Chapter 26: CH 26

On the way to the airport, Huo Xiang drove as slowly as possible, but Bai Zhen Zhen didn’t notice anything wrong.

At the thought that she was about to escape the predicament from the original novel, her spirits were immediately lifted.

“Zhen Zhen, are you really going to leave today?” Huo Xiang confirmed again.

Bai Zhen Zhen nodded without thinking: “Yes, if there are still flights today, I will leave immediately.”

“But I don’t think you’ve prepared any luggage? Why don’t we go to the mall first and buy some for you..”

“No need! I will just buy some snacks at the airport later.” Bai Zhen Zhen cut him off, “As for other things, I can buy it when I get there.”

“Ok…” Huo Xiang pursed his lips and didn’t continue asking.

Bai Zhen Zhen raised her eyebrows, looking at Huo Xiang’s face with interest, asking: “What’s wrong? Look at your disappointed expression, don’t tell me you can’t bear for me to leave?”

Huo Xiang chuckled, replying: “Yes! After all, we are husband and wife in name, and have been together for this period of time. Without you complaining by my side, I’m afraid I can’t get used to it.”

Huo Xiang paused, then asked: “Or, shall I go with you?”

“What would you go there for!” Bai Zhen Zhen subconsciously replied, “You’ve just reunited with your grandfather; you should have a lot of things to handle at home, don’t you? Besides, I’m not going for just a few days. There’s a high possibility that it will take more than a year. I don’t have the time to take care of you.”

Huo Xiang sighed and didn’t continue speaking.

“Right,” Bai Zhen Zhen continued, “When I’m not here, if you meet someone you like, you can feel free to pursue her. You don’t have to feel any pressure or guilt, I can cooperatively divorce you anytime you wish.”

“Come on, I haven’t had enough fun. The marriage certificate with you also fends off the pressure from my family to get married.” Huo Xiang immediately refused.

Bai Zhen Zhen shrugged, turning around to continue using her handphone.

Though the 3G network speed was slower, but it was still sufficient to check travel guides.

****

An hour later, Huo Xiang and Bai Zhen Zhen arrived at the airport.

They walked to the departure hall after alighting from the car. The moment they appeared, they attracted everyone’s attention.

“Wow, look, sister! That man looks like the grandson of the richest man! The one we saw on TV this morning!”

“What do you mean ‘looks like’! It is him!! Wow, what’s he doing at the airport!!”

“Oh my god, we actually met the heir to the richest man, should we rush up and ask for his number?”

“Wait, there’s a woman by his side. Look at them chatting and laughing — she can’t be his girlfriend, right?!”

“No way! He already has a girlfriend?! Ah!!! Why didn’t I meet him earlier!!”

“Come on! With our qualifications, just being able to see him from afar is the result of the accumulation of karma from your past lives!”

It had to be said that with a tall slender frame, a refreshing short haircut and an expensive tailored shirt, it really made Huo Xiang the center of attention in the entire hall, attracting the gazes of his surrounding.

Of course, the main reason was still because he had been on TV.

When she realised this, Bai Zhen Zhen was completely astounded.

“I feel that everyone in the airport is watching you… and me.” Bai Zhen Zhen lowered her voice, unconsciously dipping her head, “I’ve really miscalculated. I forgot that you’re now a public figure, not to mention you’re famous! It’s all over; I’m about to make headlines.”

Huo Xiang suppressed his laughter, replying: “It’s alright, aren’t you leaving for another country? What are you still scared of?”

“Why wouldn’t I be scared? You grandpa is the world’s richest man! Do you know what these three words represent?!” Bai Zhen Zhen immediately used her hands to cover her face after speaking, speeding up her pace to the airport counter.

However, there were already people rushing over.

“May I know if you are Young Master Huo?” It was a shy girl, “I saw you on the news today, but you’re much more handsome in person! Do- Do you have a girlfriend…”

“I don’t have a girlfriend.” Huo Xiang teased her with interest.

A hint of ecstasy flashed in the girl’s eyes.

