CH 54

Jiang Heng knew that Ji Yao was serious.

He had lived under strict control since childhood and detested the feeling of being restrained. The fact that he could say these words clearly indicated that he had made a resolute decision.

He was stepping out of his comfort zone, taking a big step towards Jiang Heng.

Jiang Heng hesitated for a moment, almost moved by Ji Yao’s determination to go all-in.

As New Year’s Day approached, the mall was filled with promotional discounts and activities. Christmas decorations adorned the shop windows, and the ground floor lobby boasted a Christmas tree over six meters tall, surrounded by gifts of all sizes.

Childish yet cheerful tunes played from the speakers, laughter filled the carnival, and occasionally, teenagers ran past them, rushing to the other side to board a small train ride.

The baking stalls emitted the sweet scent of buttercream, and a plate of cream puffs for sampling was placed in full view. Freshly made vanilla ice cream flowed down the sides of ice cream cones, landing on tissue papers.

People were indeed strange sensitive creatures; many things might be ordinary and unremarkable by themselves, but when they appeared in specific times and environments, they took on different colors due to the atmosphere.

At this moment, Jiang Heng thought.

With the country thriving and its people living in peace and prosperity, Xiaotong stood in front of a poetry stall not far away, pondering how to win a childish snack that had nothing to do with her age. Meanwhile, Ji Yao was trying to express his love for Jiang Heng in a subtle way, using an atmosphere that was nothing short of magical.

In this setting, at this moment, the concept of a “confession” seemed to be shrouded in a sweet and joyful scent, tempting people to indulge in it.

For Jiang Heng, everything happening right now seemed like an enormous temptation.

Jiang Heng felt a strange allure in this situation. He noticed Ji Yao’s hesitation but also his determination. He saw that Ji Yao was genuine, but he also saw the potential risks and challenges of the path they were about to embark on.

He felt that the word “yes” was on the tip of his tongue, ready to spill out if he just opened his mouth.

He did want to say yes to Ji Yao, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. So, he bit down on his tongue to suppress the response he had prepared.

Because Jiang Heng knew that Ji Yao was easily influenced. The environment, the atmosphere, and even a momentary action could sway him. However, he understood that this wavering was just a momentary impulse. To make a lasting and firm choice, one needed to be more cautious and careful.

Jiang Heng didn’t doubt Ji Yao’s sincerity; he was only worried if Ji Yao was truly prepared.

Prepared for the long term, the stability, and a commitment to spend their lives together.

People couldn’t live their lives in bondage. Eventually, the chain would cause pain.

Then they would struggle, resist, just as they had resisted their parents’ control when leaving home.

Jiang Heng didn’t want Ji Yao to suffer, nor did he want to face such a high-risk future.

He was willing to take on Ji Yao’s chain, but he hoped that Ji Yao would willingly choose to stay by his side, even if another chain tried to pull him in a different direction.

“You’re being impulsive,” Jiang Heng said with a light smile. “Aren’t you afraid of going all-in and losing? What if I bully you?”

When Ji Yao heard Jiang Heng changing the topic, his heart sank halfway. He couldn’t hide his disappointment as he lowered his eyes and let out a soft sigh.

But he also knew that Jiang Heng’s personality was such that he would be even more cautious when deciding things the second time around.

Jiang Heng used to be easy to pursue. Back then, he was gentle, considerate, and compliant, naturally getting closer to Ji Yao. He was completely open about keeping Ji Yao and did not hold anything back. Yet Ji Yao hadn’t cherished him.

He had lost the chance, and now he was facing this “difficult mode.”

From the corner of his eye, Jiang Heng noticed Ji Yao’s subtle movements. He smiled and shifted a little closer to him.

“Do you like me?” Ji Yao suddenly asked.

Jiang Heng gave him an amused glance, making a sound of agreement.

“How much?” Ji Yao persisted.

“Why?” Jiang Heng asked, a playful tone in his voice. “Are you taking a census?”

“No,” Ji Yao replied, licking his lips and looking nervously at the distant figure of Xiaotong. In a soft voice, he continued, “Just tell me, after my confession, is there a bit more of this ‘liking’?”

Jiang Heng gazed at him with a smile, and after a moment, he nodded slightly.

“A bit more now,” Jiang Heng said.