The physical exertion the night before was too excessive, and he had even gotten up early that day, so unsurprisingly, Dr. Lu overslept.
The leave period approved by the director still hadn't finished yet. Gu Pingming's original plan was to keep the little doctor in his arms and have him rest at home for the entire day. But Lu Baiyu, in a rare display, insisted on going back to the center no matter what.
Gu Pingming felt uneasy about his shoulder which had been injured over and over. He specially called the orthopedic doctor and using materials they had on hand at home, tied the young doctor's shoulder into a zongzi. Only then did he accompany him to leave the house.
Lu Baiyu didn't hurry back to his office. Instead, he led Gu Pingming to a remote storehouse.
He had a vague recollection that Lu Baiyu had indeed mentioned something about tying up some people and putting them away in a storehouse. However, all of Gu Pingming's thoughts at the time had been tied to the other party's safety, and he hadn't paid any attention to his brief explanation.
Seeing that he was actually going to open the door, Gu Pingming couldn't help but be stunned, and hurried to keep up with him.
He watched as Lu Baiyu unlock the door and pull it open, revealing a few figures that had collapsed from fright, lying on the ground and shaking. The battle-hardened Officer Gu paused and fell into deep thought.
His little doctor had been almost kidnapped. But not only did he escape safely, but he also turned the tables on them and captured them instead.
Gu Pingming suddenly felt that he had seriously underestimated the strength of the young doctor.
"They were sent by a 'Brother Yun'. They were sent to capture me to threaten you. I heard that they were originally planning to set a trap to control you…"
Lu Baiyu often did this kind of thing, and he was also very proficient in interrogation. After confirming that those people were still tightly tied up, he handed Gu Pingming the keys and left the storehouse with him. He then carefully recounted the things he had asked them.
Those would-be kidnappers had been so scared out of their wits that they began to spill everything in such a messy and confusing way. It took him some time to figure out the whole story. He wanted to tell the other last night, but he never found the right opportunity.
Gu Pingming was still stunned at first, but when he heard the whole story from him, there came an extremely indescribable sourness and softness in his heart. Meeting the young doctor's clear and warm eyes, he held his hand and fell silent.
He had been struggling over this.
Those who take this profession will inevitably have concerns. He had always been worried that once Lu Baiyu knew everything, he would be pushed away because of his identity. But he couldn't continue to keep this secret that could trigger a crisis at any time after the other party had gotten in danger because of himself.
This kind of struggle has always been entrenched in his heart. He thought of waiting until he settled down before telling the truth to Lu Baiyu, and he has also thought about simply revealing, and leaving it to the other to make his decision.
But the only thing he hadn't thought about was that Lu Baiyu already knew these things from the begining.
Leading Gu Pingming into his office, the little doctor stopped talking. His eyes were sparkling, and he slightly raised his head to look at him.
We're sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we're going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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Lu Baiyu leaned on his shoulder. He raised his hand to wrap against his shoulder, nuzzling against his neck.
The body in his arms was still frail and thin, but it faintly revealed an extremely pliable but tough strength. Gu Pingming didn't doubt that he really had this ability. His little doctor never said anything, never made ripples, but still waters ran deep. It seemed like he could do everything.
"I can protect myself… so don't worry."
As if he had guessed what he was thinking, Lu Baiyu spoke plainly for the first time. From his position on his shoulder, he raised his eyes slightly. "No matter where you go, I can follow you."
Meeting the clear and quiet light in his black eyes, Gu Pingming lowered his head and smiled. "Okay."
The young doctor tilted his head and thought for a moment. There was a faint smile in his clear and handsome brows. The corners of his lips were pursed and they ticked up. He made an earnest despairing expression. "Only that if my doctor training gets suspended, I'll have to pay the penalty fees and I'll lose my internship wages."
"I'll reimburse you. As much as you like."
Gu Pingming chuckled soundlessly. Responding in a serious manner, he picking the other up effortlessly and sat on the desk with his arms around him. Tilting his head down and rubbing his nose affectionately, he said, "Be my private doctor? My line of work is a bit dangerous. I might get hurt often, so it might be better if I just sell myself to you. I'm not very good at settling accounts you can just take your own salary…"
Lu Baiyu was tickled by his rubbing. He couldn't help but chuckle. He took the initiative to raise his hand to hug him. "If I'll be your private doctor, I don't even need a salary."
The little doctor's tone was as usual, but what he said made Gu Pingming's heart grow scalding hot. Supported himself with one hand on the edge of the large desk and covering his back with the other, carefully protecting Lu Baiyu's shoulder injury, he bowed his head and kissed him.