However, she didn’t expect Huo Xiang to immediately show off the wedding ring on his ring finger: “Because I’m already married.”

The girl’s expression instantly froze.

Upon seeing this, Bai Zhen Zhen immediately took off the wedding ring on her own left hand, before whispering angrily: “What are you doing?! If someone asks you, you just answer them like that?!”

“Didn’t we agree to declare that we are married to outsiders, and only tell your family that we are divorced?” Huo Xiang shifted the blame.

Following that, another man rushed over.

“Young Master Huo, I am a reporter from our city’s Entertainment Daily. I was on vacation this week and about to travel overseas, but I didn’t expect to have the honor of meeting you at the airport! Can you accept my interview?”

“Since you are on vacation, then don’t work overtime. It’s been tough on you, brother!” Huo Xiang waved, pushing away the phone in the reporter’s hand that was currently recording.

“Young Master Huo, may I know if this lady is your girlfriend?”

“My girlfriend is behind you. Quickly, go take a picture of her!” Huo Xiang pointed behind him.

The naive reporter subconsciously looked behind him.

Faster than the speed of light, Huo Xiang grabbed Bai Zhen Zhen’s hand and flew forward.

Before the dozens of onlookers, who had stopped to watch the show, could take out their phones for a picture, Huo Xiang and Bai Zhen Zhen had already disappeared.

Huo Xiang dragged Bai Zhen Zhen into the emergency stairway and took the flight of stairs down a level before turning into a corner.

It wasn’t until he was sure that no one was following them that he let out a long sigh of relief.

— System: “Ding~ The third side mission has been issued: Please accompany the female lead and successfully purchase a flight ticket, while ensuring that you are not recognised by anyone. You will be rewarded with a revival chance after completing the mission, which will take effect three days later. If you fail in future side missions, you can use the revival chance. However, if your current side mission fails, the main mission progress will be reset.”

— Huo Xiang: “To not be reognised?! How is it possible?! I’ve already been featured on TV, not to mention that it was news that alarmed the whole world! Also, what does this side mission have to do with my main mission of protecting the female lead?”

— System: “Knight, if you are recognised by others, this will cause greater trouble to the female lead. This is something that’s not allowed by the system.”

— Huo Xiang: “Uh, actually I have an immature suggestion… Can’t I just go back by myself and let the female lead buy the tickets?”

— System: “Knight, please keep in mind your purpose of protecting the female lead. There are so many people at the airport, how could you leave the female lead here alone?!”

— Huo Xiang: “Isn’t this argument too far-fetched? She’s already an adult…”

— System: “Ding~ The third side mission will officially commence. I will remind you again: If this side mission fails, the main mission progress will be reset.”

— Huo Xiang: “…”

After running for a while, Bai Zhen Zhen was already out of breath.

She leaned on the wall, panting and retching: “I- I finally experienced… the suffering of celebrities today. That saying is right, ‘People are afraid of being famous… Pigs are afraid of being fat.'”

“… Couldn’t you think of a nicer analogy?” Huo Xiang, who was still struggling with wrapping his head around the side mission, became even more depressed after hearing Bai Zhen Zhen’s words.

He hesitated, then said to Bai Zhen Zhen: “It seems that in order for you to successfully buy a flight ticket, I have to disguise myself.”

Bai Zhen Zhen had the same tacit understanding as Huo Xiang. She replied: “There’s no need. You’ve already brought me to the airport. I can buy my own flight ticket. You can go back first.”

“That won’t do,” Huo Xiang pouted, “If I’m going to escort Buddha, then I will escort him all the way to the west*. I will be responsible for you till the end and won’t leave till I see you get on the plane.”

“…Couldn’t you think of a nicer analogy?” Bai Zhen Zhen threw Huo Xiang’s earlier words back at him, “I’m someone who is about to take a plane. Don’t you know what kind of place is Sukhavati (Buddhist Western Paradise aka Heaven)?!

Huo Xiang: “…”

He thought for awhile, when an idea suddenly struck him: “The airport should have stores. Can’t I just buy some props to disguise myself?!”

Bai Zhen Zhen: “Whatever makes you happy.”

