Chapter 34: Confession—Failure or Success

Lin Xi and Lu Yuxiu entered the small cinema together. She searched for Lu Yuxiu’s film, "He Is the Suspect."

This was the first time Lu Yuxiu played a villain—a deeply hidden killer, disguised as a professional doctor wearing glasses. Lin Xi clicked to start the movie with a mind set on learning, while Lu Yuxiu sat beside her, opening a can for her. He felt little about his own performance; the plot and character had been thoroughly understood, and it no longer held much interest. Still, since his little girl wanted to watch, he was more than happy to accompany her. If she watched the movie, he'd watch her, and nothing would be missed.

Lin Xi immersed herself completely in the film, oblivious to his gaze.

A distant shot in the movie slowly drew closer: the man with glasses, his brows narrow and sharp, his features deep and striking, exuding a cold aura. The tear mole at the corner of his eye lent him an unexpected air of tenderness.

"Surgery complete. Two hours and forty-five minutes," the doctor said in the shot, eyes lifting, his voice cool and detached, his expression bland, his demeanor calm and unhurried.

The character came alive effortlessly in his hands.

Lin Xi was inwardly amazed—this acting was simply outstanding!

As the plot deepened, the killer gradually emerged, and Lin Xi watched with mounting tension, sweating for Lu Yuxiu’s character.

On screen, the police finally tracked the male lead, preparing to arrest him and bring him in for questioning. The doctor calmly instructed his assistant on the tasks for the rest of the day, then followed the officers onto the car. Inside, he slowly removed his glasses, rubbing his prominent nose bridge.

The gentle, refined face transformed in an instant into something sinister and seductive. His dark eyes shimmered, the corners of his eyes lifted slightly, carrying an indescribable allure.

Lin Xi was lost in his stunning beauty, and murmured unconsciously, "He’s the epitome of the ascetic gentleman with a hidden wild side!"

Lu Yuxiu heard her and raised an eyebrow with a smile—perhaps he could try wearing glasses in the future.

As the film neared its conclusion, the doctor confronted the police in a heated debate, pushing the plot to a new climax.

In the most nerve-wracking moment, Lin Xi unconsciously grabbed the wrist of the person beside her.

Lu Yuxiu was quite content with her "initiative," feeling her soft hand, and couldn’t help but gently squeeze it.

Seeing that she didn’t react, he openly took advantage, caressing the back of her hand.

"I admit it. I am the killer," Lu Yuxiu heard his own voice ring out from the screen.

The doctor completely tore off his mask, his voice eerie and mysterious, as if lurking in the night, emotions unreadable, dangerous and terrifying.

Lin Xi watched the screen, her hand instinctively tightening, her emotions rising and falling with the plot, her admiration for Lu Yuxiu’s acting growing.

Finally, the film ended with the doctor’s confession.

Lin Xi remained stunned for a long time—the aftershock of the movie was immense. She now understood why Lu Yuxiu’s fame was well deserved.

Suddenly, she felt her hand gripped tightly. Looking up, she realized her hand was in Lu Yuxiu’s grasp. Startled, she instinctively pulled free and retreated sharply.

Yet a force beyond resistance pulled her back. She looked up at him, seeing only half his face melting into the darkness and those deep, oppressive eyes.

"What's wrong? You’ve taken advantage of me for so long—won’t you let me take a little in return?" His voice was husky and captivating.

Lin Xi panicked instantly, wanting to retreat to a safe distance.

But Lu Yuxiu wouldn’t let her. He reached out, holding her head, forcing her to face him. Lin Xi lost her courage, burying her head.

"Yuxiu, um—" she began.

Her words were abruptly cut off.

In the dimness, she felt him draw near, his cool breath brushing her forehead, followed by a cold, gentle touch pressing against it.

Like the lightest brush of a dragonfly’s wings, his action was restrained and reverent.

Lin Xi froze, feeling her heart pounding wildly.

While she was dazed, Lu Yuxiu released her and retreated, as if everything that happened had been just her imagination.

Lu Yuxiu pressed his thin lips into a tight line. He had lost control, shutting his eyes hard, suppressing the possessiveness and the burning desire in his eyes.

Lin Xi had no idea how to react, and the two sat in silence for a long time.

"I..." Lu Yuxiu was about to speak.

Lin Xi couldn’t help interrupting him, lacking the courage to hear more. She tried to ease the tense atmosphere, forcing a laugh: "Um, Yuxiu, I haven’t finished my draft yet... do you have time?"

Lu Yuxiu was stung by her words—she still wasn’t ready?

"Yes," he replied.

Lin Xi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It must have... been accidental...

She was conflicted. After all that, she couldn’t pretend nothing had happened, but given her situation... she didn’t know how to face it, so she preferred to believe it was just an accident...

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Elsewhere, Gu Yao and Wen Jin were unaware of the awkwardness next door.

Gu Yao, after sitting down, busied himself getting popcorn and handing Wen Jin a soda, afraid she might be uncomfortable, taking care of her in every possible way.

Wen Jin felt his thoughtfulness, her heart warmed.

As the movie neared its end, the male and female leads finally overcame all obstacles and confessed to each other.

"I love you. I hate my own weakness and inferiority, which made us miss so many years. I swear to you, I will always be your safe harbor," the male lead said, holding the female lead tightly.

