Chapter 40: 40
In the underground parking lot of the bar.
As soon as Su Yilao sat down in the driver's seat and fastened her seatbelt, Guan Qingtong, who was supposed to sit properly in the passenger seat, suddenly leaned closer.
Guan Qingtong removed her mask, turned to gently cup Su Yilao's delicate chin, and kissed her softly and passionately.
Sweet and tender, like jelly, incredibly soft.
Guan Qingtong savored the kiss, unwilling to part from it.
As she closed her eyes and became immersed in the moment, some memories started to surface in her mind.
A few years ago, they had sat together in a car, much like this.
At that time, she had already felt the urge to be close to Su Yilao. However, she hadn't yet explored the true reason behind her desire to be near her, nor had she had the chance to actually get close.
But now, they were intimately connected.
No more regrets.
After a long while, not sure who was first, they both started to feel breathless.
Their foreheads touched, and they both panted softly...
Guan Qingtong opened her mouth and made an invitation, "Shall we go to my place?"
"In such a hurry?" Su Yilao's tone lifted playfully, "Where do you live?"
Guan Qingtong mentioned an address.
Hearing this, Su Yilao's smile grew brighter. "You live near our house. In that case, let's go directly to our home."
"Our home?"
"Your room is still waiting for you," Su Yilao said with a gentle smile. "Fasten your seatbelt, we're going home."
Guan Qingtong softly acknowledged with a hum, looking out the window as the scenery passed by. Countless emotions swirled within her—joy, relief, and even a mix of complexity and confusion.
She turned back and met Su Yilao's gaze.
The two shared a smile.
"Let's go get something to eat."
"Or, we could hold hands and go watch a movie."
"Or maybe, we could just get out of the car and take a quiet walk."
Su Yilao stepped on the brake, pulling the car over to the side of the road.
With a playful expression, she asked, "What happened to that person who was just all fired up? Why the sudden calm?"
"Yeah, I'm calm now."
"No matter how your thoughts might differ from three years ago to now," Guan Qingtong said seriously, "I know very well that what I want isn't just a fleeting moment of pleasure—I want to be with you seriously."
Su Yilao also put away her smile and said seriously, "What I want is also for you to make an independent, thoughtful decision. You, the real you, from your heart—do you want to be with me?"
For three years, from then until today, the truth that Guan Qingtong was the original female lead in the story had always been a thorn in Su Yilao's heart.
She had helped Guan Qingtong move toward a life different from what was written, giving her more choices.
Sometimes, Su Yilao felt that she was playing the role of Yu Xingye, the original male lead, by being someone the female lead could rely on.
Thus, the female lead, Guan Qingtong, followed her predetermined character setting and fell in love with Su Yilao, the one she relied on.
But Su Yilao worried—was this just her character setting?
She worried that "love" wasn't something Guan Qingtong controlled, but something she was programmed to feel.
For three years, Su Yilao vanished from Guan Qingtong's world, letting her face everything alone.
She didn't want to be Guan Qingtong's crutch anymore.
She wanted to see what direction Guan Qingtong would take without the day-to-day closeness and dependence.
In the end, Guan Qingtong had grown into someone beyond her reach...
Su Yilao didn't regret it; in fact, she was happy.
At the same time, she began to recall the earliest days when she first became aware.
Whether it was herself, Guan Qingtong, or any other awakened person, they were all just characters in this book.
She couldn't break free from this story, but she could live a better, more fulfilling life through her own will. Given that, why should she trap herself in character settings or other issues, adding unnecessary worries?
Three years later, Guan Qingtong still had feelings for her.
So what if she was the original female lead?
I'll take what I want!
And if other awakened people appeared to stop them, so what?
Everyone is the protagonist of their own life!
Everyone has the right to control and choose their own life!
In this limited life, living freely and happily is what truly matters.
For awakened ones, Su Yilao believed the other party would also have this realization.
So, for three years, Su Yilao never encountered them...
"Of course..."
As Guan Qingtong was about to respond, Su Yilao placed a finger on her lips to stop her and said, "Qingtong, wait for me."
With that, she walked to the car's trunk and, like performing a magic trick, pulled out a bouquet of fresh, vibrant roses.
"A confession and love should be formal. Let's start with this bouquet."
"This time, I'll make up for the lack of ceremony."
Su Yilao smiled warmly, "Guan Qingtong, would you be my girlfriend?"
"I would."
Guan Qingtong took the bouquet.
"I love the flowers," Guan Qingtong murmured, "but... they don't compare to the effort I put in three years ago. Back then, I even set off a bunch of fireworks..."
"Don't worry, I'll make it up to you."
"I was so disappointed back then..." Guan Qingtong continued, "You have no idea—your words hurt the most, even though you seemed so approachable."
"Mmph..."
With a kiss, Su Yilao sealed Guan Qingtong's lips.
Three years later, Su Yilao returned the favor with the same gesture.
After a brief moment of surprise, Guan Qingtong understood Su Yilao's intention.
"It hurts..." Su Yilao frowned as she felt the pain at the corner of her mouth.
Guan Qingtong laughed heartily, "Ha, remember this? This is your punishment for making me wait three years."
"Hmph, trying to outdo me? Not a chance..."
Su Yilao sighed with a smile, "It really does hurt. Next time, don't bite me."
"Then... should I bite someone else?" After speaking, Guan Qingtong, anticipating a reaction, quickly ran off.
"You dare!"
