From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of life

After hearing Su Qing's heartfelt words, I was stunned and stared at her for a long time, unable to say a word.

After Su Qing finished speaking, she realized that her words had been too blunt, and the atmosphere instantly became awkward.

She quickly tried to cover it up, deliberately pretending to be indifferent:

"I don't mean anything by it, I'm just worried you'll die in the desert. What will I do then? Who will feed and shelter me?"

That reason is so far-fetched; even a fool could tell it's just an excuse.

I looked at her, half-laughing and half-crying: "Don't try to fool me. What if I come out alive and well?"

Without even thinking, Su Qing blurted out, "If you can come out unharmed, I'll be your girlfriend, openly and honestly. Are you satisfied now?"

"ah?!"

My mind went blank, and I froze completely.

It's clear she blurted it out in the heat of the moment, but it was definitely not entirely a joke.

Even though I had a vague premonition, I was still greatly shocked when I actually heard those words.

Seeing my absent-minded expression, Su Qing didn't hesitate at all, raising an eyebrow and saying, "What? You're not happy about it?"

"It's not that I'm unwilling," I quickly regained my composure, "I'm just afraid you're making too many promises. If I actually come out alive, you might go back on your word, and that would be embarrassing for me."

"I, Su Qing, always keep my word. When have I ever gone back on my word?"

She looked serious, without a hint of amusement.

I just watched her quietly, trying to find a hint of mockery in her eyes.

But looking at them, all I saw was an extremely serious expression.

Before I could speak, she suddenly raised three fingers.

"I swear, okay?"

"No, no, no!"

I quickly reached out and grabbed her wrist, saying, "I'm really surprised you would say something like that."

"Is it wrong for me to like you?"

She spoke frankly and openly, without the slightest hint of embarrassment.

On the other hand, I froze on the spot, staring blankly at her.

I know Su Qing has always been bold in love and hate, but when I heard her say "I like you," I still couldn't hold back.

My heart was filled with shock, confusion, and mixed feelings.

Seeing that I wasn't moving, she waved her hand in front of my eyes: "Hey, are you scared out of your wits?"

I swallowed hard, my saliva dry, and stared at her, asking slowly and deliberately, "So what exactly do you like about me?"

"If you ask me to explain it point by point now, I can't really make it clear. It's just a feeling; I'm very happy and free when I'm with you."

I shook my head slightly: "So you just like the feeling of being with me, not that you like me as a person."

"No, that's not true!"

She immediately raised her head and retorted seriously, "Do you think I lack people around me? There are plenty of guys richer than you, better looking than you, and more witty and talented than you."

She paused, then emphasized, "But I don't like any of those people; they can't give me that feeling."

"Look at you, your own situation is a complete mess, yet you never complain or blame others. Even when Fang Heng suppresses you at every turn, you never bow your head and admit defeat, always striving against the current."

"In my eyes, you're the real man. I trust my judgment; I won't bet on the wrong horse."

After hearing these words, I was deeply moved and could not calm down for a long time.

To be honest, I never expected to be liked by a girl like Su Qing.

What is it about me that makes her value me so much?

After a long silence, I spoke in a low voice, with a hint of trepidation:

"What if...you bet on the wrong horse? What if I don't come back?"

"Even if I guessed wrong, I'll accept it. At least I've been happy during the time I spent with you, and that's enough."

After saying that, she glared at me, a faint blush rising to her cheeks, her tone tinged with embarrassment:

"Hey, stop giving me that cold look. It's making me really awkward. I'm asking you, do you like me?"

I'm a very reserved person when it comes to emotions, so I was completely at a loss when faced with her straightforward confession.

Like it?

I kept asking myself the same question.

I can't give a fancy answer, but I do feel very relaxed and happy when I'm with her.

We bicker and argue all the time, but no one has ever been able to replace her in my heart.

Even my mother treats her exceptionally well.

If she really became my girlfriend, I'd probably be laughing in my sleep.

"Tell me, do you like me or not?" she pressed.

I forced an awkward smile and said, "I really can't say anything cheesy when you ask me this suddenly. But like you, I'm also very happy to be with you."

"That settles it then." Su Qing said decisively, "You're single, and I'm single, so why don't we try being together?"

I thought to myself, this girl is more proactive and decisive than many boys.

The girl has already put it so clearly; if I were to hesitate or be indecisive, I would be too timid.

I took a deep breath and nodded: "Okay, since you've said so, let's give it a try. Who's afraid of who?"

Su Qing immediately smiled, all the sullenness and annoyance on her face vanishing.

Without saying anything more, she stepped forward and hugged me tightly.

The sudden hug left me completely flustered. My hands were hanging in mid-air, and I didn't know where to put them. I stood there like a wooden stake.

"Hold me." Her voice was soft and gentle as she whispered in my ear.

My movements were stiff. I slowly raised my arm and carefully placed it on her slender waist, afraid to use too much force, lest I hurt her.

Seeing my clumsy appearance, Su Qing simply grabbed my hands and pressed them tightly against her waist.

At that moment, it felt as if I was embracing a whole warm world.

Her soft body pressed tightly against my chest, her warm breath brushing against my neck.

The girl's faint fragrance kept wafting into my nostrils.

My heart was pounding wildly, and I could feel her equally rapid heartbeat even through her clothes.

The room was quiet, with only the two of them listening to each other's heartbeats.

The hug lasted for about a minute before she slowly let go.

Only then did a blush appear on Su Qing's face.

She avoided looking me in the eye, but pretended to be nonchalant as she said:

"Let's make this clear first, I'm not your girlfriend yet. We'll only officially be in a relationship once you come back alive from the no-man's land."

I let out a long breath and looked at her very seriously: "I'll ask you one more time, are you serious, or is this just a momentary impulse?"

"Do you think I have time to joke about something like this?"

"It just feels too dreamy, a bit unreal," I said honestly.

Su Qing did not answer, but took a small half-step forward.

The next second, she tiptoed slightly and gently kissed my cheek.

A light kiss landed on my face, and an electric-like tingling sensation instantly swept through my entire body, spreading from my scalp to my toes, leaving me completely frozen.

She quickly stepped back a little, tilted her head to look at me, a faint smile playing on her lips: "Now, do you believe I'm serious?"