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墨書 Inktalez
"From now on, you will be called Xining." The eighteen-year-old Jasper calmly spoke to the frail girl in front of him.
There was still a hint of fear in the girl's eyes. Life in the orphanage was too harsh, and she didn't know when it would end. She was weak and timid, making her an easy target for bullying among the older children. She often went hungry, and her blanket was taken by bigger kids, leaving her cold at night.
She didn't dare to tell the caretakers at the orphanage; if she did, the older children would only bully her more.
One day, she saw three black cars pull up to the orphanage. From the middle car stepped out a tall boy in a school uniform, a black ribbon draped over his left arm. She knew that meant he had lost a family member.
She looked at him with pity; losing a loved one must be incredibly sad.
But she couldn't truly empathize because she had no family.
Standing in the corner, she watched him speak with the orphanage director. Their conversation was mostly just greetings; his gaze was deep, showing a maturity rare for someone his age.
Later, he stood before a line of orphans, including newborns, all yearning to be taken away by this mysterious boy.
After scanning the group lightly, his eyes fell on her—the girl who had just given him a look of pity.
Ignoring the director's attempts to recommend obedient and sensible children, he walked straight up to her.
At that moment, she barely reached his waist due to malnutrition stunting her growth. Yet her clear eyes were more captivating than those of many other children there.
He took out a clean handkerchief from his jacket pocket and gently wiped the dirt off her forehead.
Everyone held their breath, watching this young master perform such a tender gesture.
But all she saw in his eyes was calmness.
"From now on, you will be called Xining." He calmly announced this conclusion, causing many children to feel envy, jealousy, and even hatred. Why was this young master choosing her and not anyone else?
But there was no need for a reason.
A single glance was enough.
Xining nodded. Although he seemed somewhat indifferent, it was certainly better than staying in this orphanage.
"Pack your things and come with me."
"I have nothing to pack," Xining replied softly.
"Hmm?" Jasper heard Xining's voice but perhaps because she spoke too quietly, he didn't quite catch it.
Thinking he didn't understand, Xining continued, "Once I go to your house, won't you buy me new things?"
At that moment, the usually expressionless Jasper's lips curled slightly upward.
It was an afternoon when sunlight streamed in from behind Jasper, casting a shadow over Xining. From her angle, he appeared almost angelic, as if a halo rested above his head.
"Yes, everything will be new. A completely fresh start."
Jasper seemed to be speaking to himself or perhaps telling her that everything would indeed be a new beginning!
The Ji Family was a mysterious place for Xining. The first time she laid eyes on the Season Family Villa, she was astonished by its castle-like architecture.
Isn't this a scene only found in fairy tales?
The meticulously trimmed plants, the uniformly dressed servants, and the luxurious decor all around her made her feel as if she had stepped into a palace.
She thought to herself that she must have arrived in a royal residence.
"From now on, you will live here. Someone will come to tutor you, and then you'll go to school. From now on, you are Miss Ji," Jasper said to Xining.
She nodded, still unable to process that she had entered a mysterious world, when she saw Jasper walking upstairs.
He was the one who had brought her out of the orphanage, and now he was leaving her all alone here?
Moreover, she didn't even know what to call him.
"Uncle...?" Could she address him like that?
Just as Jasper stepped onto the second step, he paused and turned around, looking down at little Xining from above.
Uncle?
"I am your brother."
"Oh... Brother." Xining tried calling him, "So, what is your name?"
Jasper knew that bringing an innocent girl like her into this world would leave her full of questions, but he didn't have the energy to deal with her right now.
The elder brother suddenly passed away, and their father fell gravely ill. He had to shoulder the burden of the Ji Family, so he could only adopt a child to keep his father company, hoping to alleviate the sorrow brought on by the loss of his eldest son.
"Jasper," he said heavily, stating his name. "The butler will explain the rules to you. If you have any questions, ask him."
