When Lu Jiaying was eighteen, she survived a harrowing ordeal, escaping death with Melody but losing her brother in the process.
She thought her life would simply continue, perhaps facing the occasional turbulence of the business world.
Never did she imagine she would experience an escape at sea.
Under Jiang Jingyu's command and encouragement, just as she had fled for her life with Melody that night, she had actually done it.
She had climbed up from the bottom of a bottomless cliff.
When Jiang Jingyu went up first and then pulled her up entirely, and they both lay on the flat ground, she once again felt the tenacity and beauty of life.
Although in times of calm, when work was frustratingly stagnant, she often felt life was meaningless and lacked the joy of living.
But when truly facing death, she still possessed a strong will to survive.
Perhaps only when one truly confronts death can they understand the feelings deep within.
There’s a saying online: “Take it easy, everything is just a scratch except for life and death.”
Regardless of identity, status, age, or race, all differences become insignificant in the face of life and death.
Since she could even fight against death, and fight against it alongside Jiang Jingyu, what else could matter?
She hadn't wronged anyone; she had simply fallen for someone a few years younger than herself.
They hadn't committed any heinous acts or harmed anyone's interests, so why should they face opposition?
Moreover, as Jiang Jingyu said, how could she be so sure that others would definitely object?
Zhan Beijue and Jiang Nanfang had incredibly broad perspectives, and Melody and Lu Qingxu were very accommodating people. Without trying, how could she know for sure that she and Jiang Jingyu truly had no chance?
Even now, lying on the wet muddy ground, Jiang Jingyu still used his arm as a pillow for her head, protecting her with all his might.
When facing death, he hadn't abandoned her. How could she conclude that he was unreliable in matters of romance?
Thinking this, after lying there for a while, Lu Jiaying suddenly felt a surge of courage.
She abruptly flipped over and looked at Jiang Jingyu's face.
The rain was still falling, pattering against her face, making it hard to open her eyes. Sensing Lu Jiaying had moved, Jiang Jingyu opened his eyes and squinted at her.
Although she was cold, her face was pale, her hair and clothes were clinging to her wetly, her eyes were clear, and a faint smile played on her lips.
A wave of tenderness washed over him, and he couldn't help but reach out to brush the hair from her face.
“What’s wrong? What are you smiling about? Think you did a great job just now and want me to praise you?”
He squinted, a touch of roguishness in his tone.
His young skin was so flawless, without a trace of a pore. His features were so perfect, so handsome, and his voice was so pleasant.
The more Lu Jiaying looked at him, the more she felt she had struck gold, the more she was grateful she hadn't let him go.
If fate had sent such a treasure your way, there must be a reason. Lu Jiaying, how could you refuse it?
“Yes, I think I did a great job just now. Just like when we complete a task and I need praise, I need your praise.”
Unconsciously, her tone took on a hint of a pampered appeal.
Jiang Jingyu adored her tone, her voice, her demeanor.
It felt as if they were lovers, as if she had completely let down her guard around him.
A shiver ran through him, an unusual sensation surging towards a most peculiar place.
He hadn’t known before; when you like someone, any of her words, in any situation, can electrify you.
He longed to rush forward and hug her, kiss her, encourage her in the way he desired, but he feared she might not agree.
“Mmm. You did well.”
He mimicked Lu Jiaying’s tone, smiling at her.
“But you still need to continue to work hard; there’s plenty of room for improvement. I believe you can do it in the future. Keep it up, Xiao Lu.”
Lu Jiaying wasn't foolish; how could she not tell he was imitating her?
She couldn't help but let out a snicker, lowering her head and resting it on his chest, playfully punching him.
“You’re so annoying, imitating me.”
Jiang Jingyu was taken aback by her action.
What was going on? She was acting spoiled with him, initiating physical contact, what was Lu Jiaying doing?
Didn't she know how captivating she was like this? If this continued, don't blame him for not being polite.
He propped himself up on Lu Jiaying’s shoulders, intending to ask her what was wrong, but Lu Jiaying, like a caterpillar, wriggled her head closer to him.
Just like the time they had a face-to-face greeting, she pressed her face against his and whispered in his ear.
“Jiang Jingyu, do you still stand by what you said yesterday?”
In an instant, it was as if the sky had been split open by some miraculous force, a beam of bright light showering down on Jiang Jingyu’s eyes, accompanied by moving background music.
Had Lu Jiaying’s perspective of him changed and feelings developed because of what just happened? Was she making a proactive overture?
He was both surprised and delighted, “What do you mean?”
He asked her, his voice trembling.
“What else could it mean? Didn’t you ask me to be your girlfriend yesterday? Does it still count?”
This was the first time in her life she had pursued a relationship with someone of the opposite sex, and she was the one initiating.
Lu Jiaying was so embarrassed that she couldn’t bear to look him in the eye.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Jingyu sprang up, embraced her, and flipped them over, switching their positions.
Surprise, joy, and emotion all surfaced on his face, making him look incredibly spirited.
“Really? Are you serious? Lu Jiaying, you’re not kidding me, are you?”
Seeing him like this, Lu Jiaying became even more reluctant to look at him, turning her face away.
“Who would joke about something like this when they have nothing better to do?”
“That’s great! Of course, it counts! I chased after you specifically for this, so why wouldn't it count?”
Jiang Jingyu, overcome with excitement, pulled her into his arms as if he had gained the whole world.
“I’m so happy! Building that boat today was completely worth it!”
“You have no idea how upset I was when you were dating Lu Kai all these days. I’ve wanted to make things clear with you for so long, and I’ve finally waited for this day!”
They lingered in the rain, being affectionate for another ten minutes or so. When Jiang Jingyu finally snapped out of his joy, he realized Lu Jiaying’s hands and face were no longer warm.
“Look at me, I got too excited and forgot to help you up from the ground first. Come on, let’s find a place to stay, change out of these wet clothes. You’ve been out in the rain for so long, you absolutely must not catch a cold.”
It was a dilapidated fishing village, with only a few low, single-story houses.
With such heavy rain and strong winds, no one was out. Every house was shut tight.
After walking through the village for a while, they confirmed there were no guesthouses or inns available for them. They had no choice but to knock on a door.
Fortunately, the person who opened the door was a young woman, who seemed approachable.
Jiang Jingyu paid money and bought the right to use one of her rooms.