Chapter 53.

Chapter 53.

He found it difficult to articulate his feelings upon hearing these words. His initial reaction was to wonder if Lu Nian was playing a joke on him.

Immediately after, he keenly picked up on the word ‘once’ in her statement.

...Even if he accepted the first half of her statement as truth, since it was 'once liked', then does it mean that now she already...

“Exactly,” Lu Nian read his thoughts with just one look.

She spoke languidly, methodically, “I did like you at one point, but back then you treated me quite poorly, then you suddenly left for such a long time, several years, without a trace, I couldn’t even find you.”

“Who hasn't mistakenly fallen for someone in their youth?” Lu Nian said deliberately.

His face gradually paled, yet, he remained silent, not uttering a word.

“So, now everything has reset to zero,” Lu Nian stated casually.

Even now, he was still somewhat skeptical about the first part of what Lu Nian had said.

After all, she has a knack for teasing people; her words often a mix of truth and fiction. Only when he is with her do cunning and scheming disappear completely, leaving only genuine intentions.

His natural pessimism made him fully believe the latter part of her statement.

Seeing him just hanging his head, his complexion pale, yet still unwilling to reveal what he had been doing those years, not even making a gesture, she felt a bit annoyed.

“Alright, Xiao Qiu is calling me. I’m going out,” Lu Nian said.

She attempted to climb off the bed, but halfway up, her slender wrist was suddenly seized. His fingers were icy cold, devoid of any warmth at the tips.

His voice was somewhat husky, “I won’t leave again, not now.”

Lu Nian slowly straightened up; the man beneath her had deep, dark pupils, delicate lips that seemed somewhat thin, moistened by her just moments before.

She whispered, “Mm.”

She added, “Also, I lied to you earlier. I don't actually like Zhao Yayuan. We're just friends, at most we held hands once.”

The intimate moments that happened before, they had already shared them with each other.

……

There was still knocking from outside.

Lu Nian slowly got up, “Let's get up.”

Qiu Li and Zhao Yayuan were still around, and it was quite odd that the two of them had been in the room for so long without clear reasons.

As they came out, Lu Nian appeared as composed as usual. In contrast, the man walking behind her exhibited a hint of pallor on his face, yet his lips were oddly red, making his whole demeanor radiate a somewhat bewitching handsomeness.

Lu Nian’s hair and clothes seemed to be quite neat. Zhao Yayuan asked, “Are you staying here tonight?”

“Mm,” Lu Nian responded, “to keep Qiu Qiu company.”

Zhao Yayuan remarked, “Then I won’t be going back either.”

Qiu Li didn't say anything, and neither did Lu Nian.

Since leaving the room, Qin Si had remained silent. At this moment, he finally spoke up, “There are no rooms available here.”

Zhao Yayuan raised his eyebrows at him, “I can squeeze in with Qiu Li, what’s the big deal?”

“Your brother is getting married soon, and you’re staying over at a friend’s place?” he said, his tone indifferent, “Your family doesn't mind?”

Zhao Yayuan retorted, “What does it have to do with my family?”

It seemed he smiled a bit, his thin lips curling slightly, “You dare to defy your family?”

The words carried a double meaning.

The matter of the previous engagement with Lu Nian being intercepted by the Zhao family was a sore spot for Zhao Yayuan, especially when it was brought to light so bluntly; it irked him and his face reddened considerably.

Qin Si's mouth, when it chose to be venomous, could indeed infuriate people, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Lu Nian only felt a headache brewing, unsure of what to say. She had clearly informed Qin Si that she didn't like Zhao Yayuan, so why was she still harboring so much hostility towards him, just because of their past engagement?

Qiu Li hurriedly pulled her aside, whispering, “Nian Nian, don’t stay here, go take a shower first, and rest early afterwards.”

Lu Nian took her towel and clothes and returned to her room.

After she came out with her hair dried, she glanced out to see only Qiu Li left in the living room, still engrossed in a book.

Lu Nian wrung her wet hair with the towel, looking around, “They left?”

