Chapter 1024: Chapter 1023:
Luo Yirui had no choice but to say, "Thank you, Auntie, but I’m not used to sleeping in the same bed with someone..."
"Then move a small bed next to mine," Hao Meili said with a smile.
Luo Yirui: "..." There’s no way he’s sleeping with Hao Meili; that’s too scary, right? What if she eats him?
He was wondering how to refuse when the maid behind him said, "Miss, your room doesn’t have enough space for a small bed. Even if we squeeze it in, I’m afraid young master Little Rui won’t sleep comfortably."
Luo Yirui quickly nodded upon hearing this and looked at the maid, who didn’t look remarkable at all, the kind who would disappear in a crowd. But he felt that this maid was absolutely wonderful!
Hao Meili, hearing that Luo Yirui wouldn’t sleep well, had to give up on the idea. In fact, she was quite willing to sleep with Luo Yirui, even hoping he’d call her mom.
"It’ll have to be this way then. Little Rui, go play with your friends. I need to go back and sleep some more. Can’t seem to wake up no matter what." Hao Meili said, yawning as she returned to her room.
Her dark circles were severe, and her skin had become very poor.
During the day, Hao Meili was quite normal, just like before, enjoying standing at the window of the second floor and daydreaming. After not being active for long, she’d go for a nap.
Previously, Luo Yirui thought she was ill, but now he realized that, besides her naturally weak constitution, the real reason she barely got any sleep at night.
Seeing Hao Meili’s normal state, Luo Yirui felt it was expected because he believed it was impossible for her to have suddenly turned like that last night.
Perhaps confirming his guess, a wave of sleepiness washed over Luo Yirui. He closed the door, lay down on his bed, and quickly fell asleep. Jing Changle did the same, despite lingering doubts, unable to resist the overwhelming drowsiness, falling asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Both slept until eleven o’clock, only waking from a daze when Hao Rong clapped on the door.
Opening the door, Hao Rong rushed in and said, "What are you two doing still sleeping! Do you know? Brother Quan invited the three of us to go shooting. Let’s practice a bit these next few days, so we don’t embarrass ourselves."
After speaking, there was no response in the room, leaving Hao Rong speechless, "Still not awake? You guys sleep way too much! By the way, Brother Xiao Rui, why’d you run back to sleep?"
Luo Yirui chuckled inwardly. Why was he back sleeping? You can ask your aunt.
"Have lunch delivered to our room," Luo Yirui said. He’s now accompanying Hao Meili, so such treatment is still possible.
Hao Rong twitched at the corner of his mouth, "That’s not a problem... Did you hear what I said earlier? Give me a response so I can plan our next activities!"
He knew they were tagging along with Jing Changle, as Bai Yongquan had specifically invited Jing Changle. But he wondered why, since Luo Yirui seemed to be the more capable one here?
Luo Yirui nodded, "You make the arrangements." He then looked like he was ready to see him out.
Hao Rong left helplessly, but since Luo Yirui said it’s fine, he could start planning.
Both Luo Yirui and Bai Yongquan needed to be befriended, as Luo Yirui’s family was in Beijing, and he’d eventually leave, but Bai Yongquan’s roots were in Jiang City, equally important to him.
Closing the door and lying back on the bed, Luo Yirui still couldn’t fall asleep. Bai Yongquan’s proactive invitation was obviously at Nie Kaihuan’s behest. What exactly was Nie Kaihuan planning? Trying to win over Jing Changle, or was he looking to study him?
Luo Yirui and Jing Changle discussed the Inheritance Pearl matter for a long time, deciding it was safer not to be discovered. Even though it could be the only clue to find his family, the risks were too great.
Jing Changle said that those people hadn’t looked for him all these years, so he wasn’t keen on finding them.
Though he said so, Luo Yirui could still sense a trace of longing deep inside him.
At noon, they quickly grabbed something to eat before leaving their room. Hao Rong wanted to go in the afternoon, but a lackey called him away, so they stayed put.
Hao Meili also ate her lunch in her room, then went downstairs to the small courtyard to bask in the sun.
Since waking up, she enjoyed sunbathing, often sitting in the courtyard if not sleepy or occupied.
Maybe it was because of the sunlight, but when Luo Yirui stood on the steps watching Hao Meili with closed eyes soaking in the sun, she didn’t seem so scary. Even if she opened her eyes to reveal vertical pupils, it was nowhere near as frightening as last night.
"Come over and sit," Hao Meili said.
Luo Yirui came across, moved a stool, and sat beside her.
Hearing the sound, Hao Meili slowly opened her eyes and smiled at Luo Yirui, "Not used to sleeping at night?"
Luo Yirui watched her eyes, feeling that her question had no other intention. Rather, it seemed she was somewhat bothered he didn’t sleep in her room.
"A little," Luo Yirui said, not wanting to elaborate as he hadn’t figured out her true purpose in saying that.
Hao Meili sighed, "Get used to it. By the way, you’re called Luo Rui?"
Luo Yirui nodded, not using his real name, since his parents were still publicly searching for him.
"I heard Ah Rong call you Little Rui. I’ll call you Little Rui too then. Don’t spend your time in others’ rooms; otherwise, you’ll never feel a sense of belonging," Hao Meili said.
Luo Yirui was silent, already not inclined to feel a sense of belonging, so he didn’t respond.
Hao Meili didn’t force him for an immediate promise, knowing she must proceed gradually.
"What do you like to eat? Auntie will have them prepare it for you," Hao Meili started inquiring about Luo Yirui’s preferences.
Luo Yirui listed some things kids typically like, providing no real insight into his true tastes.
But Hao Meili was quite pleased and noted them down carefully.
Talking to Hao Meili for a while, the conversation was entirely trivial, regarding last night she seemed to have no memory, making it impossible for Luo Yirui to determine if she knew or didn’t know.
Returning to the villa, Luo Yirui received a message from his father, indicating his mother would come with an excuse tomorrow, advising him to wait and watch.
Knowing his mother was coming, Luo Yirui was relieved; too many bizarre and uncanny occurrences here he couldn’t fathom. If his mother came, she’d surely know what was going on.
That night, Luo Yirui hesitated for a long time but still went to Hao Meili’s room. Tonight, he’d closely observe Hao Meili’s abnormal state.
Finding it hard to sleep here, Luo Yirui knew he had to conserve energy, forcing himself to rest. He woke just before half-past two in the morning.
The opening door woke him.
