[COD] Newbie's Rise to Power

You felt a little guilty after her question, realizing that you weren't entirely innocent.

But you maintained a calm demeanor and replied earnestly:

"It's classified information."

Seeing that you were unwilling to disclose the details, Vita didn't ask any more questions and simply told you the application process.

Although they are guest rooms, they are not like hotels where you can go whenever you want; you need to register and apply.

This is also to ensure that the men and women at the base do not get together on a whim, but after careful consideration.

After hearing this, a knowing smile appeared on your face, and you gossiped:

"Sister Vita is so familiar with it, how many times has she been there?"

Vita remained expressionless and replied with a smile, "Just chatting."

Instead of being embarrassed by the 'sarcasm,' you took the opportunity to tease her further:

"Really? Then take me with you next time. I'll bring tea and snacks, and we can just have a simple chat."

As you speak, you pick up your tea set bag, which is placed to the side.

Once friends get to know each other, harmless jokes can be a way to strengthen the bond.

You originally just wanted to talk a good game, but Vita readily agreed: "Okay."

Such generosity has left you bewildered, even making you suspect that Vita's involvement in creating the guest rooms might not be what you think.

With your eyes slightly narrowed, looking at Vita's calm face, a feeling that hadn't surfaced in a long time resurfaced.

Vita... there always seems to be a sense of mystery about her, making it sometimes hard to understand her.

By the time I booked the room, it was already evening.

You sit in a clean, unfamiliar room, send your location information to Wang Zhiqiang, and then attach a forceful command.

Come over immediately.

Ten minutes later, there was a knock on the door of your room.

You stop pouring tea and get up to open the door.

Even though you asked him to come quickly, isn't this a bit too fast? Your tea has only just been brewed.

As soon as I opened the door, I met Wang Zhiqiang's gaze, who was wearing a long down jacket.

His face was expressionless, but his still damp hair indicated that he had just taken a shower and rushed over without even drying his hair.

You stepped aside to let him in.

As you close the door, you mutter with concern, "Why did you come over without drying your hair? It's so cold. Be careful, you might develop migraines later."

Your words of concern made Wang Zhiqiang's hand, which was in his pocket, clench quietly, but his expression remained indifferent.

"What do you want to talk about by calling me here?"

You reluctantly sat down on the sofa and then invited him to sit down as well.

Next, you continue to pour the hot tea from the teapot, the clear yellow tea falling into the fairness cup, which you then pick up and pour into the teacup.

Finally, it was placed in front of Wang Zhiqiang on the other side.

"Have a sip of hot tea to warm yourself up first."

You send an invitation.

Wang Zhiqiang remained silent, but reached out and picked up the teacup, slowly drinking it all.

Only after seeing that he accepted your tea did you slowly begin to speak.

"Brother, I saw your post and I understand what you mean."

You brought up the trigger that's separating you two now.

Wang Zhiqiang nodded and replied coldly, "I already know your answer, why bring it up now?"

You looked at him: "What do you know? Didn't I say nothing?"

Wang Zhiqiang lowered his eyes: "You didn't respond to me, and then you officially announced your travel photos with other men. Isn't that a way of rejecting me?"

You open your mouth to say something, but he interrupts you with his words.

"I don't want to pester you and annoy you, so I try to keep my distance. Is that wrong?"

ch.217: Moths to a Flame

He looked up at you, his eyes sharp, yet also carrying a hint of... grievance?

You immediately shook your head, reassuring him, "No, that's right, it's excellent manners, but..."

Indeed, not pestering someone after being rejected is a sign of respect for others and good personal conduct.

but...

"Although I didn't respond to you, I didn't post any official photos to hint at anything. That photo was really an accident."

Wang Zhiqiang's sharp expression softened suddenly after hearing your words.

Then, his expression softened, and a hint of expectation appeared in his eyes.

"So you mean...?"

Since that wasn't your refusal, why did you call him to this place and specifically explain it to him?

Does that mean...?

After a soft sigh, you confided in him your true feelings:

"Brother, have you forgotten? I'm not from this world. I could leave at any time, and I can't guarantee how long I can stay with you. Why are you so persistent about someone as unstable as me?"

Wang Zhiqiang chuckled self-deprecatingly.

"Of course I know, but some things can't be stopped just by knowing them."

Do you think I haven't struggled or agonized over this?

"But in the end, I still chose to confess to you. From that moment on, I was prepared to lose you at any time..."

Your heart aches with a faint, tingling pain.

Lately, you've been telling yourself to cherish the present, not to worry about the future, and to live freely and authentically.

The people around you will say the same thing.

Only Wang Zhiqiang told you that he was prepared to lose you from the very beginning.

Even so, he still wants to be with you, even if it means living with painful memories in the future.

How could such a passionate love, like a moth drawn to a flame, not touch one's heart?

But it's not enough...

You've already started down a path, and it's hard to stop now.

His "chips" are not enough in your eyes to pull you, a gambler who is already at the table and has already tasted the "sweetness," off the table.

So, after you refill his teacup, say to him in a serious tone:

"Brother, you are a very important person to me in this world, and the only one who knows my secret."

Seeing his moved expression, you continue to increase the stakes.

"As a friend, I trust you; as a soldier, I respect you; as a member of the opposite sex... I'm not sure how far I feel about you. But I really can't accept cutting ties with you, so it's really hard for me to be ignoring you these days."

"Sister..."

Your words finally softened his heart.

"I just misunderstood. How could I want to make you sad? How could I bear to... make you sad?"

You lowered your eyes, and after gathering your emotions, your eyes finally welled up with tears.

Your voice was slightly choked up:

“But I’m really sad and conflicted. You and they all confessed their feelings to me. I know I shouldn’t accept them, but I can’t bear to refuse them.”

Next, you shared your views on others with Wang Zhiqiang and expressed your dilemma.

Wang Zhiqiang and you share the same upbringing and education.

Therefore, you think he is probably the person who is least able to accept it.

Then you can only try to use your sincerity to try and find out his bottom line.

"So don't waste your feelings on someone as fickle as me. I can't give you the one and only you need."

Use feigned intentions to defraud him of his chips!

A tear slid down his cheek, making Wang Zhiqiang's expression panic.

"Don't cry! Little sister, don't cry..."

He quickly stood up, then sat down next to you, pulled out two tissues, and used his hand to gently wipe the dampness from your cheeks.

You immediately turned your head away from his touch, and continued speaking in a hoarse voice:

"But we're so close! I don't want us to become like strangers, like I might suddenly disappear tomorrow. I don't want that..."

You didn't continue, leaving him to imagine what you were thinking.

This is the backup plan you've secured. Even if he can't accept it, at least you can maintain your original relationship.

He is different; he is someone you can't let go of for the time being, someone you can't bear to hurt.

Therefore, you can only try to win by taking risks.

Wang Zhiqiang raised his hand and left it suspended in mid-air before slowly lowering it.

"yn, how can you be sure what I need without even asking me?"

Upon hearing this, you remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"I've even prepared myself for losing you, so why would I cling to the idea of ​​being the only one?"

Your hands, which had been clenched tightly at your sides due to tension, quietly loosened...