“I…” Ye Shengge wanted to explain, but on second thought, there was nothing to explain. She really didn’t care about him enough.

Perhaps it was because in her heart, Ji Shiting had always been strong and invincible, so she had never expected that man to feel lonely or hurt.

“Sorry.” She grabbed his sleeve and apologized. “It seemed like your chat with auntie in the afternoon went fine, so I assumed it wasn’t anything serious and didn’t ask about it.”

Ji Shiting stared at her for a few seconds before pulling her into his embrace.

“Mm.” He took another puff and blew smoke at the lake before saying, “It’s not a big deal indeed.”

Ye Shengge was relieved. “Then… Why are you in such low spirits?”

“Who says I’m not in a good mood?” The man retorted. He tapped the cigarette ash, but his lips curled upwards with slight mockery.

Ye Shengge sighed.

So be it if he didn’t want to admit it. He wouldn’t admit any negative emotions, be it anger or sadness.

She thought for a bit and said, “Shiting, I don’t remember what my parents looked like anymore.”

Ji Shiting was momentarily stunned and hugged her tighter.

“They were diplomats, and they died in a war. The last thing I remember about that accident was the lawyer telling me how much my parents left me.” Ye Shengge smiled. “I remember everything when my parents died, but it’s weird. I just don’t remember how they looked, and I don’t remember anything about them. It’s been written in the books. I might have had post-traumatic stress disorder.”

Ji Shiting didn’t say anything but held her hand.

“But I wished I remembered, even if they aren’t as perfect as I thought. It would be better if they were still alive.” Ye Shengge sighed and turned to look at him. “No matter what Auntie did to you, she still your mom and cares about you.”

Ji Shiting frowned and said, “Are you trying to comfort me, Ye Shengge?”

“Um…” She looked around.” No, I was just saying what was on my mind. ”

Ji Shiting chuckled and hugged her tightly.

Ye Shengge wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling nervous.

Generally speaking, he hugged her to make it easier for him to kiss her.

However, Ji Shiting obviously didn’t intend to kiss her. He combed her hair with his hands, and his dark eyes showed some emotions. Then, he reached out and held her in his arms, burying his face in her neck as if he was seeking some solace. She heard the deep, soft breathing which made her heart skip a beat.

She hugged him tightly and said, “It’s alright. I’m here. I’ll never leave you as long as you don’t mind me.”

Ji Shiting gulped and said, “You said it yourself.”

Ye Shengge nodded. “Of course.”

She suddenly realized that Ji Shiting also had moments of sadness and weakness where he needed comfort. He wasn’t as invincible as he looked.