HOW TO DEAL WITH A TSUNDERE GONG
Chapter 43 – Reunion

Three years later, S city.

When Xu Bai Chuan uploaded a new chapter of his novel, a blue ‘1’ instantly appeared on the private message box of the website. He pressed on it, not in the least surprised to see the notification:

Reader 8012 sent you a submarine.

Xu Bai Chuan was currently a full-time contract writer with a website, and the submarine was the most expensive gift available, costing 1000 yuan each. Ordinarily, readers only chose to send this type of expensive gift to an author they extremely like. And ever since a year ago, this 8012 started to follow Xu Bai Chuan’s novels, sending a submarine within moments of the new chapter being uploaded every time. 

There were many instances he had suspected this person to be Tang Jin, but he found that this account followed multiple authors at the same time and had a record of sending presents after requesting someone to investigate the matter. Moreover, the linked ID user wasn’t Tang Jin at all. Even after he sent a private message urging the reader to not send such precious gifts, as if his messages were left unread, the reader continued sending gifts every day without fail. On top of that, the reader would leave messages below each chapter, and also type long comments every few days. Since he failed to persuade the person, he just assumed this was his die-hard fan and let the reader do as one wished.

Speaking of Tang Jin, they haven’t seen each other since parting at the hospital three years ago.

All he wanted that year was to leave H city as soon as possible. It was only when he checked his plane ticket did he realize that his flight was set for S city, the city his father Xu Yunhai resided in.

After divorcing Xu Bai Chuan’s mother, Xu Yunhai quickly remarried but good times don’t last forever and he divorced once again, with no intentions of remarrying in the future. Despite his skyrocketing career, only two men, he and Xu Yuanshan lived in a large home. Hence, he had called Xu Bai Chuan multiple times in the past telling him to come over, but Xu Bai Chuan was devoted to Tang Jin at the time and was too busy to worry about anything else. 

At the beginning of Xu Bai Chuan’s life in S city, Xu Yunhai was determined to make up for his mistakes of the past, being extremely attentive towards his son, but restrained himself after Xu Bai Chuan made it clear that his forcedness made everyone uncomfortable. After three years, their relationship wouldn’t be considered joyous, but there was still a taste of a family.

Not longer after Xu Bai Chuan arrived in S city, Tang Jin had already called him numerous times so he shelved that phone and set up a new number with Xu Yuanshan’s ID. And so, his world became completely tranquil. Along with the passing of time, the grudges in his heart were cleanly erased. Although it was hard to rediscover that burning feeling from those days, it’d be fine to continue leading this simple life.

His brief recollection of memories related to Tang Jin was abruptly cut off by a loud ringing. Xu Bai Chuan picked up his phone and taking a look at the caller ID, he found that it was a landline phone number with B city’s area code. After thinking it through, he decided to pick up.

Xu Bai Chuan: “Hello, who is this?”

After some static on the other end, a woman spoke in a very thick B city accent. “Hello, are you Xu Yuanshan’s family?”

Xu Bai Chuan immediately sat up straight and replied, “I am. May I ask where you are?”

“Oh, it’s like this. This is the local police station of XX sub-bureau in B city. Xu Yuanshan was involved in a brawl and must be detained for 5-10 days in accordance with our nation’s laws. Since he’s still a minor and this was a first-time offense, the circumstances aren’t that severe. His punishment can be lightened to a 400 yuan fine. But a guardian must personally retrieve Xu Yuanshan. Do you have time to come over now?” 

Xu Yuanshan was well-behaved at first, but who’d have known that he’d become naughtier as he grew up. While on a trip to B city during his winter vacation, he wound up in this kind of situation. Since Xu Yunhai was currently on a business trip abroad, he had to make time to go over even if he doesn’t have any time!

Xu Baichuan swiftly replied, “Yes, but I’m in another city. I may be a little late getting there by plane.”

The other end: “Then do you have a trusted friend to act on your behalf?”

There weren’t any so he could only personally head over. Since he might not make it in time today, it wasn’t a bad idea to let Xu Yuanshan stay a night at the police station and learn his lesson.

Although those were his thoughts, Xu Bai Chuan hurriedly booked the earliest flight. Leading up to his flight, he typed up a request for leave as a precaution against any unexpected situations: 【Off to B city to deal with my family’s little brat. Requesting leave for two days.】 After setting off in the afternoon, he arrived at B city in 3.5 hours and took a taxi directly to the local police station.

