After Marrying Bigshot Vegetable Boss - Chapter 51

Xi Jun’s prepared remarks were instantly thwarted by that one sentence.

 

For a moment, she even wondered if Chu Wang had changed dramatically after his illness. But he had seemed perfectly normal when discussing other topics; it was only when it came to mentioning Yu Lan that he became completely different.

 

“Didn’t his family treat him poorly?” Chu Wang’s tone grew colder as he spoke about the Yu family. “I’ve seen that the Yu family’s various businesses have been failing miserably in the past two years. Now they’re just robbing Peter to pay Paul. There’s no need to extend any help.”

 

“Just let them deteriorate. There’s no need to concern ourselves,” he said.

 

Although he merely said not to worry, Xi Jun knew his habits. This basically meant that anyone connected to their family business should refrain from getting involved, and this abandonment effectively cut off Yu family’s hope.

 

Xi Jun silently reflected on the stark contrast in his attitude before and after. One minute he was smiling and speaking of love at first sight, and the next, he was coldly and almost vindictively dealing with those who had mistreated him.

 

It almost felt like he was taking out his frustrations.

 

She even had the thought that perhaps they had met before.

 

However, she quickly dismissed this idea, as Chu Wang had been quite resolute about such matters before, showing no signs of any inclination.

 

Based on what she knew, they had indeed never interacted before and probably had never even spoken a word to each other.

 

Eliminating all incorrect options, the final answer was clear.

 

It wasn’t that Chu Wang suddenly understood things after facing life and death; it was more likely due to their night together or the feelings that arose upon seeing him, which he couldn’t shake off.

 

Xi Jun was reminded of a scene she had once witnessed.

 

At that time, Chu Wang was still unconscious, and Yu Lan was pushing him downstairs for a walk. Perhaps tired, he had dozed off while holding him in the flower room.

 

That scene was beautiful; now, thinking back, she could almost smell the autumn fragrance.

 

As a result, her previous doubts were suddenly diluted by the memory of that scene. Xi Jun felt that, no matter what, it was a good thing.

 

A weight lifted off her heart, and she felt much more at ease. “Good, good. I was worried about this before, but now as long as you don’t strongly oppose it…”

 

Xi Jun felt happier than she had in a long time, and a smile finally appeared on her face. “I still feel fortunate now. If the Yu family hadn’t decisively sent Xiao Yu over back then, we’d still be in the dark about what would have happened.”

 

Chu Wang thought to himself that he was also relieved.

 

“That’s best. Xiao Yu actually takes good care of you.” Xi Jun even worried that Chu Wang might not be fully aware and proactively mentioned some of Xiao Yu’s habits and details over the past period.

 

Chu Wang was already aware of everything she mentioned and had seen it all, but he listened quietly and seriously without interrupting.

 

Seeing that he listened attentively, Xi Jun felt even more reassured. “That’s great. During your recovery, you both can slowly get to know each other better.”

 

For the first time in her life, Xi Jun experienced the joy of thinking “I might actually have a daughter-in-law” and began excitedly planning for the two of them: “Well, Xiao Yu’s room is next door, and he’ll surely move back there in the next few days. I’ll go prepare some…”

 

“I want him to stay in my room. Is that okay?” Unexpectedly, Chu Wang spoke up directly.

 

Xi Jun’s mouth dropped open in surprise, her expression one of disbelief at how intense his feelings seemed.

 

Although he was indifferent about Yu Lan himself, Chu Wang changed his mind upon hearing Xi Jun’s comment. Since he had already mentioned his feelings at first sight, he thought there was no harm in being a bit more extravagant.

 

“Last night, with him there, I slept very well,” Chu Wang said candidly. “If he really wants to move next door, then fine, but if he is still hesitating…”

 

Chu Wang spoke to Xi Jun in a serious yet slightly negotiating tone: “Mom, could you please help a bit?”

 

Xi Jun was stunned by the morning’s conversation: “…Okay.”

 

Just as she was about to leave the room, she suddenly paused as if she had just thought of something.

 

“It seems that Mr. Zhao really does have something,” Xi Jun, who had always been quite materialistic, now had to believe in some degree of mysticism. “It’s all going so smoothly now…”

 

She said, “I had only hoped you would wake up, but… I didn’t dare to dream it.”