Qiu Li responded, “Yes, they have.”

“Did they end up arguing?”

Qiu Li said, "No."

Qin Si is not usually the kind to quarrel with others. He is not much of a talker, but every word he utters seems to precisely pinpoint people's vulnerabilities. However, he didn't seem to have any inclination to argue with Zhao Yayuan.

Ensuring that he wouldn't stay here overnight was sufficient.

Lu Nian sat down beside him, "This is really bothersome. I feel like I can't hold on any longer. Maybe one day, I'll just confess to him directly and be done with it."

She never anticipated that just wanting him to confess, to verbally admit his affection for her, to take the initiative, would be so difficult.

Qiu Li curved his lips into a smile, "You haven't exactly provided him with a sense of security, either."

Lu Nian half rose from her seat, "Eh?"

"What do you mean?"

Qiu Li didn't continue, he seemed to have thought of something, and then asked, "Nian Nian, do you plan to leave later, or will you stay here indefinitely?"

Lu Nian thought for a moment, "It might be unavoidable. He constantly wishes for me to move in with him."

She shrugged, not verbally admitting anything, but she knew that if she continued to stay here, Qin Si would employ a hundred different methods to eventually bring her over to his place.

Qiu Li pursed his lips.

His face suddenly turned somewhat red, "Nian Nian, um, since you're going to live together..."

"Without being certain if he truly harbors feelings for you," he gently gripped Lu Nian's hand, "in the context of wanting to formally date you..."

"Before marriage, avoid getting involved in that sort of..." He was a gentle and shy boy, who felt rather embarrassed discussing such matters, even with his own twin sister; his fair face tinged with a blush.

Lu Nian was startled for a moment, but quickly grasped his meaning.

She smiled, her eyes curving as she squeezed Qiu Li's hand in return, "Don't worry, he won't force me into anything."

It was rather her own self who often felt a surge of restlessness.

She enjoyed painting and felt he resembled a piece of art; incredibly enticing. She couldn't predict when she might lose restraint and pounce on him directly. Lu Nian wasn't experienced with these matters, but since her adolescence, she enjoyed being close to him.

And he, on the other hand, was indeed capable of restraint and self-control.

However, Lu Nian realized that he used to be a person of restrained desires and clear conscience.

Only during their time living together did she progressively discern the other side of Qin Si, which he only revealed in her presence.

In the original book, he had never been accompanied by a woman at his side, even until his death.

Qiu Li asked, "If you truly plan to date or marry, Nian Nian, do you understand his past?"

"We grew up together."

"What about even earlier?" Qiu Li inquired, "I remember, he only joined the Lu family when he was eight years old, right?"

Referring to his life in the orphanage before?

Lu Nian shook her head.

All she knew was that before coming to the Lu family, Qin Si had been adopted by another family at some point. However, it wasn't long before he returned to the orphanage, the reasons unknown, a topic Qin Si never broached with anyone.

However, when he first arrived at the Lu family, his sense of self-protection was exceptionally strong. Faced with similar situations in the Lu family, he began to increasingly shield his heart, as if weaving a thick cocoon around it, a protection that strengthened with each passing year.

His guard was always up, his pride soaring high, never truly willing to lay his inner self bare to anyone.

It's unclear what all he has experienced.

"Has Mr. Qin ever considered seeking out his biological parents?" Qiu Li asked.

Lu Nian shook her head, "No."

He clearly had no enthusiasm for such a matter, seemingly completely indifferent.

"Is that so?" Qiu Li's tone grew softer, "I feel the same way."

"However, I do miss mother a bit," he suddenly said.

Over the years, Qiu Li rarely brought up matters concerning the Lu family with her; this was a first.

"That necklace of mom's, I found it in her room," Lu Nian said, "Xiao Qiu, if you're willing to go back, I'll take you to mother's room to offer her some incense."

Qiu Li nodded.

"I also visited the house we lived in when we were little," Lu Nian said, sniffing slightly, "but I still can't remember anything."

