Chapter 138: My Lord, Are You Confessing Your Feelings to Me?

Xiao Jingxuan looked at Su Jingluo, who had already drifted off into her own thoughts right after finishing her sentence, his heart brimming with delight. The successful resolution of today's crisis gave him a wonderful sense of satisfaction. In the past, he had always relied on power and tyranny to settle matters, which was completely different from today—there was a refreshing, unstoppable joy in knowing that a husband and wife, of one heart, could conquer anything.

Reflecting on why his reputation in the capital was not particularly stellar, he realized it was probably due to his usual hardline approach. The problems were solved, but a bad name remained. Mainly, he had compromised enough during his youth; after achieving fame and success, Xiao Jingxuan simply did what he pleased. Yet, Su Jingluo's demeanor today made him feel that such a personality possessed its own unique charm, and that life could be truly brilliant.

"Su Jingluo, I have considered it. There is no need for us to chase after each other anymore. Why don't we decide today that from now on, through wind and rain, we shall walk hand in hand until our hair turns white? How does that sound?" Xiao Jingxuan suddenly wanted to offer Su Jingluo a promise, and take the opportunity to ask for one in return.

"Ah? What did you say?" Su Jingluo's thoughts were still lingering on Alan. When Xiao Jingxuan suddenly blurted that out, she half-suspected she was hallucinating. Did Xiao Jingxuan just mention growing old together?

"I don't say nice things a second time." Xiao Jingxuan had finally mustered up his deep affection and summoned the courage to speak, only for Su Jingluo to be daydreaming and miss it entirely. This left the proud Xiao Jingxuan quite displeased. He turned his head away, his previously smiling face drooping instantly into an expression that clearly signaled his displeasure.

"Oh, come on, tell me. I zoned out and didn't hear you just now. Don't be so petty." Su Jingluo could vaguely sense that whatever he had said must have been something good, and she was desperately curious, as if missing it meant missing out on something vital.

"I'm begging you, tell me. I really want to know." Seeing that Xiao Jingxuan was still putting on airs, Su Jingluo shifted into full coquettish mode. She believed her greatest trait was her thick skin—she could pick things up and put them down with ease. When she cared about her dignity, she guarded her pride more fiercely than anyone; when she cast it aside, she could let go completely. Right now, she flipped the switch to shameless mode, her voice so sweet and syrupy that it almost made her want to throw up last night's dinner.

Xiao Jingxuan's face flushed all the way to his neck. Su Jingluo's voice felt like a tiny insect burrowing straight into his heart, equipped with a hundred little claws that tickled and scratched at him relentlessly. His entire body tingled with a numb, melting sensation.

Xiao Jingxuan turned his head back, his gaze burning with intensity as he looked at Su Jingluo's flushed cheeks, which were red from her over-the-top act of spoiling him. He spoke every word with deliberate clarity: "I said, I like you, and I want to grow old with you hand in hand. From this day forward, there will be no more suspicion or estrangement between us. We shall share the storms and the glory together. Will you?"

Su Jingluo froze. Was this Xiao Jingxuan confessing his love? Although the original owner's memories were fragmented, those lingering sorrows were still vivid in her mind. Though the past still hurt, the devotion in the man's eyes before her was so pious, the depth of his affection so intense, and his face so strikingly handsome, that her heart skipped a beat. Screw it! If he turns out to be heartless in the future, she would deal with it then; for now, she was going to accept this profound display of affection delivered right to her doorstep.

Blushing, Su Jingluo lowered her gaze and nodded. Her thick, slender eyelashes trembled from nervousness.

Without another word, Xiao Jingxuan pulled Su Jingluo directly into his arms and kissed her, his embrace both domineering and passionate. The tip of his tongue swept and intertwined with hers, tasting every corner. Su Jingluo had been forcibly kissed by Xiao Jingxuan many times before, but never accompanied by such tender words of love. This time, however, his declaration was so earnest and sincere that her mind went with a soft buzz, her heart leaped, and her entire body melted weakly into his embrace.