Chapter 35: Don’t Get Too Close to Her
A faint smile touched Gu Chiyan’s eyes. “Hello, I’m Gu Chiyan. Old Man Ge does talk about you often—says you’ve helped him out quite a bit.”
Old Man Ge: “…”
One shameless person after another!
Only now did the old man slowly realize—this brat Gu Chiyan probably rescheduled his train ticket because of that little girl!
Su He exchanged a few polite words before starting to fish for information.
“I’m a liaison from Huaihua Commune. What do you do for work?”
“I’m in research. I heard from Old Man Ge that you saved a child yesterday?”
Su He was sharp.
The moment she saw Gu Chiyan deflect the question, she knew he didn’t want to talk about his job in detail.
Sensible as she was, she didn’t press further and instead started explaining the Heimlich maneuver.
Gu Chiyan listened attentively. After Su He finished, he said, “When I return to the capital, I’ll try to find some foreign medical references. I’ll work on promoting this method so more people can benefit. To avoid complications, I won’t involve you or Old Master Ge.”
Su He was moved. In this era, anyone who could access foreign materials either came from a powerful background or worked in a privileged field.
In her eyes, Gu Chiyan’s value instantly shot up—from a decorative vase to a priceless antique!
Her smile became even brighter.
The two young people chatted idly across the low wall as the setting sun bathed their figures in golden light.
It was a picture of tranquil beauty.
Then, it was interrupted by a loud voice.
“Xiao He, you’re back? Oh my, this young man is really good-looking. Are you related to Mr. Ge?”
It was Cao Hongmei.
Gu Chiyan’s tone instantly turned distant, his words few and cold. “Just an old acquaintance.”
Cao Hongmei was displeased by his cold attitude but turned to Su He. “Xiao He, come eat.”
Su He smiled at Gu Chiyan. “I’m going in to eat. See you around!”
She was interested in the handsome guy, sure—but good looks didn’t fill your stomach.
Right now, she was tired and hungry. Eating came first.
Watching her walk away so decisively, Gu Chiyan felt a faint, indescribable sense of disappointment.
Old Man Ge grunted from the doorway. “Alright, stop standing there like a fool. Come in and eat!”
At dinner, Old Man Ge huffed. “You’re heading back to the capital soon, so just keep it quiet! That girl Su He is a good one—don’t go messing with her.”
Gu Chiyan smiled lightly. “Old Master Ge, you’re reading too much into it. We just happened to bump into each other and chatted a little.”
Old Man Ge snorted. “You can say that, but you’re not fooling anyone! Why else would you reschedule your train ticket? From what I know of you, you plan everything down to the last second. This kind of blunder doesn’t happen unless you wanted it to.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Anyway, don’t go messing with that girl. You two aren’t from the same world! Not to mention, that old fossil in your family would never approve of you dating some village girl.”
Gu Chiyan’s voice dropped slightly. “Old Master Ge, I’ve always made my own choices. Besides, Su He and I barely spoke. You’re jumping to conclusions.”
Old Man Ge slammed his chopsticks down. “I’m just trying to nip things in the bud! If I didn’t have ties with that stubborn old man in your family, I wouldn’t bother meddling in your business!”
Gu Chiyan chuckled. “I didn’t say anything, did I? Why are you getting all worked up? I’m heading back to the capital tomorrow—won’t even have the chance to ‘mess with’ Su He.”
Old Man Ge shot him a glare, then finally resumed eating.
After dinner, the old man grabbed Gu Chiyan’s wrist to check his pulse.
He rolled his eyes—couldn’t be healthier. That talk about not sleeping or eating well? Total nonsense!
Thinking about that stubborn old man in the Gu family, he warned, “Once you’re back, make sure that old fossil follows the prescription. Even if it won’t cure him completely, it’ll help manage the symptoms.”
Gu Chiyan nodded.
Old Man Ge sighed. “It’s a shame Hua Tuo’s Qing Nang Shu has been lost. Maybe that book would’ve had a real cure. Same with Huangdi’s Outer Canon. I’ve dreamed of seeing those lost texts—but they’re probably gone forever…”
Gu Chiyan knew the old man was about to go off on his usual rants, and only half-listened, responding with vague hums.
Just then, Su He’s cheerful voice rang from outside.
“Old Master Ge, Old Master Ge—”
He swung the door open. “What are you yelling for? Trying to summon spirits?!”
Su He laughed. “I’m heading back to the countryside tomorrow morning and wanted to ask if you like wild mountain vegetables. If you do, I’ll bring you some next time.”
Old Man Ge actually missed that flavor. “Alright, bring some if you can!”
Su He smiled and gave Gu Chiyan a nod before heading back to her room.
Inside, Cao Hongmei grabbed her hand. “Xiao He, you’re heading back to the countryside? Was my hospitality lacking?”
Su He almost laughed. Last time she left, Cao Hongmei nearly set off firecrackers. Now she’s acting reluctant to let her go?
“Second Aunt, I have some business to take care of. If all goes well, I’ll be back the day after tomorrow.”
Cao Hongmei finally let out a breath of relief. Right now, she and her husband were counting on Su He to help them secure permanent positions!
—
The next morning after breakfast, Su He slung her little shoulder bag and headed out.
She glanced toward the eastern neighbor’s house before casually strolling toward the bus station.
She was interested in Gu Chiyan, sure—but the true art of attraction lies in knowing when to advance and when to retreat.
As she neared the station, a voice called out behind her.
“Su He, wait up!”
It was Gu Chiyan.
Su He smiled to herself—hook, line, and sinker.
She turned, feigning surprise. “Comrade Gu, something the matter?”
“I might need your help when promoting the Heimlich maneuver. Would it be okay if we wrote letters?”
Gu Chiyan’s expression was calm, but his hand was subtly clenched.
Su He smiled. “Of course! Though if you send letters to my village, it might be slow. How about this—send them to Qian Huifang at the mechanical factory union. She’ll get them to me. And aside from first-aid stuff, if there’s anything else you want to write about, don’t be shy.”
Gu Chiyan nodded. “Alright, I’ll note that. You’re heading to the bus station? I happen to be going that way. Let’s go together.”
Su He’s smile grew even sweeter.
“Great! You can tell me all about the capital’s good food and fun places. I’ve never been!”
The bus station was way up in the northernmost part of the county—nothing but wilderness around.
Going that way, huh? What are you doing—going to clear land?
Gu Chiyan didn’t know what Su He was thinking. All he felt was a sense of peace replacing the anxiety that had haunted him.
He’d barely slept the night before, Su He’s every word and expression looping in his mind.
He analyzed it from every angle, and finally accepted—he liked her.
Rationally, he knew he shouldn’t indulge the feeling. They lived far apart, their backgrounds worlds away. The path forward would be littered with obstacles.
But emotionally, it was like a caged beast had tasted freedom. Once it caught a whiff of possibility, there was no turning back.
In the end, emotion triumphed over reason—so he ran after her.
Whatever happens, he had to try.
Maybe it was just fleeting attraction that would fade with distance.
Maybe not.
They laughed and chatted all the way to the bus station.
“Comrade Gu, I’m here.”
“Then… I’ll be off. Safe travels!”
“Safe travels to you too. Goodbye!”
Gu Chiyan turned to leave, a hollow feeling in his chest.
He had hoped Su He would say something more.
But when he looked back—All he saw was her retreating figure, neat and decisive, without a trace of reluctance.