Qiu Li patted her on the head, "If you can't recall, let it be. They aren't pleasant memories."

She engaged in painting, while Qiu Li indulged in reading.

Lu Nian asked, "Is Zhao Tingyuan really about to get married?"

"Yes, Ya Yuan doesn't want to attend, but..." Qiu Li frowned.

Although Qiu Li didn't finish, Lu Nian understood his implication.

The Zhao family had only two sons in this generation, and they were close siblings. It would be unthinkable for the younger brother not to attend the elder brother's wedding.

"Advise Ya Yuan to be careful," Lu Nian said, filled with worry.

Thinking of Zhao Ya Yuan's previous fate, she always felt it was like a ticking time bomb, especially after Su Qingyu truly became a member of the Zhao family.

However, she felt powerless to change anything, able only to try her best to warn Zhao Ya Yuan to be cautious.

"I've talked to Ya Yuan about it," Qiu Li said, sounding helpless.

However, it seems that it hasn't produced any tangible results. It appears that due to the incident with Lu Nian, Zhao Ya Yuan has been somewhat affected, speaking less frequently than before. Previously not much involved in company affairs, he has recently started to play a more active role under Zhao Quan's guidance, portraying a professional demeanor.

He certainly has more talent than Zhao Ting Yuan... only that...

Lu Nian sighed deeply.

At some point, she truly wishes to have a heartfelt conversation with Zhao Ya Yuan.

The Zhao family wedding is indeed imminent, with a large number of guests being invited.

Everything is ready, the invitations have been sent out. Su Qing Yu sits under the lamp, painstakingly verifying each name one by one,

She is nearly five months pregnant now, slightly plumper than before, her waist noticeably wider. The previously chosen wedding dress style needs adjustments, and the designer has visited the Zhao residence numerous times to tailor the gown to her changing figure.

Su Qing Yu is finalizing the guest list.

Since her morning sickness has been quite severe lately, Zhao Ting Yuan took the initiative to draft this guest list.

"No one from the Lu family has been invited?" she inquired.

Zhao Ting Yuan responded, "Given how things have escalated, it seems unnecessary, doesn't it?"

The relationship between the Zhao and Lu families used to be decent, but after what happened with Zhao Ya Yuan, everyone’s perception has changed. Inviting members of the Lu family to the wedding now would be akin to inviting trouble.

"That is an issue between Ya Yuan and them," Su Qing Yu noted.

"Let's invite Uncle Lu, after all, he still shares a camaraderie with my parents," Su Qing Yu said gently, "Decades of friendship still mean something."

Zhao Ting Yuan was incredulous, "Lu Zhi Hong? After the last incident, hasn't almost all the goodwill been torn apart? If we invite him now, would he even come?"

"Moreover, currently, the actual person in charge of the Lu family is that person surnamed Qin," Zhao Ting Yuan mentioned, "If we intend to curry favor, reaching out to Lu Zhi Hong seems futile."

Su Qing Yu seemed to smile briefly, offering no reply but instead changing the topic, "Do you know about Ya Yuan's friend... I believe, the name is Qiu Li?"

Zhao Ting Yuan acknowledged, "Yes, a friend of Ya Yuan. When Ya Yuan was sent away for recuperation due to poor health, he befriended the grandson of the family who took care of him, growing up together... What does our wedding have to do with him?"

"Is the name of the small town he was recuperating in Nan Qiao?" Su Qing Yu asked slowly.

Zhao Ting Yuan furrowed his brows, "Maybe? I can't quite remember."

Su Qing Yu continued, "Did you know that the Lu family once had a young son who went missing?"

The more Zhao Ting Yuan heard, the more confused he became.

Su Qing Yu had no choice but to elucidate, "I had someone investigate it specifically."

"Look at this." She pulled out a photograph.

It was taken by a private detective, clearly a surreptitious shot, showing a young man and woman walking side by side, seemingly sharing an intimate moment.

Zhao Ting Yuan was utterly oblivious.