 

“Still need to thank him,” she said as she left.

 

Yu Lan, not expecting the first to contact him would be someone like Song Sijue rather than the anxious Yu Ling, found this amusing.

 

Did everyone think he was in deep trouble now?

 

Song Sijue mentioned an apology, and although he wasn’t a bad person, it seemed his most practiced skill was indeed apologizing.

 

Yu Lan found this amusing and had no intention of replying. He went home by himself.

 

Noticing the huge impact of Chu Wang’s awakening, Yu Lan saw Xi Jun sitting on the sofa, politely but firmly refusing distant relatives, clients, and others who wanted to visit Chu Wang.

 

Seeing him, Xi Jun’s face brightened with evident joy. “Classes are over?”

 

Even though Xi Jun wasn’t someone prone to emotional outbursts, Yu Lan still sensed a bit of her happiness and nodded. “Auntie, how is Mr. Chu today?”

 

Xi Jun walked over. “He’s well. It’s just that about what I mentioned to you this morning…”

 

Hearing this, Yu Lan silently perked up his ears.

 

What had Chu Wang said to Xi Jun?

 

The next moment, the woman looked over with relief and emotion, saying, “Chu Wang told me…”

 

Her face showed clear surprise, and her tone had changed: “He’s fallen in love with you at first sight!”

 

Yu Lan: “…………”

 

Xi Jun interpreted his silence and blushing as a stunned surprise. “In any case, Xiao Yu, everything is better than expected.”

 

Yu Lan didn’t dare to speak, feeling like Chu Wang had indeed said this to Xi Jun just like that?!

 

“Well, I’ll go up and see him,” Yu Lan said, feeling a bit dazed, avoiding her gaze.

 

“Okay.” She was naturally beaming with joy and paused before adding, “By the way, Xiao Yu, do you have any plans for the next few days?”

 

Yu Lan didn’t immediately understand her meaning. “What do you mean?”

 

“If you want to move next door, I can have someone help with that. But if you… don’t mind if Chu Wang is a bit taciturn,” Xi Jun’s expression grew somewhat subtle, “could you possibly help look after him?”

 

Yu Lan was taken aback for a moment but quickly nodded. “Sure.”

 

“It was me who stayed with him before. It’s inconvenient to find someone new,” she said thoughtfully to Xi Jun. “I’ll go upstairs now.”

 

Xi Jun watched his retreating figure.

 

Even she herself didn’t understand why things had progressed so rapidly in just one day.

 

When Yu Lan entered the room, he saw Chu Wang already sitting in a wheelchair, writing something at the desk.

 

Chu Wang looked up as he heard the noise, calmly and gently, as if he had rehearsed this in his mind a thousand times: “You’re back?”

 

Previously, he could only be awakened; now, he could finally speak up on his own.

 

Yu Lan nodded. “Are you working?”

 

“No,” Chu Wang didn’t avoid him. “I want to recover quickly, so writing a bit is also a form of rehabilitation.”

 

Yu Lan approached and found this to be true.

 

Some text that could have been processed with electronic devices was meticulously handwritten by Chu Wang.

 

The first two pages were clearly painful to write. Despite his smoother recovery from being a soul entity, traces of his effort could still be seen in the writing.

 

Later on, it got a bit better. Chu Wang’s original handwriting must have been very nice, strong and full of character.

 

“You only need to help me with a hand massage,” Yu Lan leaned in, holding his hand that was warm from gripping the pen and controlling it, gently rubbing it. “Just waking up and you’re already pushing yourself so hard.”

 

“It’s too slow.” Chu Wang’s voice didn’t carry any complaints, but Yu Lan could tell it was his true feeling. “I want to go faster.”

 

“Everyone knows you’re awake now. Rehabilitation is a necessary process. You don’t need to rush it in a day or two,” Yu Lan mumbled while holding his fingers.

 

Chu Wang’s gaze fell on their intertwined fingers.

 

Their fingers were affectionately linked, like two trees that were naturally inseparable, entwined together.

 

“You know why I want to hurry,” Chu Wang said bluntly without hiding anything.

 

Yu Lan’s eyes flickered, but he didn’t speak.