"Luckily, you were still waiting for me. Luckily, we didn’t miss each other," the female lead gazed at him through tearful eyes, and the two embraced passionately. Under the lights, their lips drew closer.

It was a scene shot with exquisite beauty.

Some loves are not afraid of the test of time. Even after thousands of years, across time and space, love remains eternal and unyielding. Sometimes love appears early; two souls meet, love each other, and become the envy of all, yet their journey is difficult, and they grow together.

Or, the meeting comes later, after each has learned tolerance and understanding, kindness and compromise on their own journey. Once together, they won’t give up easily or turn away on a whim.

Wen Jin watched attentively, her eyes shining, her heart yearning for such love.

She pondered her own situation—how rare it is to meet someone like in the novels. She was already blessed, yet still found herself admiring and longing for the love depicted in books and films.

If she took just one step forward, could she have those beautiful things, perhaps even become the envy of others?

She hesitated.

Turning her head inadvertently, she found Gu Yao gazing at her intently. Realizing the atmosphere, and thinking of the intimacy on the screen, her cheeks flushed.

She recalled the words from the film: "Because of my weakness and inferiority, we missed so many years..."

Why should she be conflicted? Life is only lived once—why not follow her heart, indulge herself completely, even if it’s wild, even if the ending isn’t perfect? At least she would have lived.

The sky will not always be gloomy; after meeting that person, every day will be bright.

"Gu Yao," Wen Jin called his name solemnly, turning to face him with a serious expression.

Gu Yao, seeing Wen Jin grow serious, panicked, uneasy—was Xiao Jin about to reject him? Was she tired of him? No... Impossible! He had behaved all day, not breaking any rules, afraid to displease her.

But was she still going to give up on him, reject him?

"I want to tell you something. I..." Wen Jin began.

"Xiao Jin!" Gu Yao cut her off loudly before she could finish.

Wen Jin blinked in confusion, "What..."

"Xiao Jin, please don’t be so cruel," Gu Yao’s expression was desolate, so humble it was unlike himself.

Wen Jin immediately understood his thoughts—he believed he had lost his chance?

She laughed softly.

He didn’t know, while he thought he was alone in his feelings, feeling insignificant, she too felt she wasn’t good enough for him.

Gu Yao was puzzled by her response, but she spoke before he could ask.

"Gu Yao, do you know? I’m afraid to offend people, afraid to ask for things, afraid to say the wrong thing, afraid of awkward silences, afraid of being ignored, afraid others might be unhappy. I face everyone with trepidation. Yet, I never received the respect I hoped for, and there’s nothing I can do. At times, I thought I shouldn’t have come into this world—my mother died in childbirth, my father ignores me, I have only my grandmother..." Her words tore at Gu Yao’s heart.

"But now, I have Xiao Xi, and I have you." She smiled with relief, as if hundreds or thousands of flowers blossomed in an instant.

Gu Yao was momentarily surprised, then his lips curled into a teasing smile, "Xiao Jin, don’t smile at me like that anymore, or I won’t be able to resist kissing you."

This time, Wen Jin didn’t lower her head. Instead, she seemed to have made up her mind, pressing her lips together and speaking solemnly, "Gu Yao, I like you!"

She didn’t look at his expression, continuing, "I’ve liked you for two years. When you saved me from a thug, you were like a ray of light illuminating my dark, helpless life. Though it was just a casual act for you—you probably don’t even remember me—it left an indelible mark on my heart. I started following you, learning about you, and slowly I fell for you."

"I always thought my feelings for you were just a fan’s admiration for an idol. But after getting to know you, I realized I wanted more. Am I too greedy?"

Gu Yao was stunned from her first words—what? Xiao Jin said she liked him!

Wen Jin, seeing his frozen expression, thought he was angry at her for not being honest and hurried to explain, "I... I didn’t mean to hide it or test you. Your confession caught me off guard, and I was scared. I’ve seen too many irresponsible men, and my grandmother always told me that what’s easily obtained isn’t cherished... I... I was just afraid, afraid your feelings for me were just a passing whim. I didn’t mean..."

She had summoned all her courage in this lifetime to dare to like him.

Listening to her earnest confession, Gu Yao felt a rush of emotion and joy.

Before she could finish, he pulled her into a tight embrace. When she came to herself, she was locked in his arms.

"Xiao Jin, you’re wonderful, gentle, and worthy. I love you!" Gu Yao nearly lifted her off the ground.

He bent down abruptly, kissing the lips he had longed for.

Wen Jin’s eyes widened as Gu Yao’s face closed in. One hand cupped her chin, leaving her no room to retreat, the other locked firmly around her waist.

The soft, tingling sensation on her lips sent shocks through her. Wen Jin’s mind went blank, her face flushed red, her brain buzzing, her heart pounding, her limbs weak.

Gu Yao, seeing her close up, watched her flawless skin turn from pale to rosy, even the fine hairs visible. He tightened his embrace.

When she was nearly breathless, Gu Yao finally released her gently.

Wen Jin’s face was now as red as a persimmon. She bowed her head, unable to look up, Gu Yao smiling knowingly, held her tight, pressing her head into his chest with one hand.

"From now on, you’re mine," he said, his voice husky and stirring.

Buried in his arms, Wen Jin heard his words clearly, her heart trembling for a long time.

May everyone have the courage to declare their love. May all your deep feelings and longing be met with gentle years.