There was no way for Shen Yi to convince Jiang Qi otherwise when the man was so determined to stay. Every logical argument had been calmly dismantled, every warning met with quiet stubbornness. In the end, Shen Yi could only exhale and accept it.
Despite the fear that lingered like a shadow at the back of his mind, he made a silent vow. No matter what storm came, no matter who stood against them, he would keep Jiang Qi safe. But protection was not a one-sided promise. If he wanted to shield Jiang Qi from the chaos that seemed to follow them, then he, too, would have to survive it. He could not allow history to repeat itself. He would not endure another loss carved into his bones.
"Since you have decided to stay, does this mean…" Shen Yi leaned slightly over Jiang Qi's shoulder. His breath brushed against the other man's ear, his gaze intent, almost piercing, as he continued softly, "…you like me?"
The teasing tone clashed dangerously with the seriousness in his eyes.