 

Chu Wang didn’t seem eager to continue this topic and said, “Do you have time later?”

 

“Hm?”

 

“I’ve contacted Zhang Yan,” Chu Wang’s voice was flat, “I want to return to the company.”

 

“Why schedule so much just after waking up…” Yu Lan muttered quietly.

 

He knew why Chu Wang was so anxious; it was as if, after drifting as a soul entity for so long, he couldn’t stand having his body idle now.

 

Even though Chu Wang was honest and didn’t avoid showing his current state, he still couldn’t relax.

 

Yu Lan found this a bit unfamiliar.

 

Aside from not being able to move freely, Chu Wang had already resumed communication with the outside world effortlessly in a short time. Returning to his original identity meant he needed to resume many of his previous tasks.

 

Yu Lan shook off his thoughts and nodded. “I’ll go with you.”

 

As before, Zhang Yan was waiting early in the company’s parking lot.

 

However, this was the most different time compared to the previous ones—her boss had woken up!

 

She had been firmly convinced of their past relationship, especially since Yu Lan had provided so much evidence only Chu Wang knew. But perhaps because of his sudden awakening, Zhang Yan couldn’t help but be a bit more curious.

 

If what Yu Lan had told her was correct, then they had transformed from a long-standing secret affair into a couple who had gone through hardships together, and they shouldn’t be apart anymore?

 

Zhang Yan felt she shouldn’t be so nosy about her boss, but given that she had never seen any sign of affection from Chu Wang towards anyone, her previously suppressed doubts resurfaced.

 

But no matter what, Mr. Yu was a good person.

 

She had constructed several scenarios in her mind, with the worst being that Mr. Yu would never appear again…

 

While thinking, a car approached from a distance. After seeing the license plate, she immediately adjusted her expression and prepared to greet them.

 

She walked up, opened the car door, and nervously wanted to confirm her guess—

 

Yu Lan got out of the car first and said, “Be careful,” as he assisted the man in the wheelchair.

 

Zhang Yan breathed a sigh of relief, feeling inexplicably fortunate, and quickly followed to help Yu Lan with Chu Wang.

 

Chu Wang was dressed in formal attire, and his hair was neatly arranged. No longer the unresponsive comatose patient, he now had his eyes open, with a calm and sharp gaze, retaining the appearance from her memories.

 

Zhang Yan felt an indescribable excitement and said, “Mr. Chu, welcome back.”

 

The man in the wheelchair gave a faint nod and responded calmly.

 

“Thank you for your hard work.”

 

Zhang Yan felt touched and was about to say more when she saw Chu Wang look up, his gaze landing on the person pushing his wheelchair.

 

“Do you want to wait for me in the office?” he asked Yu Lan.

 

His tone was calm but gentle, and Zhang Yan’s eyes widened slightly—this was the first time she had seen such a Chu Wang.

 

“It’s fine. I can walk with you. I don’t have anything else to do today,” Yu Lan replied.

 

Although it was the simplest of conversations, Zhang Yan’s emotions fluctuated greatly—this wasn’t about the normalcy or simplicity but rather a kind of tacit understanding between the two that others couldn’t intrude upon.

 

Could what Yu Lan had told her really be true?

 

Zhang Yan tried to recall the years Chu Wang had been missing, but she couldn’t find any clues.

 

But seeing everything with her own eyes now, even if she found it hard to believe, she had to accept this reality.

 

Zhang Yan dared to glance at Chu Wang.

 

She deeply thought that she still didn’t understand her boss well enough.

 

The three of them entered the parking garage’s elevator, and with a “ding” sound, the elevator doors opened on the first floor.

 

Although the sound wasn’t loud, the entire lobby instantly fell silent.

 

Of course, the entire company knew that Chu Wang had awoken. When Zhang Yan went downstairs to pick him up, they had guessed, but to see it happen was…

 

As the footsteps and the rolling sound drew closer, everyone saw the man in the wheelchair.

 

Some people had heard rumors that he was gravely ill and might never wake up, and that the company might soon face a change.

 

However, all those rumors were shattered at this moment.

 

Aside from a slight lingering weakness from his serious illness, Chu Wang now appeared almost unchanged from their memories—

 

Calm, indifferent, and also unapproachable.