"Don't you think they bear a resemblance?"

Su Qing Yu shifted the angle slightly and showed it to Zhao Ting Yuan. In the picture, the young man was speaking to her with a profile view. Zhao Ting Yuan, familiar with Lu Nian's features, finally recognized some similarities – both displayed a kind and delicate appearance.

"Look at their eyes and eyebrows, their expressions."

Su Qing Yu mentioned, "Lu Zuo and Lu Nian are twins, they should be around the same age."

Zhao Ting Yuan still didn't quite grasp it.

Su Qing Yu had no choice but to clarify, "Don't you think that this Qiu Li might have some connection to Lu Zuo?"

Zhao Ting Yuan's eyes widened, "Are you suggesting that Qiu Li is Lu Zuo?"

"How can that be? Such a ludicrous suggestion, wasn't Lu Zuo declared dead a long time ago, even having his identity annulled?"

"Furthermore, if he truly is Lu Zuo, being in good relations with Ya Yuan and Lu Nian, why hasn't he returned to the Lu family? A simple paternity test could settle the matter."

Qiu Li's family doesn't seem affluent, given Qiu Li's modest lifestyle and his efforts to work part-time while studying at school.

If it's true, he could return to the Lu family and instantly become a wealthy heir, so why endure such hardships?

What is Lu Zuo enduring this for?

"Who knows what they are thinking," Su Qing Yu said, unconcerned.

Su Qing Yu continued, "Uncle Lu, a few years ago when he hadn't given up hope, was constantly searching for his son."

"So what's your point?" Zhao Ting Yuan was still confused.

Su Qing Yu sighed faintly.

Noticing Zhao Ting Yuan's limited comprehension, she resigned herself to explain everything: "If he could find his son, confirming it's truly him, do you think Uncle Lu would still willingly remain in his current predicament?"

Naturally, he would want to leave his company to his own flesh and blood. If he only has a daughter, one without ambition or talent, Lu Zhi Hong would have no choice but to settle with entrusting it to his son-in-law.

However, if he discovered his son is alive and thriving, a son who is remarkable...

Finally, Zhao Ting Yuan began to understand, "But Lu Zhi Hong is now essentially powerless, unable to exert any influence."

Su Qing Yu remarked, "A camel starved to death is still bigger than a horse, and besides, occasional assistance from him is all we need."

She gently placed her hand over Zhao Ting Yuan's, "My love, let's invite both of them to our wedding."

Nowadays, a paternity test can be conducted with just a strand of hair.

"If Qiu Li is reluctant to come," she said with a soft smile, "it's okay. We should maintain a good relationship with Uncle Lu for now. As long as we convey our intentions, he will find ways to verify it himself."

The wedding date was drawing nearer day by day.

Qiu Li shared a piece of amusing news with Lu Nian: as a friend of Zhao Yayuan, he had also received an invitation, albeit verbally, inquiring if he would like to join them.

"Xiao Ya declined on my behalf," Qiu Li said with a smile.

Zhao Yayuan herself was quite reluctant; there was no way she would ask Qiu Li to accompany her.

Naturally, Lu Nian hadn't received an invitation. She wondered if recently there was a concentration of auspicious dates, as Huang Mao and his girlfriend also chose a date for their wedding. Even if she was invited to the other event, she would probably end up attending Huang Mao's wedding.

Lu Nian had prepared a gift well in advance. After all, they had known each other for so many years and they had always looked after her. Now that Huang Mao was finally escaping his bachelorhood, having someone to share life's ups and downs, she was genuinely happy for him.

Lu Nian had been focusing on meeting her writing deadlines, managing to submit the final drafts of "Black and White" just before the cutoff date, now all that was left was to wait for its publication.

She first returned to the university to submit a paper of hers. As she and Ding Ying walked out together, they passed by a café. Ding Ying suddenly fixated on someone sitting by the window and tugged at Lu Nian’s sleeve, “Look, who is that?”

Following her gaze, Lu Nian noticed the baby-faced individual engrossed in typing at a laptop. It was none other than Fang Deng.

