CHAPTER 59: SONG CHENGFENG’S FEELINGS

After nodding to her mother, Qi Jianyi’s gaze swept across the room, taking in the familiar faces that surrounded her bed. The soft lighting of the hospital room contrasted with the stark reality of her recent ordeal, a gentle reminder of her fragility. In the corner stood the twins, their contrasting expressions revealing a complex mix of emotions.

Qi Jinlu, unable to contain his excitement, looked almost giddy, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as if he had just received the best news of his life. Meanwhile, his twin brother, Qi Jinli, wore a worried expression, his face drawn with concern as he fixed his gaze on Qi Jianyi, as if fearing she might collapse again at any moment.

The difference of their feelings—one bubbling with joy, the other weighed down by worry—spoke volumes about their personalities and their relationship with their sister.

"Go buy me chicken porridge and steamed buns," Qi Jianyi said casually, her voice steady despite the exhaustion that lingered in her body like an unwelcome guest. She tried to sound more authoritative than she felt, wishing to project an image of normalcy amidst the whirlwind of her recent experiences.

At her request, the twins’ faces brightened, their expressions lighting up in unison. They eagerly nodded, their youthful energy evident as they rushed out of the room, propelled by the feeling that they had been entrusted with an urgent mission of the highest importance.

Anyone watching might have mistaken their frantic exit for something far more critical than a simple food order; in their minds, they were the heroes on a quest to fulfill their sister’s wishes.

As she watched her two brothers dash off, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at her pale lips. Their enthusiasm, though somewhat exaggerated, managed to warm her heart in a way she hadn’t anticipated. It was a brief moment of joy that cut through the haze of her illness, reminding her of the bond they shared, even in times of crisis.

Turning her attention back to the room, she called softly to the two older figures nearby. "Grandpa, Grandma." Her voice was gentle, a touch of affection woven into her words, a stark contrast to the anxiety that had filled the air moments before.

Her gaze then shifted to the corner where two familiar figures stood quietly. "Cousin Zeqing? Chengfeng? You’re also here?" Qi Jianyi raised an eyebrow in mild surprise, her tone lighter now, tinged with curiosity as to why the two men were present. Their presence added a layer of comfort, yet she couldn’t shake the feeling that something significant was brewing beneath the surface.

He Zeqing, arms crossed, gave a half-amused, half-exasperated look. "You think I wouldn’t come after hearing what happened?" His voice held a hint of teasing, yet his concern was evident. He had always been protective of his cousin, and this situation was no different.

On the other hand, Song Chengfeng remained silent. His eyes never left Qi Jianyi, observing her intently as if committing every detail of her appearance to memory. The tension in the air around him was palpable, the kind that only he seemed to be aware of.

He stood there, his hands clenched tightly at his sides, fighting the urge to move closer, to reach out and touch her, to reassure himself that she was truly alright.

Only he understood the monumental effort it took to restrain himself from walking over, to touch her hand gently and provide comfort. His silence wasn’t born from indifference but rather an overwhelming need to hold back the emotions that threatened to spill over. His jaw tightened as he kept his distance, a calm façade masking the concern that simmered just beneath the surface.

Even Song Chengfeng was startled by the intensity of his own reaction. He had long accepted that his feelings for Qi Jianyi had deepened over time, evolving from a casual affection into something more profound. However, he never imagined that seeing her lying on a hospital bed, looking so fragile in a lifeless gown, would unravel him like this.

He knew he cared for her—more than just a friend, far more than an acquaintance—but seeing her so still, so pale, ignited a fear he hadn’t known he was capable of feeling. It felt irrational, yet it was undeniable. Panic surged through him, a cold, unshakable premonition that she might not wake up. He hated that thought. Despised it, really.

They weren’t even officially together, and Qi Jianyi hadn’t yet accepted his feelings. Yet, an overwhelming need to protect her surged inside him, more powerful than anything he had experienced before. It was as if a voice deep within him screamed for him to shield her, to guard her against something dark looming over her—a threat he couldn’t even see, let alone understand.

But that feeling—that unexplainable dread—refused to leave. It clung to him, whispering that something was coming for Qi Jianyi, something beyond his control. And for the first time, he felt utterly powerless. This realisation weighed heavily on him, an anchor dragging him into the depths of his worries.

Just then, a playful glint sparked in Qi Jianyi’s eyes as she turned her focus back to He Zeqing, teasingly asking, "So, you do love me, huh?"

