Su Ling's heart had been like a roller coaster over these past few days.
She had been overjoyed at meeting Shang Qi early, and even more so upon discovering that Shang Qi was also a重生者 (reborn).
She had been deeply touched by Shang Qi remembering all his promises to her and the words she had spoken...
And now, with her doubts confirmed, her heart felt like it was being pierced by a thousand arrows.
As far as Su Ling was concerned, she respected anyone's decision to stay or leave, regardless of their intentions.
Even if it were Shang Qi, whom she cared about deeply, if he had said he wanted to leave, she would have respected his decision despite her reluctance.
He could have told her, but he didn't. He had directly chosen to make them believe he was dead.
After his 'death', she had lived in pain, despair, and deep self-blame... wap.kanshuwu.net
Su Ling quickly stopped herself from thinking further, perhaps she was overthinking things.
If she had thoughts, she could wait for Shang Qi to return and ask him directly, instead of indulging in self-doubt.
While Su Ling fell into silence, Rao Beichen stared at her and asked, "You still haven't answered my question."
Her thoughts returned, and Su Ling slowly raised her head, looking at Rao Beichen. "I had previously denied you, saying the Wen Shang Qi you spoke of was definitely not the Shang Qi I was looking for. This was because you said Wen Shang Qi was a true northerner, and at that time, I knew the Shang Qi I was looking for was a true southerner. At least, my understanding was correct back then."
Rao Beichen caught the hint. "So you were deceived by Shang Qi?"
Although Su Ling didn't want to admit it, the fact was so. She hummed, "Shang Qi did lie to me."
But even so, her heart still leaned towards Shang Qi.
Everyone had unspoken difficulties, and she preferred to believe that Shang Qi had unavoidable reasons for needing to conceal something.
Hearing this, Rao Beichen voiced his lingering doubts. "How did you two meet?"
It was surprising and perplexing to him that two people who seemed to have no connection had developed such deep feelings.
Su Ling hesitated, wondering whether to tell Rao Beichen the truth, as doing so would be like revealing her hand.
Furthermore, it would mean exposing Shang Qi as well.
Besides, she hadn't obtained Shang Qi's permission.
Thinking this, Su Ling ultimately chose not to reveal details. "We met by chance. I was in danger, and he came to my rescue. Later, we gradually got to know each other and became friends. Then, for certain reasons, we were separated for a long time."
Rao Beichen nodded in understanding. He could see that Su Ling was in a bad mood, so he said, "I think Shang Qi's deception regarding his name likely stems from his own difficulties. And these difficulties are, to a large extent, related to that heroic and tragic battle."
With Rao Beichen's reminder, Su Ling's mind suddenly cleared.
When she had met Shang Qi in her previous life, it had been a very long time after this point.
By then, the events that had happened to Shang Qi were long past.
Perhaps, after resolving those issues, he had changed his name, started anew, and that was when he met them?
If that were the case, Shang Qi hadn't exactly concealed things from her...
"I understand," Su Ling looked at Rao Beichen and said, "Thank you."
Just as Rao Beichen was about to say it was nothing, Su Ling spoke again. "You should work hard too."
"???" Rao Beichen was bewildered and looked at Su Ling, not understanding.
Su Ling curved her lips, a slight smile on her face. "I'm very curious, when will you let your naive younger sister know your feelings, and you two get married."
Rao Beichen: "!!!"