"Jingyao..." Su Zixi began, her voice quivering.
"Hmm?" the man responded quietly.
"I..." Su Zixi took a deep breath, suddenly feeling that things couldn’t go on .
She had been avoiding the issue for too long and could no longer pretend everything was fine just because of his pampering and indulgence.
"I have something to tell you." She turned to look at him, a tear already gleaming in her eye.
He Jingyao’s gaze darkened slightly, and he suddenly placed a finger on her lips. "I don’t want to hear it."
Su Zixi’s eyes widened slightly. "But..."
"I know what you want to say." He laughed hoarsely, "but it doesn’t matter."
These past few days, the struggle and sorrow hidden beneath her feigned smiles, he had seen it all clearly.
The tear stains not yet dried on her cheeks each morning, he had not missed once.
He Jingyao had thought she would keep this matter to herself until she fully accepted the fact, but after all, she was still Su Zixi.
Thinking this, he bowed his head and gently kissed her forehead. "Listen to me, the situation isn’t as bad as you think, I have enough wealth to bring together enough talent to study my condition. Perhaps in a few months, they might find a solution, and I can still be with you till we’re old, okay?"
Su Zixi’s tears flowed unbidden, and she hugged him tightly, her voice breaking slightly, "Really? You can stay with me until we’re old... till we’re eighty with white hair?"
"Hmm." He Jingyao chuckled softly. "I bet even at eighty, you’ll still be a shy little old lady."
Unable to help herself, Su Zixi burst into laughter, smearing her tears across his chest.
"There are no ’buts.’" He cut her off calmly. "I believe we can make it happen, and if after all these years we can’t find a solution, it just means my time won’t be long, and it has nothing to do with you."
Su Zixi sniffled, "How can it have nothing to do with me, when clearly... clearly it’s me who’s draining you."
In her presence, his vitality was exceptionally vigorous, which might lead to him dying young.
She had heard Brother Huo’s words clearly.
In fact, that had always been the case since they met; this man’s weak self-control and abundant energy were the best proof. How could Su Zixi not believe it?
"Draining me?" He Jingyao snorted lightly, his voice rough, "Su Zixi, you think too highly of yourself. With your stamina..."
Su Zixi was caught between laughter and tears.
She choked up, then said hoarsely, "If that day really comes, I’ll go with you..."
He Jingyao paused, finally understanding her meaning.
His expression darkened, "Su Zixi, what nonsense are you talking about!"
"I’m not talking nonsense!" Her tone was very firm, "I’ve already decided! Just like even if staying by my side means dying early, you still refuse to leave me."
He Jingyao laughed out of frustration, "Is that the same thing?"
"Of course." Su Zixi hugged him tightly, her voice choked with sobs, "If I don’t make this decision, how could I continue to be with you in good conscience..."
Besides, for her, this decision was not difficult at all.
If one day he was no longer there, and she was left all alone, what meaning would there be?