Her playful smile cut through the tension, and she couldn’t help but notice Song Chengfeng’s tense composure but opted not to say anything. She was well aware that her parents were still beside her, and any slip of the tongue could attract their immediate attention, especially since Song Chengfeng had just confessed his feelings to her.

However, much to her dismay, Mr. Qi had already taken note of the interaction between his daughter and Song Chengfeng. His sharp gaze shifted toward the young man, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. It was evident that Mr. Qi was not one to overlook what he deemed suspicious.

"Since when were you and him so close to each other?" Mr. Qi questioned, his tone laced with a quiet intensity that left no room for evasion.

Qi Jianyi was taken aback by the sudden scrutiny, feeling a knot tighten in her stomach. She mustered a playful smile, hoping to lighten the mood.

"Dad, why do you look so serious? Chengfeng and I are just friends. He helped me before, so we became close," she replied, striving for confidence despite the racing of her heart.

"Really?" Mr. Qi’s voice held a hint of skepticism, and his piercing eyes suggested he wasn’t convinced. A nagging feeling told him that Qi Jianyi was withholding something important. He had known his daughter long enough to discern when she was being evasive.

Turning his gaze to Song Chengfeng, Mr. Qi’s expression hardened further. "The two of you are really just friends?" His tone was stern, and the gravity of the question hung heavily in the air, creating an atmosphere thick with tension.

Observing the scene, Grandpa He, Grandma He, and Mrs. Qi exchanged knowing glances. Who claimed that President Qi was a cold-hearted man? If that were true, then who was this anxious, protective figure standing before them? The warmth of the family dynamic clashed with the chill of Mr. Qi’s protective instincts, creating a complicated atmosphere.

Qi Jianyi caught Song Chengfeng’s eye, silently pleading for him to play along with her story. However, to her dismay, Song Chengfeng seemed oblivious to her desperate signals. His focus was solely on Mr. Qi, and the determination in his eyes made it clear he wasn’t backing down.

With a seriousness that mirrored Mr. Qi’s, Song Chengfeng met Mr. Qi’s gaze and nodded firmly. "Uncle Qi, we are friends now. But I am currently pursuing Qi Jianyi."

The declaration hung in the air like a challenge, and Qi Jianyi’s heart raced, torn between embarrassment and speechlessness. She felt as if the ground had shifted beneath her, and all eyes were now on her, awaiting her reaction.

"What?!" Mr. Qi’s raised voice echoed through the room, making Qi Jianyi sigh in resignation. She shot a fierce glare at the man responsible for this unexpected turmoil, but Song Chengfeng maintained an expression of innocent determination, unfazed by the tension.

"I like Qi Jianyi and want to pursue her openly," Song Chengfeng stated, his voice steady and unwavering.

"She rejected me before, but I have no plans of giving up. Uncle, Auntie, Grandpa He, and Grandma He, I hope you will give me your blessing." His bold declaration hung in the air, filling the room with a palpable intensity, a boldness that demanded respect.

As expected of someone with a soldier’s mindset, Song Chengfeng was straightforward and unadorned in his expression of feelings. He knew that his journey to win Qi Jianyi’s heart would not be easy, fraught with challenges. Yet, he was undeterred.

He understood the importance of gaining Qi Jianyi’s family’s acceptance, believing that doing so would help eliminate at least one of the many obstacles in his path. He had not yet captured Qi Jianyi’s heart, but he was determined that her family would not stand in his way.

Initially, all he sought was the chance to confess his feelings. Now, his aspirations had deepened as he genuinely yearned to build a future with her. A fierce conviction burned within him, a conviction that if he didn’t secure her affection soon, Qi Jianyi might slip from his grasp forever.

The room fell into a heavy silence after his declaration, each person processing the weight of his words. Qi Jianyi felt complicated towards his bold confession. Does her heart beat fast to his words? No. But was she touched by his courage? Yes.

She was only twenty. And she had only loved one man in her life. Qi Jianyi’s firmly believed that those feelings would never vanished easily. However, if anyone asked her whether she would go back to that man, she would’ve said no.

Whatever they used to have ended when he proposed to end their relationship. He moved on while Qi Jianyi mourned for what they used to be. So, when she finally stopped mourning, she would never go back to what has ’died’ in her heart.

It had died. But never forgotten.

Qi Jianyi knew that she was actually scared. Afraid that her heart would want to seek for him instead of being with a new person. Thus, she ruthlessly rejected Song Chengfeng.

Because Qi Jianyi refused to wake up one day and suddenly seek for him in Song Chengfeng.