Chapter 286 The Scheming Boy
Li Simin went directly to the Song family's house. Chen Limin was in a hurry to leave, and when she saw Li Simin looking for Song Man, she didn't think much of it and told him that she was upstairs and that she would go find her herself.
She rushed out without thinking too much. In her eyes, Li Simin was just a kid in the neighborhood, and she might ask Song Man about work-related matters.
Song Man's heart leaped into her throat as she watched Li Simin chase after her into the room: "Simin..."
Li Simin stopped her, saying, "Don't speak yet, let me finish, okay? I know I scared you today, but it's what I really meant."
"From the day you saved me, I've liked you a lot. I don't know if it's because of the gratitude for saving my life or because of romantic love. But whenever I see you, my heart beats faster involuntarily."
“I don’t dare to talk to you, or even face you. I always feel that my feelings for you are something that can’t be brought into the light.”
"I didn't look for you or see you, but I didn't miss any of your successes. I thought as long as I was in the background, silently watching you and seeing you succeed, that would be enough. I thought I could stay this calm forever."
"When I heard about your suicide attempt last time, I wanted to confess my feelings to you. I wanted to tell you not to worry. If you are willing to marry me, you don't have to do anything. You don't even have to like me."
"As long as you are happy, I can always support you from behind and give you a lot of freedom."
Song Man stared at Li Simin in shock. From the moment she returned until just now, her heart had been racing.
Previously, Song Dong had told her that Li Simin might like her, but she didn't believe it.
In her eyes, Li Simin was just a younger brother; how could it possibly escalate into romantic feelings?
But just now, Li Simin's sudden confession completely threw her into disarray. She still couldn't believe why Li Simin liked her.
Just as he was about to speak, Li Simin continued, "In the hospital, I was a coward. I didn't dare to speak. I watched you being discharged, and I just wanted you to be healthy and safe. I didn't dare to come see you. I just wanted you to be healthy and safe."
“Until yesterday, when you said you were getting engaged, I couldn’t take it anymore. I thought about it all night, and I just can’t bring myself to give you my blessings. I can’t bear to think about what I’ll do if you marry someone else.”
"Song Man, I like you, I've liked you for a long time."
I hope you can give me a chance to like you.
Li Simin's last words were spoken with utmost humility, his eyes filled with pleading, and his fair and handsome face showed a sense of brokenness.
Song Man stared at his face. She had known before that Li Simin was very handsome, the kind of handsome that was refined and noble, like a graceful gentleman who had stepped out of an ancient book, gentle and dignified, yet with a touch of aloofness.
At this moment, the gentle young man's eyes were filled with sorrow yet also held a final stubbornness.
It was as if he would shatter the moment she refused.
Song Man frowned, standing by the table, gripping it tightly, and after a long pause, said, "Si Min, I didn't expect you to like me. It's my honor. But... maybe it's because I saved you, that you look at me with a halo around you."
"We are not from the same world, so it's not appropriate."
Before she could finish speaking, Li Simin had already taken a step forward, walked up to Song Man, reached out and took her hand tightly: "No, we are from the same world, lonely and sensitive... I'm just five years younger than her, it's not my fault that I was born later."
"Age aside, I beg you, look at me... or rather, do you really like the person you're getting engaged to?"
After saying that, he stared intently into Song Man's eyes, demanding an answer from her.
Song Man tried to break free, but couldn't shake his hand. She sighed, "Li Simin! It's really impossible for us. Besides, we've already discussed it, met each other's parents, and are getting engaged on the 28th of the twelfth lunar month."
Li Simin's gaze gradually turned sorrowful: "Is there really no way to change this?"
Song Man slowly shook her head: "Even if I don't marry him, I won't marry you, because in my eyes, you've always been a younger brother."
Li Simin slowly loosened his grip on Song Man's hand, his eyes gradually dimming, and he showed no sign of anger.
Song Man suddenly became worried. Had she been too harsh with her words? Had she hurt Li Simin?
There's nothing wrong with liking someone. If it were her, being rejected like this would also be very upsetting.
Just as he was about to speak, Li Simin's face paled even more, and he smiled and said, "Okay, I understand. If you're not happy, remember that I'll always be waiting for you."
After saying that, he turned and left, his shoulders slumped, as if all his energy had been drained away.
Song Man still felt sorry for him and quickly chased after him downstairs: "Si Min, how about I take you home?"
Li Simin suddenly turned around, his eyes still lifeless as he looked at Song Man, his voice hoarse and filled with suppressed sorrow: "Song Man, may I make one last request?"
Song Man paused for a moment, then nodded: "Okay, go ahead."
Having grown up together in the same compound, Song Man couldn't bear to hurt Li Simin. If it could make Li Simin feel better, granting him one request wouldn't be out of the question.
Li Simin pursed his lips and asked almost humbly, "Can I hug you?"
Song Man never expected Li Simin to make such a request, but having already agreed, she still reluctantly agreed: "Okay."
He pretended to look at Li Simin as if nothing was wrong.
Li Simin took two steps forward, his toes touching Song Man's toes, and pulled her tightly into his arms, his chin resting on the top of her head.
Song Man was surprised that the seemingly frail Li Simin possessed such strength, and that his chest was as solid as a rock.
She could clearly hear his strong heartbeat and smell the faint sandalwood scent emanating from him.
Having never been so close to a man before, she couldn't help but blush and struggled to leave his embrace.
But Li Simin hugged her even tighter, pleading in her ear, "Just one more hug, just one more time."
Song Man softened once again. How could she bear to hurt such an innocent child as Li Simin?
Hopefully, after today, he can move on, find the girl he loves, and spend his life with her.
Li Simin closed his eyes, his breath filled with a faint fragrance. Hearing footsteps outside, he reached out and hugged Song Man even tighter.
Chen Limin pushed open the door and looked at the scene before her, somewhat incredulous!
Li Simin and Song Man were actually hugging!
She exclaimed in surprise, "What are you doing!"
Song Man then noticed Chen Limin's return, quickly pushed Li Simin away, and looked at Chen Limin with a flushed face: "Mom, it's not what you think."
Li Simin looked at Song Man and said firmly, "Aunt Song, I want to marry Song Man! I love her!"
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