Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Shen Qingyue pressed on, âWhen the terrorist attack happened in the gambling city, you werenât in the city center? Zhang Jianci and the others couldnât use their phones either?â
âOf course, no one could use their phones. Plus, I wouldnât break the promise I made to you. I wasnât there at that time!â Chi Ming looked at her, almost wanting to show her the surveillance footage from back then just to assure her.
Shen Qingyue released his hand, still somewhat dissatisfied. âEven so, with such a big incident happening there, couldnât you have asked someone to give me a message? Do you know how worried I wasâ¦â
She stopped herself mid-sentence, realizing that what she was saying transcended the boundaries of friendship; it was akin to a confession. She found it awkward to reveal her feelings to him, unsure of her own emotions. How should she put it? When she pursued Qin Zhen, she never hid her intentions; it was common knowledge, and she didnât see it as a big deal. But now, facing Chi Ming, she felt hesitant and a bit ashamed.
Perhaps it was because she had treated pursuing Qin Zhen as a task that must be accomplished, an emotional setup of sorts. Though there were some feelings involved, it lacked genuine sincerity.
It was different with Chi Ming. She couldnât deny that she liked him. It was a different feeling from what she had for Qin Zhen, a liking that stemmed from the depths of her heart, something unique to her. It wasnât about seeking warmth or seeking solace; it was admiration for the person himself.
Seeing her sudden silence, Chi Ming responded, âI knew you would worry about me.â
Hearing this, all the awkward thoughts Shen Qingyue had a moment ago vanished. She looked at him, her expression full of dissatisfaction. âIf you knew, then why didnât you contact me? I thought youâ¦â
In the dim light by the pond, Chi Mingâs thin lips curved slightly, his eyes carrying a hint of amusement, and his tone was firm, âI did it on purpose.â During the long time he had been back in the country, Shen Qingyue and his relationship had always been neither close nor distant. Whatever he did, at most, she would express gratitude, without any other intentions. Continuing like this, he feared she might forget him again, treating him as just another classmate, a friend, neither here nor there. He didnât want that anymore, so this time, he didnât contact her proactively, wanting to test her feelings⦠Of course, he had to admit, there was also a bit of a sulking attitude.
He couldnât forget the time when Qin Zhen had a car accident, Shen Qingyue disregarded her own weakness, and even ignored important meetings, going directly to donate blood for Qin Zhen. He remembered it till now, although he told himself it was a matter of life and death and he shouldnât be jealous, but he still cared, feeling a pang of jealousy. So he had been petty all along, until today.
Chi Ming wasnât behaving properly at all, yet he dared to be so self-assured. Shen Qingyue felt really angry. When did Chi Ming become so unpleasant? And the last time, he lied to her while he was right outside the door! He didnât look anything like the aloof person he used to be.
She didnât know who he learned this from, it must be Zhang Jianci, that guy was definitely unreliable!
Shen Qingyue lifted her leg, wanting to give him a kick. In the end, she just lightly tapped him, âIâve been so busy lately, and I have to spare time to worry about your matters. Did it ever occur to you that I might be tired? These days, I canât even sleep properly, let alone eat. Are you considerate at all?â
Shen Junâs and Chi Mingâs matters happened around the same time, pressing on her until she couldnât breathe, yet he still acted so nonchalantly! It was truly infuriating!
Being kicked, Chi Mingâs smile deepened. He took Shen Qingyueâs hand again, âI was wrong this time, Iâm sorry! I shouldnât have teased you like that. Butâ¦
may I ask, Miss Shen, why do you care so much about me? To the point of not being able to eat or sleep properlyâ¦â
Shen Qingyue was caught off guard by the question. She had just put this matter aside, and now Chi Ming brought it up again? She awkwardly shifted her gaze away and forgot to pull back her hand, âWhy⦠why would Iâ¦â
Chi Ming remained silent, smiling as he watched her flustered expression, continuously rubbing her hand, as if wanting to crush her into his armsâ¦
âShen Qingyue!â
In the midst of a beautiful moment, thereâs always someone without a sense of timing.
Qin Zhenâs voice came from the hotelâs entrance.
Shen Qingyue and Chi Mingâs expressions instantly turned cold. The delightful atmosphere they had just shared burst like bubbles, disappearing completely.
Qin Zhen walked up to them in a few steps. Seeing the two still holding hands, the disgustingly sweet atmosphere made him almost explode with anger.
Shen Qingyue instantly retracted her amiable aura, staring coldly at Qin Zhen, âPresident Qin, Iâm not deaf, thereâs no need to shout at the top of your lungs! Why are you following us? Do you need to be scolded every minute to feel satisfied?â