These words were impossible for Rong Jingyang to refute.
He neither shook his head nor nodded.
Ai Wei knew she had hit the mark and was overjoyed. She had always believed she was the most suitable for Rong Jingyang, the only one—
But in the next second, the man's words after a moment of silence left her a little bewildered.
“Ivy, what do you want?”
Rong Jingyang asked.
Her thoughts: You. I want you. I want to become the eldest young madam of the Rong family, to become your wife, Rong Jingyang.
Ai Wei smacked her lips, considering how to answer to move Rong Jingyang the most.
Rong Jingyang seemed to read her desire from her shining eyes. His dark eyes closed briefly, and he said again, “Then do you know what I want?”
Ai Wei was stunned for a moment. “I…”
She didn’t know. How could she know what he wanted? This man, Rong Jingyang, was unfathomable.
She had only, from his words and actions, from years of interaction, deduced his moods, knowing what he liked and disliked.
But, what he *wanted*?
Rong Jingyang had everything he desired, wind and rain at his command. Finance, technology, new energy, and more… The Rong Group’s industries spanned the globe, covering almost every sector. The world was practically in his grasp. What could he possibly be lacking?
Ai Wei couldn't answer.
Perhaps, maybe, it was…
Holding her breath, she cautiously speculated, “A gentle wife, obedient children, and the prosperity of the Rong family.”
Rong Jingyang’s lips curved slightly, and he shook his head.
“Du Ruoxin,” he said. “What I want is Du Ruoxin.”
As the eldest grandson of the Rong family, the future successor of the group, he had lacked nothing since childhood.
Naturally, he had also wanted nothing.
Until he met Du Ruoxin, until he realized she had entered his heart.
She had become the woman he wanted to keep by his side forever, to walk through life with.
“No…” Ai Wei said in panic. “Du Ruoxin doesn’t understand you as well as I do. Du Ruoxin always makes you angry. She—”
Rong Jingyang’s deep gaze shot directly at her. “So what?”
His tone was light, yet it carried a solemn sense of awe.
“I like her.”
“And she is the only one I want.”
Today, he would make things clear with Ai Wei.
Although, in Rong Jingyang’s opinion, he and Ai Wei had always been clear. They had always interacted as good friends, never overstepping boundaries.
But at some point, Ai Wei had changed. It seemed she wanted to cross the line of friendship?
“But she’s married!” Ai Wei’s voice rose, her entire demeanor becoming sharp. “Du Ruoxin is married to Christiano.”
No!
Rong Jingyang didn't like Du Ruoxin.
He wasn't heartless? He wasn't emotionally stunted?
How could he fall in love with a woman?
Ai Wei couldn’t accept it!
Rong Jingyang: “…”
His aura suddenly turned cold. He said sternly with a darkened face, “I said, that’s my business.”
Ai Wei’s heart panicked at his indifference. “How… it’s not… A Jing, believe me, I can definitely change Auntie’s prejudice…”
Rong Jingyang, you’ve already divorced Du Ruoxin, why can’t you look at me?
I am your best choice.
I…
Ai Wei was overcome with anger, coughing uncontrollably.
Rong Jingyang had made up his mind to clarify things today. He showed no softening due to her vulnerability or illness.
If it were in the past, he would have taken care of her, considering she had risked her life to save him and their friendship.
But now.
Friends?
Perhaps not anymore.
What he had done for her had long surpassed the favor of her saving him.
“Cough, cough, cough, cough!”
The deafening coughs echoed through the hospital room. Ai Wei felt as if her lungs were about to burst, her breath about to give out.
Rong Jingyang: —
Ultimately, he couldn’t bear it. Seeing her discomfort, her pained expression, Rong Jingyang stepped forward, leaning on his crutch.
He poured her water, handed her tissues, and patted her back.
—
ps: I’m sick, my head hurts, and my whole body feels uncomfortable. This chapter took two days to write, sigh.