Accidentally Turned a Tragic Romance Plotline into a Sweet and Pampering One [Transmigration] CHAPTER 9
Chapter 9
The atmosphere had become romantic and ambiguous. Lin Zheng looked at the hand reaching for his, thinking that being Gu Lin’s temporary partner was just a role-playing performance. Did he really have to be dedicated and play this role to the fullest?
Lin Zheng had some experience, but honestly, he’d never danced with a man before.
Yingying was still clinging to Lin Zheng’s leg when her mother called her over.
Gu Lin’s invitation had attracted attention, especially since it was Gu Lin who was inviting.
Among them was his half-brother, Zhao Qi.
More and more eyes were on him; Lin Zheng felt trapped.
Finally, he placed his hand in Gu Lin’s.
Fine, if they were acting, they should act well.
Gu Lin’s lips curved slightly. He clasped Lin Zheng’s hand, this time with more possession than before, but it was subtle enough not to be offensive.
Gu Lin’s fingers seemed stronger than average, his palm large. Lin Zheng felt completely enveloped.
Gu Lin led him onto the dance floor. Lin Zheng put his other hand on Gu Lin’s arm.
“Can you dance?”
“I’ve seen it in movies.”
They danced, chatting to the slow music.
“Which movies?”
“Many. So you invited me to dance assuming I couldn’t?” Lin Zheng smiled, mentally throwing Gu Lin around and then picking him back up again.
“If you don’t learn something, you’ll never know it. I can teach you.”
“Heh.”
“Are you using sarcasm to express your anger?”
“…”
Gu Lin suddenly pulled him closer. Lin Zheng stumbled forward; Gu Lin put an arm around his shoulder. The warmth from Gu Lin’s chest reached him. Lin Zheng, nearly losing his balance, was about to speak when Gu Lin said, “Don’t be afraid of not knowing something. Like this, even if you’re unsteady, I won’t let you fall.”
Lin Zheng thought, It’s because you pulled me that I almost fell!
Lin Zheng retaliated by squeezing Gu Lin’s hand tightly.
“You’re gripping my hand so tightly. Now I know how much you need me,” Gu Lin said, smiling.
“?” This isn’t a grip; it’s a squeeze!
Oh, this insufferably narcissistic man.
Lin Zheng couldn’t win, deciding to just finish the dance and leave.
The music ended. Others continued dancing, but Lin Zheng released Gu Lin’s hand, politely indicating he had to leave.
“Should I keep your glass slipper? So I can find you next time?”
“No need. See you again if fate allows.”
Lin Zheng played along with Gu Lin.
Then, he turned and left.
There were too many people inside; Lin Zheng went out through another door to a hotel rest area for guests. The corridor was much quieter than the ballroom.
As Lin Zheng leaned against the wall, he heard a strange sound. Turning, he saw a couple, their clothes disheveled, passionately kissing and heading towards him.
They only glanced at him before continuing, seemingly unconcerned. Lin Zheng, however, felt embarrassed; he decided to find a quieter place.
Lin Zheng thought about the two months. He wondered how far Gu Lin’s “treatment” would go. He prayed it would be slow, not as far as the couple he’d just seen.
Lin Zheng went to the balcony. It was dark outside, but the hotel lights were bright. He leaned on the railing, watching several teenagers playing by the outdoor pool below.
They looked young, probably teenagers, here with their parents.
Lin Zheng saw one boy who resembled his younger brother.
His brother was also a teenager, in his first year of high school. They weren’t related by blood; Lin Zheng met him when he was eight. Lin Zheng had lost his parents as a child and had struggled to survive. Then he met his brother.
Seeing the lonely child, he took him in. At first, the child was shy and afraid of everyone, but gradually he became more open, smiling, calling Lin Zheng “brother.”
Hearing that “brother,” was the happiest moment of Lin Zheng’s life.
The storm had been severe, but the rescue had been timely. The child was probably safe and living with his biological parents.
That day, Lin Zheng had last taken his brother to school before the reunion with his parents. It was also the last time he took his brother to school.
Lin Zheng blinked away his tears. At least his brother would live a good life.
Just then, someone approached.
Lin Zheng turned and saw Gu Lin beside him.
Gu Lin held a cigarette, leaning against the railing, jokingly saying, “My Cinderella is late. I thought you were lost.”
He offered Lin Zheng a drink. “I worried for a long time. You’re punished with a drink.”
Lin Zheng laughed. “Is this play ever going to end?”
“It officially ends after the curtain call. It’s not time for the curtain call yet, so how dare I stop the show?” Gu Lin teased.
Gu Lin looked at him, his tone softening. “Why do you look like you’re about to cry?”
Lin Zheng blinked hard, indicating, See? I can’t even cry.
Gu Lin found it endearing and didn’t press further.
He turned, looking at the faint stars. “Do you tell stories? Tell me a story.”
“Is this work?”
“It is.”
“Extra pay?”
Gu Lin looked at him, raising an eyebrow. “I gave you the card. What else do you want?”
Lin Zheng chuckled nervously. “Right.” He almost forgot he was rich now!
Looking at the starry night, Lin Zheng began, “A long, long time ago, there was a young master from a rich family who, due to the family’s decline, moved to a small village with his mother…”
Lin Zheng stopped.
Gu Lin was curious. “Moved to a small village, then what?”
Lin Zheng admitted honestly, “I can’t think of anything else.”
Gu Lin: “…”
Lin Zheng gave Gu Lin a guileless smile.
“There are three items at tonight’s auction: a painting, an antique vase, and an emerald necklace. Which do you think is better?” Gu Lin suddenly asked.
Lin Zheng thought, You’re so casual, omitting the value of each item.
The painting was a famous masterpiece from the artist’s youth; the vase was a thousand-year-old artifact; the necklace was a 17th-century heirloom from a European royal family. Each item was priceless, and the starting price alone deterred many.
Gu Lin would buy an item each year at the gala.
Though surprised Gu Lin sought his opinion, Lin Zheng considered it carefully.
Considering various factors, he said, “The emerald necklace is more suitable. It was a betrothal gift from a past royal to his wife, full of love. When you meet Wu…”
Lin Zheng almost said the male lead’s name.
Lin Zheng quickly corrected himself. “Anyway, I think it’s very meaningful.” Lin Zheng snapped his fingers. “That’s it!”
Gu Lin nodded. “Understood.” Then he left Lin Zheng and entered the hall.
Lin Zheng was alone again. The teenagers by the pool were gone, leaving only the cold light illuminating the pool and the rustling leaves.
He felt a little down.
The air still held the faint scent of Gu Lin’s tobacco.
He didn’t smoke, but he considered lighting one up, blowing away his worries like smoke.
Gu Lin said he could learn anything; maybe Gu Lin could teach him to smoke.
“…”
Lin Zheng changed his mind.
Smoking was bad for his health and smelled unpleasant.
If he somehow returned to his world, his brother would scold him.
His mask was uncomfortable. Seeing no one around, Lin Zheng took it off.
He felt much better.
But as soon as he turned around, he saw his half-brother, Zhao Qi.
Zhao Qi looked surprised.
“Lin Zheng? What are you doing here?”
Zhao Qi looked like he’d seen a ghost.
So Zhao Qi really hadn’t recognized him.
Regardless.
Lin Zheng had wanted to rest, but because of Zhao Qi, he didn’t want to stay.
Ignoring Zhao Qi, Lin Zheng was about to leave.
But Zhao Qi grabbed his arm. “Can’t hear me? I’m talking to you.”
