“The job I chose has always been on the front lines, always dancing with danger.”
He glared at her.
“You had people transfer me away, wanting me to listen to concerts and such, which to me is like being trapped in a beast cage.” She emphasized her words. “I’m unhappy, really, really unhappy!”
She says she’s unhappy? After he’d thought of so much for her, she dares say she’s unhappy!?
“You already have my heart. Can’t you just obediently stay by my side?”
He roared, and for a moment, both of them were stunned.
She never expected the man she wanted to punch and kick would say such words.
“Are you… confessing?” she asked hesitantly.
“Mm.” He turned his face away, his handsome face slightly red, whether from excitement or… shyness.
“Oh, I see…” She suddenly fell silent, an almost eerie atmosphere about to erupt.
They clearly weren’t dating, hadn’t gone on dates, didn’t call each other every night, didn’t have weekend meals and drinks, didn’t go on Sunday nature walks, didn’t watch movies together, didn’t hold hands admiring night scenery.
Perhaps he was omniscient, always knowing her whereabouts, but she didn’t even know his phone number by heart, and wouldn’t casually call him – how could love happen?
“You have nothing to say?” he pressed. Since everything was now out in the open, there was no need to be evasive.
“What to say?” She lowered her head, playing with her pajama drawstring, showing a feminine gesture she’d never displayed before him.
“Having my heart, isn’t that enough?”
She looked at him. Those sharp yet restrained eyes now rippled with tenderness; his extraordinary presence now seemed humble. This man who had kept his spine straight and unbending even in his worst years was now offering his entire self, seeking her love.
A sudden sharp pain shot through her left shoulder.
Yes, she liked him too, perhaps even more than like, otherwise she wouldn’t have broken her own protective principles, rushing forward to block a bullet for him.
But even if they were mutually fond, their expectations of a partner were vastly different. The subtle interactions between men and women, she suddenly understood at this moment.
“Not enough,” she whispered.
He doubted he’d heard correctly. “Say that again.”
“Not enough.” She raised her head, her burning gaze fixed on him. “Your heart is completely outside my hunting range.
Let me translate the text for you:
“Let me think, when I put all my focus on you, when you appear, I dress up in beautiful clothes, put on lovely makeup, have dinner with you, act coquettish in your arms, talk about trivial things like what TV shows are playing or what gossip magazines are saying – would you still love me then? Would you still give me your heart?”
He hesitated for a moment. “If it’s you…”
”No, you wouldn’t.” She was certain. She had seen how coldly he treated other women. “If I were just like other women, delicate and cute, waiting for your favor wherever you appear, would you still feel the same way about me?”
These words were like a heavy iron hammer, striking him hard.
He suddenly realized that if Qinyan were like those women – just lifeless dolls in his eyes – he wouldn’t even give her a second glance.
She was right! Between the two of them, he had always thought he was the more perceptive one, but now he was speechless and could not agree with her more!
He looked deeply at Qinyan, his gaze different now – beyond the previous full of love, there was more respect.
”I… will go out for a cigarette.” He withdrew his gaze, turned on his heel, and walked out thoughtfully.
A reminder called out after him. “Bring me a newspaper while you’re at it.”
She just wouldn’t give up!
Entering the elevator, facing a large mirror, he thought he would look angry after being rejected, but unexpectedly discovered he was wearing a gentle smile.
After seven days in the hospital, the wound started to scab, and Qinyan was finally allowed to leave for convalescence.
With all discharge procedures completed, and no family lined up to welcome her with flowers, she couldn’t help looking around. “Where are my parents?”
”At home.” He answered concisely, lifting her horizontally into the elevator.
”Isn’t this too heartless!” She knew her father’s little scheme – if he could marry her off to someone, he’d sit at home, feet up, incredibly excited.
”I told them I’m taking you on a trip.”
She looked at him in disbelief. “Are you crazy? I’m an injured patient! What trip?”
”You injured your shoulder, not your foot. If you can’t walk, I’m happy to carry you.”
During her hospital stay, he had been strategically clearing all obstacles. Now, she was under his control – with her father’s approval.
Qinyan almost bit through her teeth.
Damn it! During these hospital days, under his strict control, she could do nothing but eat and sleep. She had been longing to go home, to escape the “prison guard”, and now he wanted to take her where?
What he’s doing? Why did he bring her here when she wasn’t mentally prepared? She’s still injured and looks haggard!
Her shoulder injury made her feel insecure, involuntarily leaning towards him seeking protection.
But… huh? She seems not to have noticed that whenever she wants to lean on someone, she automatically leans on Wei Zhan Yi, without her father’s calculation.
He let go of her hand, she tightly grabbed it again, he tried to brush his hair, she grabbed his hand back, the two of them at the kitchen doorway, grabbing and pulling, compared to before, she’s now as docile as a little lamb.
“What are you standing there for?” Second Madam’s sharp gaze swept over, seeing their little movements.
Qing Yan was scared stiff on the spot. Compared to presence, Second Madam was much more intimidating!
Wei Zhan Yi took advantage of her unpreparedness and let go of her hand. “I’ll go change clothes, you sit here first.”
Hey, you brought me to your home and just leave me like this? She silently mouthed, gesturing with her hands.
He smiled and slipped away.
“Sit.” Second Madam commanded.
Qing Yan quickly sat down, feeling she shouldn’t cause trouble in front of an elder, and reluctantly put on an elegant lady-like appearance. But not a second passed before her big eyes curiously looked around.
A large ceramic bowl was placed in front of her, with a dark soup reflecting her panicked expression.
“Drink the soup.” Second Madam returned to the old-fashioned countertop, continuing to wash and chop.
“…Thank you.” Oh my god! She most feared medicinal-tasting supplements, just thinking about it made her shudder.
“Drink quickly, it’ll lose its medicinal effect if it gets cold.” Second Madam glanced at her, seeing her hesitate, her mouth curled.
She made a bitter face and picked up the spoon. If she didn’t drink, this fierce Second Madam would definitely pry open her mouth and force the soup down. She had no doubt that Second Madam was strong enough to easily knock someone down, just by looking at her.
She blew on the soup and brought it to her mouth. The next second, her eyes widened.
This soup is delicious! She had never tasted such delicious chicken soup. Although it looked scary, when it entered her mouth, there was only a rich chicken soup flavor, and not bitter at all.
Second Madam turned back and looked at her, a barely noticeable smile appearing on her old face.
The back door opened, and a thin, tall middle-aged woman with a good temperament walked in with a drooping face.
“Second Madam.” She greeted, floating into the room like a ghost, suddenly turning back to ask: “Who are you?”
“Me?” It’s Wei Zhan Yi, who’s dawdling around, not thinking about how she should introduce herself. “My surname is Ding, called Ding Qing Yan.”
