Shui Bing'er's breathing halted for a moment. She seemed not to have expected Shen Hanyu to be so straightforward, without even a trace of the emotional scene she had imagined countless times.
Faced with Shen Hanyu's directness, Shui Bing'er inexplicably felt wronged. Then, with a hint of pent-up frustration, she said:
"Shen Hanyu, are you stupid? We've known each other for so long. If I couldn't accept everything you've said, do you think I would still have come here...?"
"Yes, feelings are built over time. After all these years, you..."
At this point, Shui Bing'er seemed to get stuck. For a moment, she did not know what to say. Even the corners of her eyes began to redden slightly, tears welling at their edges.
Shen Hanyu fell silent for a moment before slowly stepping forward and embracing Shui Bing'er.
Shui Bing'er froze, then tears slid straight down her cheeks. Before long, they left clear marks across Shen Hanyu's robe, yet neither of them cared. Her face was so red it seemed about to bleed, and even her crystalline earlobes and neck were tinged with blush. Then she buried her head directly in Shen Hanyu's embrace, her slender, fair arms wrapping around his waist.
Shen Hanyu gently patted Shui Bing'er's back and tidied her slightly disheveled hair. His eyes were somewhat distant, yet there was even more relief and joy within them.
After embracing for a while, Shui Bing'er slowly raised her head. Her ice-blue eyes were misty now, but the look she gave Shen Hanyu had changed as well. The awe and seriousness from before had become a young girl's tender, immature love, along with a trace of fervor hidden deep within.
Shen Hanyu chuckled softly, then said with some apology:
"I'm sorry. In my current state, I probably can't