Spring once again descended upon this dilapidated old district as Ji Mian celebrated his second New Year in this world.
He still spent it with Duan Zhuang, but compared to last year, the atmosphere at the reunion dinner was much more harmonious and warm.
His most important confession task had long been on the agenda.
On April 20, which was Mu Yuman’s birthday, it would finally happen.
Mu Yuman didn't like to be extravagant; every year she invited only a few close friends and family to have a simple lunch, wrapping up the celebration quickly.
Ji Mian arrived two hours early with Duan Zhuo. Upon entering, Duan Zhuang headed straight to the kitchen to prepare lunch. This was probably the only time of the year, besides the Spring Festival, when he would cook personally. After all, he couldn't let the birthday girl cook.
Ji Mian had almost zero culinary talent, so he merely followed his older brother around to help.
As he sliced the radishes into thin strips, his mind continued to rehearse what he would say.
Today was the first time in his life that he would confess to someone.
Although Ji Mian didn't harbor romantic feelings for Mu Yuman, he couldn't help but feel nervous.
He mentally rehearsed his speech dozens of times, checking with the system again: 【This should be fine, right? Is it too blunt?】
【It's fine, it won't be.】 The system responded succinctly, echoing Duan Zhuang's speaking style.
As noon approached, most of the dishes were nearly ready, leaving only a red-braised tendon simmering in the pressure cooker.
Duan Zhuang washed his hands and emerged from the kitchen, with Ji Mian following closely behind into the living room.
Through the living room window, he saw Sun Qi had arrived, accompanied by a beautiful girl who was holding onto his arm.
This time, Sun Qi had brought his new girlfriend. It was said that both families had met, and they were currently in the phase of considering marriage.
The girl was the one Sun Qi had rescued not long ago from a group of thugs.
He had injured an arm, but now he was bringing back a beautiful girl.
Sun Qi’s background was actually quite decent. Although he didn’t have a stable job, his family owned a small business, and he was passably good-looking. Most importantly, he naturally had a way with words that girls found appealing.
Sometimes, Sun Qi could chat with that girl for hours on the phone. It was evident that he liked her very much.
Ji Mian found it hard to understand. More than a year ago, Sun Qi had always mentioned Mu Yuman, saying he would only marry her, but a year later, he was madly in love with another beautiful girl.
However, those around him said this was only natural. Sun Qi had liked Mu Yuman for two years without receiving a response, and he knew he was not worthy of her, so he couldn't keep waiting.
He quietly observed Sun Qi chatting happily with the nearby residents, laughing heartily, along with the simply dressed beautiful girl who was covering her mouth and laughing softly at Sun Qi’s jokes.
They seemed like a good match.
【Why do people end up liking different individuals?】 Ji Mian asked the system, voicing his confusion.
【Perhaps at first, he was only attracted to the other person's appearance. Once he discovered that the person he loved was different from his expectations, his affection would fade; some may be forced to move on out of necessity. Most humans, when their feelings are unrequited, have to give up and search for more suitable partners; some might just be fickle and were only caught up in the moment; and then there are hormonal influences... In short, there are many reasons for human fickleness.】
【It’s normal for humans to love different people at different times, or even at the same time.】 The system added, 【Whatever happens to humans is not surprising. After all, they are human…】
【Oh…】 Ji Mian replied, somewhat understanding but not entirely.
Ji Mian had been staring at Sun Qi and his girlfriend for too long, and just as he felt his gaze might attract attention, someone suddenly pressed down on the back of his head.
Duan Zhuang twisted his wrist, forcing Ji Mian’s head to turn and away from the two.
Now Ji Mian found himself face-to-face with Duan Zhuang, their faces just a little over an arm's length apart.
“Your eyeballs are going to grow onto someone else's face,” Duan Zhuo said in a low voice.
Ji Mian's gaze was still dazed as he stared at Duan Zhuo, their eyes locked without blinking. Duan Zhuo's cold expression was clearly reflected in Ji Mian’s amber-colored pupils, which seemed to contain only him.
