The dispersal here did not signify the end for An Nuan; for her, things were just beginning.
An Nuan intended to go back and rest, but Nangong Jin insisted on staying by her side. She looked at him with confusion. "Mr. Nangong, thank you for your help today. Without you, those people probably wouldn't have let me go so easily."
"Mr. Nangong, it's very late now, and I've already kept you for a long time."
"I don't know what I can do for you, but Mr. Nangong, I still want to say thank you."
Nangong Jin looked at An Nuan, a smile on his face. "An Nuan, you promised to go on a date with me earlier. Does that still count?" he asked, his eyes filled with expectation.
An Nuan was slightly taken aback. She hadn't expected Nangong Jin to stop her for this reason.
An Nuan was very grateful to Nangong Jin. She had even considered the possibility of trying to be with him. But in the end, there was an insurmountable barrier in her heart.
She was unfortunate, and anyone associated with her was also destined for misfortune.
A hint of sadness flickered in her eyes. She didn't want to involve innocent people because of her.
Moreover, if she were to be with Nangong Jin, she wouldn't be able to help him; instead, she would drag him down. She didn't want to burden anyone else.
"Mr. Nangong, actually, there are many excellent people around you. I am the least worthy."
"Mr. Nangong, I am not suitable for you. You deserve someone better," An Nuan said firmly.
She had been wondering how to say these words. But since Nangong Jin had brought it up, she decided to cut to the chase.
Dragging things out was never a good solution.
"Mr. Nangong, the experiences I've been through are even more numerous than what you've investigated."
"Most importantly, although Shen Xizhou is detestable, he was right about one thing: I am a dirty woman. Mr. Nangong, I am truly dirty, and I don't want to defile you."
"I just want to be alone and live my life peacefully now."
"An Nuan, being bitten by a dog is not your fault. You can't retaliate by biting back."
"But don't you think this is unfair to me?"
"An Nuan, can't you give me a chance?"
After speaking, Nangong Jin stared intently at An Nuan, unwilling to miss any of her reactions.
His deep, affectionate gaze met An Nuan's. He said with conviction, "An Nuan, I don't care what others say about you. I only care about you."
"I have eyes, and I can see. I know what kind of person you are."
"An Nuan, I know it might be difficult for you to accept me and be with me right now."
"But I can wait, until you are ready to open your heart and accept me."
An Nuan lowered her gaze, her hands clenched tightly, appearing somewhat flustered. Nangong Jin's words were indeed appealing and tempting. It would be a lie to say she wasn't moved.
However, she was an unfortunate person and couldn't be too selfish. She couldn't let Nangong Jin be harmed because of her.
"Nangong Jin, I'm sorry."
Just as Nangong Jin was about to say something, his phone rang. He frowned and pressed the hang-up button. But the phone rang again. Nangong Jin hung up several times.
An Nuan looked at Nangong Jin. "You should probably answer it. Maybe it's something important."
An Nuan said calmly. She thought that if she didn't speak up, Nangong Jin might just destroy the phone.
In fact, she was somewhat grateful to the persistent caller, as it allowed her to escape the awkward conversation.
She also wanted to ask if she could leave now.
But Nangong Jin's gaze was fixed on her, and she found herself unable to speak. She was even more afraid that if she spoke, Nangong Jin might do something drastic.
These were her worries, but she dared not act rashly.
Nangong Jin found it rather surprising that An Nuan took the opportunity to leave while he was on the phone.
However, he thought that perhaps she knew he might do something drastic if she left. With this thought, a smile appeared on his face.
"Don't worry, it's nothing important from the company," Nangong Jin said, seeing An Nuan's anxious and self-reproaching expression. He knew she was overthinking and kindly explained.
Seeing An Nuan's worried look, Nangong Jin's face immediately lit up with a satisfied smile.
"An Nuan, look. Even though you rejected me, you still worry about me."
"Your worried expression can't fool me."
"You are my friend, of course I would worry," An Nuan said, looking at Nangong Jin with a calm and sincere expression.
She felt it was necessary to clarify things with Nangong Jin.
"Nangong Jin, do you think what I said was false? In fact, everything I said is true, not a single word is false."
"As for whether you believe it or not, that's up to you."
Nangong Jin said with a deep smile, "Of course, I believe what you say."
"Yes, I will believe whatever you say."
Hearing Shen Xizhou's words, An Nuan's expression didn't improve; instead, a hint of confusion appeared.
Nangong Jin noticed An Nuan's unusual demeanor and quickly said, "An Nuan, you don't need to feel burdened. You can still live your life as you wish."
An Nuan looked at Nangong Jin, who spoke to her with great care, her eyes filled with guilt.
"Yes, I know."
Nangong Jin thought that perhaps he hadn't done enough, which was why An Nuan still had reservations. He was determined to do his best, so that An Nuan would have no more concerns.
"An Nuan, you promised to go on a date with me." An Nuan nodded, and Nangong Jin said with a light chuckle, "Then, I'll take you somewhere. You'll know when we get there."
An Nuan originally wanted to refuse, but meeting Nangong Jin's eager gaze, she finally couldn't bear to. She nodded and said, "Alright."
"Let's go." As An Nuan stood up, her stomach began to ache, contorting her face. More importantly, she found it difficult even to stand.
She originally wanted to persist and go with Nangong Jin, but she couldn't bear the pain any longer. Finally, she clutched her stomach, bit her lip, and sweat beaded on her forehead.
"Nangong Jin, I'm afraid I'll have to break my promise. I'm not feeling well." An Nuan said, her face pale.
If she could endure it, she wouldn't show it to Nangong Jin.
Nangong Jin also noticed that An Nuan was not well, and his face was filled with deep concern.
He reached out to help An Nuan, but feeling her recoiling, he ultimately decided not to force her.
After all, one day, she would be willing.
She wouldn't be avoiding him anymore.