After saying that, Jasper went upstairs without a moment's pause.
At that time, Jasper was eighteen years old, and Xining was ten.
Later, she did as Jasper hoped, bringing joy to Ji Ruisong and gradually helping him forget the pain of losing a child. Xining also blossomed from a frail little girl into a graceful young lady.
In four years, Jasper pulled the nearly bankrupt Ji Family back from the brink, single-handedly stabilizing their position in C City.
That year, Jasper was twenty-two. He stepped straight from high school into the business world, facing betrayal, mockery, and schemes against him. He experienced failures that nearly reshuffled the Ji Family but also tasted success. Outsiders were unaware of the immense pressure he endured; they only knew he could take over the family business without attending university.
Finally, there came a day when he no longer had to leave early and return late or drink until he bled internally and had to be rushed into surgery.
Yet at twenty-two, he bore the maturity of someone thirty-two. He was serious and aloof.
Xining rarely saw him; they only shared meals during holidays and exchanged few words.
At that time, Xining thought he might have even forgotten her name!
However, it was he who had brought her out of the orphanage. She felt an indescribable bond with Jasper—whether it was gratitude or something else entirely, she couldn't tell.
On Christmas Eve, since their father was religious, they celebrated Christmas. Jasper returned home early; they had dinner together. After asking their father some questions, Jasper retreated to his room.
Xining finished dinner and chatted with her father for a bit before heading back to her room to do her homework.
However, something felt off today; her stomach was uncomfortable and bloated. Eventually, she couldn't focus on her assignments anymore and thought maybe lying down for a while would help.
But lying down didn’t ease the pain at all. She pressed a hand against her abdomen, her face contorting in discomfort.
It hurt so much. Was she going to die?
Hadn’t she just started this new life four years ago? Was it really going to end now?
She felt a sense of… unwillingness.
Suddenly, she noticed a warm sensation below, something wet…
She rushed to the bathroom, pulled down her pants, and was horrified to see blood!
Xiaoxining immediately burst into tears. Why was there blood? Was she really going to die?
She stripped off her pants and stood under the showerhead, washing herself clean. The pain in her abdomen persisted, but she didn’t dare tell anyone. She knew that her father had already lost a son four years ago.
Although she was just an adopted child, after four years together, it was clear that her father had treated her like his own daughter. If he were to lose her too, she couldn’t bear to think about how he would cope.
Maybe it would be better to pack up and leave, letting her father believe she didn’t like the Ji family. That would surely be easier for him than watching her die.
After finishing her shower, Xining returned to her room to gather her things. But none of these belongings felt like hers, and taking them wouldn’t mean anything anyway—after all, she was going to die.
As she thought of this, she burst into tears, overwhelmed with sadness.
The door to the room was pushed open, and Jasper saw Xining crouched in the closet, crying heartbrokenly.
Jasper had never seen her cry before; they had spent too little time together.
"Why are you crying?" he approached her. This girl was still technically his sister, so as an older brother, he naturally felt the need to show concern. "Did someone bully you? Or..." He glanced at the beautiful clothes in the closet. "Is there something you're not satisfied with?"
Hearing Jasper's voice, Xining quickly wiped away her tears and looked up at him.
Her crying was truly heartbreaking.
"I... I might die... I thought... if I sneak away... then... Dad won't be sad... but... I don't want to die... I really don't..." Xining spoke in fragments, repeating that she was going to die.
However, Jasper didn't grasp the essence of her words. He clearly remembered her health report, which had been sent over just a few days ago. It showed that Xining was in great health, with no illnesses at all. How could she be saying she was going to die now?
He crouched down and gently placed his hand on her head, a rare display of tenderness.
"Tell me what happened." His words seemed to have a magical effect, instantly stopping Xining's tears.
"I bled a lot, and it won't stop... I'm really going to die. If Dad finds out, he'll be so sad... You can just take me anywhere... I don't want to make Dad sad."
