Quick Transmigration: What to Do When the Male Supporting Character You Saved Becomes Obsessed with

Chapter 434 "Infecting the World" - Male Mother (45)

"The unit leader has a bit of a collecting obsession... He said he wants to hold an exhibition someday." When Liao Tingyuan said this, Lu Liruan felt like her ears were going to malfunction.

"Who's going to visit? Aren't you a classified unit?"

Lu Liruan didn't react at all.

Who are we collecting these things for?

Does your company also periodically evaluate "advanced individuals" and "advanced teams"?

Lu Liruan asked the question she had been thinking about, and just as she was feeling that it was absurd, she suddenly noticed that... Liao Tingyuan, who was beside her, had fallen silent.

"No, isn't it?"

"I don't know who he's showing this to, but we do have an award for outstanding employees." Liao Tingyuan shrugged helplessly, just like how he used to think it was absurd, but because he was just a corporate slave, he pretended not to see it.

But when others point it out, it suddenly feels even more absurd.

"They might be employees from other cities' branches, visiting here."

Liao Tingyuan spoke hesitantly.

Lu Liruan: ?

"Do you have headquarters and branches? Or are you a chain of stores? Do you also exchange work experience with other stores?"

"Forget it, guess it."

Liao Tingyuan found some things difficult to talk about, and some things were outrageous. If everyone pretended not to see them and ignored them, they might not be so hard to accept.

But when someone suddenly points out these things, like exposing "the emperor's new clothes," it makes the people living in them feel extremely ashamed...

"Actually, at the end of the year, we will also summarize the work results of each unit, and then count how many incidents each unit has solved, and rank them from most to least, and post them to each unit as an incentive." Rather than waiting until Lu Liruan left to find out, Liao Tingyuan also seemed to have a "what's the use" attitude.

“Ha…” Lu Liruan nodded, her expression unreadable.

"Why are high-risk positions and classified units doing this kind of thing now?"

Lu Liruan shook her head: "Unbelievable, the world is going to the dogs!"

"I knew this era was turbulent, but I never imagined it would turbulent to this extent... Maybe it's because I'm in such a low position that I've never been able to see the sky above. I never imagined the sky above would be so gloomy!"

Lu Liruan spoke with great emotion, in a tone reminiscent of poetry recitation.

Liao Tingyuan: ...

"You mentioned headquarters and branches, so what about us here?" Lu Liruan asked curiously.

"Headquarters."

"Why?" Lu Liruan asked, puzzled. After all, this wasn't the capital, nor the most developed or largest city in the country. Why would the headquarters be located here?

"Because this is where the source of infection was first discovered, and where the infection space existed. For the first two years or so, all the incidents only occurred in this province, and then it seems that they gradually spread outwards," Liao Tingyuan explained.

“Actually, even now, I don’t know if the word ‘spread’ is accurate. It’s like when I told you that it’s best not to order takeout from far away, because it might cause this space to spread.” Liao Tingyuan drew a circle in the air with his fingertip.

“But that’s not absolute, and there are no examples that can be cited to prove that ‘spread’ exists, or to prove that such things happening in other places are ‘spread’ from this province, but it’s better to be safe than sorry…” He paused.

"How do we defend against it?" Lu Liruan felt that what he was about to say might not be anything good.

"This was also the original intention behind establishing various branches. In the beginning, when incidents occurred, most of the time it was the members of headquarters who went to the scene to resolve them." Liao Tingyuan's face showed a hint of fatigue: "Back then, it was really tiring..."

Lu Liruan could sense his pain and reluctance from his nonchalant remark.

Later, a branch office was established in the area where the incident occurred to handle any further incidents in the surrounding area. The principle was to keep employees from the same local unit within the province to avoid potential hidden dangers.

"So, we're restricted from traveling, right?" Lu Liruan summarized simply.

"That's roughly the idea." Liao Tingyuan nodded.

Lu Liruan thought to herself: How come you can't hide your relief even under such a calm expression? Just how much do you not want to go on this business trip?

"It's okay, it's not a big deal. With my salary, I can't really afford it." Lu Liruan frankly showed her poverty.

Liao Tingyuan curled his lips into a smile: "It's alright, I'm still quite wealthy."

"Huh? I can't spend your money!" Lu Liruan reacted instinctively.

Lu Liruan grew up in poverty, and her parents instilled in her the belief that even if we are not wealthy, we should not be inferior to others in spirit.

You shouldn't take advantage of others, nor should you do anything immoral just because you're short of money.

The two parents set a good example by doing the same.

Therefore, Lu Liruan's understanding of this was almost ingrained in her bones.

No matter how old she gets, no matter what environment she is in, no matter whether her parents are still by her side or not, she will always hold on to them.

This also allows Lu Liruan to feel very at ease, as she won't lose anything else because of poverty.

After Liao Tingyuan blurted out those words, he realized something was wrong.

He didn't know why, but he just said those words naturally.

It's probably because I've been spending too much time with Lu Liruan these past few days.

The days when he went to work alone, came home alone, and his home was empty, and he often had to make do with just a quick bite to eat, seem like a long time ago.

He suddenly didn't know what to say, and subconsciously felt he should smooth things over or say something else...

Although he wasn't usually very talkative.

But at this moment, he couldn't utter a single word; he was completely stuck there.

He turned his face away, not wanting Lu Liruan to notice his momentary abnormality.

Fortunately, this girl seems to be naturally oblivious, and her thought process is a bit different from others...

Just when Liao Tingyuan thought she was going to ask him something and ask him to explain,

She did ask.

Suddenly, the little girl stood on tiptoe, scanned them with a scrutinizing gaze, and then asked her question.

"are you……"

Liao Tingyuan was a little nervous.

"Are you treating me like a pet?"

Liao Tingyuan: ?

Lu Liruan wrinkled her nose as she thought seriously.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that Liao Tingyuan treats children and small animals in much the same way he treats himself.

They all have a radiant feeling of overflowing love...

"No." Liao Tingyuan shook his head.

He never expected Lu Liruan to say those words.

In those few seconds, Liao Tingyuan didn't know why, but the more he thought about it, the funnier it became...

He laughed out loud in front of Lu Liruan.

"How could you have such an idea?"

Lu Liruan also felt awkward for a moment.

The two looked at each other.

Liao Tingyuan smiled so hard he bent over slightly, his chin almost touching the top of Lu Liruan's head.

"Then why... then why did you say that?" Lu Liruan was breathless, trying to blame Liao Tingyuan for her own mental lapse.

"What I mean is..." Liao Tingyuan had already come to his senses and had prepared his explanation.

"Now that we're eating together, why don't you come eat here too? It's much healthier and more hygienic than ordering takeout and eating at roadside stalls every day." He felt that his explanation was a bit exaggerated and unnecessary.

But he couldn't help adding a joke: "So, I'm... feeding you?"

Lu Liruan clapped her hands: "Oh, right! After we get out, you can calculate it, I need to give you the money for food!"

She's been eating here so naturally these past few days that she's completely forgotten about paying.

"No need!" Liao Tingyuan refused.

Even he himself didn't realize how quickly he had refused.

Almost the instant he heard it, and there was a hint of displeasure hidden in his voice.

"That won't do!" Lu Liruan felt it shouldn't be done.

When he eats here, Liao Tingyuan does almost everything himself, from buying groceries to cooking, and sometimes even washing the dishes.

If you don't pay for the meals, then you're being dishonest, freeloading, and taking advantage of the wealthy!

"Because, being with you... eating makes me very happy." Liao Tingyuan pursed his lips: "I haven't been this happy in a long time."

Lu Liruan's words of insistence stuck in her throat.

She didn't know if Liao Tingyuan said those words to comfort her or what...

But Lu Liruan noticed that his eyelids were lowered, as if he was showing weakness, and she felt a little embarrassed.

Lu Liruan was stunned by what she saw.

When had she ever seen that look on Liao Tingyuan's face?

Liao Tingyuan was much older than him, and he was always gentle and steady.