****

Half an hour later, Bai Zhen Zhen and Huo Xiang appeared at the departure hall again.

It was a whole different scenario compared to the earlier crowd of onlookers — Those who passed by them would still politely take a second look, but the looks had changed from excitement and surprise to laughter and derision.

Bai Zhen Zhen was currently extremely regretful. Why did she agree to Huo Xiang’s suggestion back then, blindly shopping with him for half an hour before transforming from “drawing attention from the entire place” to “drawing pity from the entire place” — there was no essential difference, ok?!

No, there was a difference! The difference is that it was even more embarrassing now!

Right now, Huo Xiang was still attracting attention due to his disguise.

It could be summed up with one simple word — crossdressing.

He was wearing a long wavy brunette wig, a XXL floral dress and a pair of size 39 ladies beach slippers. Such an amazing look was also matched with a light purple eyeshadow and Barbie pink lipstick.

With his appearance, he would definitely win the grand prize in this year’s “Strangest People” competition.

“The effect seems to be quite good?” Huo Xiang was elated, “Though we changed the entrance from where we previously entered the departure hall, but these people should have also watched the news. Until now, they are only mesmerised by my beauty. They haven’t recognised who I am at all! This shows that my disguise is very successful!”

Bai Zhen Zhen was just thankful that before Huo Xiang paid the bill, she had casually grabbed a pair of sunglasses.

Not only could it cover her face, but it could hide the embarrassment on her face.

“The disguise is a success, but you should give up on the beauty part.”

Bai Zhen Zhen’s words just fell when someone rushed over out of nowhere, stopping before Huo Xiang and her.

Bai Zhen Zhen and Huo Xiang were both surprised at the speed of this person’s appearance.

“Handsome, can I have your phone number?!” The person asked.

Bai Zhen Zhen bit her own tongue — What the hell?!

Standing before them was a young lady, about 1.7m, a full head taller than Bai Zhen Zhen. She was a natural beauty, but was dressed in a unique style – a bronze-logo T-shirt, harem pants and black basketball shoes.

She even wore a fashionable and cool cap on her head.

Huo Xiang was also stunned. Frightened, he asked weakly: “Do… Do you… recognise me?”

“Nope!” The person shrugged, “But I like you and want to be your friend!”

Huo Xiang heaved a sigh of relief: “It’s good that you don’t recognise me…”

He suddenly paused in the middle of his words, and his eyes bulged: “What do you mean?! You like me?!”

“My name is Su Meng. I’m from this city, but I’m going to Haicheng on a business trip soon. When I come back, I’ll treat you to dinner!” Su Meng fished out a business card from her pants pocket, handing it to Huo Xiang, “My business card. Take it, and give me your phone number as well.”

Huo Xiang’s jaw dropped.

What was even more frightening was that he was actually shocked by the woman’s aura, and couldn’t help but stretch out his hand to take the business card from her.

Bai Zhen Zhen was also dazed. She weakly asked the lady named Su Meng: “That… Ms Su, you said that… you like him?”

“Yes!” Su Meng didn’t conceal her inner joy, staring at Huo Xiang’s face full of love, “This is the first time I’ve seen someone like him, who could crossdress so magnificently without a single care in the world, yet still able to maintain such a stunning look! It’s truly moving!”

Bai Zhen Zhen clenched her teeth in fear that she would laugh out loud and ruin this young lady’s “hobby”.

She looked over in curiosity at the business card in Huo Xiang’s hand — Mix Company, Chief CEO and Upcoming Designer, Su Meng.

Bai Zhen Zhen largely understood the situation now. Even the company’s name was called Mix, no wonder she loved such a strange style.

“Handsome, give me your phone number!” Su Meng waved the handphone in her hand. Seeing Huo Xiang remain silent, she thrusted her handphone in front of him, “Or, you can key it into my phone yourself and save it alongside your name.”

Bai Zhen Zhen looked at Huo Xiang with an ambiguous expression on her face, persuading along: “Xiang Xiang, the beauty is waiting for you. You should respond to her!”

