Chapter One Hundred Thirteen

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“You really don’t have to keep hiding it, Lin Zimo. Don’t be afraid, I just wanted to...” Under the moonlight, Yu Xingyue appeared mysteriously elusive, and Lin Zimo couldn’t quite grasp her thoughts.

“I’m not hiding anything, it’s just that...” Lin Zimo’s explanations became more tangled, which only piqued Yu Xingyue’s interest further.

Yu Xingyue chuckled softly, saying, “Don’t be nervous. I just wanted to tell you... thank you.”

“Thank me? What for? I just didn’t want you to leave empty-handed,” Lin Zimo said aloud, though his heart was already racing wildly.

“You want to express your feelings, so why not say them out loud?” Seeing that Lin Zimo wouldn’t confess, Yu Xingyue spoke for him, “Lin Zimo, do you like me?”

“What do you mean?”

“Judging by the note you sent, you insisted that the ring must be worn on my right middle finger. Everyone knows what wearing it there means. Zimo, what’s the point in continuing to hide it?” Saying this eased a weight she hadn’t realized she was carrying.

“Yes! I do like you,” Lin Zimo abandoned all restraint. Yu Xingyue was right—there was no need to conceal a simple affection. If you like someone, shout it out loud. He felt as if he had borrowed lines from a drama.

“Sorry, I...” Yu Xingyue wanted to apologize but found no words. This straightforward guy was always slow to react, especially in matters of the heart—a complete novice.

“No need to apologize. I cared too much about you,” Lin Zimo explained. “If I had been more low-key initially, perhaps you would have noticed me sooner, and things wouldn’t have turned out like this.”

“No, I’m the foolish one. I should have realized earlier. If I hadn’t been so dull, you wouldn’t have had to wait so long. Lin Zimo, would you accept this foolish suitor of yours?”

Faced with Yu Xingyue’s confession, Lin Zimo was momentarily at a loss. “You... you mean you’re pursuing me? Would you be upset if I said no?”

Yu Xingyue smiled faintly. “Whether I’m upset is one matter; the important thing is, will you accept this foolish suitor and become my boyfriend?”

The thought of becoming Yu Xingyue’s boyfriend made Lin Zimo’s heart burst with joy. He didn’t know if it was good or bad, but Yu Xingyue continued, “If you don’t agree, I’ll wait. Let me trade this fool’s lifelong happiness for your happiness.”

“I...” Lin Zimo had told himself to be reserved, but faced with Yu Xingyue’s earnest declarations, his heart was already conquered. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t find the words he wanted to say.

“If you don’t agree, I’ll wait until I return from Japan, then you’ll have your answer,” Yu Xingyue said, preparing to leave. Suddenly, she felt a tightening behind her, a force holding her back.

Seeing Yu Xingyue about to leave, Lin Zimo abandoned all restraint and embraced her from behind to stop her.

“No, that answer should be said now. I... agree!” he whispered.

“Say it louder, I can’t hear you,” Yu Xingyue laughed. She loved hearing Lin Zimo’s shy voice and wanted to hear it again and again.

“I agree!” Lin Zimo shouted this time, nearly piercing her ears.

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Yu Xingyue mock-scolded, “Even if you agree, there’s no need to shout so loud! You nearly deafened me.”

Lin Zimo let go, grumbling, “That’s your fault, has nothing to do with me.”

Yu Xingyue took Lin Zimo’s hand gently—tender as tofu, she feared hurting it. Lin Zimo shivered all over as her heart rate quickened.

What was this? Could this be the feeling of a heartbeat? Had all previous feelings been false?

Yu Xingyue said, “I never felt this way before. Now I have a kind of attachment—not exactly that—but to me, you are sacred and untouchable.”

“What do you mean?” Lin Zimo didn’t understand. The next moment, before he was ready, Yu Xingyue kissed him.

Indeed, her kiss was cautious, careful not to hurt him. Lin Zimo froze at first, then closed his eyes to savor the moment. After more than a year together, he finally embraced the one he loved most.

It was a pure, simple kiss—no passion, only warmth—both their bodies glowing with gentle moans.

After a long while, they parted lips, and Lin Zimo clung to Yu Xingyue like a lamb. “Is this the start of a real relationship? I’m so nervous.”

Yu Xingyue stroked his long hair. “I’m nervous too. Isn’t it always like that with couples at the beginning? Once you understand each other, the nerves fade.”

“Hmm, I understand you completely now, so why am I still so nervous?”

“Maybe because you’ve never had many male friends before. You only met Xiao Jian, Huang Feifan, and Zhang Yi after meeting me. They’re all worthy of you, so why did you choose a nobody like me?”

“Don’t you get it?” Lin Zimo lifted his head in her arms and looked at her. “You’re the first man I ever met. At first, you were solitary and quiet. I came into your life to change your loneliness and make you like making friends. But over time, my feelings for you grew beyond friendship—I like you.”

“I almost thought you were about to say we’re gay. If I were a woman, maybe I’d consider it,” Yu Xingyue joked.

“Annoying!” Lin Zimo lightly punched her chest twice, then buried his face in her embrace again.

“I want to always wear this ring. If you dare to find someone else, I’ll fly over immediately to deal with you!” Lin Zimo warned. Yu Xingyue could tell it was care, not a real threat.

“After having you, why would I bother with any other girl? I have you. Are you worried I’ll be seduced by Japanese girls?” Yu Xingyue patted his head.

“How would I know? Anyway, I’m putting it out there: if you forget me, I won’t forgive you.” Speaking awkwardly but sincerely, this was Lin Zimo. That night, Yu Xingyue understood him a little better.

“How much longer before you leave?” Yu Xingyue asked.

“The moonlight is so beautiful tonight, I might as well stay a little longer,” Lin Zimo replied.

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Suddenly, Yu Xingyue lifted Lin Zimo into a princess carry. Lin Zimo was caught unprepared. Yu Xingyue was physically small and struggled to carry him, but for his girlfriend, a bit of effort was nothing.

“Yu Xingyue, what are you doing?” Lin Zimo asked nervously.

“Obviously, there are too many mosquitoes outside. I’m afraid you’ll get bitten. Hold me tight,” Yu Xingyue said calmly, with a hint of dominance.

“Mmm...” Lin Zimo said no more and wrapped his arms tightly around her neck.

“Passengers, please fasten your seatbelts and pay for your tickets before departure.”

“Tickets?” Lin Zimo was puzzled.

“Do I really have to say it?” Yu Xingyue smiled mischievously. Seeing her lips move like that, Lin Zimo immediately understood her meaning. His flushed cheeks returned.

“Ready for takeoff!” Yu Xingyue said childishly as she ran toward her home, holding Lin Zimo.

What happened that night need not be recounted in detail. Both had newfound attachments and dared not be reckless. Perhaps impulsiveness would cause them to lose each other—something neither wanted to see.

...

Early the next morning, Yu Xingyue awaited at the airport, preparing to board. She arrived early; Sun Ying would arrive later.

To her surprise, Wu Guanzhong came to see her off. He had promised over the phone to come before her departure. Lin Ling didn’t know he would appear at the airport.

“Brother Wu, you came,” Yu Xingyue smiled.

“I always keep my promises. See, didn’t I come?” Wu Guanzhong patted his own shoulder, a habitual gesture at the airport. Not many people were around.

“Thank you. How have you been without the senior sister around?” Yu Xingyue asked.

“Don’t mention her. Every time I hear her name, I think of her,” Wu Guanzhong said.