By the time the brothers finally left the police station, stars were twinkling in the sky. Having been locked in for a whole afternoon, Xu Yuanshan was starved and his belly rumbled, so he pressed Xu Bai Chuan to take him out to dinner. While scolding him, Xu Bai Chuan led him to a taxi and told the driver an address without thinking. It was only when they arrived at the destination did he suddenly remember this was a restaurant he often went to with Tang Jin. 

Xu Bai Chuan stood in front of the restaurant for a long time until Xu Yuanshan broke him out of his reverie. Just because his taste hasn’t changed after three years, that doesn’t mean it was the same for others. Laughing at himself, he led Xu Yuanshan into the restaurant.

The restaurant introduced many new dishes throughout the past three years and the delicious taste was the same. While Xu Yuanshan ate until his stomach bulged, Xu Bai Chuan took the opportunity to book a hotel, then got up to pay the bill.

The waiter wearing a bowtie raised his head and after confirming Xu Yuanshan’s position, he said, “Someone has paid your bill already.”

“What?” Xu Bai Chuan was baffled. 

The server looked around, then pointed at the restaurant’s entrance. “It’s that gentleman.”

Xu Bai Chuan instantly turned over, but he couldn’t catch a glimpse of the person. Could it be…his father’s friend? As he walked out of the restaurant, he was still thinking that it couldn’t be such a coincidence to meet Tang Jin here. Yet he immediately froze the instant he saw the person leaning on the car. As it turned out, it really was such a coincidence.

Dressed in a black trench coat, Tang Jin’s hair was shorter than three years ago, and he appeared more mature and steady. Although Xu Bai Chuan and Xu Yuanshan came out together, he didn’t even cast a glance at Xu Yuanshan, his gaze completely resting on Xu Bai Chuan. Straightening his back, he said, “Long time no see.”

Surprised, Xu Yuanshan asked, “Ge, is he your friend?”

According to what Tang Jin said before he left last time, it should be ex-boyfriend. Ignoring Xu Yuanshan, Xu Bai Chuan looked at Tang Jin and smilingly said, “Long time no see. Did you pay the bill for us?” Even though Xu Bai Chuan asked the question, he was already certain so he continued without pause, “Thank you.”

Tang Jin quickly said, “I’m free at any time. You can return the favor.”

Meeting Tang Jin after three years, Xu Bai Chuan was practically conditioned to feel weary. He was still fine now, with no intention to start a new round of mental torture. Hence he rejected him. “That may not be possible. We’re returning to S city tomorrow.”

Tang Jin raised an eyebrow.

Xu Yuanshan immediately said, “What? I’m not going back! I’ve already agreed to climb Wuling Mountain with Huizi!”

Xu Yuanshan’s ‘zi’ was read in a third tone ¹ when it was meant to be in a neutral tone. Xu Bai Chuan was puzzled, “Who’s Huizi?”
[T/N: ¹ Dragged out his name and whinged]

Xu Yuanshan: “A teammate from the game I’m playing. He’s from B city. We’ve already agreed to meet!”

Already agreed to meet and you go fight with others?

Tang Jin cocked an eyebrow in question. Xu Bai Chuan had initially planned to take Xu Yuanshan back to S city with him, and not leave this brat here to continue making a ruckus just to avoid Tang Jin. He perfunctorily said, “Fine. I’ll treat you after we come back from the mountains.”

Tang Jin took out his phone. “Then…leave a phone number?”

Without any other choice, Xu Bai Chuan told his number.

He was still standing on the flight of stairs in front of the restaurant. Tang Jin asked, “Where are you guys staying? I’ll send you back.”

Just when Xu Yuanshan was about to reply, someone suddenly bumped against his shoulder. Then he heard Xu Bai Chuan’s voice. “No need, we can flag down a taxi and head back ourselves.”

Tang Jin gazed at Xu Bai Chuan for a while. He didn’t insist, only saying, “Be safe.” Then he no longer stuck around and drove off. 

Xu Bai Chuan breathed a sigh of relief.

Xu Yuanshan curiously asked, “Ge, who was that?”

Xu Bai Chuan smacked his head and said angrily, “Why do you care about him? Care more about yourself! Daring to meet an online friend, and a gaming friend at that, do you realize you’re nearly in your final year of senior high?”

Xu Yuanshan didn’t dare to provoke him, so he simply shut his mouth and returned to the hotel as quiet as a mouse.

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