Yue Ran saw that Shi Xinxin stopped talking and sighed softly, showing a difficult, wry smile. "Xinxin, thank you. Thank you for telling me so much about your past. I think the boy you like must be very outstanding and great, right?"
Shi Xinxin pursed her lips and nodded vigorously.
"His talent and ability are among the best in the domestic business world."
Although she no longer wanted to hurt Yue Ran, Sheng Chenjin's excellence was undeniable! His brilliance was acknowledged and admired by everyone! No one could deny that.
Seeing her nod, Yue Ran suddenly burst into laughter.
This laugh stunned Shi Xinxin. She said blankly, "What's wrong? Was what I said funny?"
Yue Ran stopped laughing, turned his gaze to Shi Xinxin, and said, "Of course not. I just realized that it's only natural that I lost to that guy! Because not only did he know you earlier than me, but he's also so outstanding, so irreplaceable!"
Before Shi Xinxin could say anything more, she suddenly felt a gentle touch on her cheek—it was Yue Ran reaching out to wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes.
It was so gentle, so warm, as if he were caring for a fragile porcelain doll. This kindness was something Sheng Chenjin had never given her. Now, it was being bestowed upon her by a man she didn't love at all.
It was truly ironic and pathetic. But how many people in love could truly control their hearts?
Yue Ran gazed at her face and said softly, "Don't cry, you won't be pretty if you cry. I still like your carefree, smiling appearance!"
At this moment, Yue Ran's heart held a new idea. The idea grew more intense, more powerful, until it almost consumed his previous thoughts.
He had painstakingly prepared a room full of roses, all in an effort to confess his feelings to her sincerely.
But from the current situation, the so-called "confession and declaration of love" had lost all meaning. Because, she had loved someone else from beginning to end, not him!
He looked at Shi Xinxin, who was crying like a fountain, and his heart was filled with emotion. He marveled at her devotion to the one she loved, and at the same time, regretted that the person she loved wasn't himself.
But, how could one have it all? Life is so short, so fleeting. It's already difficult enough to meet someone you like, so how could you expect that person to like you back?
Isn't giving her the greatest protection and shelter within his ability the most important thing he should do now?
Since he still loved her, since this fact couldn't be changed, why not transform this feeling? If possible, he would use all his might to turn his love for Shi Xinxin into familial affection.
This idea sounded a bit impractical, a bit absurd. But Yue Ran felt that as long as his heart was sincere, he would definitely be able to achieve it!
A faint, calm smile slowly appeared at the corners of Yue Ran's lips. The smile was as tranquil as the ocean, containing infinite strength, and as gentle as the spring breeze, carrying the most beautiful sentiment in the world.
Shi Xinxin couldn't help but stare, her nose twitching. She choked out, "Wh-what are you smiling at?"
What was wrong with Yue Ran? Had he been scared silly by her words? It was her own fault for being clumsy and not knowing how to speak properly!
Yue Ran put his hands on Shi Xinxin's shoulders, helping her sit down on the edge of the hospital bed.
Then, as if by magic, he pulled out a handkerchief from behind him. While clumsily wiping Shi Xinxin's face, he said in the gentlest, slowest tone, "Xinxin, I'm sure you know that besides love and friendship, there's another kind of emotion in this world. This emotion is special and beautiful, natural, irreplaceable, and the most supreme emotion in the world. This is familial affection."
Shi Xinxin nodded thoughtfully. Familial affection, of course, she knew. Although she had lost her parents at a very young age, Uncle Huang was her reborn parent, her dearest and most beloved family member!
The warmth and care Uncle Huang had given her were unforgettable and would be forever etched in her heart.
Seeing Shi Xinxin nod, Yue Ran continued, "Xinxin, you've been with me for so long, and you know that I, Yue Ran, am a straightforward, blunt person. I never hide my feelings; I always say what's on my mind! So, I want to tell you my true feelings now: it seems I can't forget you or let you go. So, if it's okay, can I be your brother?"
"Brother?" she murmured.
Shi Xinxin gazed into Yue Ran's eyes. Her clear, pure eyes were full of surprise and disbelief.
Yue Ran smiled and repeated, "Yes, brother. Can I be your brother? To protect you, to care for you, to guard you like a princess. If any bad guys or evil dragons approach you, I will brandish my sharp blade and drive them away! What do you say?"
After speaking, he said no more, nor did he offer any further explanation. He simply gazed at her quietly and silently.
He was waiting for her answer.
Whether Shi Xinxin accepted his proposal or outright refused it, he would have no regrets. After all, he had tried his best, hadn't he?
After a long pause, Shi Xinxin let out a faint sigh, then, with a tearful smile, said, "Okay, I accept your proposal! From now on, you're my brother. I've never had a brother before. So, please take care of me from now on."
Yue Ran looked at her playful and cute demeanor and smiled dotingly, saying, "What a silly sister."
Somehow, as soon as Yue Ran finished speaking, Shi Xinxin's lips immediately pouted, her cheeks puffed out, and in an instant, she burst into tears.
This time, she didn't wipe her tears secretly but threw herself directly into Yue Ran's arms and sobbed uncontrollably like a little girl.
Thank you, Yue Ran.
Meeting you is the greatest gain since I came to America. At this moment, all I want to say to you is—thank you.
Yue Ran looked at the girl in his arms, feeling a little flustered.
Today, he had intended to surprise her and make her happy and jubilant. Who knew it would backfire, making her cry over and over again? It was all his fault for being so foolish, for not understanding her heart at all.
Yue Ran stammered, trying to comfort her, "Xinxin, don't cry. Do you know, if girls cry too much, they'll get wrinkles."