Arc 2: Part 52
When Tong Su threw herself into his arms, she immediately realized that something was off.
The man she was holding had a lean, muscular physique and though he staggered a little from her sudden embrace, he quickly regained his footing. He was far from the picture Little Thirteen had painted, of someone so sick that 'he couldn't even stand and would lose his breath any moment.'
She took a step back, attempting to release her hold, but her hand was pulled back. Looking up, she saw him, his expression calm and his gaze soft as he watched her unblinkingly. Indeed, his complexion was pale and he seemed weak, but far from gravely ill.
"Bai Zhu," he said gently.
Tong Su tried to break free from his hold but failed. She stared at him and asked, "You're not sick? Did Little Thirteen lie to me?"
Xiao Lingchen's eyes flickered as he asked, "Bai Zhu, were you worried about me?"
Tong Su instinctively responded, "I wasn't!"
"Alright, you weren't," He accepted with a flash of amusement in his eyes. His demeanor became even softer and rather than argue, he followed her lead and softly called her, "Bai Zhu."
The instant she flung herself into his arms, the moment he heard her voice, his heart felt complete. It was warm and comforting, full and satisfying.
In an instant, he felt that his previous actions were absurd, he almost made a grave mistake over trivial matters.
He wasn't sure what he had promised her, but he was certain of one thing—if he were to part ways with her now, he would regret it for the rest of his life.
Without a doubt, he liked her.
And since she also liked him, he vowed never to let go of her!
His grip tightened, holding her hand, which was two sizes smaller than his, in his grasp. Her hand was soft and tender; it fit perfectly in his palm. He held it tightly, like a precious treasure he had almost lost and was unwilling to let go of.
She looked slightly irritated, even upset. "Did you let Little Thirteen deceive me? Of all things he could have lied about, why say you were sick? You're not that healthy to begin with. When he told me you were ill, I—"
She choked before she could finish, her anger intensifying.
Xiao Lingchen placated her, "Alright, it was wrong of Little Thirteen. Shall we go and chastise him together?"
"But you deserve scolding, too!" she retorted, her eyes raking over him from head to foot. She pouted, "You really haven't been eating, have you? You look thinner and your complexion is haggard."
He readily conceded, "Without Bai Zhu, I don't feel like eating. Could Bai Zhu pity me, perhaps make some food, and share a meal with me?"
Tong Su wanted to maintain her stern facial expression and continue scolding him, but when it comes to feelings, there's no countenance to the warmth that fills your heart.
With his gentle responses, she struggled to suppress the warmth spreading in her heart, tempted to let a small smile play at her lips.
Somehow, she managed to maintain her stern face, and retorted, "What's this? You're not referring to yourself as 'brother' now?"
He sighed, pulling her arm and with a swift movement, drew her into his embrace.
"Bai Zhu, I don't want to be your brother anymore."
It felt like a bucket of warm water had been poured over her, melting the icy cold within her heart. She buried her face in his chest, inhaling the faint mint scent coming from him. Her lips curved upward slightly, a satisfied smile on her face.
"If you don't want to be my brother, then what do you want to be?"
He lowered his head, his warm breath teasing her ear, tickling and melting her. He gently proposed, "Why don't we eat something tonight and, in the meantime, discuss this slowly? Is that alright?"
"Hmm."
"You've agreed, no take-backs."
"And what if I do change my mind?"
"Then, I simply cannot accept it."
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