Where the heart leads

He's finished speaking.

He seemed to have used all his strength; his ears and neck were flushed red, but he didn't look away, stubbornly staring at Yu Songlin as if waiting for his response.

The entire live stream fell into a brief silence, and even the chat seemed to freeze for a moment.

Yu Songlin gazed intently at him, his eyes, which always held a gentle smile, now swirling with intense emotions: shock, emotion, elation, and a touch of heartache. He hadn't expected Ding Xuefei to confess her feelings to him in such a public setting and in such a direct manner.

His Adam's apple bobbed, but he didn't speak immediately. Instead, in front of all the cameras, he raised his other hand and gently wiped away the moisture that had seeped from Ding Xuefei's eyes due to nervousness and excitement. His movements were incredibly gentle.

Then, he turned to the camera, spoke calmly, his voice lower and gentler than usual:

“What Xuefei said is what I also wanted to say.” He held Ding Xuefei’s hand tightly and did not let go. “The separation in college was my fault. I didn’t handle it well and hurt him. Being able to meet him again on this show is the luckiest thing that has happened to me in the past few years.”

He turned his head and gazed tenderly at Ding Xuefei, as if she were his whole world.

“Watching him be awkward, watching him be shy, watching him slowly approach me again… for me, it’s a story more moving than any script. He’s not a nuisance, nor a burden; he’s the treasure I’ve waited five years to finally get back.”

"Aaaaaaah, I'm crying! My precious treasure that I'd lost and found again!"

"Yu Songlin loves it so much! He really loves it!"

"The Best Actor's words are so sincere... it's really impossible to criticize him anymore."

"So it's a case of a broken mirror being mended! This is like a novel coming to life!"

Yu Songlin's words were like a warm current, instantly washing away the tension and doubt that had filled the live broadcast room. He looked at Ding Xuefei with encouragement and inquiry in his eyes, as if to say, "See, it's not a big deal."

Ding Xuefei looked at him, her eyes reddening even more, but this time, it wasn't from sadness or fear, but from being enveloped by immense peace and happiness. She gripped Yu Songlin's hand tightly and nodded emphatically.

At the end of the live stream, the two stood up together and bowed slightly to the camera.

"I'm sorry to have worried everyone. Thank you to everyone who has supported us and criticized us." Yu Songlin concluded his speech as the representative, his tone sincere and frank. "The road ahead is still long, and we will work together and take this relationship seriously. We also hope that everyone can give us some time and space."

The notification that the live stream has ended has lit up.

Ding Xuefei almost instantly lost his strength, his legs buckled as he stood up, and he nearly lost his balance. Yu Songlin quickly grabbed his waist and supported him firmly.

"Are you alright?" Yu Songlin asked in a low voice, his eyes full of concern.

Ding Xuefei buried her burning face in his shoulder and mumbled a soft "Mmm," her voice still nasal from crying: "I said it... Yu Songlin, I said it..."

"Yes, you're great." Yu Songlin gently patted his back, like comforting a cat that had finally relaxed after being frightened, his voice filled with endless affection and pride, "Much braver than me."

They embraced each other in the gradually darkening live stream room, ignoring the storms that might still exist outside, as if having each other gave them the courage to face the whole world.

Just as Ding Xuefei was trying to hold back his tears, he heard a "ding-dong" sound in his ear.

He opened his eyes and saw pink bubbles rising in front of him, something he hadn't done in a long time.

"What's wrong?" Ding Xuefei asked the system in his mind. Lately, the system hadn't given him any trouble, and he was starting to feel a little strange...

[Ding dong! Ultimate mission: Where the heart leads, completed!]

What? The system said it would release the ultimate mission from time to time, which made him nervous for a while. How come it's already completed without even releasing it?

[Detection indicates the owner has found true love, their heart has become firm and strong, and they no longer need external forces to express their emotions.]

