertips, caressing the thin skin on Lin Zheng’s back of his hand. The setting sun shone into his eyes as he looked at the person in front of him. “This is right.”