She had some matters to discuss with Fang Deng, so she promptly entered the café.

"Was it you who installed that tracking app on my phone?" she asked, her smile bearing a hint of menace.

Fang Deng trembled behind his laptop, murmuring, "I...I had no choice... " It seemed he had been coerced into dubious acts.

Lu Nian continued, "Have you installed anything else besides that?"

"No, I swear, nothing else at all," Fang Deng was nearly ready to swear with his hands raised.

Fang Deng begged, "I'm sorry, truly sorry."

Lu Nian rarely got angry, but her gentle demeanor and smiling questions seemed a thousand times more terrifying to Fang Deng than anger.

Lu Nian asked calmly, "So, senior, when did you meet Qin Si?"

"A long time ago," Fang Deng confessed honestly, "I met him in Ancheng, he once saved me in an internet cafe, and then…"

"So, your frequent appearances before, and the times you helped me..." Lu Nian pondered slowly, suddenly making connections to many events.

Qin Si had instructed him not to divulge any of this.

Fang Deng was timid but loyal, resolute in keeping his lips sealed.

He would not speak even if it cost him his life.

Lu Nian's brow furrowed slightly, just as her phone rang in her pocket. She answered it, hearing a man's cold and indifferent voice on the other end, "Where are you?"

Huang Mao's wedding banquet was today.

Lu Nian was momentarily distracted, allowing Fang Deng to seize the opportunity to slip away with his laptop. By the time she realized, he was nowhere to be found.

It was as if they were colluding.

She had no choice but to let it be. Sitting in the car, she pondered over the matter, falling into a deeper silence. The man beside her cast her a glance, sitting quietly without uttering a word.

The car glided smoothly, and soon, they arrived at the wedding venue.

Huang Mao, having earned a decent sum from his business in recent years, stood clad in a white suit next to the bride, Lan Lan, whose name resonated softly like a whispering breeze.

The guest list was concise, encompassing mainly close friends. Huang Mao, orphaned since young and forged through life’s adversities alone, found it somewhat discomfiting to allocate a table solely to the bride's relatives as the designated "family table". In the end, with no better solution, he enlisted Ming Ge, a figure of camaraderie, to take on the role of an 'elder' figure reluctantly.

Initially, some of the bride's relatives displayed discontent, perceiving their daughter to be marrying a man who seemed adrift in society.

However, at the table where his friends congregated...

Qin Si took a seat, a figure of elegance with a narrow waist and long legs. Dressed in a suit, his appearance today was even more clean-cut and handsome. Though a man of few words, his presence commanded the room, an unmistakable aura emanating from him.

"Is he also a friend of Huang Shengyi?" someone inquired in hushed tones.

"Yes, indeed." Xiao Qu, the best man, happened to be passing by offering toasts and overheard the query. He responded loudly on purpose, proclaiming, "A staunch buddy."

He raised a distant toast towards Qin Si, who acknowledged it with a nod and emptied his glass in a graceful gesture.

Not far away, Lu Nian was engaged in conversation with Huang Mao.

"You look incredibly dapper today, and the bride is stunning!" Lu Nian complimented with genuine warmth.

She felt genuinely happy for Huang Mao, who, slightly tipsy, sported a radiant blush, responding with nothing but hearty chuckles.

Lu Nian adorned a gown of muted grey-blue, a delicate fabric that billowed softly with her movements. Despite her deliberate effort to keep a low profile with her choice of attire, her innate grace and vivacious beauty refused to be overshadowed.

"You must be Nian Nian, right?" the bride said with a smile, "Shengyi often mentions you, says you're like a dear sister to them."

Seeing her now, she indeed possessed a captivating beauty,

"Oh, we are not worthy," Huang Mao hastened to deflect the praise.

After all, how could people like them, who hailed from the lower rungs of society, orphaned and struggling, compare to someone of Lu Nian's stature, a true lady of grace and stature?