[The "Affectionate System" mission has been accomplished. Thank you for your continued cooperation and growth. We wish you and your loved one a long and happy marriage, and we also wish that you, the owner, will always be sincere, courageous, and honest in expressing your love.]

"Thank you," Ding Xuefei said sincerely to the system. "If it weren't for you, I definitely wouldn't have made up with Yu Songlin. Thank you so much."

【^3^】

[May you be happy, Master. System unbinding in progress... Goodbye.]

As the electronic voice gradually faded away, Ding Xuefei actually felt a little reluctant to part with it, completely forgetting how much he hated the system when he was first bound to it and how he only wanted to unbind himself.

"Huh? System? Little Sweetie?"

Ding Xuefei called out in his mind a few times, but there was no response. He then called out to the air a few more times, but still no response.

*

The live broadcast response by "Xingfengxueyu" pushed the popularity of the show "Heartbeat Mystery" to a new level, just as the show was about to end.

On the last day of filming for "The Mystery of My Heart," at dusk, the production team meticulously prepared a confession venue in the back garden of the villa.

String lights illuminated the darkening sky like a galaxy, the fragrance of roses and tuberoses wafted in the breeze, and white gauze curtains swayed gently.

Ten guests attended in their finest attire, and the air was thick with tension and anticipation.

Tonight, they will make their final choice.

As the male and female guests made their entrances, Ding Xuefei squeezed Yu Songlin's hand as she passed behind him.

He was no longer nervous. He trusted Yu Songlin, and at this moment, he was more interested in watching the excitement unfold.

The production team said, "Now, please take turns confessing your feelings to the guests you like. If the chosen guest accepts the confession, they will become a couple. If the guest refuses, the next person will be chosen."

Ke Ran was the first to stand up.

His choice was no surprise, and everyone was cheering him on.

Ke Ran took a deep breath, walked up to Ning Yusheng, her ears turning red, but her voice was unusually firm: "Xiao Sheng, from the first day you came to the show, I felt like this garden had lit up. You're smart and cute, and every moment with you is incredibly happy. I may not be mature enough, but I will try my best to become someone you can rely on. Will you... be my girlfriend?"

Looking at his nervous yet sincere expression, Ning Yusheng's eyes welled up with tears. She smiled and nodded vigorously, "I do!"

The two embraced tightly amidst cheers and applause.

Next was Bai Mu. He walked up to Shang Rou, his gaze gentle yet complex: "Xiao Rou, our reunion is both fate and a test. I made mistakes in the past. Spending time together has made me even more certain that you have never left my heart. I know it takes time, but I still want to ask you, is there... any possibility for us to start over?"

Shang Rou listened quietly, a hint of emotion flashing in her eyes. She smiled slightly, with the clarity and gentleness of an adult: "Thank you for your honesty. I'm also very happy to see you again. But some paths, once walked, require more caution. I admire you as you are now, but we need more time to get to know each other outside of the show. So... my answer is, we can start over as friends, giving each other more time and space, okay?"

A hint of disappointment flashed across Bai Mu's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by understanding and respect. He nodded: "Okay, I respect you, and I'm willing to wait."

The two exchanged a smile, a hint of regret mixed with a lingering sense of hope for the future.

Xu Yimeng and Ye Ming exchanged a smile, then walked forward hand in hand.

Xu Yimeng said cheerfully, "Ye Ming and I have made a plan! We found super compatible best friends on this show! Although we didn't become a couple, we gained the most precious friendship! From now on, we'll go shopping, travel, and complain about guys together!" Ye Ming also chimed in with a smile, "Yes! Mengmeng is the biggest surprise I've had here!"

The two girls hugged happily, creating a relaxed and warm atmosphere.

Fang Jinyu and Stella simply gave up on confessing their feelings, saying that they met many good friends on the show and had a very happy time, but unfortunately they didn't have much of a connection with any of them.

Ding Xuefei also silently prayed for Fang Jinyu in her heart, thinking that Jinyu was such a good person, he would definitely meet someone better.

