Chapter 180 Confession at Dusk
Jiang Ranxing hung up the phone and stopped thinking about it. He continued looking at the design drafts. When he opened his tablet to browse the web, he saw the news section on Toutiao. Jiang Ranxing scrolled through it and suddenly became interested.
So she took her tablet, left her bedroom desk, and went to the study next door, where she knocked on the door.
"Come in," Wen Qingrang's voice came from outside.
Jiang Ranxing pushed open the door and saw Wen Qingrang at his desk working on his computer. When Wen Qingrang saw her coming, he took off his glasses, walked around the desk, and went to Jiang Ranxing's side.
Jiang Ranxing showed the tablet to Wen Qingrang, her beautiful big eyes sparkling as she looked at him.
Wen Qingrang could see the expectation in her eyes.
Wen Qingrang smiled, gestured for Jiang Ranxing to sit on the sofa, and asked, "Want to go out and play?"
Jiang Ranxing said "Mm" and then nodded.
Wen Qingrang didn't hesitate at all and said, "Okay, I'll take you tomorrow night, but first think about what you want to eat today?"
At home, Wen Qingrang always cooked according to Jiang Ranxing's preferences; he would cook almost anything she wanted to eat.
Jiang Ranxing thought of this and said, "How about we go out to eat today? I'll invite Sylvie, her husband, and the kids along, and then ask them if they want to come along tomorrow. What do you think?"
"Okay, I'll listen to you," Wen Qingrang said with a smile.
Jiang Ranxing then contacted Sylvie again. Sylvie was very happy to hear this and took the opportunity to invite Jiang Ranxing and Sylvie to stay at their house for a meal instead of going out.
Jiang Ranxing agreed, so in the afternoon, Jiang Ranxing and Wen Qingrang went to pick out some gifts for Sylvie's family of four and visited them at their home in the evening.
Sylvie's house is a detached villa. As soon as the door opened, a pair of beautiful twin babies squeezed out from the entrance. The two mixed-race babies didn't speak Chinese very well, so they held Jiang Ranxing's hand and called out randomly. Jiang Ranxing was immediately charmed by the two little babies and started communicating with them in English.
Sylvie's husband is a foreign university professor with the refined air of a scholar.
He introduced himself in Chinese: "Hello, I'm Ryan, nice to meet you all."
Jiang Ranxing and Wen Qingrang shook hands with him and introduced themselves.
“Okay, you guys have a seat, I’ll go prepare dinner,” Ryan said.
Wen Qingrang also stood up, rolled up his sleeves, and said, "I'll help you."
The two men went into the kitchen, and Sylvie brought some fruit to Jiang Ranxing first. Then the two women sat down and chatted.
Jiang Ranxing asked, "Are you free tomorrow night? We'd like to attend a beach concert on the coast. Would you like to come along?"
Sylvie nodded and said, "Of course, I won't refuse your invitation."
Jiang Ranxing smiled happily. Just then, the two children came over. Jiang Ranxing skillfully picked up the little girl and let her sit in her lap. She took a toy and played with the little girl.
Seeing that Jiang Ranxing was even more skilled at playing with children than she was, Sylvie asked in surprise, "Ember, you're really good at taking care of kids!"
Jiang Ranxing didn't try to hide it: "Yes, I also have children, about the same age as them."
Sylvie was surprised; she hadn't expected Jiang Ranxing to look so young, the same age as her child.
"Is it your and his child?" Sylvie gestured towards the kitchen.
Jiang Ranxing shook her head and said, "No, it was born to me and my ex-husband."
Sylvie felt a little embarrassed, realizing she had asked an inappropriate question, and didn't know what to say next.
Jiang Ranxing smiled and told her to relax, "It's okay, I don't care much about these things, you could say it's fine."
Sylvie then said, "I didn't expect you to have already been through a marriage. You're still so young, it's unexpected."
Sylvie couldn't believe it. In her eyes, Jiang Ranxing looked like a college student. Who would have thought that his love life would have such a twist?
