Chapter 544: 543: Ji Baijian, I Really Have Loved You in This Lifetime (One update)

The night was truly beautiful.

The gentle breeze blew, causing the sea waves to sway.

The two hopelessly-in-love individuals, each offering their most vulnerable side to the other without hesitation, as if this was eternity.

Eternity, fleeting as a moment.

One didn’t know who left first.

The warmth of that moment instantly turned chilly, even icy, at that point.

Ji Baijian walked over to the chair in front of Song Zhizhi and slowly sat down.

In front of him was a beautifully prepared dinner.

Together they gracefully picked up their cutlery and started eating bite by bite.

The food tasted excellent, yet at this moment seemed utterly flavorless.

An unshakeable silence engulfed all around, seemingly making everything eerily quiet.

Even the servers conscientiously withdrew themselves.

At that moment, they didn’t seem to know what to say or what could be said.

Song Zhizhi seemingly lost her sense of taste.

She slowly put down her cutlery.

Ji Baijian, sitting opposite her, was still leisurely enjoying his meal.

Every gesture of his was extremely cultured and elegant.

Sometimes, Song Zhizhi wondered whether the heavens pitied Ji Baijian, regretted the untimely demise of this perfect man they had created, and therefore granted him another life. And her, why did the heavens favor her with this?

She gave a light laugh, brushing off her inexplicable worries.

She said, “Ji Baijian, the clothes you’re wearing today look very nice.”

Ji Baijian, who was holding his cutlery, paused.

Still retaining a casual demeanor, he said, “Have you forgotten this outfit?”

“Not at all.” It was precisely because she had not forgotten that it looked even more attractive to her, “You must have liked me for quite some time.”

“Yes.”

“Why did you fall in love with me?”

Was it worth it?

Why would such an exceptional man choose to fall in love with her?

“There is no question of worthiness. There is also no ‘why’ in love. You just fall in love.” No matter what, once in love, you’re in love forever.”

“Yes.” Song Zhizhi nodded.

As she nodded, she just smiled, a faint smile.

Such a smile, stripped of much emotion.

The night became even deeper.

Song Zhizhi didn’t eat much, she just sat there accompanying Ji Baijian as he finished his portion of the dinner, consuming even the smallest morsel.

Being full was good.

Being full was always better than being hungry.

Ji Baijian finally put down his cutlery.

At that moment.

A large group of people suddenly surrounded their dining table.

These people were armed, enclosing them tightly in a circle.

A feeling of being trapped with no way out spread out.

Ji Baijian showed no emotion.

As if he knew this would be the outcome, he remained unfazed, his gaze fixed on her, unconcerned about others.

Song Zhizhi said, “I’m sorry, Ji Baijian.”

Ji Baijian nodded, a nod that seemed somewhat chilled, “I was prepared for this.”

Song Zhizhi faltered, “Did you know I would do this to you?”

“You are more decisive than I expected.”

Song Zhizhi bit her lip.

In reality, with Ji Baijian being so clever, what was there that he wouldn’t be able to perceive?

She asked, “Knowing this, why would you still agree to meet?”

“I came with the hope that you might change your mind.” Ji Baijian said, his voice cold and emotionless.

Song Zhizhi’s heart skipped a beat.

She never imagined him to change his mind.

She never did.

She said, “This world gifted us with the opportunity to live this life again, and I refuse to leave in such a manner once more!”

“Yes.”

“I know that my father’s death had nothing to do with you, and I understand that you’ve done a lot for me. I do love you a lot, but…” Song Zhizhi seemed to be struggling with her emotions.

At that moment, she appeared to be managing her feelings.

Ji Baijian was much calmer than her. He completed her sentence for her, “but, because I’m not strong enough to protect you, you chose to leave.”

“Yes,” Song Zhizhi agreed, “Before our wedding, we agreed that you will protect my family.”

“I didn’t keep my promise,” Ji Baijian confessed.

“I was just looking for a way to self-preserve.”

“I understand.”

“Ji Baijian,”

“I don’t want to hear any more apologies,” Ji Baijian interrupted her.

Song Zhizhi bit her lip.

It seemed as if he knew what she was thinking.

