The bloody sunset at the horizon and the vermilion dougong under the eaves of the Grand Shrine, both reflected on Hoshino Mika's slightly blushed face, making Chen Cheng momentarily unable to distinguish where this flush came from.
But the teary light at the corners of her eyes was shining.
Chen Cheng looked at the stubborn yet fragile girl in front of him, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
Her confession was so candid, so humble, yet so courageous.
He silenced for a moment, then slowly began to speak, his voice low and gentle: "Mei Xiang, I understand your feelings."
He reached out, gently wiping the teardrops from the corner of her eyes, "You are a kind, brave, and beautiful girl, deserving of happiness."
Mei Xiang's heart rose to her throat as she held her breath, waiting for his verdict.
"But..."
Chen Cheng paused, then firmly said: "Matters of the heart should not be mixed with business dealings..."
