A Core Ship From The Start-Chapter 2384 - 1599: Diagnosis: Ai

Moreover, after watching the DVD, Duanmu Huai is very skeptical about whether Xingye Ai truly loves Kamiki Hikari.

He realizes that he and Xingye Ai actually have quite a few similarities.

That is... when it comes to love, there’s a bit of... apathy.

Yes, apathy.

The reason Duanmu Huai hasn’t spoken to Ann about marriage is also this, because he has always doubted whether he really loves them.

Like and love have never been the same.

At least in Duanmu Huai’s view, you like a puppy, treat it as family, and feel sad for its death, all of this is very normal. But... is this considered love?

No, when it comes to love, shouldn’t it be that kind of feeling where you would risk everything for the person you love?

At least according to the dramas, novels, and animations Duanmu Huai has seen, the protagonist is willing to stand against the world for their lover.

But Duanmu Huai is very sure that he could never reach such an extent. As a Judge, to stand against the world for a lover? That’s heresy!

Then the question arises, if that’s the case, then... what exactly is love?

Duanmu Huai still remembers the future he saw in the fragments of the Manalia World, where Ann and Greiya were indeed mutually understanding, but standing from their respective national perspectives, they ultimately had to face each other in battle. Ann indeed super liked Greiya but when it came time to deliver a killing blow, she definitely wouldn’t show mercy. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

So can we say that Ann doesn’t love Greiya?

Duanmu Huai feels that this question is one that even Ann herself probably doesn’t have an answer for.

So how about Xingye Ai?

In the DVD, she tries so hard to express her love for that man, but in Duanmu Huai’s view, it feels more like a performance, a lie.

Xingye Ai is trying to convince herself that she "loves" that man.

Rather than confessing to Duanmu Huai, it seems more like she’s trying to persuade herself. From this perspective, Duanmu Huai can actually understand Xingye Ai’s sentiment quite well.

She’s willing to sacrifice by breaking up in order to support the man’s career, carrying two children alone, hiding them while striving to become an idol.

Then she must surely love that man to make such sacrifices, right?

Having made such sacrifices, how could she possibly not love that man?

Xingye Ai is trying to convince her children that she loves that man.

She’s also trying to convince herself that she loves that man.

This reminds Duanmu Huai of a famous saying he came across online before his journey.

It’s okay to fool your buddies, but don’t fool yourself.

Now Duanmu Huai feels this saying is just right for Xingye Ai.

......Maybe, that’s the reason he was brought into this world.

After seeing Xingye Ai’s ending, Duanmu Huai feels he should go back and have a talk with them.

At least he doesn’t want to act like a clown like Xingye Ai.

"In short, I won’t let this guy have it easy. He’s too free right now and that’s why he has time to stir up trouble———so in that case, I’ll just keep him busy."

Kamiki Hikari does have strong financial power and background in the entertainment industry, but Duanmu Huai hasn’t spent these ten years in the industry in vain.

First, let’s knock this high and mighty man down to the mud, and see his dirty and pathetic state before making further plans.

Thinking of this, Duanmu Huai ignored the curious gaze from Arima Kaname opposite him, staring at his phone, and sent another text message.

Money and power, I’m not lacking in those either.