"Sister, please believe that you are far more capable than you imagine," Si Luo praised her without reservation.
Jian Ruoqing felt even more embarrassed by his compliment. "That is merely the glamorous image I present to the world as an entrepreneur. In reality, I am nothing like that..."
"Sister, that is how you handle different situations, it is a part of you, and therefore, it is truly you."
Jian Ruoqing paused, it was true, wasn't it? This younger brother spoke so sweetly!
"So, is it because of these things that you have come to like me?" Jian Ruoqing asked with a smile.
Si Luo shook his head slightly. "Actually, after that meeting, I didn't have many thoughts about you, sister. I was simply happy for you. At that time, I only had one thought. I wanted to repair the jade bracelet you broke back then and return it to you. And then, I would tell you on the spot that I knew you were deceiving me, that you weren't a celestial fairy."
Jian Ruoqing: ...
She really didn't need him to mention those things; she felt ashamed just thinking about them.
"I also wanted to tell you that even if you weren't a fairy, a kind person like you, sister, should deserve happiness."
The shame brought on by her past misdeeds instantly vanished. Jian Ruoqing's eyes sparkled. This younger brother was so thoughtful!
Si Luo continued, "My maternal grandfather happened to know some masters who specialized in repairing jade. With my grandfather's help, I began learning how to repair jade bracelets from them. As I learned, I also gathered information about you, sister, wanting to understand you better.
But the more I learned about you, the more I was drawn to you. When I discovered that you were still single, I suddenly thought, why couldn't I be the one by your side, sister?
It was at that very moment that I realized I had fallen in love with you, deeply and truly. So, I decided to prepare another gift for you. I returned to the game we used to play, recreated our in-game home, and prepared to give it to you as a gift."
"That game hasn't shut down yet..." Jian Ruoqing mused, then paused. Was she getting sidetracked?
"No, it still has a group of loyal players," Si Luo replied.
"Ahem... Si Luo," Jian Ruoqing said a little awkwardly, "what you've said truly touches me. However, the you that you learned about from others is only one facet of me, not my true self. Is it too hasty to fall for me based on that?"
"Sister is absolutely right," Si Luo agreed, nodding. "These are just my thoughts about you, sister. I'm not yet certain if you like me as I am now. That's why, when I heard you were looking for a gaming companion, I found a way to sign up..."
"Wait! How did you know I was looking for a gaming companion?" Jian Ruoqing was shocked. The information in that statement was immense! No, that wasn't the main point! She continued, "Are you my game friend? Which one? Could it be that..."
Jian Ruoqing's eyes widened in surprise. She had already thought of the most fitting candidate.
"Sister, you never changed your phone number," Si Luo explained. "I used your phone number to search on Tao Xun Hao, and I found you. Also... I am the one you know as 'Ten Year Promise.' Sister, we are more familiar with each other than you think."
Hearing his answer, Jian Ruoqing's heart warmed.
It turned out that without her knowing, Si Luo had been quietly accompanying her, going to such lengths for her.
"I had actually planned to appear at a more opportune moment to leave a deeper and better impression on you," Si Luo said with some regret. "But I heard that your family was arranging blind dates for you, and the Jian family wasn't considering me at all. So, I panicked, and I had to ask my maternal grandfather to step in and approach your family directly. Fortunately, they are very satisfied with me. How about you, sister? Are you satisfied with me?"
Jian Ruoqing didn't answer. She couldn't help but ask, "Si Luo, why are you so good to me? Aren't you afraid I'll reject you?"
"Because I'm pursuing you, isn't it only natural for me to be good to you?" Si Luo smiled faintly. He looked at Jian Ruoqing and said earnestly, "Sister, you don't need to feel burdened. Even if you reject me, it will only mean my pursuit has failed.
Actually, I would rather not have you be with me out of obligation or moved by my actions. I hope you will be with me because your heart beats for me, and you want to understand each other..."
Jian Ruoqing suddenly took his hand and placed it over her chest. Si Luo's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Do you feel it?" Jian Ruoqing smiled faintly. "Ever since I met you, it has been beating faster because of you."
"Sister, you... you mean..."
Si Luo's eyes became exceptionally bright, and his face was filled with uncontrollable joy. Jian Ruoqing even felt that if he had a tail, it would be wagging furiously right now. It was hard to refuse such a younger brother.
"I mean," Jian Ruoqing leaned in suddenly and whispered in his ear, "from now on, I want to get to know you better. How long do you think is appropriate for this period? A month, a year, or... a lifetime?"
"I choose a lifetime!" Si Luo happily embraced her waist and lifted her up.
After a brief moment of weightlessness, Jian Ruoqing smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, planting a kiss on his lips. "Then it's settled, a lifetime."