C6 – Do You like Me?
On Sunday, Qi Ning had intended to dedicate his day to updating his history points. But as he woke up that morning, he was unexpectedly greeted by a text message. “I broke up,” read the message from Xiao Qing. Glancing at the clock, he noted it was eight in the morning. Looking outside, he saw a heavy rain pouring down.
Years ago, when Qi Ning first met Xiao Qing, he innocently believed she was the love of his life. Yet, as time passed, he came to the painful realization that despite his efforts, Xiao Qing seemed to harbor no feelings for him. When he acquired the system, it was as if he grasped a simple truth that eluded many for a lifetime.
“Send me your address; I’ll come right away,” Qi Ning texted back. Xiao Qing sent him the location, and upon seeing it, Qi Ning felt an ominous premonition. “Wealthy Plaza?”
Wealthy Plaza was a once-bustling square in the heart of Sigu City. A decade ago, it was the city’s epicenter, but as the city expanded westward, the plaza’s prominence waned. Though some elderly folks still enjoyed their evening strolls there, Qi Ning could sense the dwindling crowds.
Braving the rain with his umbrella, Qi Ning spotted Xiao Qing trembling in the center of Wealthy Plaza. Despite his resolve to let go of his unrequited love, it wasn’t easy after years of silent adoration.
”What’s wrong?” Qi Ning hurried to Xiao Qing’s side, sheltering her from the rain with his umbrella. Her eyes were tinged with redness.
”He doesn’t want me anymore,” Xiao Qing managed through her tears.
Qi Ning offered words of solace, “There are others who will want you.”
Xiao Qing continued to weep, her voice choked with emotion. Time passed, and she remained silent.
Qi Ning couldn’t help but gaze at Xiao Qing’s elegant figure and her clothes clinging to her from the rain, taking a deep breath to steady himself.
After about a minute, Xiao Qing’s crying subsided. Her face, once alluring, now bore a look of vulnerability.
“Do you like me?” Xiao Qing whispered to Qi Ning.
Qi Ning gazed at Xiao Qing, momentarily at a loss for words.
Meanwhile, Xiao Qing, who had been facing away from Qi Ning, turned to face him.
In that brief moment, Qi Ning caught a glimpse of the skin beneath her clothing.
He felt a tingling sensation on his scalp.
Qi Ning tried to speak, but found himself unable to utter a word.
Unbeknownst to him, a flicker of triumph had passed through Xiao Qing’s eyes just then.
“Do you like me?” she pressed on.
Qi Ning’s body grew warm, the previously cold rain now seemingly hot against his skin.
With flushed cheeks, Qi Ning looked earnestly at Xiao Qing and declared, “I like you!”
After his confession, Qi Ning experienced an unparalleled sense of release.
Yet Xiao Qing’s response left him with an unsettling feeling.