Yet he remained calm, utterly devoid of emotion.

“If this choice feels right to you, then that’s enough!” Ji Baijian maintained his composure.

“Yes, this feels like the best course of action.” Song Zhizhi assured confidently.

Nodding with such certainty, her tears began to fall uncontrollably.

One by one, they fell onto the plate in front of her.

Who would have thought, one day they would part ways like this, in life and death.

Time flew, yet it also felt unbearably long.

Song Zhizhi was suffering in the agony of it all.

Ji Baijian reached out, his slender fingers traced her cheek, and a tear fell onto the back of his hand.

Ji Baijian held it to his lips.

He said, “Is this the last flavor I’ll be able to taste?”

Song Zhizhi looked at him through her tear-filled eyes.

“It’s a bit salty.”

Song Zhizhi felt her heart shattering at that moment.

She told Ji Baijian, “I did it for my sake.”

I was so cruel to you, just to protect myself.

If there’s a next life.

Perhaps, someone like her doesn’t deserve a next life.

She stood up from her chair, enduring the pain in her heart.

Ji Baijian kept watching her actions, still unfazed.

Song Zhizhi said, “Ji Baijian, I truly loved you in this life.”

“Mhm,” Ji Baijian responded.

Song Zhizhi walked away step by step.

As she left, Ji Baijian remained surrounded by a group of threatening figures.

So many deadly weapons were aimed at him.

The next second, maybe even less, he might be cut off from this world.

This reminded him of his past life as Ye Shengheng, when faced with death, he wasn’t fearful, but instead felt regret.

His gaze shifted.

Suddenly, he jumped up from his seat, his actions so swift that the people armed with weapons in front of him couldn’t react in time.

The next second.

The quiet bay was pierced with numerous gunshots.

Song Zhizhi’s vision was becoming increasingly blurry.

There were explosive noises all around, each one causing her heart to tremble.

And yet, she could only endure and bear it.

Because, it was all her choice, it was all her doing.

Unconsciously, her hand found its way to her belly. She managed to force a small smile on her face.

At least, at least, he was still here.

The noises of the night gradually subsided.

Song Zhizhi stood in a secluded corner, continuing to gaze out into the distance.

Just over ten minutes, was everything over that quickly?

She didn’t know.

What she did notice was a speedboat approaching another luxurious ship from afar.

And then, she saw Jun Minghan, surrounded by his personal bodyguards, walking towards Song ZhiZhi.

Song Zhizhi looked at Jun Minghan.

With a corner of his mouth lifted, Jun Minghan sneered, “Women are more deadly than the male, so I’ve come to realise.”

“Isn’t this precisely what you were hoping for?”

“Miss Song, your ruthlessness has earned my respect, I have to admit, I quite enjoy it,” Jun Minghan laughed, his laughter carrying an unmistakable wickedness.

Song Zhizhi gave a small laugh, “Thanks for the compliment.”

“Let’s go, let’s go look at Ji Baijian’s body.”

“No,” Song Zhizhi declined.

“What, scared?”

“Yes,” Song Zhizhi admitted, “I am just an ordinary person, I cannot tolerate too much violence. Please understand, Mr. Jun.”

A cold laugh escaped Jun Minghan’s lips.

He didn’t completely believe Song Zhizhi’s words, but he chose not to force her in the end.

He walked towards the yacht’s deck with his men.

Everyone’s gaze landed on him, offering their silent respect.

Jun Minghan swept his gaze across them, his expression darkening, “Where’s the body?”

“In the sea, they’re pulling it up now.”

“What kind of job were you doing!” Jun Minghan reprimanded coldly.

“It’s our fault,” the leading man responded respectfully, “But Mr. Jun, rest assured. Ji Baijian suffered severe injuries, two bullets hit his vital spots. Even if he jumped into the sea, he wouldn’t have survived, I can guarantee you that.”

Jun Minghan’s eyes narrowed.

“I have already sent people to pull up the body but the sea is wide and vast, and the night is dark. We are limited with the hands we have and can only do our best!”

“The living should be seen alive, and the dead should be seen dead. There is no such thing as ‘doing our best,’”

“Yes, sir,” the leading man responded quickly.