But Jasper couldn't see where Xining was hurt or bleeding.
Yet here she was, thinking about not wanting to upset their father; it truly showed her filial piety.
"My stomach still hurts... my pants are covered in blood... it's so scary..." As she spoke, Xining felt tears welling up again. Facing death at such a young age was undoubtedly frightening.
"Where is the blood coming from?" Jasper repeated, though he clearly hadn't seen any blood.
Xining hesitated for a moment. Ah... that area was bleeding, but it was a bit embarrassing to say. Even though he was her brother, they didn't share blood relations!
"It's just... it's just..." Her face flushed bright red as she pointed to the area below her abdomen.
In that instant, Jasper felt incredibly awkward himself.
Xining couldn't understand. Did he really not know, being a twenty-two-year-old adult man?
He cleared his throat and withdrew his hand from her head.
"You won't die; this is just... a normal occurrence." It turned out the little girl had grown up and had gotten her first period.
But soon, Jasper felt a bit annoyed. Why had no one told her such basic knowledge? The servants at home... they surely wouldn't discuss such private matters with the young lady. Hadn't the teachers mentioned it during health class?
"Really, I won't die?" Xining looked at Jasper with surprise in her eyes. After losing so much blood, she wouldn't die after all!
"Yes, you won't." He took out his phone, searched for information about menstruation, and then showed the results to Xining. After all, some things were hard to explain clearly, and it was better to let the internet inform her.
Xining held the phone tightly, reading each word carefully. She finally understood that this was what they called menstruation. However, she felt embarrassed; just moments ago, she thought she was going to die and had been crying...
Thinking of this, Xining slightly raised her head and glanced at the awkward Jasper.
"But... I don't have any... sanitary pads." The maid thought she wouldn't need such things, so they weren't prepared at home.
The Ji Family was composed entirely of men, so naturally, there wouldn't be any of those items.
"I'll send someone to buy them."
"Um... could you... go instead?" It would be embarrassing if someone else found out, but since Jasper already knew, it didn't matter anymore...
Jasper was taken aback; it was the first time a girl had asked him for something like this, even if that girl was his sister!
He glanced at Xining with a hint of annoyance. Was she getting bolder by the day, to actually order him around?
However, when Xining saw his expression, she thought he was about to scold her and her eyes turned red with fear.
But she was bleeding now; couldn't he just let it slide this once?
"Fine, I'll go buy them. You head to the bathroom and clean yourself up." Jasper put away his phone, realizing he had no choice but to go himself.
Driving out, he found the supermarket relatively empty. However, it felt quite awkward for a grown man to head over to the women's products section.
After weighing his options, he approached a store clerk and asked her to pick out some items suitable for a fourteen-year-old girl based on her experience.
Forty minutes later, Jasper returned with a bag full of sanitary pads. The maid noticed his unusually dark expression, but the bag in his hand seemed so out of place compared to his usual demeanor.
Arriving at Xining's room, with the bathroom door open, he slid the bag through the gap in the door.
However, ten minutes passed, and she still hadn't come out of the bathroom.
He leaned against the wall next to the door and asked, "Why aren't you coming out? Are you shy? After all, Xining isn't a little girl anymore."
To his surprise, Xining replied, "I don't know how to use it..."
Shouldn't this be something that comes naturally in bed with a man, without needing to be taught?
"Isn't there an instruction manual?"
"You bought an imported one; it's either in English or Japanese..."
So it was his fault for buying an imported one?
It was a bit annoying...
"Put your pants on; I'm coming in."
Half a minute later, the bathroom door opened, and Xining noticed that Jasper had a somewhat cold expression—impatient and... awkward.
He remained silent as he walked over to the vanity, picked up one of the packages, and looked at the instructions on it.
But who knows where this thing is supposed to go? All it had were some length specifications, cotton counts, and information about the place of origin...
