Chapter 1000: Chapter 1000 Got Discovered

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“I appreciate your loyalty,” Gu Chengrui said with a hesitant sigh. “You’re getting older, and traveling wouldn’t be ideal for you. Besides, the residence needs someone to look after it in our absence.”

Niu Fugui’s shoulders slumped in disappointment. “Then I shall await your return,” he replied dejectedly.

Later that night, while tidying up his books in the study, Gu Chengrui was struck by a sudden tightness in his chest. A violent coughing fit ensued, culminating in a bloody expulsion from his mouth.

Staring at the crimson stain on his hand, he froze for a moment before uttering, “I hope I can hold on until we set sail.”

The door creaked open abruptly, revealing Gu Chenglin standing on the other side. Gu Chengrui swiftly concealed the bloodstained hand behind his back.

Gu Chenglin initially paid little mind to what his cousin was hiding. However, upon noticing the blood at the corner of his mouth, he was jolted awake. He rushed forward and grabbed Gu Chengrui’s arm. “Cousin, what did you just try to hide?” he demanded.

“Nothing. Why are you here so late?” Gu Chengrui countered firmly, his voice betraying no hint of his illness.

Gu Chenglin, however, remained unconvinced. Recently, he noticed his cousin’s increasingly gaunt and haggard appearance. He initially attributed it to exhaustion. But now, the evidence pointed towards illness.

“Don’t try to deceive me,” he challenged, raising his hand to wipe away the blood at the corner of Gu Chengrui’s mouth. “Cousin, how long do you intend to keep this from me? Is this the reason behind your sudden urge to embark on this voyage? You’re sick, aren’t you?”

“Don’t let your imagination run wild,” Gu Chengrui dismissed his concerns. “It’s merely a nosebleed, an effect of the recent heatwave.”

Gu Chenglin leaned against the table, his gaze fixated on his cousin. He had undeniably become thinner, and his complexion had darkened—no, it was a sickly pallor. His skin had lost its former vibrancy, leaving him with a dull appearance. The green tinge in his eyes had intensified.

Despite possessing only rudimentary knowledge of medicine, Gu Chenglin could discern that something was seriously wrong with Gu Chengrui’s health.

Ignoring his questions, Gu Chengrui continued tidying up the books in the study.

Realizing his cousin wouldn’t budge, Gu Chenglin turned around, ready to storm out in a huff.

Sensing his frustration and fearing his plan wouldn’t hold, Gu Chengrui stopped him. “I assure you, I’m fine. Don’t breathe a word of this to Chengxi and the others.”

“Are you trying to tell me there’s no problem here?” Gu Chenglin countered, spinning around to meet his gaze directly.

Gu Chengrui playfully struck him on the head with a book. “You rascal! Can’t you simply wait for me to call for you?” he chided. “Honestly, I’ve been terribly worn down these past years. I simply yearn for a quiet place to retreat for a while. While it’s true there are some issues with my body, it’s nothing major. After two years of recuperation, I’ll be back to my usual self.”

“What kind of illness is it?” Gu Chenglin pressed, his brow furrowed with concern.

Gu Chengrui hesitated for a moment before replying, “Tuberculosis. But don’t worry, I’ll be alright.”

“Is this the truth?”

“I might lie to others, but remember, you mustn’t breathe a word of this to anyone.”

“Then I’ll help you organize your books,” Gu Chenglin offered.

“No need,” Gu Chengrui refused gently. “You have your own responsibilities now, and they won’t be light. You need to mature quickly. Focus on your own affairs.”

With that, he gently pushed Gu Chenglin out of the study before he could protest.

Seeing his cousin’s resolve, Gu Chenglin offered no further argument and retreated back to his own room. However, the image of Gu Chengrui coughing up blood haunted him, preventing sleep from claiming him. He felt helpless, unable to do anything to help.

Finally, he got up and headed to the clinic to find Gu Chengxi. Unfortunately, Gu Chengxi couldn’t leave his patients unattended all day, so he returned to the residence.

The next morning, unable to bear the worry any longer, Gu Chenglin rose early and made his way directly to Gu Chengxi’s house.

Gu Chengxi, practicing boxing in the courtyard, saw Gu Chenglin come in. He was stunned for a moment, then retracted his fist. “You’re suffering from insomnia. You came to me early in the morning with a pair of dark circles under your eyes. What’s wrong?”