ushernet Chapter 87: See if you are willing to be deceived
Chapter 87: See if you are willing to be deceived
Chapter 87: See if you are willing to be deceived
“What is liking someone?”
“Liking someone means you can’t help wanting to be close to them, to possess them, and to give to them. When you see a beautiful piece of clothing, you want to buy it and make it yours. That’s the simplest kind of liking.”
Outside, the cold wind howled, carrying icy snow particles that slipped into collars and cuffs.
The two of them walked downstairs, sleeves drawn tight, chatting as they strolled along the path in the residential complex.
“What if you can’t afford it?”
“If you can’t afford it, then work hard to earn enough money to buy it. That effort itself is a form of giving.”
“When it comes to liking someone, possession and giving should be equal. If you only want to possess but aren’t willing to give, that’s not really liking. If you’ve worked hard but still can’t afford it, you shouldn’t steal or rob. You need to be content with yourself and consider whether stealing it might damage or ruin it.”
Xu Qing exhaled a long breath of cold air, turned to look at her, and smiled. “That’s why I don’t want to lie to you. I want you to decide for yourself. If you don’t like me, I’ll let you go, as long as you’re okay. If you only want to give but not possess, that’s just being a simp, not real liking.”
“I think you’re lying to me,” Jiang He glanced at him. “It’s not that simple.”
If he didn’t want to possess, why did he keep holding her hand all the time?
“Uh...”
Xu Qing was speechless. After a pause, he said, “Being willing to be lied to is also a kind of liking.”
“I’m not.”
“I was just talking about this in general. I didn’t say you were.”
Jiang He didn’t reply. She shrank her neck into her collar, walking slowly beside him, deep in thought.
She had been thinking about this for days. Now that she was almost certain, she started wondering exactly what it was she liked.
What was it?
Was it him blow-drying her hair? Answering her endless questions? Roasting meat for her? Cooking noodles in the kitchen? Or...
She tried to think of something concrete. She felt like there had to be something she liked about him, just like how he liked her hands.
Or maybe... she liked everything about him?
No, she didn’t like when Xu Qing said weird things, like having five kids... Ugh, stop thinking about that.
Jiang He lowered her head and let out a soft hum, which left Xu Qing puzzled.
Why was she humming while they were walking? That was creepy...
“What are you thinking about?”
“Nothing.” Jiang He shoved her hands deeper into her pockets and clenched her fists slightly.
According to him, the admiration between men and women was beautiful, like the ancient poem “Guan Guan Ju Jiu...” or something about mutual understanding—she couldn’t quite remember. But whatever it was, it definitely wasn’t like what she was experiencing now.
Two people freezing in the cold night, holding hands, feeling... oddly moved. It wasn’t beautiful at all.
Jiang He stared at the streetlamp, feeling like something was off.
But it was still fascinating.
“Of course love is great. Why do you keep asking about this lately?” Xu Qing asked.
Was the little lady waking up to romance?
Aside from gaming, she was probably obsessing over this now... That was good. Better than thinking of sneaky escape plans.
“How great is it?” Jiang He ignored his question and pressed on.
“It transcends life and death. ‘What is love, that binds beyond life and death?’”
“I don’t believe it.”
“Because you haven’t seen it... Okay, I haven’t either.” Xu Qing thought for a moment and said, “Maybe not life and death, but it’s special. Like if we had only one steamed bun and were both starving, I’d give it to you.”
“I wouldn’t eat it.” Jiang He shook her head.
“Fine. If you liked me, you’d give it to me.” Xu Qing said.
“That’s only fair.”
“...”
Xu Qing was speechless.
“What do you think love feels like?” he asked.
“I don’t know, but you mentioned ‘partnering up for life.’”
“Do you want to partner up with me?”
“I wasn’t thinking that, just asking.” Jiang He continued staring at the streetlamp.
“To partner up, you need to like the person. Liking can turn into love. All those stories of love at first sight are just based on looks. Only by getting to know each other can you connect on a deeper level. That’s love.”
“What does it feel like?”
“A kiss might help you understand.” Xu Qing, feeling mischievous, teased, “Want to try?”
Jiang He gave him a you’re-an-idiot look.
“Do I look that easy to fool?”