In order to prevent his injury from recurring last night, Lu Baiyu had used all the medicines he had bought from the mall in one go. And so, not only did he prevent a recurrence, he also almost completely healed his body way in advance. Gu Pingming didn't know this, but he did know that after yesterday night, not only did his body's injuries get better, but the aches and pains he'd accumulated over the years also became much looser.
For his injury to heal, it needed improved blood circulation and the dispersal of stasis. His veins needed to be stimulated. The injury on Lu Baiyu's shoulder has not yet healed, and according to reason, touching it should be avoided.
Recalling how yesterday, Lu Baiyu had lay dozing unguardedly by the side of the bathtub, and how he had then voluntarily stepped in to comfort him, Gu Pingming's chest felt somewhat stuffy. One hand lightly stroked his back while he deepened the wordless kiss.
His little doctor really didn't know how to take care of himself.
This needed to be corrected.
Officer Gu, whose body was now much better, also had better lung power. He lightly pulled back for a bit, and noticed that the young doctor between his arms was finding it a little hard to hold on. He withdrew slightly, putting a little distance between them. As before, he kept gently rubbing against his lips. He reached out for his hand and squeezed it tightly.
There was the sound of someone tiptoeing outside the door. Lu Baiyu, perceptive, opened his eyes. He was about to signal to him, but Gu Pingming had already tightened his arms around him comfortingly. He turned slightly, keeping the young doctor's figure away from view.
Liang Xia knocked a couple of times on the door, but didn't hear anyone inside. Seeing that the door was slightly ajar, he mustered up the courage and cautiously opened the door, poking his head in.
There were people in the room. He could see whether there was one or two, but at least he could make out that it was Gu Pingming who was standing by the table. Liang Xia didn't know whether to step forward, and hesitated on the spot. Gu Pingming had already reached out for something on the table. He threw it with backhand-ly without even looking back, brushing against his scalp and crashing against the door frame.
"Brother Gu-it's me! The Bureau Chief asked me to come!"
His scalp instantly stretched tight. Liang Xia's figure froze in place. He raised his hands and spoke hurriedly.
Gu Pingming finally straightened up slightly, revealing the figure sitting on the table.
The young doctor was still a little out of breath, but he had returned to his usual tidy and gentle manner. Only that his ears were still slightly red, and Gu Pingming had his arm around his shoulders, placing him against his chest. His dark eyes seemed to be covered with mist.
They've even actually reached the office already!
Beasts!
Even if Liang Xia hadn't eaten pork and he has seen pigs run. Internally, he held his head and screamed. With a meaningful glance, he quickly withdrew. "Excuse me, I suddenly remembered I don't really have anything to…"
"Stop."
Gu Pingming spoke quietly, keeping his hand protectively on Lu Baiyu's back. "Help me apply for a mobile phone when you return to the office. File a report saying that it was broken while out on offciial business. Sign my name."
There were a lot of worries in the Bureau. As a matter of principle, undercover agents weren't allowed to be too involved. Although they had already beaten up the would-be kidnappers, there ws no guarantee that the Bureau Chief would intervene once again.
Liang Xia frequently visited him. Gu Pingming had already recognized his footsteps early on. Allowing him to come in had been to deliberately let him see the situation in the doctor's office.
With a gun in one hand and his little doctor in the other, this was the first time he felt that his undercover career didn't seem like a bottomless black pit.
"I'm actually here to deliver the mobile phone. The Bureau Chief also said that family members should be equipped with a gun. I'm here to deliver that as well!"
Officer Liang's eye was still swollen, and he instinctively shivered when he heard him speak. His body instinctively leaned forward. He took a deep breath and revealed everything in one go. "There are also two pairs of handcuffs! The chief said this is the real thing, so you should be careful when you use it. Don't use it for fooling around…"
They already taken things to the doctor's office. There's no telling if they won't use it to mess around.
When he had received the task, in his mind, he had even been criticizing the chief for worrying too much. Now, he realized that old ginger was still indeed hotter than new. Liang Xia was madly ridiculing them in his heart, but he still maintained a proper expression on his face. He piled everything he had on hand, onto the table.
Looking at his masterpiece from last night, Gu Pingming raised his eyebrows. He met the distinct smile in Lu Baiyu's eyes. He took a light breath, and couldn't help but smile as well.
——Compared to others, it still seemed to be a little brighter.
*
With bargaining chips in hand, Gu Pingming decided to start first.
