Reborn Heiress: Seeking Revenge-Chapter 432 Ye Sanshao’s Confession 1(5)_1
"HISS." Ye Zhiqiu sucked in a sharp breath. Shangguan You had meant to bite down even harder, but hearing his gasp and seeing the row of teeth marks on his hand, beads of blood already welling up, her heart softened, and she let go.
"You know, girl," Ye Zhiqiu’s eyes glinted with a captivating light, his voice laced with a rare teasing tone, "they say a little pain means affection, and a scolding means love. The harder you bite, the more you must love me." He even offered his other hand, inviting her to bite as hard as she wished.
"Doesn’t it hurt?" Shangguan You pushed his hand away, her face flushing an even deeper red as she met Ye Zhiqiu’s smiling gaze.
"It hurts," Ye Zhiqiu said, his gaze filled with profound affection as he watched her quietly. "But since it was you who bit me, any pain is worth it. Besides, when you bite me, I feel a sweetness in my heart, a sense of happiness and warmth."
Perhaps, if it hadn’t been for her ragged breathing, her utter lack of vitality, or that terror gripping his own heart—that bone-deep fear of losing her—he, Ye Zhiqiu, would never have uttered these words now. He certainly wouldn’t have said them to Shangguan You’s face. He had never known what love truly was. Shangguan You had caught his eye not because she had saved him, but because he, Ye Zhiqiu, found her fascinating. And starting with that fascination, he had begun to pay closer attention to her every action.
Watching her bristle, watching her get angry, watching her—a slip of a girl, barely grown, yet always acting so mature—it all made Ye Zhiqiu find her more and more captivating. He even found himself starting to like her, his thoughts slowly drifting to her. He wanted to care for her, even to help her. This captivating interest gradually transformed, evolving into a gentle affection, then into a deep, yearning concern. Today, especially, had driven home a profound truth: he could not lose her. He couldn’t even bear to see her suffer the slightest injury. This was love.
He loved her. It was a love that had seeped deep into his bones, bit by bit, becoming a part of him. Otherwise, why would a man as notoriously cold-hearted as himself feel such heartache, such fear, such fury, such agitation upon seeing her injured? Watching her fall, he had even felt an overwhelming urge to destroy everything in sight. But reason had pulled him back, reminding him that his priority was to save her. He could not lose her.
"You..." Shangguan You breathed, her face flushing crimson as she gazed into Ye Zhiqiu’s captivating eyes. A gentle wave of happiness surged from her heart, slowly spreading through her entire being, making her feel as if she were floating on cloud nine.
His star-like gaze met her clear one. In his eyes, she saw her own reflection, saw her own existence. She saw his sincerity, the profound affection swirling in their depths. Unbeknownst to either of them, their relationship had changed. When this transformation had begun, neither she nor he could say.
Now, he was in her heart, and she in his. But was this love right or wrong? Shangguan You didn’t know; confusion clouded her mind. She knew nothing of Ye Zhiqiu’s true identity or background. However, considering the Ye Family enterprises had become a global leader and the Ye Family itself was a top-tier Hidden World Family, she didn’t need to guess to know his status was extraordinarily prominent.
And then, remembering Ye Zhiqiu’s words from just moments before—words spoken by the Ye Family’s Young Master about their plans—the passion that had just begun to bloom in her heart withered, bit by bit. Rationality returned with a chilling clarity. She and he were from two different worlds. They were destined to be enemies.
"Girl, I love you!" Ye Zhiqiu watched as Shangguan You’s expression shifted from shyness to shock, then to delighted surprise, to a profound sweetness, and a blossoming love, before finally clouding over with uncertainty. He held her close, face to face, his tender gaze fixed on hers. It was as if he could see straight into the depths of her heart, leaving her attempts to flee, to hide her feelings, utterly exposed.
"You... you..." Shangguan You’s voice trembled. She stared wide-eyed into Ye Zhiqiu’s eyes. He actually said he loved her? Ye Zhiqiu?
"I love you! From the moment I put the Blood Jade Bracelet on your wrist, I knew you were the one. You’re not thinking of running away now, are you?" A hint of nervousness tinged Ye Zhiqiu’s voice, though he tried to sound casual.
"Do you think there’s any possibility for us? Just now, I overheard you all discussing plans to annihilate my entire family." Shangguan You finally recovered from her shock. Ye Zhiqiu was professing his love for her. She should be happy, shouldn’t she? Yet she couldn’t bring herself to smile. It felt as if a heavy stone was crushing her chest, making it difficult to breathe.
"That was their plan; it has nothing to do with me," Ye Zhiqiu declared, his eyes shining brightly as he gazed at Shangguan You. "In the past, I didn’t care about much, nor was I willing to get involved. I simply focused on fulfilling my duties as the Young Master. But now, I’ve suddenly discovered that having someone to love, and being loved in return, is happiness. It’s a profound fulfillment. So, from this moment on, I will cherish the love between us. I will protect our love, and I will protect you. I won’t let anyone harm you."
"No matter who it is, they will not harm you. Do you believe me?"
"The original plan will be called off. The Ye Family is a paramount force, both in the mundane world and in the Hidden World Village, so there’s no need for such senseless actions. Therefore, whether it’s the Shangguan Family or the Hidden World Village, everything will remain as it is. No one will be allowed to disrupt this balance. Do you trust me?" Ye Zhiqiu’s voice was heavy with promise as he continued to gaze at Shangguan You.
Seeing Shangguan You part her red lips as if to speak, Ye Zhiqiu gently pressed a finger to them. "Let me finish first, then you can talk." A slight smile touched the corners of his lips as his other arm snaked around her waist, pulling her snugly against his chest. He wanted her to clearly feel the powerful thumping of his heart.
"Do you feel that?" Ye Zhiqiu’s deep, husky voice whispered by her ear. "This isn’t just my promise to you; it’s a vow of love. My heart will beat only for you."
Shangguan You shivered involuntarily, her own heart beginning to pound fiercely. With her ear pressed tightly to Ye Zhiqiu’s chest, she could clearly feel the frantic rhythm of her own pulse mingling with the strong, powerful beat of his heart thrumming intensely against her ear.
