“Then promise me you won’t give up on yourself anymore. Let’s face everything together, okay?”
Although Wanqing understood her uncle’s instructions and his intentions, seeing Celestial Ascendancy like this and recalling his behavior over the past few days, her expression softened slightly. Still, she refused to back down and looked at him firmly.
“Alright, I promise you. But you mustn’t hurt yourself again. If you harm yourself even once more, I’ll cut myself ten times—just kidding, don’t take it seriously.”
The tension in Celestial Ascendancy’s expression finally eased, though the pain in his shoulder was excruciating. Yet, he was overjoyed that they had finally laid their feelings bare and resolved their misunderstandings. Despite the agony, he gazed at her with delight, unable to resist a playful tone.
Before he could finish, Wanqing covered his mouth with her hand. Feeling her gentle touch and seeing the concern and reproach in her eyes, he chuckled softly, removed her uninjured hand, and held it lightly in his own.
“You’d better be joking. If you ever do that again, I’ll make you regret it. How’s your injury? I… I shouldn’t have argued with you when you were so badly hurt. I…”
Though the man before her wore a smile, the faint crease in his brow betrayed his pain. Wanqing glared at him sternly, but when he nodded with a grin, her heart softened. Guilt washed over her as she recalled their argument while he was injured, and she lowered her head in silence.
Apologizing so openly was unfamiliar to her—she wasn’t used to it at all.
“It was all my fault. If I ever lose my temper or give up on myself in front of you again, you can argue with me—even hit me if you want. I promise I won’t fight back or say a word in return…”
Seeing her display such vulnerability, Celestial Ascendancy’s heart swelled with warmth. Her gentleness after his surrender made him feel utterly weak. Overflowing with affection, he held her hand tightly, gazing at her with deep emotion. He even raised his injured hand as if making a solemn vow.
“Your hand is hurt—don’t move it carelessly. I thought you’d abandoned yourself—and even me—just because of a few meaningless words from others. If you ever do that again, I’ll kill myself. If you don’t want me, what’s the point of living anyway…”
His doting surrender reminded her of a book she’d read in her past life: even the strongest, most extraordinary men would become devoted to the women they loved, losing their usual selves and growing tenderly cautious.
At the time, she had scoffed at the idea, insisting she would never lose herself like that.
Yet now, hearing his tender concern, the walls around her heart crumbled. Though his words were embarrassingly sweet, making her cheeks burn, her heart overflowed with happiness—like tasting honey, indescribably joyful.
When he raised his hand to swear an oath, she quickly stopped him. Watching him lower his hand with a faint smile, she gently massaged the acupoints on his injured arm to ease the pain. Recalling his earlier reaction, she couldn’t help but grumble.
“I know, I understand. I won’t act like that again. But you must promise me not to harm yourself either—or I’ll never forgive myself. Besides, even if I were to die or abandon myself, I’d never give up on you. Without you, life would have no meaning. Qing’er, I love you. I’ve told you before, but you never responded because of our circumstances. Do you… love me too?”
Her words, filled with worry and care for him, moved Celestial Ascendancy deeply. He nodded fervently, making his promise before hesitating. Memories of his earlier confession surfaced—how she had rejected him, furious at the thought of their supposed familial ties.
Though he knew she cared for him, he still needed to hear it from her.
“I…” His direct question flustered Wanqing. She recalled how she had driven him away when he first confessed. Though she had realized her own feelings and truly cherished him, admitting it aloud was still embarrassing.
“You don’t love me?”
Her evasive gaze, the blush spreading across her cheeks—she looked breathtaking. Her usual cool elegance was now tinged with a delicate shyness, like a peony in bloom or a lotus brimming with emotion.
Staring at her, remembering their past intimacy, Celestial Ascendancy’s heart raced. His breath grew uneven as he leaned closer, his voice trembling.
“I…” Wanqing instinctively looked up but before she could answer, her lips accidentally brushed against his. Though she pulled away immediately, his soft laughter made her glare at him in mock annoyance.
“What’s so funny?”
His amusement only deepened her embarrassment. In the stories she’d read, when the heroine accidentally kissed the hero, he would seize the moment to kiss her back—giving her the perfect chance to confess.
But this man had just laughed! Was her accidental kiss really that amusing?
“No, Qing’er, it’s just… you’re so adorable like this. Do you know how charming you are when you’re shy? I love this side of you. I know you love me too, don’t you?”
Though he wanted to rest, the warmth between them was too precious to break. Celestial Ascendancy smiled, his teasing fading into sincerity as he cupped her face and pressed a tender kiss to her lips. Then, with a sigh, he pulled her into his arms.
“Mmm.” She understood his unspoken question, but saying the word “love” aloud still felt daunting.
“Celestial Ascendancy, promise me something. No matter what happens, never give up. Even if you’re on the brink of death, even if you’re paralyzed—as long as you’re alive, there’s hope. Okay?”
After acknowledging his heartfelt declaration, Wanqing met his gaze with her own earnest plea.
“Alright, I promise. Let’s never fight again, okay?”
Her hopeful expression tugged at his heart. Knowing she only wanted what was best for him, Celestial Ascendancy nodded firmly, his voice softening as he broached the topic of their past misunderstandings.
“Mmm. Are you hungry? Let’s go eat. Red Lotus, prepare some food for the young master and me.”
Wanqing smiled in relief at his plea. Hearing his stomach growl, she chuckled and took his hand, leading him outside. The others, seeing them reconciled, visibly relaxed. With a lighthearted command to Red Lotus, she accompanied Celestial Ascendancy to the meal, their bond stronger than ever.
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