Xia Ning got up, washed her face, changed her clothes, and went to the Zhong family with dark circles under her eyes.

Zhong Songbai's condition was no better than Xia Ning's; he also spent the entire night lying in bed, tossing and turning without closing his eyes for a single moment.

When he woke up in the morning, he was still a descendant of pandas, with two big dark circles under his eyes and a haggard face.

When you're anxious, your complexion naturally suffers.

Xia Ning was startled to see Zhong Songbai like this and instinctively asked with concern:

"Didn't sleep well? You don't look well!"

Zhong Songbai pursed his lips and said:

"Don't you even consider your own feelings before you speak to others? Have you eaten breakfast? Eat breakfast before you talk about anything else."

Xia Ning shook her head and said:

"No need, finish talking before you eat!"

Zhong Songbai said in an unquestionable tone:

"Let's eat first, then we can talk. I'll make you some hot noodle soup, it'll be quick. Shall we eat together?"

Zhong Songbai wasn't trying to avoid the issue; he was afraid that once he finished speaking, the two of them would be completely separated and they would never have the chance to have a meal together again.

Xia Ning nodded, silently squatted down, and helped Zhong Songbai start the fire.

The two of them didn't say a word, but worked in perfect harmony, one tending the fire and the other cooking the noodles, one holding the bowl and the other adding the seasonings to it.

Finally finishing the bowl of noodles, Zhong Songbai took a deep breath and said:

"You...you tell me!"

Xia Ning looked at him and said:

Why didn't you tell me about your family?

Zhong Songbai smirked and said without hiding anything:

"I can't let my sister and Little Poplar go on this adventure with me."

Xia Ning's eyes darkened, and she said sadly:

"You don't believe me!"

Zhong Songbai shook his head and said:

"I believe it, but I dare not gamble, even if the possibility of breaking up is one in ten thousand."

“My sister is a girl, and she’s beautiful. If something were to happen to her, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to protect her.”

"Xiao Baiyang is not yet an adult. I don't dare to think about what will happen to him if something happens to his older siblings."

“You are very important to me. I am willing to do anything for you and give everything for this relationship. You are my everything, not my sister’s or this brother’s. I can’t be so selfish.”

Xia Ning just stared at Zhong Songbai, and Zhong Songbai looked back at her, his eyes filled with only clarity and determination, without the slightest hint of avoidance.

Xia Ning knew that Zhong Songbai was telling her what was on his mind; he hadn't hidden anything from her.

That's what she wants, even if keeping it a secret would be more agreeable and might make her happier.

But honesty, even if it's hard to hear, is all the more precious.

The two stared at each other for a long while before Xia Ning continued:

"If I said, 'Let's just stay together like this without getting married,' would you be willing?"

Zhong Songbai remained silent for a long time before finally saying:

"That's not fair to you. You're under more pressure than I am."

Xia Ning said nonchalantly:

“I don’t care about these things. I’m just afraid that I don’t have genuine feelings for anyone, and like you, I don’t want my family to be implicated.”

Zhong Songbai held her hand tightly and said:

"Okay, if you regret it someday, just tell me anytime, and I'm willing to let go."

Xia Ning lightly punched Zhong Songbai and said:

"Who do you think you are? Do you think I, Xia Ning, am someone who would desert in the face of battle? We're both fine, and I believe the darkness will pass!"

Just like Grandma said when Grandpa and my eldest uncle had their accidents, the darkness will eventually pass and the future will be better.

She can wait, and she is willing to wait.

Zhong Songbai nodded firmly and said: