Jiang Ling's feelings for her, she had always been aware of, but she had also consistently rejected them.
Taking a deep breath again, Mu Yin Yin spoke with resignation, "I'm sorry, Brother Jiang, but I can only see you as my brother. I truly have no romantic feelings for you, and there's no possibility for us. I'm sorry."
Jiang Ling's eyes trembled, and his heart felt as though it was aching.
Even though he knew this would be the response, he couldn't help but ask one more time, always harboring a sliver of hope for a pleasant surprise.
He genuinely loved Mu Yin Yin, had loved her for many years. Even knowing she was married, he couldn't control the affection in his heart. However, he had principles and could only keep his distance, not interfering with her life or family.
But, ever since he learned she was divorced, Jiang Ling's heart was once again uncontrollable.
He felt his own restraint was commendable, having waited so many days to speak to Mu Yin Yin, simply because she was too exceptional.
Yet, Mu Yin Yin's repeated apologies felt like sharp knives piercing straight into his heart, drawing blood.
Jiang Ling sighed uncontrollably and said, "Yin Yin, I'm not asking you to accept me now, nor do I want you to refuse me outright. Can you give me another chance?"
Even now, he was holding on, hoping Mu Yin Yin would give him a chance.
Mu Yin Yin's eyes held a complex expression, but she still shook her head, "I'm sorry, I won't be with you. We are friends, like siblings."
Mu Yin Yin said no more.
But her stance was exceptionally firm.
Jiang Ling's gaze fell, a sense of desolation draining him of all vitality.
Mu Yin Yin sighed inwardly with helplessness, then slowly spoke again, "Brother Jiang."
Jiang Ling looked up at her, remaining silent.
Mu Yin Yin pursed her lips before speaking, "Don't confine yourself to me. You have a wonderful life ahead of you. Go and see the world; there are many other wonderful girls out there."
Jiang Ling's gaze flickered, and he immediately responded, "Yin Yin, do you think your current situation means you don't want to hold me back?"
Mu Yin Yin opened her mouth to say something, but Jiang Ling spoke again, "Yin Yin, I never thought your divorce meant anything. In my eyes, you are the most exceptional, the most perfect. No other woman can replace the place you hold in my heart. I never mind your past; I only care that I can be a part of your future. Yin Yin, I can't look at anyone else because the only light I see is you."
Mu Yin Yin: "..."
Every word he spoke was clear, and though his tone was steady, she could distinctly feel the sincerity in his voice.
However, she couldn't offer even a sliver of response to this sincerity.
Even though she was single now, even though she could start a new relationship, she didn't want to.
Her lack of feelings for Jiang Ling was one part of it; another was not wanting to hinder his life.
She paused, then turned her head away, no longer looking at Jiang Ling.
Jiang Ling's eyes instantly dimmed. Seeing her like this, he knew she still held no affection for him.
In fact...
She still wanted to draw a clear line between them.
Jiang Ling couldn't help but sigh, "Yin Yin..."
"Brother Jiang, I'm sorry, I truly only see you as my friend, my family. I have no romantic feelings for you, not now, and not in the future. Because I would never fall for my own brother."
Jiang Ling's face turned even paler, and at that moment, he couldn't utter a single word.
Mu Yin Yin had been too clear; anything more he said would be futile.
"Alas..."
Ultimately, he let out a helpless sigh, unsure of what to say for a moment.
Mu Yin Yin also fell silent, feeling that any further words would be of no use.
They sat facing each other, both in silence.
The living room was extremely quiet.
Ten minutes later, sitting there like this felt unproductive. Mu Yin Yin's gaze fell on Jiang Ling, "Perhaps... you should go back and get some rest?"
Jiang Ling's eyelashes trembled, and he finally stood up, "Okay."
Just that one word, he said nothing more.
Because...
What he wanted to say, Mu Yin Yin would not want to hear. He...
Sighing, he slowly stood up.
Mu Yin Yin remained seated on the sofa, unmoving.
Her gaze, however, remained on the man.
Jiang Ling straightened up, looked at Mu Yin Yin, and said with complex emotions, "Well, you get some rest too. If you need anything, call me anytime. Please don't distance yourself from me because of what I said today, okay, Yin Yin?"
Mu Yin Yin's eyes moved, and she nodded, "You will always be my brother."
Jiang Ling's eyelashes trembled slightly. Forcing a smile, he slowly said, "Good."
After saying that one word, Jiang Ling turned and left, not looking back. He feared that if he saw Mu Yin Yin again, he wouldn't be able to leave. More importantly, he feared she would be annoyed.
Jiang Ling soon departed, leaving Mu Yin Yin alone. She instantly relaxed her body, leaning back against the sofa, sighing with a touch of helplessness.
She felt truly helpless about what Jiang Ling had just said. She didn't want to hurt Brother Jiang's feelings, but this was the extent she could go. She couldn't reciprocate, nor could she be with Jiang Ling. If she didn't make a clean break, it would only make things more difficult in the future.
Ultimately, she silently whispered "sorry" in her heart and then cleared her mind of distractions.
The sky grew darker.
Many people in this country had already entered dreamland.
However, some were still wide awake.
For instance, Fu Si Ye.
He still hadn't forgotten what happened at the restaurant earlier that day.
His expression was exceptionally grim, so dark it felt as if it could drip water.
Currently, in the presidential suite, he was alone. He sat at the desk, seemingly working, but he had no inclination to do so.
Instead, he irritably put down the pen in his hand.
His phone suddenly rang, diverting his attention.
Fu Si Ye frowned and answered.
"What is it." His voice was somewhat cold.
The other person paused, not responding for a moment. After a beat, they said, "Whoa, what's wrong? Like you've swallowed gunpowder?"
Although Fu Si Ye had only spoken three normal words, as they were brothers of many years, Dai Sen knew very well that Fu Si Ye was extremely displeased at that moment.
If it were anyone else, they would have regretted it immensely for choosing to call Fu Si Ye at this time.
But Dai Sen was not afraid; instead, he was more curious about what could make Fu Si Ye so unhappy.
He rather enjoyed a bit of gossip.
Fu Si Ye's brow furrowed, his expression darkening further, "Is there something or not?"
It was clear that if Dai Sen didn't get to the point, he would hang up.