Jiang Ranxing said, "It's about getting married young. My ex-husband and I got married because of an engagement, but we didn't have any feelings for each other. He had other women outside, so we got divorced, and the child stayed with him. It's that simple."
Sylvie noticed that Jiang Ranxing's expression was relaxed when she said this, and she understood that she really didn't care much about the past.
Sylvie moved closer to Jiang Ranxing, gesturing for the little girl to stop pulling on his hair, and then asked, "So, things haven't progressed between you and Wen yet? I wonder if my reminder last time was helpful?"
Jiang Ranxing turned his head and glanced at the person in the kitchen. Wen Qingrang was helping Ryan prepare dinner. He looked no different from Ryan, a married man, and appeared to be a kind and caring husband.
Jiang Ranxing remained silent for a while, then turned to look at Sylvie, as if he had made up his mind.
Jiang Ranxing whispered to Sylvie, "Maybe I should take a step forward and give it a try."
Sylvie nodded firmly: "I support you, Ember. Happiness is rare. If you encounter it, don't let it slip away easily, because we don't know when we will encounter it again, or whether we will have such an opportunity again."
"You can give it a try first. If it doesn't work out, it won't be a big deal. But if you never dare to take action, you'll really regret it," Sylvie advised.
Jiang Ranxing nodded silently. Perhaps Sylvie was right. She should try to move forward and not stay in the same place. It would be exhausting and torturous for both of them.
Looking at her girlish infatuation, Sylvie couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of love.
In the kitchen, Ryan had just returned with a bottle of red wine. As he opened the bottle, he watched Wen Qingrang, who was very familiar with kitchen affairs, still busy, and said, "Wen, I heard from Sylvie that you and Ember are going to a concert tomorrow. We'll go with you." Wen Qingrang smiled upon hearing this, "Really? Then I hope the weather will be good tomorrow, so that our time together won't be in vain."
Ryan chimed in, "That's for sure. By the way, Wen, when are you and Ember getting married? Did I use that idiom correctly?"
Wen Qingrang understood Ryan's meaning, nodded, and then said, "We haven't taken that step yet."
Ryan was somewhat surprised: "I heard Sylvie mention you guys before, and I thought you were almost there. So where are you now?"
"We're still just friends." Wen Qingrang smiled twice, but his smile was somewhat bitter.
Ryan said, "Wen, don't you like Ember? Why don't you do something about it? Is it because you Chinese people are more reserved in your actions? Here, we are very enthusiastic and direct. If we like someone, we will definitely say it immediately. We all hope to win the other person's love. That's how I pursued Sylvie."
Ryan's words seemed to instantly awaken Wen Qingrang. He suddenly realized that his previous restraint and reluctance to embarrass Jiang Ranxing might have made Jiang Ranxing feel uncomfortable to some extent.
Since Jiang Ranxing woke up, he could also sense that the feelings between the two of them were not quite the same.
The car accident brought about a huge change for Jiang Ranxing. Wen Qingrang would sometimes secretly condemn himself for thinking that the accident had actually been beneficial to Jiang Ranxing. She was no longer trapped in the pain of the past, and a new life made her better day by day.
But a car accident is a car accident after all; thinking it's a good thing shouldn't be the idea behind it.
Wen Qingrang had never imagined that he could be so despicable as to feel a kind of moral condemnation towards himself.
From this perspective, perhaps he was just overthinking things. He was always afraid of Jiang Ranxing's rejection again, so he always chose not to face it. But in the end, he couldn't avoid it. No matter how much he suppressed his feelings, there would always be a day when they couldn't be suppressed anymore. Water overflows when it's full. That's the principle.
Wen Qingrang said to Ryan, "Perhaps you are right, Ryan. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. I should do something too."
Wen Qingrang had made a decision in his heart. Ryan looked at him, nodded, and gave him a thumbs-up. Wen Qingrang smiled.
He turned to look at Jiang Ranxing, her image deeply imprinted in his eyes.