 

“Mr. Chu…”

 

“Mr. Chu!”

 

“Welcome back!”

 

“Wishing you a speedy recovery!”

 

After the initial astonishment, people naturally focused on the person pushing the wheelchair.

 

Some realized and cast various looks toward him.

 

Some felt pity—he was initially brought in as a prop for good fortune during Chu Wang’s coma; now that Chu Wang had woken up, wasn’t that the end of the good times?

 

Others found the situation quite mystical. If not for this marriage, perhaps Chu Wang wouldn’t have woken up. Seeing him return to the company, perhaps the Chu family would still be grateful for his contributions. Although the marriage would likely end, there might be significant compensation.

 

Most people looked at him with sympathy, especially since…

 

Last time, he had been quite arrogant while using this identity in the company, even causing a stir at the shareholders’ meeting.

 

Given Chu Wang’s current state, perhaps he hadn’t realized yet…

 

There was an added sense of lament in their gazes.

 

The young man pushing the wheelchair seemed unaware of these looks, unlike before when Chu Wang was still comatose and had used his authority to intimidate others. 

 

Now, he appeared calm, likely not expecting Chu Wang to recover so soon and thus not daring to be bold.

 

He had been so arrogant before, and now he was the complete opposite.

 

Just as the onlookers were still processing this, Chu Wang suddenly stopped.

 

Yu Lan thought he might have something to say to the company staff, so he also paused, waiting for his reaction.

 

But unexpectedly, after stopping, Chu Wang called out to him.

 

“What’s wrong?” Yu Lan asked.

 

Chu Wang didn’t speak immediately. Yu Lan leaned in a bit closer—

 

Chu Wang lifted his gaze and slowly raised his hand, his fingertips brushing over the bow tie Yu Lan had adjusted just before leaving.

 

“Why is it crooked again?”

 

Although he said this, his expression softened slightly as he gently adjusted it.

 

Yu Lan was taken aback, and Chu Wang’s presence moved closer.

 

He didn’t seem to care that they were in the company building or that this was his first appearance since awakening.

 

But Yu Lan, when allowed to act freely, could be indifferent to appearances; when others took the initiative, he felt his earlobes turn red.

 

At that moment, his mind went blank, and he couldn’t say a word, allowing Chu Wang to finish adjusting his bow tie and lightly pat it, saying, “All done.”

 

Yu Lan, feeling a bit dazed, stood up straight and then continued pushing Chu Wang.

 

The previously sympathetic and uninformed employees also felt dazed.

 

—Had Mr. Chu been in a coma for a year and then someone else took over his body?!!

 

If it had only happened once, they could have comforted themselves that it was just a mistake. But no, Chu Wang meticulously adjusted the bow tie himself and spoke to Yu Lan in a gentle tone.

 

In an instant, most people’s thoughts were a mix of shock and admiration, and they cast surprised but respectful looks at Yu Lan’s retreating figure.

 

Yu Lan then accompanied Chu Wang on a tour around the office before they returned to the office together.

 

Once the room was left with just the two of them, Yu Lan walked over, closed the door, and looked at Chu Wang, who was sitting not far away: “Just now, just now…”

 

Why the sudden change?

 

“If I hadn’t done that, as soon as I turned away, all sorts of rumors would have spread,” Chu Wang said calmly.

 

He was well aware of what people thought and knew what Yu Lan would face in public opinion.

 

“But I don’t care about those,” Yu Lan said, looking at him. “Mr. Chu, you should know that.”

 

“I do care,” Chu Wang said in a calm yet determined manner.

 

“You know that too,” he continued.

 

He wheeled himself to the window, pressed a button, and the office was bathed in the light of the setting sun. He looked down at the small buildings and traffic far below.

 

Yu Lan watched his back.

 

The last time they were here, they had finally figured out how to get his soul out into the open, rather than being confined to the bedroom.

 

At that time, Chu Wang had also drifted to the window, silently looking down.

 

“I…” Yu Lan opened his mouth but couldn’t find the right words.

 

He wanted to say that he wasn’t intentionally avoiding the issue and wasn’t pretending not to see it.

 

Clearly, he had meant to make a decision when he went home that day. Clearly, Chu Wang had been straightforward, both before his soul disappeared that night and now.