Feeling a bit restless, he picked up a night-use item, opened it, and pulled apart the adhesive parts. He discovered there were sticky spots on the back that should... stick onto the underwear.
"Give it to me." He reached out, trying to make his movements smooth and unawkward, but inside he was already raging.
How could a man worth billions be reduced to doing this!
"What?" Xining also didn't get his point. What was he asking for?
"Underwear!" Jasper felt his patience wearing thin.
Xining's face flushed red. What on earth was this? She quickly handed him a pair of white panties.
This was so embarrassing. Although Jasper was her nominal brother, he wasn't really her brother, and they barely interacted—practically strangers. Now she had to let him do something so intimate...
She stood by, watching as Jasper fumbled a bit. Of course, how could a grown man be experienced in such matters? But finally, he managed to stick the sanitary pad on.
"Got it?" He held the panties up in front of Xining.
She nodded. If she couldn't understand this, she'd rather bang her head against the wall!
Her face was so red it felt like it could bleed!
Seeing Xining like this, Jasper wondered if he might have... gone a bit too far?
After all, Xining was still just a child.
"Put it on and come out!" He handed the panties to Xining and stepped outside, closing the bathroom door behind him.
Xining pouted as she put on her underwear and pajamas, taking her time before finally stepping out of the bathroom, only to find that he was no longer in the room.
Thank goodness, he left. Otherwise, she wouldn't know how to face him!
Letting out a sigh of relief, Xining sat cross-legged on the bed, reflecting on the earlier scene, feeling a bit... embarrassed.
Fortunately, Jasper wasn't home often. With his busy schedule, he would probably forget about it in a couple of days!
But still... her stomach felt a bit uncomfortable, bloated and uneasy.
With a creak, the door to the room opened. Xining turned her head to see Jasper walking in with a cup in hand. So he hadn't left after all...
He approached her and handed her the blanket.
"Drink this; it might help with your stomach pain." While waiting for the clerk at the supermarket earlier, he had glanced at his phone and saw some articles he hadn't closed yet. He casually flipped through them and found information about how girls experience pain and tips on how to care for them during their periods...
So he had bought some brown sugar on his way back.
"You said your stomach hurt, right? Drink something warm."
"Oh... thank you." Xining accepted the cup.
"With me, there's no need to be so polite. I'm your brother."
For someone used to being polite, how could she suddenly drop that habit?
Xining nodded slightly; after all, there was something about his words that made her feel she couldn't resist.
"Are you afraid of me?" He watched her as she sipped her brown sugar water, sitting upright. If she wasn't afraid of him, did that mean she liked him?
"No..." Xining shook her head. Admitting that she was scared of him would be quite embarrassing.
Jasper didn't call her out on it. "Drink up and get some rest. Don't go to class tomorrow; just stay home and take it easy. Also, I've told the housekeeper to find a middle-aged woman to take care of you. Otherwise, who knows what might scare you to death."
Four years had passed, and Jasper was no longer the dashing boy in a school uniform. Even in casual clothes now, he exuded a strong masculine aura, a charm that made it hard for anyone to look away.
"Thank you," Xining said sincerely.
"No need to mention it."
"It's not just tonight; there are so many things. Thank you for giving me such a family, allowing me to live without worries, receive the best education, and become someone I never dared to dream of being."
"And how do you plan to repay me?" Jasper said this without thinking, simply going along with Xining's words. After he said it, he paused for a moment—what was he doing, bargaining with a young girl?
"Huh?" Xining was taken aback for a moment. He wanted repayment... "As long as I have it, if you want it, I can give it to you."
As long as I have it, if you want it.
This became Xining's lifelong mantra.
Whenever Jasper asked for something, she would give it without reservation.
Hearing Xining's words, Jasper smiled, "Little girl, what are you always thinking about? Do I really need your little kindness in return? Just rest well; I'm going back to my room."
This conversation with Xining was the most relaxed Jasper had felt in four years, both physically and mentally.
No wonder, when he first laid eyes on this little girl, he felt an undeniable connection.
Could it be that he was overthinking things?
After all, it seemed like Jasper lacked nothing. If he were to repay her, he wouldn't even know how to do so!
"Why are you still frowning?"
The cup was already empty, yet Xining still felt a bit bloated and uncomfortable.
"My stomach still feels a bit uneasy."
"Just lie down." He took the cup from her hand and placed it on the bedside table. "Lying down will help a bit. We don't have a hot water bottle at home; I'll have someone buy one later."
Xining obediently lay down. She felt slightly better but still experienced some pain.
He covered her with a blanket, taking care of someone for the first time in his life.
As his hand brushed over her lower abdomen through the thin fabric of her nightgown, she could feel the warmth above, and it seemed to provide some comfort.
So, she grasped his hand.
Jasper looked at her, somewhat puzzled, and then he saw her place his hand on her lower abdomen.
"Your hand is very warm..."
So that's how it is...
But this seems a bit inconvenient, after all, he was a man and she was just a little girl.
However, she was his sister, and taking care of her was nothing wrong.
Many years later, Xining would still remember that night when she got her first period, the night of Christmas, when Jasper's warm palm eased her pain significantly.
From that moment on, the name Jasper was etched in Xining's heart.
At fourteen, she was still young.
In the days that followed, she couldn't see Jasper often—about once a month. She was busy with her studies, and he was busy with work.
Later on, Xining was accepted into a prestigious university when she turned eighteen.
Jasper expanded the Ji Family business once again; that year, he was twenty-six.
Xining's next encounter with Jasper was during her coming-of-age ceremony.
The Ji Family placed great importance on such events, and everyone knew that the Ji Family had a little princess who was spoiled beyond measure. Ji Huai Min gave her the best, while Jasper worked tirelessly to restore the Ji Family to its former glory, naturally benefiting his sister in the process!
The little princess's coming-of-age ceremony was naturally the talk of the town, and the busy Jasper managed to carve out some time to return.
Earlier, people had heard that Jasper had reserved a one-of-a-kind sports car in Italy six months ago as a gift for his sister.
Now, seeing Jasper again, the newly adult Xining felt her heart racing. She wore a white puffed dress and a platinum crown, standing under the lights as she watched Jasper in a suit walk through the door.
In that moment, if there had been wedding march music playing in the background, Xining would have thought she was at her own wedding with Jasper.
But… why did she feel this way?
Xining snapped back to reality just as Jasper reached her.
It had been a long time since they last met; the last time she remembered, she was still a little girl, forever looking small and innocent.
But now, in her princess dress, she had truly grown up. She looked strikingly beautiful, with all the right features in place. Who had chosen this dress for her? Why was the neckline so low?
Had she really started wearing makeup right after coming of age?
In this banquet hall, many were watching the Ji Family's little princess, whether out of genuine affection or interest in her status.
Thinking of this made Jasper feel a bit angry.
"Brother?" Xining called out to Jasper, who seemed lost in thought.
Jasper snapped back to attention, his expression now calm and no longer adorned with the smile he had earlier.
"Here, this is your gift." Jasper handed her the car keys. "Now that you're an adult, you should learn to drive yourself and not rely on others."
Is this considered a gift for adulthood?
"Thank you, brother," Xining said as she accepted the keys.
In truth, many people had given her gifts—expensive, luxurious, and rare items—all in hopes of earning a smile from her.
Yet nothing seemed to pique her interest.
Halfway through the banquet, the little princess suddenly disappeared. She was nowhere to be found in the grand hall, and as guests, they dared not go upstairs to look for Miss Ji.
Jasper found the banquet somewhat dull as well and decided to head upstairs shortly after arriving.
Once in his room, he closed his eyes to rest; it was too noisy outside, and he needed some space to gather his thoughts.
Suddenly, the door opened, and a small figure slipped inside.
Seeing him standing by the window, she wondered what he was thinking about.
She tiptoed over and then hugged him from behind.
Jasper was taken aback. Who would be bold enough to enter his room like this?
Before he could speak, he heard the person behind him begin to talk.
"I've thought of a way to repay you."
It was Xining, and what would the little girl do?
He did not push her away, listening as she continued.
"Today I turned eighteen. Before this, I didn't know how I could repay you. You lack neither money nor power, and I have none of those things. I only have myself, if you don't mind..."
"Xining." Jasper interrupted her, gently untangling her hand from his waist, turning to look at her flushed face.
It seemed she had mustered quite a bit of courage.
"Are you sure you want to offer yourself?" he lowered his voice, a mysterious look on his face as if he were playing along with Xining's intentions.
Xining nodded; she truly... felt a bit of affection for Jasper.
In her eighteen years of life, she had only encountered two men who treated her exceptionally well: her current father, Ji Ruisong, and Jasper.
But she always felt that Jasper was different.
The butler had let it slip that her health reports needed to be submitted to Jasper every six months. He kept an eye on her academic performance every month, and he had also looked after matters with the school board.
Jasper cared about everything concerning her; he just had never told her.
As Xining gradually grew up, she realized that the feelings she once held for him as an older brother had slowly transformed.
She now knows that she might have fallen for Jasper.
In the days when she couldn't see him, she often thought about him. While everyone else was talking about love, she felt that those boys were simply not worth her attention. After they met, her heart raced wildly.
What else could this be if not love?
Before her stood Jasper, no longer the naive boy of their age. He was mature and elegant, exuding charisma. At eighteen, he had already taken on the burdens of his family; he was exceptional in every way.
What reason could there be for Xining not to like someone like Jasper?
"You know what it means to give yourself completely?" He leaned slightly forward, closing the distance between them. The scent of his masculine hormones enveloped Xining, making it hard for her to breathe.
He was a man who had navigated the business world for eight years! Countless admirers sought his favor, yet all these years, there had been no one he could call his girlfriend.
"Isn't it just... giving yourself completely? Isn't it just sleeping with you?" What could be so difficult? Since they liked each other, wouldn't they naturally end up together?
But as Xining looked at Jasper's expression, it darkened little by little. Was he... angry?
"Remember four years ago when I told you that you don't need to repay me for anything? Just be yourself! And remember, I am your brother; do not harbor any fantasies about me! Understood?" His voice lowered, suppressing his anger. It seemed he was genuinely upset.
"Why can't I like you? I'm not your biological sister!" Xining's eyes reddened slightly, feeling a bit wronged.
"I don't want to hear such words from you again!"
This was what Jasper had said to her on her eighteenth birthday.
Then, he sent her abroad to study, and she was gone for four years!
Sometimes, distance cannot hinder a person's love for another; it only deepens the obsession and makes that person think crazily about the other.
That person is Xining!
The one who falls in love first always ends up at a disadvantage. While she was studying in Austria, he was living it up in C City, surrounded by a sea of admirers. From top actresses to corporate professionals, anyone beautiful seemed to have had rumors with him. He changed girlfriends like changing clothes, never repeating.
He indulged in a life of extravagance and nightly revelry, yet the Ji Family remained as powerful as ever. This was Jasper's charm.
She learned all this from the internet.
She was angry, partly out of spite towards Jasper. Since he chose to send her away, she decided to leave and not return!
So for four years, she didn't go home. It wasn't until she heard that Ji Huai Min's condition had worsened that she packed her things and prepared to graduate and return home.
Their reunion was a carefully orchestrated scheme.
Xining didn't know if Jasper thought the same way; regardless, when she saw him again, her heart would still race, and she couldn't help but like him.
That year, Xining was twenty-two, at the prime of her youth, the perfect time for romance. Yet she had fallen for someone she couldn't openly express her feelings for.
That year, Jasper was thirty. After achieving success in his career, he should have been getting married. However, the feelings he had buried deep within for many years could only remain hidden in his heart.
Her father said he was also thirty and should be getting married soon; otherwise, what would happen when her younger sister found a boyfriend and wanted to marry while her brother was still single?
So many people were waiting to marry the little princess of the Ji Family, and so many wanted to marry Jasper.
Why had the little princess not found a boyfriend yet, and why hadn’t Jasper settled down?
This truly troubled Ji Huai Min.
To escape his father's relentless urging, Jasper claimed he needed to expand his business and went to Qin Cheng, where he met Jono and Jin Chengyan.
He thought that with time, Xining's feelings would gradually fade. Even though they were only siblings in name, good upbringing wouldn’t allow Jasper to act inappropriately.
However, he never expected that as soon as he arrived in Qin Cheng, Xining would follow right behind him.
In the hotel, she stood before him.
Four years had passed, and Xining had completely shed the naivety of her eighteen-year-old self. She had a stunning figure and enough beauty to entice men. This version of Xining was no longer the frightened girl who thought she might die when she first got her period.
Jasper remembered that day vividly. Xining had asked him boldly, “Jasper, tell me honestly, have you never liked me? Not even for a minute? Have you ever seen me as a woman rather than your sister?”
Such frankness was typical of Xining’s character.
It was also due to the Ji Family’s indulgence over the years that had shaped her into this person. They fulfilled her every desire, which ultimately contributed to her current demeanor.
“As long as you say you haven’t, I promise I will never like you again. I won’t cling to you anymore. Our relationship will be as simple as siblings. I will marry someone else, and you will marry another woman. I’ll call you brother and her sister-in-law, watching you have children with another woman and seeing you happy…”
Listening to her speak so passionately, Jasper just wanted her to be quiet. But at that moment, how could he silence a woman who was so determined to express her feelings?
He could only think of one way.
To kiss her.
How should he describe this kiss?
Sweet? Or a little sour?
There was the excitement of dreams coming true, along with bittersweet tears.
The person he had liked for so many years finally responded a little, finally moved this man whose heart was harder than rock.
After the kiss, Jasper released Xining, resting his forehead against hers, his rapidly beating heart slowly calming down.
So this is what it feels like to kiss the person you like.
"Xining, you know we can't be together. There won't be any outcome, never." After finally voicing the feelings he had suppressed for years, Jasper felt as if a heavy stone had been lifted from his heart.
But Xining couldn't care less about that. She wrapped her arms around Jasper's waist. "As long as I'm by your side, even without a title, I'm willing. Can't we just be together secretly?"
Indeed, as long as she was with the person she liked, she would be willing no matter the circumstances.
Jasper sighed deeply. Xining was still young; she didn't realize that after this moment of joy, she might regret it for a lifetime. What woman would truly want to live in secrecy forever?
Moreover, if neither of them got married, how would outsiders perceive them? How would the Ji Family cope with it?
All the problems came crashing down on Jasper, regretting his impulsive kiss earlier. However, seeing Xining's happy smile, he couldn't bring himself to interrupt her bliss.
"You like me, I like you. Why should we care about others' opinions? We're not living for them, are we? Are you really going to let someone else's disapproval keep us apart? Is your affection for me so little?"
Jasper shook his head.
"Then that's settled. We should just be together and ignore what others say!" Xining felt that her proactive approach had worked; at least she understood Jasper's true feelings.
Love is a matter between two people; why should they care about others' thoughts?
Of course, if Jasper and Xining were ordinary people, they could do as they pleased.
But one was the head of the Ji Family, and the other was a world-renowned Cellist. With such high-profile identities, they were constantly under scrutiny; how could they act freely?
Xining said, "It doesn't matter. After all, I've already taken your surname for this lifetime. Where else could I go?"
In the end, one remained unmarried for life, while the other never married either.
(THE END)
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