After having dinner at Sylvie's house, Jiang Ranxing and Wen Qingrang chatted for a while before leaving. On their way back, they kept glancing at each other, each lost in their own thoughts, tacitly understanding each other, and barely speaking to one another.
After returning, Jiang Ranxing quickly went back to his room and didn't say anything more to Wen Qingrang.
After thinking for a moment, Wen Qingrang took her phone to the balcony and made a call.
The next day, Jiang Ranxing prepared himself mentally and went downstairs to have breakfast with Wen Qingrang as usual. The awkwardness between the two of them from the previous day was gone, and they were just like usual.
Jiang Ranxing gradually lost that strange tension and embarrassment, and the beach concert that evening attracted his attention even more.
As evening fell, Wen Qingrang drove Jiang Ranxing to the coast. Wen Qingrang was driving a sports car, and with the roof down, the gentle sea breeze could already be gently caressing them.
Dusk was approaching, dyeing the clouds on the horizon a beautiful pinkish-purple. The pinkish-purple clouds mixed with the blue sky, creating an extremely extravagant scene.
Jiang Ranxing was captivated by the beautiful scenery before him. He stood up and leaned against the front window, quietly appreciating the surrounding landscape. Rows of coconut and palm trees flashed past them, and the scenery at every turn was incredibly pleasant.
When Wen Qingrang looked up and saw the smile on Jiang Ranxing's face, he also became happy.
Wen Qing slowed down the car so that Jiang Ranxing could take a closer look at the scenery along the road.
Jiang Ranxing also noticed that his thoughtfulness was always timely and appropriate, and never made her feel uncomfortable.
Gentle and considerate—these seem to be synonyms that Wen Qingrang was born with.
Jiang Ranxing didn't say anything, silently enjoying the wonderful things the other person had created for her.
Soon, they arrived at the concert venue. They parked their car in the roadside parking lot and then walked towards the beach. Sylvie's family had already arrived. After gesturing to the security personnel at the entrance, they let Jiang Ranxing and Wen Qing pass through.
Although the beach concert was not as solemn as the one in the grand theater, it was not a sham either. The local symphony orchestra was the best, and even the conductor was a famous one.
As everyone settled in, the concert began. The blonde female conductor raised her hand, and the violinists began to play. With another wave of her baton, the orchestra joined in, and the sounds of all the instruments blended together instantly, creating a wonderful and romantic melody.
The music blended with the romantic twilight of the surrounding beach, and a gentle sea breeze blew by, making Jiang Ranxing feel incredibly comfortable.
Jiang Ranxing turned to look at Wen Qingrang and exclaimed, "It's so beautiful and romantic here, isn't it? I haven't seen such a view in a long time."
Wen Qingrang stared at him intently, and Jiang Ranxing looked back at her, saying softly, "Hmm, maybe we can make it even more romantic today. Shall we give it a try?"
Jiang Ranxing, puzzled, asked, "What do you mean?"
Wen Qingrang pulled Jiang Ranxing's wrist and stood up: "Come with me."
Wen Qingrang pulled her to her feet and they walked toward the exit.
"Where are we going? You haven't told me yet." Jiang Ranxing wasn't displeased, but she didn't know where Wen Qingrang was taking her. "The concert isn't over yet."
Wen Qingrang simply turned around, put her index finger to her lips, and winked playfully at her: "I won't tell you yet, it's a secret."
Jiang Ranxing was amused by his appearance, but she didn't pull her hand back. Wen Qingrang led her to the other side of the beach, to a place where there were very few people.
Here, they could still hear the beautiful and melodious sounds of the symphony, but their heartbeats seemed to be even louder.
Wen Qingrang led her to sit down on the beach and said, "Close your eyes first, okay?"
Although Jiang Ranxing didn't understand what he was going to do, he still did as he was told.
Jiang Ranxing closed his eyes, and everything in front of him was pitch black. After a while, he felt a glimmer of light blend into the darkness.
"Alright, open your eyes."
