Yue Siqing’s face was somber, his eyes filled with emotions as he gazed at her, "There’s nothing to discuss."

"What I said that day wasn’t just talk." Gu Anjin said slowly, "I meant it."

"It’s late, get some sleep." He avoided her question, clearly intending not to continue the conversation.

"Yue Siqing, did you even listen to what I said!"

She was already a bit angry, unaware of how many times she’d called his name like this recently.

She wanted to tear apart the facade of peace between them, but he continued to avoid it.

"Listen to me." She ran forward to grab him, pulling at both his arms as she said word by word, "We shouldn’t meet anymore. If you don’t take me back, I’ll buy my own ticket. If you try to stop me, I’ll call my brother."

She never complained to her family because she didn’t want her brother or parents to interfere.

But this didn’t mean she would tolerate how he treated her indefinitely.

Not loving her was fine, not wanting her was fine.

But he couldn’t be with someone else and still not allow her to leave.

Yue Siqing looked steadily at her determined gaze, "No need. I’m not involved with her, and we won’t meet again."

"Sheng Wei?" Gu Anjin’s voice changed slightly.

"Yes." Yue Siqing felt her grip on his arms weaken, "My foster mother wanted us to meet, but that doesn’t mean anything. I’ll clarify things when I go back in a few days; we’re not suitable."

She was stunned, her eyes full of confusion, looking up at his unrealistically handsome face, "But why?"

Was it because of her?

Would Yue Siqing reject others because of her?

This felt like a dream; she even doubted she misheard.

"There’s no need for a reason, we’re simply not suitable. Did you think I was so easily manipulated, to just marry whoever she gives me?" Yue Siqing’s voice was calm, and he gently ruffled her hair, "I’ve never admitted to anything, you overthink. Can you sleep well now?"

So it was only because he didn’t like Sheng Wei?

Though slightly disappointed, at least he wasn’t interested in anyone else.

Gu Anjin felt her inner turmoil hadn’t lessened.

The hard decision she’d made was now overshadowed by this hope.

How long would this back-and-forth continue? 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Is it not because of me?" She sighed lightly, her dependency towards him surged again as she leaned into his chest.

Soon, he pulled her away from his embrace, saying softly, "Stop fussing. If I find someone suitable, I’ll let you know. I’ve agreed to your conditions. Until then, don’t talk about not seeing each other."

"Do you know how awful you are!" Gu Anjin bit her lip.

Yue Siqing suddenly smiled; he knew.

He knew how selfish he was.

From the moment he realized he couldn’t truly sever ties with her, he knew.

And even more so when he realized he couldn’t accept her being with someone else.

He couldn’t let go, nor could he handle her not loving him anymore.

He could only continue being selfish.

"What are you smiling about!" Gu Anjin was furious, wanting to grab his face, feeling both hateful and her eyes welling with tears.

"Jinjin, don’t hate me." He suddenly acted differently, holding her tightly, his nose brushing against her hair.