Duan Zhuang paused for a moment before letting go. “What are you thinking about?”
“Nothing.” Ji Mian shook his head as he regained his senses. “I was just wondering why people end up liking different people.”
Duan Zhuang's expression suddenly turned one of disbelief, as if to say, “What a dumb question you’re asking.”
“What, you only plan to like one person in your life?”
Ji Mian pondered for two seconds and nodded. “If there is someone… I would only like one for my whole life.”
"However," he pressed his lips together, "I'm not that outstanding; she might not look at me."
Ji Mian's words were not directed at anyone specifically, but Duan Zhuang heard them and couldn't help but assume he was talking about Mu Yuman, leading to an awkward silence.
【Wow.】 The system suddenly spoke up.
【What’s wrong?】
【Your emotional value just shot up a lot. You really have a way with words!】
Ji Mian was confused: 【What?】
【That last statement! You didn’t say it to earn emotional value on purpose for Duan Zhuang to hear?】
【I... didn’t think that much.】
The system fell silent for a moment before saying, 【It seems you have a unique talent.】
Its tasker was rather silly and naive when it came to emotions; he was naturally suited to be a deep, emotional male supporting character.
"Ji Mian," Duan Zhuang tilted his head, his deep black eyes staring at him. "You’re turning eighteen this year."
“?”
"Why are you still thinking like a kid?"
Ji Mian: “…”
He expressionlessly turned his head away, ignoring him.
Ji Mian thought that their conversation with Duan Zhuang would end there, but two minutes later, he unexpectedly heard Duan Zhuang's probing question from behind: “What if she has a lot of flaws?”
Ji Mian briefly considered this before continuing his line of thought, saying, “But I have flaws too.”
“What if the other person doesn’t take a shower?” Duan Zhuang pressed on, knowing Ji Mian had a bit of a cleanliness obsession.
Ji Mian sighed, “Brother…”
He noticed that his older brother had increasingly taken to joking with him lately.
Duan Zhuang chuckled but stopped speaking.
The guests soon gathered.
After lunch and cake, the group accompanied Mu Yuman to make wishes and sing the birthday song, and it was almost time to disperse.
Mu Yuman stood up and headed out with her departing guests, planning to see them off.
Only Ji Mian, Duan Zhuang, Sun Qi, and his girlfriend Xu Xiaoxiao remained in the room.
After a moment of hesitation, Ji Mian stood up. “I... want to step outside for a bit.”
He added, almost as an afterthought, “I just need some fresh air.”
Ji Mian's "affection" for Mu Yuman was secretive, much like his profession two years ago. Although he couldn't hide it, he specifically instructed Sun Qi not to tell Mu Yuman about his feelings, worrying it might burden her.
Hearing Ji Mian's hesitant tone, the other two at the table, besides Xu Xiaoxiao, understood his intention; he wasn’t just stepping out for fresh air, but was preparing to confess to Mu Yuman.
Even Sun Qi felt nervous for him. Though he didn’t think Ji Mian would succeed, every time he heard Ji Mian stubbornly and firmly talk about Mu Yuman, he couldn't help but hope Ji Mian wouldn’t be rejected.
If Ji Mian liked anyone else, rather than Mu Yuman, he wouldn’t have such conflicting thoughts.
Only Ji Mian clearly understood that his chances of being rejected were one hundred percent—there was not the slightest possibility.
He was nervous but not worried. Deep down, he knew Mu Yuman didn’t like his type.
She seemed gentle and soft on the outside, but inside she was very strong. Only a mature man who could stand on equal footing with her would capture her interest.
As he was about to leave, Ji Mian glanced at Duan Zhuang and whispered, “Brother…”
The latter, sitting across from him, appeared nonchalant, as if he didn’t care about the situation at all.
Seeing Ji Mian looking at him, Duan Zhuang raised his eyelids, repeating what he had said earlier.
“You go. I won’t stop you.”
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