Jiang Ranxing slowly opened her eyes, and a handful of brightly burning fairy wands appeared in front of her, brilliantly burning with their own life force.
In such a romantic and enchanting twilight, no one could resist such beautiful and dazzling fireworks.
Jiang Ranxing couldn't help but sigh. Wen Qingrang handed the fairy wand to Jiang Ranxing and took out a bunch of beautifully wrapped champagne roses from his side, placing them in front of Jiang Ranxing.
Wen Qingrang spoke solemnly and formally: "Ranxing, I confessed my feelings to you before, but at that time I did some things that hurt you. You didn't accept my confession; you could only accept me as your friend. But today..."
Wen Qingrang took a deep breath, as if some kind of courage and honesty had been instilled into his heart. Even at the risk of being rejected, his sincere heart still moved forward bravely and without hesitation.
Jiang Ranxing listened quietly to Wen Qingrang's words, and suddenly felt that the brightness in the other's eyes was much more dazzling than fireworks and twilight.
Wen Qingrang slowly opened his mouth and said, "Today, I want to express my feelings to you again. My feelings for you have never changed from the past to the present. I still have expectations that you can accept me and that you are willing to see my love."
This was the first time Wen Qingrang had formally held Jiang Ranxing's hand. He placed the bouquet of roses in Jiang Ranxing's hand, but did not force her to take it. He was waiting for Jiang Ranxing to give her an answer after considering it herself.
Wen Qingrang said, "I won't force you to accept my flowers and my feelings. If you still say no today, then we'll still be friends tomorrow. I won't cross that line, I..."
Before Wen Qingrang could finish speaking, he felt Jiang Ranxing reach out and grasp the bouquet of flowers, while simultaneously taking his hand in return.
Wen Qingrang looked down at Jiang Ranxing, whose face slowly blossomed into a bright smile.
Jiang Ranxing smiled and nodded, then said softly, "I think you don't need to wait any longer."
Wen Qingrang was momentarily stunned, not understanding what Jiang Ranxing meant.
Jiang Ranxing didn't let Wen Qing doubt herself by being vague. She looked into his eyes, and when their eyes met, Jiang Ranxing said clearly, word by word, "I accept your expectations. I'm willing."
Wen Qingrang was stunned. After a moment, he reached out and pulled Jiang Ranxing into his arms. He was so excited that he couldn't speak, but hot tears streamed down his face, wetting Jiang Ranxing's shoulder.
Jiang Ranxing felt the tall man in her arms trembling slightly. She smiled and patted Wen Qingrang's back: "Why are you crying so much? If you keep crying, I'll start crying too."
Wen Qingrang immediately swallowed back his sobs. He hugged Jiang Ranxing even tighter and spoke, the resonance in his chest seemingly transmitted to Jiang Ranxing through the intimate contact.
"Don't cry. I made up my mind a long time ago that I would never let you shed a tear in the days to come. Although I broke my promise once and let you have an accident, it won't happen again. I will always stay by your side and let you live a peaceful and happy life."
As Jiang Ranxing listened, her heart was filled with a warm feeling.
Hearing Wen Qingrang's sincere confession, her heart felt instantly filled with soft cotton candy, both swollen and sweet.
In that instant, Jiang Ranxing felt that even the romantic twilight, the dazzling fireworks, or the melodious symphony could not move her more than Wen Qingrang's confession at this moment.
All the splendor in the world cannot compare to the tender and moving confession of a lover.
Jiang Ranxing felt that her wandering heart had finally found its harbor, and from then on, no storm in the world could disturb her heart.
The two embraced, both feeling the tenderness and warmth emanating from each other.
Suddenly, a series of loud explosions came from overhead, and colorful, dazzling fireworks rose from the seaside, blooming brightly in the deep blue sky.
Jiang Ranxing's gaze was drawn to the fireworks. When she looked over, her eyes were completely illuminated by the fireworks. This moment was as beautiful as a dream to her.