“You’re called ‘Xiang Xiang’?!” Su Meng asked in astonishment.

Bai Zhen Zhen’s eyes twitched.

Oh no, this name wouldn’t expose Huo Xiang, right?

“Even your name is so refreshing and refined, it really gave me a pleasant surprise!” Su Meng looked intoxicated, “Xiang Xiang, can I call you that?!”

“No.” Huo Xiang ruthlessly refused, before lifting his left hand again, “Only my wife can call me that.”

“Wi… Wife?” Su Meng was taken aback, subconsciously looking at Bai Zhen Zhen.

Bai Zhen Zhen hurriedly waved her fingers on both hands, singing lightly: “Nope, nope~ There’s no ring!”

“Darling!” Huo Xiang was anxious, “I’ve already dressed up like this for you, how could you treat me this way!!”

Bai Zhen Zhen fell silent.

Su Meng finally realised that they were married, and was ashamed of her rashness.

“I’m sorry, Mr Xiang, and this lady here…” Su Meng said, “I didn’t know that you were already married. It’s been too long since I met someone who could touch my heart. I’m the type that will speak my mind directly; I hope you don’t take offense…”

Huo Xiang pursed his lips and replied, looking extremely understanding: “It’s ok. Everyone has a heart for beauty. In fact, people who have the same aesthetic senses like us will also have similar souls. We can also be friends.”

Saying that, he waved the business card in his hand, continuing: “When are you coming back to the city? I’ll give you a call when I’m free!”

Su Meng openly replied: “Next weekend. Do you want to meet next month?”

“Sure!”

Su Meng shot a smile at Bai Zhen Zhen: “Your wife can come along.”

Bai Zhen Zhen smiled perfunctorily.

What come along? She would soon be happily on a long vacation.

Huo Xiang and Bai Zhen Zhen watched Su Meng leave with vastly different thoughts and emotions.

Huo Xiang said: “It’s difficult to give up on natural beauty. That saying probably means someone like me.”

Bai Zhen Zhen responded: “Even broken pots have a lid, and even ugly people are loved by someone. That saying is more suitable for you.”

Huo Xiang: “…”

****

Because of the bank’s platinum card, Bai Zhen Zhen cruised through the airport’s VIP channel, swaggering with Huo Xiang to buy the flight tickets.

At first glance, it was clear that the staff in the VIP area was someone who was experienced in society. When they saw someone dressed as strangely as Huo Xiang, with exaggerated make up as well, there wasn’t even a hint of shock in their expression. The smile on their face was professional and natural.

“Welcome, distinguished guests. May I know if there’s anything I can do for the two of you?” The counter lady asked enthusiastically.

“Oh, I want to buy a flight ticket to Juldives, the earlier the better.” Bai Zhen Zhen said.

While saying “Juldives”, Bai Zhen Zhen’s eyes subconsciously avoided the counter lady’s, because the name was really too strange.

“Alright, please hold on a moment.” The counter lady searched on her computer for a while before raising her head to talk to Bai Zhen Zhen, “The earliest flight we have is at 8pm tonight. It will arrive at the destination at the local time 6pm. Is this timing alright with you?”

“Yes, it’s ok.” Bai Zhen Zhen didn’t hesitate.

As long as she could hurry up and say goodbye to the novel’s lead characters, any time is fine.

“The price of a business class ticket, including tax, is sixteen thousand dollars, is that ok?”

“Yes, it’s ok.” Bai Zhen Zhen had become a parrot.

While waiting, Bai Zhen Zhen couldn’t help but glance at Huo Xiang. She found that he was currently dazing out, thinking about something.

If there was something she was reluctant to leave behind, it would be him. She had personally experienced the care and concern that Huo Xiang had heaped onto her these days. However, she was clearly aware that everyone she met here was an NPC in the novel, and she was slated to leave the novel world in a year. If she continued to interact with him, she was afraid that when the time came for her to leave, she wouldn’t be able to bear it.

It was better to get it over and done with.

Just as Bai Zhen Zhen was feeling regretful, Huo Xiang had received another side mission.