The Bureau's plan was to have him hide for another half a month. Once all arrangements were made, he and his family member will be completely transferred together. If this were as usual, Gu Pingming naturally wouldn't refuse this method which was the most trouble-free. But this time, he became extremely reluctant.
Only by cherishing his life can his little doctor be cured.
The arrival of the handcuffs and guns were very timely. Gu Pingming immediately called back the man who made the threatening phone call and invited him out for tea at the same place tonight. Otherwise, he would never return all those people he'd captured.
Seeing that he was extremely proficient at doing these things that were no different from what a villain would do, Liang Xia sat to the side, feeling jumpy. He wanted to ask the little doctor for help, but Lu Baiyu had already installed the last part neatly according to how Gu Pingming taught him. With a snap, he buckled the magazine in place and turned it dexterously a couple of times in his hand.
Liang Xia: "…"
Liang Xia decided to run.
He had lifted his butt just half an inch from the sofa, and Gu Pingming, who had bowed his head while fiddling with his phone, skillfully raised his hand and slammed him to sit back down, "I asked you to look after the porridge that day. Where's the porridge?"
Unexpectedly, he still remembered this matter. Liang Xia's stomach twisted and his face turned pale. "Bro-Brother Gu, wait a minute, I can explain–"
He has never cooked the porridge before. He didn't know that lifting the lid will cause the water boiling over to fall back down. When he'd been hesitating whether to pull the plug or not, the boiling porridge had already whizzed out and instantly short-circuited the power source.
Scared, he hastily cleaned up the scene and ran away with the handy electric pot. He ran to the top of the stairs. Thinking that he shouldn't waste it, he fearfully drank the rest.
In his mind, this had become a potentially problem. Liang Xia actually ran to the market and bought a new electric pot, but there had been so many incidents since then that he never found time to send it over.
The complicated causes of this past issue got Liang Xia stammering for quite a while. With much effort, he finally manage to squeeze out a few words. Gu Pingming had already put away his phone and raised his head. He fetched a piece of candy from the little doctor's pocket and chewed it. The candy was crunching in his mouth. He gave him a gentle smile, "I think it's time for that exam."
Liang Xia ran away crying.
Lu Baiyu still more or less had the kind-heartedness of a doctor. He craned is neck to take an assessing look of the mentally and physically injured Officer Liang who was already fast disappearing like a wisp of smoke. A warmth covered his from behind, and with a turn of his head, he found himself already in Gu Pingming's arms. He smiled, bowed his head and kissed him. "… …Don't worry about him."
The Bureau Chief was afraid of him making trouble. Knowing that he, being Liang Xia's teacher, had somewhat of a fondness for Liang Xia, it was normal for the Bureau Chief to send him to remind him.
The teachings he has been receiving recently has made Liang Xia a bit cleverer. He had probably guessed his thoughts. Figuring out the situation, he decided to leave so as not to get in the way. Gu Pingming figured he could give him 20% bonus points on his next exam.
He didn't intend to elaborate, and Lu Baiyu didn't ask too much. His eyes curved into a smile and he let him hold him. He raised his head. "Are we going for that drink tonight?"
"Let's go together and teach them a lesson."
Gu Pingming grasped his hands and noticed that the hand on his injured side was still slightly cold. He leaned over and gently picked Lu Baiyu up. With him in his arms, he sat on the sofa. "Let's go get a new splint in a while and then go out and have a bite. I haven't done my rehab yet and we've got something on tonight. How about we schedule it earlier in the afternoon?"
Knowing that his thoughts were focused on the relaxation after his rehab exercises, Lu Baiyu couldn't help but have the corners of his lips tick up, his eyes sparkling with smiles. "We've got a lot scheduled for today. It's time for a careful examination. You can set aside the rehad exercises for today and just relax."
Eyes filled with a clear smile, the bottom of Gu Pingming's heart turned warm. He bowed his head and kissed his lips, shielding the other even deeper in his arms. "Can you use a gun? I will teach you tonight. Just open it. Careful you don't hurt yourself on the recoil. If you hurt someone, consider it my…"
Actually, Lu Baiyu was already very proficient in the use of guns, but he still liked listening to him teach him in such a soft-spoken tone. Resting on his shoulder, he listened quietly.
The air conditioner in the office was fully turned on, and his whole body was softly suffused with warmth. His mind was completely relaxed, and after a while, there grew a feeling of tiredness. His eyelids drooped shut several times. He slid down against the broad chest and shoulders behind him.
Gu Pingming attentively kept watch on him. He promptly stretched his arms, holding him steady against his chest. He stroked his brows, stretch out in peaceful relaxation. He slowly tightened his hold.
Family member.