Su Yilao chased after her, shouting, "Guan Qingtong, you've really become naughty."
"Oh dear, the one trying to hit me is the real bad guy. Don't go accusing others..."
They chased each other, their joyous laughter filling the air, as if they had forgotten all their troubles.
Who knows how much time passed; the night deepened, and the streets became emptier, leaving only two gradually approaching shadows.
Their fingers intertwined, they slowly walked along the edge of the road, enjoying the gentle breeze.
"What if the flowers wilt? That would be a shame."
"I gave you eternal flowers."
Guan Qingtong was surprised, "How did you think of that?"
"I thought it would be a good token of our relationship, something I could look at for a long time."
"Oh, oh."
Suddenly, Guan Qingtong asked, "Which is more beautiful, the flowers or me?"
"You're more beautiful."
"You didn't even look at me, didn't even think about it. So dismissive!"
"Then you tell me, which is more beautiful, the flowers or me?"
"Of course, it's the bouquet."
"Just looking at it makes me happy."
"That's not fair!" Su Yilao stopped in her tracks, her eyes falling on the bouquet.
Guan Qingtong stepped back, "What are you planning to do to my flowers?"
"Nothing. I just want to give you more bouquets so that you'll be happy and praise me."
Guan Qingtong's face lit up with a smile, "Alright."
"Even though... it feels like you're trying to buy me off. But I don't mind being bought."
"So, do I look good now?"
Guan Qingtong stopped walking and said with a smile, "Come closer, I can't see."
Su Yilao leaned in, wrapping her arms around Guan Qingtong's waist on the empty street.
"Can you see clearly now?"
"Still can't see."
"And now?" Their foreheads touched.
"Still can't..."
"Mmph..."
Under the dim yellow streetlight, their shadows intertwined, stretched by the wind.
"It's getting a bit cold."
"Give me your hand, let's go home."
"Are you working tomorrow?"
"No work, I'll stay home with you."
"Great!"
"What shall we do tomorrow?"
"A date!"
"Any specific plans?"
"Watch fireworks."
"That's for the evening. What about during the day?"
"Watch a show, see a movie, have a meal. Or do you have any suggestions?"
"I don't know, haven't thought about it. I'll sulk and let my girlfriend figure it out."
Su Yilao chuckled, "Playing with old jokes, huh?"
"I don't know, I'll sulk and let my girlfriend figure it out."
"Not behaving."
"Alright, after we get home tonight, where should I sleep? Is my room still available?"
"You're asking the obvious."
From the teasing look in Su Yilao's eyes, Guan Qingtong recalled her bold words when leaving the banquet.
Her face immediately flushed with embarrassment, unsure of what to do.
Guan Qingtong cleared her throat, trying to cover up her awkwardness, "I was just caught up in the moment."
"And now?" Su Yilao, holding back a laugh, asked instinctively.
"I don't know..." Guan Qingtong mumbled, touching her gradually reddening face, "Girlfriend, you figure it out."
Su Yilao laughed even more, but she didn't tease Guan Qingtong further. Instead, she drove them back home.
They showered and changed clothes.
Su Yilao, dressed in a bathrobe, walked out of the bathroom, drying her damp hair, and felt a sense of peace seeing Guan Qingtong sitting in the living room.
It was like they had gone back to a few years ago.
Back then, their relationship wasn't like it was now, but those were the days that brought her comfort and happiness.
Just like before, Su Yilao pointed to her wet hair and, without a hint of formality, said, "Help me dry my hair?"
"Mm, okay."
Guan Qingtong softly agreed, easily finding the hairdryer, and sat on the sofa, gently helping Su Yilao dry her hair, just like three years ago.
This familiar feeling made Su Yilao feel very at ease and comfortable.
"Qingtong."
"Mm?"
"I'm very used to having you by my side."
Guan Qingtong chuckled, "Shopping, chatting, holding hands, drying hair... it's simple, but I like it too."
"Then let's always be like this." Su Yilao said with a gentle smile.
"Alright."
Guan Qingtong answered cheerfully, but both of them fell silent at the same time.
They both knew that in a week, Guan Qingtong would return to the capital to continue her busy work.
Su Yilao had always lived freely and at ease. Guan Qingtong didn't want her to lose her freedom, nor did she dare suggest that she come with her to the capital.
Finally, Su Yilao broke the silence.
She took the hairdryer from Guan Qingtong's hand, placed it aside, and wrapped her arms around Guan Qingtong.
"It's been a while since I last visited the capital. How about you show me around when I come? You have more connections there than I do, so if I plan to start working there, you can guide me."
"If you want, of course."
"If you don't want to, I can always fly back to Rongcheng frequently."
"Mm." Su Yilao responded, "Qingtong, I want to tell you a little secret."
"What secret?"
With a mysterious air, Su Yilao leaned close to Guan Qingtong's ear, her voice soft and tender, "Actually, tonight, it wasn't just you who got carried away. I did too."
A tingling warmth spread through Guan Qingtong, and she blushed, lightly biting her lip as she whispered, "I'll go take a shower."
"…It seems like I guessed my girlfriend's thoughts correctly. Just a little push, and everything came to light." Su Yilao smirked with satisfaction, her smile charming.
This smug expression made Guan Qingtong feel both love and frustration.
"Su Yilao, you're so annoying!"
"Alright, alright, go take your shower." Su Yilao's smile deepened, her tone filled with affection. "After all, a night together is worth a thousand gold."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone