However, the moment Dugu Wu uttered his name, the call was cut off.
When she called back, the line was busy.
Yu Shijin placed his hand against the car door.
He had immediately hung up the moment he realized it was not her voice. Something like disappointment surged inside him.
His eyes glinted sharply.
He shut his eyes for a moment.
Even when leaning against the car, his entire body ached.
But he had been used to pushing himself. Even when ill, he would put up a brave front.
He remained poised as always, those deep, profound eyes of his betraying nothing.
He covered his lips with one hand and coughed lightly, regaining his composure. Just as he was about to put his cell phone back into his pocket, it rang.
There was no name for that number, but it was a number he could dial even with his eyes closed.
The sunlight was somewhat dazzling, and even Yu Shijin started to doubt whether this was reality or just a dream.
He accepted the call, his eyes darkening to the extreme.
“Are you serious?” Placing his cell phone by his ear, a slightly muted voice sounded out. “First, I must make it very clear: my future is very uncertain. I may not have one at all.”
Yu Shijin’s muddled mind was suddenly as clear as it had ever been.
He knew what she was talking about.
He knew it very well.
He pressed against the car door more forcefully, but his face remained calm. Even his voice sounded serene. “Ms Su, how is it that you still don’t understand?”
Silence.
Yu Shijin leaned his entire body against the car door as he massaged his temples with one hand. His face was very grave. “I wish to tell you that whether you remember or not, I like you… very much. Don’t feel pressured. But of course, if you…”
If you are willing.
Perhaps because he was sick.
Even though common sense told him not to say it.
Even though there was a low possibility that his desired outcome would materialize.
He still said it.
It was a once in a lifetime chance. To confess his feelings so openly without any regret, without any expectations, not even requesting an answer from her.
“Look up.” Su Huiqing took off her baseball cap.
“Mmm?” Yu Shijin was stunned. Even the hand massaging his temples froze.
He remained motionless.
“Opposite. I am right opposite you.” Su Huiqing was still holding her cap. She patiently repeated herself with a light chuckle. “If you are really serious…”
That chuckle sounded like she was just beside him.
Yu Shijin had already forgotten what he was thinking about a second earlier. He just lifted his head rather stiffly and glanced in the opposite direction.
That fresh, youthful figure was standing there, holding a cell phone and looking at him.
Her face was clear and pristine.
The entire scene suddenly felt very unreal.
Yu Shijin no longer remembered who told him this: No matter how deep the love was, it was useless if they were not fated.
But sometimes, such things were beyond one’s control.
He hung up the cell phone and glanced at the armed guards surrounding them. Those men immediately stepped aside.
Yu Shijin walked forward.
With the embassy being so heavily guarded, the road was nearly empty of cars driving by.
His face was extremely pale, and Su Huiqing could clearly see he was very weak. Every step he took was a strain on his body.
She didn’t understand how someone who looked so healthy a few days ago could just suddenly fall sick and become so frail.
Nevertheless, she reached out one hand to let him lean against her. She took his pulse with her other hand. Her voice turned cold. “Look at your current state. Can you just remain at the International Association?”
Her tone was somewhat exasperated.
She was worried about him.
Yu Shijin could see it very clearly, and his heart warmed.
An unprecedented feeling.
Su Huiqing looked toward the embassy. She couldn’t make an appearance there now and had no choice but to bring him back to her hotel.
“Qingqing…” Qu Yan opened the door, holding a poker card.
Her smile froze when she saw Yu Shijin.
The card fell to the floor with a smack.
They were playing a card game in Su Huiqing’s room.
“Mr. Yu?” Gu Li was the first to regain his composure. He could immediately see that Yu Shijin was in poor condition. He placed his cards on the table. “What happened?”
“Nothing.” Su Huiqing glanced at them, tossing her cell phone onto the table. “I am going in to get something.”
She had come to Country H to settle some other matters and had only brought a few silver needles. Her potions and other stuff were all back at the International Association.
As a result, she came out of the room, bearing only those few needles.
Yu Shijin was still standing in the hall, looking at her. His overly-pale face contrasted sharply with his dark brows.
An elegant and regal man, exceptional and outstanding.
The corners of Su Huiqing’s lips twitched. A strange feeling arose in her heart.
Actually, from that time in Green City, she could already vaguely guess his intentions.
Yu Shijin had gone against the International Association several times for her sake.
Previously, he had also refused to return to the Yu Family despite his severe injuries.
Besides, he had even gone against Song San for her.
And the words of the great sorcerer.
So when Chu Xuning told her that he was in a poor state now, she had secretly arrived at Country H, purposely hiding the news from him.
When she saw him in front of the embassy, she realized that there was no way she could ignore him.
“What did you do?” Su Huiqing frowned as she took his pulse. It was clear his health was still a mess.
She really wanted to know what he did that resulted in this poor state of health.
Yu Shijin held her hand, not allowing her to continue taking his pulse. He gave a faint smile and said, “Nothing.”
At this moment, the chief detective called Yu Shijin on the phone.
He was clearly very anxious.
He usually wouldn’t be bothered if Yu Shijin went missing for a day. But things were different now. He was well aware of how bad Yu Shijin’s current health was.
“I am in safe hands now.” Yu Shijin leaned back on the sofa, his voice very serene. “You don’t need to worry.”
He might look like a sickly, well-pampered rich boy, but his tone was as domineering as always.
Chief detective felt somewhat relieved. He moved away from some other Country H people gathered nearby and lowered his voice. “I just received news that Song San has reached a conclusion regarding the assassination of Country H’s president. According to Young Master Chu’s news… Song San is investigating Ms Su.”
Chief detective had no choice but to tell Yu Shijin this.
Yu Shijin had personally implemented extra security over Su Huiqing’s identity.
The added security measures might be able to block out Chi Yue, but it might not work against Song San.
But the chief detective had no idea why Song San had to investigate Su Huiqing over this remote Country H incident.
Yu Shijin’s eyes turned cold and dark.
“You know what to do.” Yu Shijin’s voice resumed its usual calm. “I will return in a while.”
Su Huiqing performed acupuncture on Yu Shijin. Although it would not heal him completely, it would help clear his vascular system and reduce the symptoms of his illness.
She didn’t stop him when he said he had to return.
She needed time to think of how to resolve his health issues anyway.
Qu Yan and the rest had already left on Su Huiqing’s instructions.
Yu Shijin felt much better now. He walked out with his cell phone. Placing his fingers lightly on the door, he turned to look at Su Huiqing, who was following behind him. “I am very serious…”
“I know.” Su Huiqing cut in, the corners of her lips curling up. “I will only say this once. The answer I can give you now is this: until you stop liking me.”
Yu Shijin didn’t finish his previous sentence.
He felt like his heart had suddenly stopped.
His hand tightened around his cell phone.
He never expected to hear such words coming out from Su Huiqing’s lips. Her words had completely floored him.
He reached out and hugged her tightly.
Warm breath sprayed upon her head. Her fingertips trembled, her lowered lids concealing the heavy emotions flashing across her eyes. She heard him utter one single word, his voice shaking slightly. “Alright.”
How to tell her? She was someone whom he would protect with his life.