Finally, everyone's attention focused on Yu Songlin and Ding Xuefei.

Yu Songlin gave Ding Xuefei a deep look, and under the starlight and warm string lights, he slowly walked up to him. He didn't speak immediately, but simply took out a small velvet box from the inside pocket of his suit.

Ding Xuefei's heart skipped a beat, and her eyes widened slightly—

Yu Songlin opened the box, and inside were not traditional engagement rings, but two simple and elegant platinum band wedding rings, which shimmered with a warm luster under the light.

He gazed at Ding Xuefei with deep, focused eyes, his voice low and clear, piercing the evening breeze: "Xuefei, the missed opportunity five years ago is the biggest regret of my life. Fortunately, fate has given us a chance to start over."

"This program recorded all our awkwardness, arguments, and jealousy, as well as our subconscious glances, our involuntary closeness, and the ecstasy of regaining what we had lost. I remember you holding my hand tightly at the amusement park despite being afraid of heights, I remember your disappointed and sad tears at the aquarium, and I remember you mustering up the courage to tell me 'I like you' on the live broadcast."

He picked up the thinner ring, held it in his palm, and presented it to Ding Xuefei. This gesture was as solemn as entrusting a lifetime to someone.

"This ring is not an ending. It is a promise of beginning, a request that I want to be a part of all your future stories. I want to take care of Nico with you, share breakfast together in the morning, fall asleep in each other's arms at night, and face all the unknown storms and brilliant sunshine together."

His voice trembled slightly, yet remained incredibly firm: "Ding Xuefei, I love you. Not out of guilt or a desire to make amends, but because you are you, the one who has stirred my heart countless times. Will you... put on this ring and, officially and forever, be with me?"

Every word of this confession struck the softest spot in Ding Xuefei's heart. He looked at the ring, then at Yu Songlin's deeply affectionate eyes. Images from the past few months flashed through his mind—from initial avoidance and resistance, to later heart-fluttering struggles, and finally, his resolute choice. Tears welled up unexpectedly, blurring his vision.

He choked up, barely able to utter a complete sentence, only able to nod vigorously, reaching out his hand, his voice trembling with tears: "I'm willing... Yu Songlin, I'm willing too! I love you too!"

Yu Songlin's eyes also reddened. He carefully, as if handling a priceless treasure, placed the ring on Ding Xuefei's left ring finger; the size was perfect. Ding Xuefei then picked up the other ring and, with trembling hands, put it on Yu Songlin's finger.

The moment the ring was put on, Yu Songlin could no longer hold back. He reached out and hugged Ding Xuefei tightly, then lowered his head and kissed him.

This kiss was no longer an eager confirmation in a dimly lit storage room, nor a tender exploration in a secret garden, but a solemn, affectionate kiss full of promise and love, witnessed by all the guests, the production team, and all future viewers.

Starlight shone down, lights glittered, and the garden echoed with the excited cheers and applause of the other guests. Ke Ran shouted excitedly, Stella and Xu Yimeng were moved to tears, and even the usually composed Shang Rou showed a relieved smile. Nico appeared out of nowhere, wagging its tail and barking happily around the embracing couple.

Bullet comments:

"Ahhh, they're just putting on matching rings! What's the difference between this and a marriage proposal?!"

"I burst into tears! Reconciliation is the coolest thing ever!!"

"They really love each other so much, I can't stop crying!"

"Putting on rings and kissing in front of everyone! What a fairytale ending!"

"A beautiful love story amidst bloodshed and snow! May you be happy forever!"

After the kiss ended, Ding Xuefei buried her face in Yu Songlin's shoulder, her cheeks flushed, too shy to look up, yet the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up in a smile. Yu Songlin held her waist, his face beaming with unprecedented satisfaction and happiness, a smile for everyone, including the cameras.

The recording of "The Mystery of My Heart" has come to a close in this warm, romantic, and joyful atmosphere.

The story of Ding Xuefei and Yu Songlin has only just begun its first chapter.