Without any particular reason, he found that he liked this method of address. He suddenly had a better impression of this worry-wart Bureau Chief. He decided he might as well give a plum in return for a peach, before leaving, he'll make sure to intimidate his subordinate forces. In any case, it would be effective for two to three years.
*
As the night darkened, the atmosphere in the bar was so oppressive, it was almost impossible to breathe.
"Didn't he say nine o'clock… Why isn't he here yet!"
Xiao Yun spoke sharply, but his tone was clearly not angry enough. From time to time, his eyes would dart to the door. He gritted his teeth and lowered his voice. "Are you sure? None of them came back? You didn't see anyone help?"
We're sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we're going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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rnpW yZ XHxj lSZlqS, knsxHllnxO ZxS pWnx Hxs NSHk sZApZU AZFqsx'p WHVS iSSx SHynSU. hS WHsx'p NHnpSs pZ USASnVS NZUs iHAk iSTZUS WS XHsS pWS AHqq. rWZ AZFqs WHVS kxZNx pWHp SVSx HTpSU NHnpnxO TZU H qZxO pnXS, WS snsx'p ySS HxjZxS AZXnxO iHAk. Kp NHyx'p Fxpnq WS's ySxp HxZpWSU ySp ZT lSZlqS Hxs ypnqq snsx'p OSp HxjZxS iHAk pWHp WS USHqnuSs pWHp yZXSpWnxO NHy NUZxO.
And by the time he'd realized it, it was already too late.
Trembling with fear, he waited the whole night. What awaited him wasn't more retaliation, rather, the next day, business suddenly turned cold. Later, he realized that although Gu Pingming had withdrawn, his invisible power and influence was still intact and hadn't scattered. Both times he tried to make a move, he was met with a hard nail. Xiao Yun has lost his confidence and when received a call about rescheduling their appointment for tea, he gritted his teeth and made his way over.
Gu Pingming has always been a lone operator. But now, it seemed that he has a strong power under him. No one could say for certain if maybe he has some particularly capable bodyguards. Xiao Yun didn't have guts in the first place. He led his people to clear the scene in advance. The entire bar was filled with his people. He was just waiting for Gu Pingming to walk right into his trap. And yet, he still hasn't seen neither hide nor hair of the other.
He's already been stood up the day before. The longer Xiao Yun sat down, he less he could sit still. He raised his head and drained his glass. He got up and said in a deep voice, "I'm not waiting any longer. Let's go! Maybe he's just playing us again. Sooner or later, I'm going to have him–"
Before he could finish speaking, a bullet shot through the wine glass in his hand and was embedded deep in the leather sofa.
The wine glass shattered. It was like the scorching heat had just passed. Xiao Yun's face turned pale with fright. Summoning false bravado, he shouted sternly, "Who was it! Are you blind? Come out here right now!"
The light at the bar suddenly turned on. Where the bar owner was supposed to be sitting, there were now two people. No one knew when they had suddenly appeared there.
Half of Gu Pingming's body was hidden in shadows. A gentle-looking, handsome youth wassitting on his lap. He held the young man in his arms. One hand stretched from behind and firmly held the young man's left hand that held a faintly smoking gun. "You have to straighten out your arm, that way the recoil can be dispersed. When shooting, be careful not to injure yourself…"
His words were gentle. His eyes fell on the young man in his arms, and his lips lightly brushed against the soft hair near his temples. Holding his hand, he changed the direction. "Have a try."
"Gu-Gu Pingming!"
Having the pitch-black muzzle pointed straight at him, Xiao Yun was so frightened that his spirit scattered. Ignoring his image, he shouted, "You can't mess around…this bar has an owner! If you make trouble here, you'll instantly be arrested–"
"I bought the bar. I just reported it renovation. It's supposed to be shut down tonight."
Gu Pingming raised his eyebrows. He spoke unhurriedly, his gaze falling onto him. "I want a peaceful life, but some people just wouldn't let me. So I had no choice but to come back and continue to do business."
Xiao Yun's face turned pale. Stumbling, he was about to run away, but the gun in hands of the young man in Gu Pingming's arms rang out once again. The bullet grazed his ears, this time, accurately burning off a patch of his hair.
Xiao Yun shuddered violently. His legs went soft and he fell on his butt.
…
Under Gu Pingming's swift and resolute deterrence, all the forces that were originally getting restless, finally recovered the polite appearance of seeming to live together in harmony.
The boundary between darkness and light was already blurred in the first place. In many cases, it was impossible for things to be either one or the other. It was already the limit on what one could expect that all parties compromise and create this quiet calm.