Yet, Lu Nian responded with a sweet, crisp affirmation, "In the future, brother, sister, if you need any assistance, feel free to reach out to me."

Not far away, Qin Si sat quietly, absorbing the flow of their conversation.

After extending her congratulations, Lu Nian returned to her seat.

She observed him, seemingly lost in thought, his face presenting a cool profile, his slender fingers idly twirling a wine glass, highlighting his pale, jade-like skin.

Onstage, the ceremony progressed with the emcee guiding the newlyweds in the exchange of rings.

Lu Nian, resting her cheek on her hand, suddenly remarked, "Had the previous engagement not been annulled, would I be the one standing on that stage around this time?"

"Back then, I even had my wedding gown picked out." She turned towards him, her face lit with a radiant smile, her eyes shimmering with a playful light.

The man pressed his lips together, reached for his glass, contemplating finishing the remnants of wine it housed.

Without turning her head, Lu Nian asked, "Don't you care about your stomach anymore?"

Lu Nian was well aware that Qin Si could hold his liquor, rarely getting drunk or indulging too much. However, she also knew about his stomach ailment, having witnessed him suffer from it twice in her presence. Hence, she kept a vigilant eye on him, preventing him from drinking further.

Qin Si, "..."

Eventually, he put down the wine glass. Lu Nian shot him a glance before picking up the glass herself, finishing the remaining liquor before turning her attention back to the wedding ceremony unfolding on stage.

He stiffened momentarily, fixating on her reddened lips, the exquisite softness they exhibited. He knew that their taste was sweet.

They had kissed before, yet always superficially. She never intended to deepen their connection, always retreating before it could escalate, never fully satisfying him, even less so than that time during their youth in Nan Qiao.

He recalled the words she once said: she used to have feelings for him.

Perhaps, it was the lingering affection from those times that made her willing to engage, he pondered.

He gripped the empty wine glass, his slender fingers turning slightly pale at the knuckles.

Sitting there, Lu Nian was indeed eye-catching. Many single men attending the wedding had their gazes glued on her. Initially, her proximity to Qin Si kept them at bay, but noticing the lack of intimacy and limited interaction between them spurred some restless minds into action.

Consequently, some couldn't resist the temptation to approach her anymore.

"A boyfriend?" Lu Nian queried, raising an eyebrow at the man trying to flirt with her, and casting a sidelong glance at Qin Si, "No, I don't have one."

"Then, may I have your contact information?" The man's eyes lit up with hope.

The man’s complexion worsened as he gave the stranger a cold stare, questioning, "What contact information are you seeking to obtain?"

Was he being treated as if he was non-existent?

The man was taken aback, looking at Lu Nian who had clearly stated she didn't have a boyfriend. Unfazed, Lu Nian met Qin Si’s gaze head-on, retorting, "Indeed, you are not my boyfriend."

A chill settled in Qin Si’s gaze as they found themselves in a tense standoff.

"I'm sorry." The man retreated, his enthusiasm diminished.

It seemed he had inadvertently stepped into a lovers' spat, drawing unnecessary bystanders into their disagreement.

Wishing to avoid further conflict with her, Qin Si chose to remain silent as the man left, while Lu Nian vented her frustration by downing a cup of her beverage.

She seemed to have no influence over him.

Huang Mao and the girl named Lan Lan genuinely shared mutual affection. Despite the modest scale of their wedding, it emanated a sweet and blissful atmosphere. This being Lu Nian's first time at such an event, she found it rather pleasant, witnessing the happiness evident on the couple's faces.

It stirred a hint of envy in her as she sat, entranced and dreamy, resting her cheek on her hand.

Considering his current demeanor, she feared that her chances of marrying smoothly in this lifetime were slim.

Let alone proposing, even a confession seemed like an enormous undertaking.

The young woman observed the wedding with utmost focus, her liking and longing displayed without any pretense.

His eyes were downcast.

The words she had said when she arrived echoed in his mind - if that engagement hadn't been called off, perhaps she would have been the one donned in a bridal gown, marrying someone by now.