Lu Liruan always felt that she was the one who depended on him and was the one who was causing him trouble.

Why is it that now... I can sense a hint of dependence on Liao Tingyuan, a reluctance to part with me?

This sudden sense of age reversal made Lu Liruan's heart skip a beat!

A sense of pride welled up inside me for no apparent reason.

"Ah...really!" Lu Liruan didn't realize that her lips were pouting, but she was still pretending to be calm.

"Ah."

The two of them walked and talked as they went down the stairs, which were difficult to descend.

Knowing that she would eventually have to go down to the courtyard, Lu Liruan's thoughts were now entirely focused on Liao Tingyuan.

Even in such a dark environment, with only a flashlight the size of a bean, Liao Tingyuan could see Lu Liruan's barely concealed smile.

Her laughter was way too loud!

Liao Tingyuan had long since figured out what kind of person she was attracted to.

But the fact that she always falls for this trick and never gets tired of it still makes me find it both cute and funny.

She's still too young...

At this moment, both of them received some inexplicable emotional value from each other.

Although Liao Tingyuan was telling the truth, hearing it from his own mouth made him feel that he was still somewhat embarrassed to say it at his age.

But after seeing Lu Liruan's reaction, Liao Tingyuan felt relieved.

Well, Liao Tingyuan learned this phrase from Lu Liyuan.

Although it's a bit rough around the edges, it seems just right for the present day.

One monkey, one tethering method.

Using the right methods can make all the difference.

"That's... not a good idea."

Lu Liruan hesitated.

Because she also felt quite happy being with Liao Tingyuan, especially during meals, when she was even happier.

After all, Liao Tingyuan's cooking really has a homey feel to it.

"Aren't we going to be partners in the future? Why are you being so particular?" Liao Tingyuan repeated what Lu Liruan had said to her.

Then he successfully persuaded Lu Liruan.

“You’re so easy to make happy. Were you… not very happy before?” Lu Liruan nestled close to him.

Asked softly.

"Yes, this period has been the happiest time of my life in years." Liao Tingyuan's face was hidden in the darkness, and he could only speak after avoiding the faint light.

This is a sentence he has never uttered before.

Previously, besides not knowing who to talk to, Liao Tingyuan also couldn't bring himself to say these words.

Because his life had always been the same, only through comparison could he know when he truly felt happy...

Compared to the past, Lu Liruan was happier with him these days.

"You're not like the pet I keep."

Liao Tingyuan's voice was tinged with laughter.

"Huh?" Lu Liruan didn't catch what he meant.

Then I heard him mimicking my tone, putting on a high-pitched voice: "Like a sunflower that grows at home, producing sunshine! Little Ruan Ruan is a sunflower!"

Lu Liruan burst out laughing: "Don't copy me!"

"Okay, I was unhappy before, but I'm very happy now." Since Liao Tingyuan had already started, he might as well finish talking.

So, are you coming to eat?

"Come on! Your cooking is so delicious, I'd be missing out if I didn't!" Lu Liruan grabbed his arm: "Then I'll buy the groceries next time."

"If you can get up..."

"Of course!"

"..."

Lu Liruan sensed his doubts about her daily routine.

"That's impossible... not everyone can get up that early every day! That's for older people! I'm still young, of course I can't get up that early every day!"

"Oh, really?" Liao Tingyuan replied, unfazed by her childish attack.

"Can you do it?" Liao Tingyuan then asked a reasonable question.

“Then whenever I can get up, we’ll go together! You teach me and I’ll learn!” Lu Liruan tilted her head, speaking with a straight face.

"Okay, I'll call you then." Liao Tingyuan patted her head accurately in the darkness.

"arrive."

When Lu Liruan had lost count of how many steps she had climbed, she finally saw the entrance to the building ahead.

When I went out today, it was just like the past few days, as if it were a canvas, without any change whatsoever.

Lu Liruan even felt that the direction of the branches in the yard had not changed, and the eerie feeling of being there remained.

The two of them arrived at the apartment in Unit 2 as usual.