Jiang Xiangyang’s wet tongue traced her lip line, prying open her teeth and slipping inside. Their tongues intertwined, sending shivers through Jing Xin. Her hand encircled his neck, responding to him with an inexplicable desire.
They surrendered to the unexpected kiss, embracing the new sensations it brought.
Outside, the torrential rain pattered against the glass, forming small water curtains. A warm intimacy filled the room as Jing Xin nestled in his embrace, her face flushed with passion. She shifted slightly, snuggling closer to him.
“Jing Xin, my mother probably doesn’t have long left. She hopes we can get married. Let’s… get married soon,” Jiang Xiangyang’s voice softly spoke.
Jing Xin pulled away, looking at him in disbelief. Her enlarged pupils showed surprise, mixed with confusion and joy as she searched his eyes. His gaze was clear, neither loving nor hateful.
She could never understand how he could cleanly divide passion and coldness. The flame in her narrow pupils gradually extinguished, like a shooting star – brilliant for an instant, then silently falling in the quiet night. Her disappointment was fully captured in his eyes, a complex emotion akin to guilt passing through his heart.
Jiang Xiangyang knew what Jing Xin wanted, but he couldn’t give it to her.
“Xiangyang, let’s get married!” Jing Xin softly called out.
A hint of heartache and melancholy filled the air. He was willing to marry her, but it was for his mother’s wish, not love. Her gamble was over before it began.
Yet, she was still willing to marry him, to accompany him, entrusting her lonely heart to his embrace.
“Jing Xin, you know I never wanted to get married. For someone like me who wanders everywhere, women are a luxury and a burden. I can’t promise you a good life. You’re smart; I hope you won’t pin your hopes on me. You’ll only be disappointed. Do you understand?”
Jing Xin remained silent, gently nodding.
He sighed. “I don’t want children within ten years of our marriage. Following me is suffering enough. If I die someday, it would be cruel to both you and a potential child. Do you understand?”
Jing Xin was still silent, pressing her face against his clothes, letting her tears flow.
