Ch. 81I'm Hard to Pursue
Chapter 81 Summary
Key Plot Points and Events
- Ye Nanxun gives Yan Beiyou two bouquets containing six white hyacinths, whose symbolism is “love one dares not reveal.” Yan preserves the flowers in ice inside a framed display in his study.
- During dinner, Ye Nanxun directly asks Yan, “Can I pursue you?” His confession catches Yan completely off guard, despite Yan’s usual composure as the ruler of the star system.
- Yan agrees, telling Ye to go ahead and pursue him. He then asks whether Ye understands what pursuing someone means.
- Ye explains the concept in precise, almost scientific terms: he is the initiator, Yan is the recipient, and Yan’s consent is essential. If Yan becomes uncomfortable or wants him to stop, Ye will stop immediately.
- Ye further states that he will not regret pursuing Yan or blame either of them if the relationship does not succeed. He compares pursuing someone to conducting an experiment with an uncertain outcome.
- Yan tests Ye’s resolve by asking whether he would continue even if Yan never gave him an answer. Ye replies that the pursuit is his own choice, regardless of the result.
- Yan jokingly claims he is extremely difficult to pursue, but reassures Ye that if Ye is the one pursuing him, winning him over will be easy.
Character Developments
- Ye Nanxun: Demonstrates unexpected courage and emotional honesty. Though socially anxious, he is not timid and expresses his feelings directly. His analytical explanation reveals both his rational nature and his deep respect for consent and personal choice. He has also become more willing to seek happiness and experiences beyond his former life centered entirely on research.
- Yan Beiyou: Shows that his calm, confident exterior can be shaken by genuine affection. His feelings for Ye have gradually developed from initial favorable impressions into admiration, affection, and love. He is cautious because he cares about Ye’s insecurity and does not want their differences in status to pressure him. His playful confidence at the end also reveals that he has already accepted and welcomed Ye’s affection.
Significant Themes
- Love and vulnerability: Even the powerful, emotionally controlled Yan is affected by an honest confession.
- Consent and mutual choice: Ye emphasizes that pursuit is only acceptable with Yan’s agreement and must stop if Yan becomes uncomfortable.
- Emotional courage: Ye’s decision to pursue Yan reflects his determination to live fully and pursue personal happiness in his new life.
- Uncertainty and risk: Ye compares romance to experimentation, accepting that sincere effort does not guarantee success.
- Power and status: Yan recognizes that their unequal positions could make Ye uneasy, so he consciously tries to create emotional safety rather than exploit his advantage.
Character Interactions
- The chapter centers on the intimate dinner conversation between Ye and Yan.
- Yan gently prevents Ye from drinking more wine and gives him warm water, showing care and attentiveness.
- Ye’s literal, academic explanation of “pursuing” contrasts humorously with Yan’s romantic understanding of the confession.
- Their exchange reveals mutual affection: Ye takes the first direct step, while Yan confirms that he is already willing to be won over.