— System: “Congratulations host on completing the third side mission! The mission reward will be activated in three days.”

— Huo Xiang: “Huo huo huo huo~ Huo huo huo huo~ Huo family’s martial art fist forms are agile~”

— System: “Ding! The fourth side mission has been issued: To achieve a one-time increase in the female lead happiness index of ten points.”

— Huo Xiang: “What?! Another side mission?! Can two side missions be released in one day?!”

— System: “The side missions are not bound by time or place. There’s no limits on them. Please complete the fourth side mission before the week is over. After the side mission is successful, you will receive double the happiness points as reward. If the mission fails, the main mission progress will be reset.”

— Huo Xiang: “Complete it before the week is over? Are you purposely going against me? She’s about to go overseas!”

— Huo Xiang: “Also, ten points in one go?! I’ve been together with her for more than half a month, and the largest increase I’ve gotten in one go is merely five points! And that time, it didn’t take more than a few seconds before ten points was deducted!”

— System: “This is a side mission randomly generated by the system. Please be sure to complete it.”

— Huo Xiang: “By the way, my last side mission was a success. Wasn’t there a revival chance? Can I use it?”

— System: “Knight, the revival chance will only be activated in three days.

— Huo Xiang: “…I’m screwed, I’m completely screwed this time.”

— System: “Anything is possible! Work hard, Knight 9938!”

— Huo Xiang: “It’s easy for you to say! I don’t even have a passport, how could anything be possible?! Even if I wanted to take a flight over, I can’t!!”

At this moment, the counter lady spoke to Bai Zhen Zhen in a sweet voice: “Dear distinguished guests, please show me your passport.”

“Passport? What passport?” The corner of Bai Zhen Zhen’s mouth twitched.

The counter lady was stunned: “This guest, have you not applied for a passport? To buy an international flight ticket, you need to provide your passport. Even if Juldives accepts a travel visa, you still need to have your passport prepared beforehand.”

Bai Zhen Zhen looked at Huo Xiang.

Huo Xiang also looked at Bai Zhen Zhen.

The two fell silent at the same time.

Seconds later, Bai Zhen Zhen threw down a line — “Sorry for disturbing you.”

Then, she lowered her head and slunk off.

Huo Xiang was left at a loss towards such serendipitous news.

He was dazed for a few seconds, before remembering to follow Bai Zhen Zhen.

“I’m so stupid! I only thought about how to leave the country earlier, but forgot all about my passport!” Bai Zhen Zhen kept beating herself up.

Huo Xiang followed her with a sad expression, agreeing: “Yes, it’s such a shame. Zhen Zhen, what a pity, you can’t go abroad…”

In his heart, he was celebrating: This was really a godsent opportunity! There’s hope for the side mission now!!

“Never mind. I won’t go overseas for now. I’ll just travel within the borders.” Bai Zhen Zhen muttered, then asked Huo Xiang, “Is there any place within the country that’s similar to Juldives, with good scenery and lots of beaches?”

“Ah?!” The question stumped Huo Xiang.

He was also a newcomer to this world. He had overheard a patient in the ward mentioning the country Juldives, and thought that the name sounded funny, thus he remembered it. Other than that, he had no knowledge of this world’s geography at all!

Seeing that Huo Xiang didn’t answer, Bai Zhen Zhen quickly ran back to the VIP counter and asked the counter lady again.

There was no others in line at the moment, thus the counter lady warmly greeted Bai Zhen Zhen.

After that, she answered her without hesitation: “It would definitely be Haicheng. Haicheng is the most famous coastal city in our country. It is picturesque, with blue skies and clear waters. It even has the title of ‘Little Juldives’!”

“How could even the pirated name be so strange.” Huo Xiang complained quietly by the side.

“Please wait a moment, distinguished guests. I will help you check this instant…” The counter lady operated the mouse for a short while, “Oh, the next flight will take off in an hour and a half. There are still seats available in business class. If you buy a ticket now, you should be able to make it.”

Bai Zhen Zhen immediately handed over her ID card: “I’ll take it!”