Jiang Ranxing couldn't help but say, "Qingrang, do you know, I had a dream that also took place by the sea. It wasn't a pleasant dream; you could even call it a nightmare. I dream about it often, and I always wake up in fright."
Wen Qingrang, not knowing what was going on, grabbed her hand and asked, "What is it?"
“In that dream, I was a little girl, and it seemed that I was constantly trying to get closer to someone. In the end, I even saved him, but that person was very mean to me. He pushed me into the black waves with his own hands, and I gradually sank into the sea and felt suffocating.”
Jiang Ranxing couldn't bear to recall this nightmare, yet she was constantly haunted by it.
"Ever since this nightmare started, I've been terrified of the beach. I'm afraid of the waves that swallow me up, afraid of the suffocating feeling the seawater brings. All my memories of the beach are so cruel."
As Jiang Ranxing recounted this nightmare, Wen Qingrang's brows furrowed. He gripped Jiang Ranxing's hand tightly, hoping to offer her some strength.
Jiang Ranxing felt the dry, warm hands enveloping her. She looked up, smiled, and said, "I think I won't be afraid of these things anymore."
Wen Qingrang looked at her with concern and asked, "What do you mean?"
Jiang Ranxing replied, "Because of you, you led me out of the nightmare of the seaside. From now on, all my terrifying memories of the seaside will be replaced by the beautiful things you brought me. Qingrang, thank you for making me no longer afraid of these things. Thank you for the love you gave me."
Wen Qingrang relaxed his brows after hearing this and pulled Jiang Ranxing back into his arms.
His voice was as gentle as ever. He said, "If you're willing, I can repaint all your unpleasant memories with a new layer of color, and from then on, your life will be filled with beauty."
Jiang Ranxing became interested and teased him, "There might be a lot of things to do. Won't you get tired? You won't want to do it later, will you?"
“I don’t feel tired with you, I’m willing to do it.”
A sweet blush spread across Jiang Ranxing's cheeks as she reached out and hugged Wen Qingrang back.
Meanwhile, in the hotel suite.
Fu Shenyuan was pouring a glass of water at the bar when he suddenly felt a strange, profound sense of suffocation, like the powerlessness of seawater seeping into his lungs.
He gradually lost control of his body. The water glass crashed to the ground and shattered into pieces. Fu Shenyuan collapsed by the bar counter, pressing his hand to his heart.
He didn't know what had happened; he only felt a heavy heartache and an unbearable sense of suffocation.
With his last bit of strength, Fu Shenyuan dialed Tan Shen's number. Tan Shen rushed over and quickly called an ambulance to take Fu Shenyuan to the hospital.
After the emergency treatment was completed, Tan Shen approached the doctor and anxiously inquired about Fu Shenyuan's condition.
The doctor, however, said with great puzzlement, "This gentleman does not have any organic disease. We suspect it is caused by psychological issues or other problems. It would be best if he went home and rested for a while before we could see what happens."
Tan Shen was also confused, but he listened to the doctor and took Fu Shenyuan back to the hotel, and invited a private doctor to keep an eye on his condition.
Fu Shenyuan's condition fluctuated overnight, but after a whole night of turmoil, it finally stabilized.
When Fu Shenyuan woke up the next morning, his eyes were bloodshot.
Tan Shen went up to him and asked him a question, but he didn't say much.
The doctor came over to inquire about Fu Shenyuan's condition. After a long while, Fu Shenyuan finally spoke: "It seems, it seems like I feel something very important has disappeared from my body."
The doctor continued to ask Fu Shenyuan what exactly it was, but Fu Shenyuan couldn't explain it clearly, nor could he figure out why.
This inexplicable reason left them all baffled, and Fu Shenyuan couldn't pinpoint the source of his inner turmoil.
It relentlessly pierced through the thinnest layer of paper in his heart.
But his confusion didn't last long; the answer to this inexplicable question was soon found.
When the person you've longed to see most, as if separated by lifetimes, stands alive before you, all your confusion finds its only answer.
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