For a while, Boss Gu's name resounded once again. Finally, it was announced to all that he was washing his hands in a golden basin and taking advantage of this opportunity, he withdrew. This time, everyone had learned their lesson. No one dared to recklessly match up against him. Even the quiet and gentle young doctor beside him had become an Achilles' heel that no one dares to touch.
"All these years, you have worked hard. I hope fate wills it that we meet again in the future."
At night, the airport was exceptionally peaceful. The director handed over the information of his new identity. He looked over Gu Pingming's body. His eyes strayed on the welt on his wrist, and cautiously reminded, "Being young is a good thing, but don't overdo it. Your body is your capital. …"
…
Yesterday, he had installed the new bathtub for the little doctor and accidentally scratched his wrist against the rough edge. Officer Gu's back went taut. He took a deep breath, and forced himself not to dwell on what the Bureau Chief must be thinking. "Yes, I know."
It was only Gu Pingming's wrist that had a welt. The delicate and frail-looking young doctor's wrists were still flawlessly white.
Thinking of how Dr. Lu was able to would-be kidnappers with just his bare hands, the Bureau Chief, who'd taken the initiative to offer them the handcuffs, suddenly felt an unfathomable regret. He couldn't help feeling a bit guilty towards his former subordinate.
The thought was only for a moment. This distinct cold aura around Gu Pingming's body sent a shiver to the Bureau Chief's body. He put on a kind smile and said, "Don't worry, we will handle everything for both of you. You simply need to change to your brand new identities. We have greatly wronged both of you. ."
"I'm used to it. It's Baiyu who's been wronged."
Gu Pingming smiled and gently rubbed the little doctor's hair. Lu Baiyu raised his head and looked at him. His eyes were curved in a smile as he silently held his hand.
The more you try to hide, the more you are exposed.
The Bureau Chief aggrievedly shook his head. He once again deeply reflected on his action of accidentally pushing his old subordinate into the fire pit. He coughed lightly. "There's also the matter of Xiao Liang…you really won't tell him?"
To let him walk away completely clean, the bureau would most likely fake his death. The bureau will pretend he died in a violent car accident, and then come out with his death certificate, directly writing off their current identities. They will then move to a different place to start anew.
Those forces who've often seen this modus wouldn't believe it at all. They will simply think that he's made enough money to dust himself off and go abroad, free and unfettered. But Liang Xia was still a greenhorn. If he wasn't aware of the details, he'll most likely take it as true.
"Tell him after a while. Get him to actually focus on his work. It's not a bad thing if he's exposed to this kind of thing a bit earlier."
Gu Pingming shook his head, handed the ticket to Lu Baiyu, and raised his hand in salute to the Bureau Chief. "We'll meet again someday."
This matter was actually Lu Baiyu's idea. He said that it would allow Liang Xia to mature. Gu Pingming thought about it, and agreed. The two's thinking clicked together and they kept Liang Xia in the dark. When the time was right, the Bureau Chief would naturally reveal the truth to him.
The director smiled at him and returned the salute. "You've been living the life of a homeless vagabond for a while already. Take care of yourself."
The call for boarding sounded out. Gu Pingming grabbed that hand and met the quiet and smiling light in Lu Baiyu's black eyes. His own brows eased and he boarded the plane with him.
The curtain of night was dark, and the red guide lights were quietly lighted on either side.
Gu Pingming fastened the seat belt for him. He flipped his palm, and revealed an inconspicuous small medicine bottle. Lu Baiyu raised his eyes, looking at him uncertainly. "What is that?"
"Medicine for airsickness. I heard that it's very effective. Only that it makes you sleepy. —Just lean against me if you feel sleepy. I'll ask for a blanket once the plane takes off."
Gu Pingming smiled and pinched his earlobe. He took out the pills to give to him.
Slight surprise appeared in Lu Baiyu's eyes. Nevertheless, he still squeezed his hand, accepted paper cup with the warm water and washed the medicine down.
He has never been on a plane in this world. And he's only been airsick once, which was something that had happened in the last world.
It turns out he has always remembered.
The slightly bitter pill swept across the tip of his tongue, and Lu Baiyu's heart leapt a bit. He fumbled for the hand beside him, warmth seeping into his chest.
With a loud roar, the plane began to taxi on the runway. The lights below gradually interwove into a very pleasing net of light, quietly falling into the night.
The lights in the cabin temporarily dimmed. Gu Pingming smiled, and squeezed his hand. He leaned over and dropped a little kiss.
His home was here.
It was just some hardship, that's all. He's not homeless.