Chapter 111 - Open Your Heart and Be Honest With Each Other

“I have nothing to do with her.” Yan Yunge looked at Lu An’an and said very seriously, “I treat her as my sister. I have never held improper or romantic feelings for Han Ziyuan.”

“Perhaps Han Ziyuan may have harboured such thoughts for me, but if so, I’ll shatter that illusion before it has a chance to take root.”

Lu An’an’s gaze wavered. She did not dare meet Yan Yunge’s burning gaze and said, “Will you always protect her?”

“I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again; I think of her as a sister. If you still have a problem with me looking after her, I’ll think of a compromise.” That got Lu An’an to smile. “So... is that the reason you’ve been ignoring me? Why didn’t you say anything earlier if it weighed on your mind?”

“I hope you don’t think I’m being pretentious; you don’t have to make these compromises for me.” Lu An’an realised she might have said too much and quickly added, “Since you think of her as a sister, I shan’t let my imagination run wild.”

“What about you?” Yan Yunge looked at Lu An’an and asked very seriously, “In your heart, what kind of existence is Lu Xiao? Is he better than me?”

Lu An’an answered frankly, “He is better than you. He is patient and careful and doesn’t get angry with me.” There was no reason for her to lie, so she gave it to him straight.

Disappointment flashed in Yan Yunge’s eyes. “What have I not done that you would choose him over me? Is he –”

“I haven’t finished speaking,” Lu An’an interrupted. “He is like a brother to me. I have only ever seen him as a brotherly figure. It just means that I hold high expectations of you.”

“I hope that you can do what he can’t, and I hope you can do what he can. I suppose that’s why I sometimes feel disappointed in you.”

“If you think of him as your brother, then what of me?” Yan Yunge could not contain the joy in his heart as he asked Lu An’an the important question.

Lu An’an fidgeted uncomfortably. She was not used to being stared at with such ardour. “You know the answer, yet you still question me,” she muttered, feeling embarrassed.

“I want you to say it.” Yan Yunge grabbed her hand and placed it against his chest. “If you don’t say it, I won’t believe you.”

......

Lu An’an looked at Yan Yunge and said, “Yan Yunge, you owe me a wedding. I’m still waiting for your proposal.”

“Marry me!”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Lu An’an could not hide the smile that bloomed. She said, “No takebacks! Those are your words, not mine.”

“I definitely won’t go back on my word,” Yan Yunge said. “If you want to hold a wedding, we’ll hold a big one. It’ll be a grand wedding, and I’ll let the whole world know you’re my wife.”

Lu An’an was touched. “Yan Yunge... if you’re not willing...” she started.

“I’m willing!” Yan Yunge stared at Lu An’an and said, “Lu An’an, as long as you’re willing to be with me, I’ll do anything for you. I hope you’ll wear the wedding dress you designed for the competition on our wedding day. Please?”

Lu An’an acquiesced. “Alright, I will.”

Gu Anning stepped out of the shadowy corner she had hid in when they left.

She eyed Lu An’an and Yan Yunge, a vicious look full of resentment plastered on her face. “Lu An’an, I won’t let you have your way. I’ll destroy your reputation.”

She returned to the studio, having made that vow to herself.

–

In the studio...

Gu Anning met Han Ziyuan, who had a troubled look on her face.

“Han Ziyuan, can you do me a favour?”

Han Ziyuan spared her a glance, brushing her off, “I’m busy.”

“What if it’s related to Lu An’an?”

That got Han Ziyuan’s attention. “What’s the matter?”

Gu Anning stared at Han Ziyuan and said, “I want Lu An’an to lose in the finals.”