 

As expected, Chu Wang spoke up.

 

“I was thinking, just now, I almost couldn’t help but say ‘this is the lady of the house’ to the public,” Chu Wang looked out the window, “Looking back now, that idea…”

 

He laughed, almost self-deprecatingly. “It was too immature, too irrational, not like me at all.”

 

“But I also think that if you really agreed, I might have done it again.”

 

“I’m not…”

 

Yu Lan’s voice was dry, his words faltering.

 

“I know, I’m not trying to force you to make a decision.”

 

“I’m just… afraid,” Chu Wang admitted. “Yu Lan, I’m afraid too.”

 

“When I first woke up, I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t know if I’d ever wake up again. I wanted to see you every day but didn’t want to drag you down.”

 

“Then you mentioned Song Sijue. At first, it was fine, but at the auction, I really couldn’t hold back.”

 

“No matter how many times I told myself, just thinking about the possibility of you accepting him made me afraid.”

 

“Afraid that I might disappear, afraid that I might wake up and not remember you.”

 

Chu Wang rarely spoke so much. He paused. “I didn’t expect that waking up would still bring those feelings.”

 

“I don’t want you to be misunderstood, and I’m afraid you might leave me because of this.” Chu Wang took a light breath.

 

“But I absolutely don’t deny my determination to have you. It’s just that recovery is too slow…” he said. “But now I can’t even stand up properly. What can I say to keep you?”

 

“While you were gone, I kept thinking about what I could do, but it seems I can’t do anything now.” Chu Wang’s voice carried a rare hint of sadness. “Look, I can’t even lift you.”

 

Yu Lan finally grew anxious. “I’m not…”

 

“Of course, Yu Lan. Even if you don’t agree with me, even if there are other choices in the future, I still want you to know.”

 

Chu Wang turned his wheelchair around to face him.

 

“I hope you are always happy, that you gain freedom, and that at every crossroads, you make the choices you truly want.”

 

His eyes held a tenderness that completely contradicted his outward demeanor, and a sincerity that was deeply convincing.

 

“You are not the one who is abandoned.” Chu Wang said, “What I mean is, you are always worth choosing, but you don’t need to be troubled by it…”

 

“—Because you are unparalleled.”

 

He didn’t even use the term “one of a kind.”

 

Yu Lan pursed his lips, trying to control his emotions.

 

His voice was muffled. “So, that day… you heard?”

 

“I heard when you came close.” Chu Wang said. “At that time, I had a few minutes of feeling like I was back in my body, and you even called my name.”

 

“So you…”

 

“I was not fully conscious, but I seemed to be betting that you were right beside me,” Chu Wang said with a soft laugh, curling his right pinky finger. “I was right, wasn’t I?”

 

Yu Lan looked at Chu Wang from a few meters away.

 

Looking at his open expression, at the sky behind him.

 

This office was probably the highest place here, and looking down from the window for too long gave a dizzying sensation, as if momentarily suspended in mid-air, isolated from the world.

 

Yu Lan wasn’t sure what expression he had on his face now. He said, “Then why didn’t you tell me when I said I would give you a response?”

 

Chu Wang didn’t think much about it. “I didn’t want you to give an answer out of obligation.”

 

Yu Lan blinked frequently, biting his lip hard.

 

“And… when you said that, you already had an answer in your heart, didn’t you?”

 

Yu Lan’s nose turned red as well.

 

He saw Chu Wang, not far from him, slowly turning toward him, raising his hands as if in a welcoming gesture.

 

This time, he suddenly didn’t want to think about anything. Almost like a gust of wind, he threw himself beside Chu Wang.

 

Yu Lan ran to him, sitting on Chu Wang’s lap.

 

At the same time, he felt the other’s warm hands covering him.

 

Yu Lan hugged him tightly and buried his face in Chu Wang’s neck, nodding.

 

“All done.”

 

He heard Chu Wang’s voice, his big hand gently ruffling his hair, saying softly, “You won’t cry anymore from now on.”

 

Seven thousand words! Consider it a two-in-one! It should be done by 12 o’clock, but it’s not finished yet. Maybe later, there will be more.

 

Ah, finally wrote it out. It took a long time (teary-eyed).