To make you happy, she begged me for a fake engagement. Later, many things happened, and you had a heart attack because of my situation, so we couldn’t tell you anything.”
Seeing my father’s questioning look, I quickly suppressed my surprise and focused on the lake and mountain scenery.
“Uncle, Xiao Bing is very filial. She did all this for your health. Please don’t blame her,” Yin Zhongtian said. “I’ve been busy with work and will visit you another day.”
After saying this, he left without looking back, and I saw a tremor in his back.
“Xiao Bing, is what Zhongtian said true?”
“I…” He shouldn’t have done so much for me.
“Alas!” Dad let out a long sigh, continuing to walk along the cobblestone path.
I hurried to catch up. “Dad…”
After a few anxious steps, he turned to look at me. “I knew you didn’t like Zhongtian. It was strange when you suddenly said you accepted him.”
“…”
“I never thought you could be so confused, lying to me together with him. Can engagement be faked? Have you considered the consequences? What will people think?”
“…” I followed silently behind him. If someone else had told this lie, my father might not have believed it.
But coming from Yin Zhongtian, my father trusted it completely.
That night, after showering and preparing for bed, my mother came to my room and talked to me for a long time. She called me foolish and blamed me for lying to them. She said they only hoped I could find a good partner, someone who truly loved me.
I understood: parents’ love is selfless; no matter what you do wrong, they will always love you.
Later, she asked about Ye Zhengchen and if he had a girlfriend. I thought for a long time and replied, “No.”
My mother seemed like she wanted to ask more, but refrained.
A text message alert sounded on my phone from Ye Zhengchen’s number: [I’m downstairs at your place.]
I quickly threw on an outer coat and ran outside, barely having time to change clothes. My mother chased after me. “Bingbing, where are you going?”
“Something at the hospital… You guys sleep. Don’t wait up.”
I rushed downstairs and looked around. I saw a car parked under a tree, with Ye Zhengchen half-leaning against it, smiling at me.
The dim street lamp illuminated his face, casting a slightly dark tone on his skin. As I approached, I noticed he had lost weight, his facial features more defined.
“Have you been very busy these days?”
“You’ve lost a lot of weight.”
He hesitated. “Not bad.”
We walked aimlessly along a path covered with leaves, feeling warm despite the cold air.
“How did you know I was here?”
“I went to your apartment.” Our conversation felt ordinary yet profound.
“Is there something you need so late?”
“Just wanted to take a walk with you…”
I lowered my head, unable to hide my sweetness.
“You can laugh if you want. I know you missed me…”
I didn’t deny it, glancing at him. “So sentimental. Not your usual style.”
“Ah, can’t help it… powerless…”
If someone else had said this, it would mean nothing, but from him, it struck differently. “You can also be powerless?”
“I seem to hear disappointment in your tone…” Ye Zhengchen stopped and looked at me, the wind tousling his smile. “Although I’m a bit powerless now, if you strongly demand, it’s not impossible…”
I regretted not taking the chance to rest during my night shift. Seeing him today short-circuited my brain, and I impulsively thought of inviting him for hot pot.
This was clearly me throwing myself at him!
Seeing my silence, Ye Zhengchen added, “Eating hot pot too often can cause internal heat.”
He was already “heated up” before even eating, burning with intensity.
I forced a smile at him.
“Senior, if I’m not mistaken, you’re supposed to be a soldier. Can’t you maintain a soldier’s image?”
Ye Zhengchen seemed unconcerned. “I told you three years ago: Soldiers aren’t as good as you think. Once out of uniform, they’re still just men with basic needs…”
The air conditioning in the car was unusually hot, making me feel uncomfortable.
The green light finally turned on, and I quickly pointed to the intersection ahead. “Turn left at the next intersection. There’s a supermarket.”
Ye Zhengchen stepped on the gas, driving in the indicated direction.
In the supermarket, Ye Zhengchen pushed the shopping cart behind me while I placed items into it. Occasionally, our eyes would meet, and sparks seemed to fly.
I suddenly felt an illusion of us being back at the Carrefour in Osaka.
At that time, I had just arrived in Japan, curious about everything and always asking him about various products. He would patiently explain them to me.
Once, I picked up a yellow cream cake and asked about it. Because the packaging had no instructions, he inquired in detail from the cake maker and recited everything to me word for word.
After he finished explaining, I continued to stare at him.
“What are you looking at?
Ye Zhengchen touched his face, thinking there was something dirty on it.
I smiled and said, “Senior, you look especially cute when you’re serious.”
He laughed, his crystal-clear laugh adorably deadly. “Kiddo, I know I’m cute. Be careful not to fall in love with me.”
I snatched the cake from his hand and put it in the shopping cart. “Stop being so full of yourself. I don’t like this type of man at all. I only see you as my brother.”
Ye Zhengchen mussed my hair. “Little girl, from now on, big brother will protect you!”
Someone once said, “Siblings are prone to trouble,” and they were right! Trouble always follows.
A pack of tissues interrupted my thoughts. “Kiddo, you’re drooling while laughing.”
I looked down and saw the fresh egg pudding cake, its bright custard yellow stinging my eyes.
Tears began to fall, and I threw myself into his arms.
Ye Zhengchen was stunned, whispering, “There’s… surveillance cameras here.”
“What about them? Who says you can’t hug in a supermarket?” I sobbed.
“I’m afraid… the next shot might not be suitable for children.”
I pushed him away, angry and laughing. “Can’t you stop thinking about inappropriate things?”
Ye Zhengchen wiped my tears with tissues, saying, “I’ve never seen a woman so easily moved.”
It’s just a pudding cake, and you’re this emotional. Someone might think I gave you a five-carat diamond ring.”
All men know women like diamond rings, but only Ye Zhengchen knew that I didn’t love egg pudding cake for its taste, but because it reminded me of his expression when explaining its ingredients and preparation, making me happier with each bite.
Those who haven’t lost something don’t understand its preciousness; those who haven’t regained something don’t understand its pain.
This time, no matter what happens, I won’t let go of his hand.
After touring the supermarket, Ye Zhengchen bought many things we used to love. When I mentioned the refrigerator might not fit everything, he casually bought me a double-door fridge.
I didn’t dare say my apartment had no space; I was afraid he’d buy me a big house.
Returning from the supermarket, his car stopped at my apartment entrance. As I was about to get out, I unexpectedly saw Yin Zhongtian lingering at the building entrance, hesitating to go up.
I glanced at Ye Zhengchen; his brow was tightly furrowed, silent.
“Wait for me.”
Ye Zhengchen grabbed my hand. “Kiddo…”
“Don’t worry, we’re over. I just want to say a few words to him.”
He hesitated, then released my hand. “I’ll wait for you.”
Yin Zhongtian saw me get out of the car, looking somewhat at a loss and wanting to leave.
I called out to him. “Zhongtian, do you need something?”
He stopped, looking at Ye Zhengchen’s car, and exchanged a glance with him through the windshield. Then he turned to me. “Xiao Bing, I’m leaving for another city. Before I go, I have a few words I want to say to you.”
“Go ahead.”