It was a mix of regret and longing.

The fact, every time it surfaced in his thoughts, left him extremely unsettled. What did it matter if she said she didn't like Zhao Ya? She had still accepted his proposal.

She was nothing but a little liar.

He couldn't trust any words that came out of her mouth.

"I'm heading back." After the entire wedding ceremony concluded and most of the guests dispersed, Lu Nian went to bid farewell to Ming and the others. They were accompanying Huang Mao to his new home and were quite busy, unable to entertain her for longer. They promised to gather again soon, hinting that there were things left unsaid.

Lu Nian nodded, "You all go ahead." After all, today was Huang Mao's big day.

Almost everyone had left, leaving only a few individuals who had tried to flirt with her earlier. Lu Nian, not in the best mood, engaged them in a casual conversation about the wedding, commending how well it was conducted. Seeing her willingness to chat, those individuals became quite enthusiastic, and the conversation flowed naturally.

Qin Si hadn't left; Lu Nian could feel his presence at a distance neither too far nor too close.

She didn't comment on it, pretending as if she hadn't noticed.

As she prepared to leave, footsteps echoed from behind her. She walked down the long corridor, the surroundings quiet and devoid of people, the tall shadow behind her gradually drawing nearer.

"What do you want?" Lu Nian's voice lacked energy, "I can go back by myself, you don't need to supervise me."

The man followed her closely. The weather was somewhat hot; he had removed his jacket, his white shirt slightly unbuttoned at the collar revealing a delicate, curved clavicle. Under the setting sun, his facial features looked serene yet strikingly handsome.

"I am not married yet." He suddenly remarked, standing roughly a meter away from her.

Lu Nian, "?"

He moved a bit closer, "And I am of a marriageable age now."

With his eyelashes lowered, the setting sun seemed to cast a soft shadow at the tips, his voice cold and detached, "If you are just looking to experience what marriage feels like, you don't need to be so desperate."

Lu Nian stood frozen in her tracks.

It took her a moment to process his roundabout statement, after which she couldn't hold back a laughter tinged with irritation.

So, was he implying that he was reluctantly willing to marry her to let her experience marriage?

Without any confession or anything else, he directly wanted to escalate to marriage? And with such a terrible tone?

"Did I agree to it?" Lu Nian couldn't help but laugh out of annoyance.

Even now, he spoke in such a roundabout manner.

Accusing her of being desperate? Were those the words of a sane person?

"You don't like me," he said, his eyes cast down, his voice neutral as if merely stating a fact, "I won't force you to like me."

Lu Nian, "?"

Then what's the point in saying that? Looking to argue with her again?

"If you are willing to take your time to adapt," his lips were tightly pressed together, his breath hot, and every word seemed to be uttered with difficulty.

"I will try my best to satisfy you."

Under the dim light, she could feel her back being pushed against the cold wall, causing a somewhat raw pain. He didn't restrain his strength, and she felt like her waist might break under his force.

Being cornered by a man who has been suppressing his jealousy for a long time.

Lu Nian wasn't sure how to describe this situation, even doubting whether this could be labeled as a 'proposal'.

"So tell me, how can you satisfy me?" she was nearly driven to laughter by him, she leaned in closer, asking directly.

Her body was soft, from her waist to her arms, all so soft, emitting a fragrant and sweet floral scent.

The man's Adam's apple moved, his eyes lowered, he said hoarsely, "...in life, at work, in bed."

He found her lips, pressing tightly against them, his voice husky, "I will try my best to satisfy you in every way."

Author's note:

This terribly bad proposal.

Just marry him, Nian Nian, it's a good deal. He doesn't lie, hehe.

Si Si is really insecure, sensitive and suspicious. Unless Nian Nian shows her commitment through actions, he won't believe words alone. Sweet pampering will follow~

But for Si Si, the highest level of flirting from Nian Nian has yet to come. After understanding each other's feelings, saying that she loves and likes him will provoke a bigger reaction than anything else, hehe.