He turned around to his men, “Everyone, get down into the water and find him for me!”

“Yes!”

With that, several more people jumped into the ocean.

Song Zhizhi waited for a long time, but the boat showed no signs of starting up and leaving, so she made her way towards Jun Minghan.

Jun Minghan was sitting on the deck, surrounded by his men standing at attention.

There were a number of cigarette butts around him; he looked very displeased.

On seeing her, Jun Minghan’s eyes moved, but he didn’t say a word.

Song Zhizhi didn’t see Ji Baijian either.

“Did he escape?” she asked.

“Are you rejoicing?” Jun Minghan asked in return.

“Mr. Jun is joking. If Ji Baijian really escaped, the first person he’d come after would be me. What can I possibly be celebrating?” Song Zhizhi responded sarcastically.

Jun Minghan looked distinctly displeased.

“I thought given Mr. Jun’s abilities, the insignificant Ji Baijian, an isolated man caught in an ambush, would surely be doomed. Did I put too much faith in you, Mr. Jun?” Song Zhizhi’s sarcasm became increasingly apparent.

“Are you looking down on me?”

“I just want to ensure my safety.”

“Rest assured. Ji Baijian is dead. They are simply retrieving his body now.” Jun Minghan emphasized, his tone resolute.

Song Zhizhi’s eyebrows lifted, a glint of disbelief shone in her eyes.

“Ji Baijian was shot twice in the heart, do you think he has any chance of living? ”

“Where is the body, then?” Song Zhizhi pressed on.

“The body… isn’t that what they are searching for?” Jun Minghan uncrossed his legs and took steady steps toward Song Zhizhi. “Miss Song, you are indeed more realistic than I assumed. Ji Baijian was good to you, and yet you turn your back on him so easily.”

“Love may be great, but life is priceless.” Song Zhizhi’s words were clear and crisp.

A cold smile spread across Jun Minghan’s face.

He didn’t say another word.

A night passed.

Dawn broke.

However, even after a whole night, Ji Baijian’s body was nowhere to be found.

Truth be told.

How could it have been so easy to find?

It was literally like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Everyone in front of him looked drained and exhausted.

Everyone was lying on the deck, too tired to jump back into the sea.

Jun Minghan looked particularly displeased as he scanned the people in front of him. The man who was leading the search was next to him, terrified to even breathe!

Jun Minghan asked, “Can we be sure that he absolutely cannot survive?”

“I’m sure. I’m the one who fired one of the bullets, I’m certain that it hit his heart. There is absolutely no chance of survival,” the man who had been leading the search, replied confidently.

Jun Minghan was silent for a few seconds.

If that’s the case.

He suddenly extended his hand, “Hand me your weapon.”

The leading man was taken aback.

“Give it to me!”

Reluctantly, the man handed over his weapon to Jun Minghan.

Jun Minghan held the weapon.

Pointing it at the leader he said, “Tell everyone to stand up.”

“Yes, sir.”

The leading man quickly ordered the people lying on the deck to stand straight.

Jun Minghan walked along, in front of the lined-up men.

Suddenly.

He pulled the trigger.

With a loud bang, he shot the leader in the forehead.

It was a bloody and brutal sight.

Song Zhizhi stood there watching as the man’s face transformed before her eyes. Suddenly, he was falling, his eyes still wide open in shock.

The sudden gunfire stunned everyone, not a single soul dared to make a sound. They all stood rigidly, not daring to move.

After firing a bullet, Jun Minghan threw the weapon back to the leader.

The man quickly caught it.

Then Jun Minghan ordered, “Take a picture of him. Tell my mother that this is Ji Baijian.”

The man was startled, staring at Jun Minghan.

“Otherwise, do all of you want to accompany him in his death?”

“Yes, Mr. Jun, I know what to do now!” The leader responded immediately, his utmost respect apparent.

Jun Minghan turned away.

As he walked away, he asked Song ZhiZhi, “You want to keep watching?”

Song Zhizhi glanced back at him.

She followed Jun Minghan.

At that moment, she couldn’t help but take another look at the endless sea.

Internally, she let out a sigh of relief.