Chapter 324: I Belong to You Alone, No One Else Can Have Even a Fraction
Chapter 324: Chapter 324: I Belong to You Alone, No One Else Can Have Even a Fraction
Bai Ye’s gaze settled directly on Yun Sheng’s face, his eyes betraying a glimmer of unconcealable hope. Even his jaw was slightly clenched, making him appear rather cautious.
Yun Sheng curled her fingers slightly as a wave of sudden ache swelled in her chest. It was her repeated rejections that had reduced the usually composed Bai Ye to such timidity, leaving him afraid to be even slightly assertive over a simple invitation. Her chest tightened inexplicably as the subtle feelings hidden deep in her heart quietly surged to the surface.
"Alright."
Yun Sheng nodded in agreement, her single word crisp and decisive.
She assumed that once he received his answer, Bai Ye would release her wrist, but he didn’t. He kept his hold on her, staring intently. His thin lips were pressed into a tight line, as if he harbored a flood of unspoken words that he had been agonizing over for a long time yet still couldn’t bring himself to say.
Yun Sheng waited patiently in silence. However, standing so close together, holding hands and locked in each other’s gaze, was simply too intimate a posture. Now that she had finally acknowledged her own feelings for Bai Ye, being alone with him in such a charged atmosphere—and in such a compromising position—made her feel inevitably flustered.
A thin layer of sweat began to form on her palms. Afraid that she would completely lose her composure if Bai Ye continued to hold her hand like this, Yun Sheng took the initiative to break the silence. "General, is there something else?"
Bai Ye’s gaze flickered at her words, immediately catching her awkwardness and discomfort. He lowered his eyes to their joined hands, belatedly realizing that he had been holding onto her for far too long. Yet, he still didn’t let go. Instead, his fingertips lightly brushed against the delicate skin of her wrist. The movement was as light as a feather, betraying a trace of lingering reluctance.
Only after a long moment did he slowly release his grip, withdrawing from that addictive touch. His tone turned solemn. "There’s a high probability that the Dark Nest will wait for another opportunity to strike. Be careful when you go out and about during this period."
Yun Sheng nodded obediently. "Mhm, I know. Besides, Si Jin is always with me, so nothing will happen."
At the mention of Si Jin’s name, the depths of Bai Ye’s eyes darkened imperceptibly, though he continued to advise her in a gentle tone.
"Alright. Don’t try to shoulder everything on your own. If you notice anything unusual, call me immediately."
"Will do. I’ll get going now."
Yun Sheng voiced her agreement, avoiding his heavy gaze as she turned and quickly walked out of the office.
Bai Ye remained rooted to the spot, staring in the direction she had left. His deep eyes darkened until they were almost pitch-black. A myriad of emotions surged within them, concealing far too much restrained obsession. He was the only one left in the quiet office. After a long while, he opened his terminal and sent a message to Si Jin.
Meanwhile, in the café opposite the Tower, sunlight spilled lightly through the floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a languid and cozy atmosphere.
Si Jin sat by the window with a warm cup of black coffee placed in front of him. He was still disguised as Lin Mo. His facial features appeared rather plain, paling in comparison to his true appearance. Yet, even with such an ordinary face, his well-tailored clothes perfectly accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist. His posture was upright yet exuded a sense of relaxed ease. Just sitting there quietly, he naturally drew the eye, causing passersby to unconsciously steal a second glance.
Just as he lowered his eyes and lightly swirled the coffee in his cup, his terminal vibrated softly. Si Jin lifted his gaze and glanced at it. The moment he read the contents of the message, the corners of his lips curved into a faint smirk.
"Don’t worry. I am Yun Sheng’s Sentinel, so naturally, I will protect her well."
He quickly typed out his reply, a look of amusement floating in his eyes. It seemed that Yun Sheng still hadn’t told Bai Ye about her developing feelings.
Although he had said he could accept Yun Sheng choosing other Sentinels, that was only meant for her ears. Towards those who coveted Yun Sheng, even if he knew she was tempted, there was no way he would actively help them. Back then, Bai Ye had been full of vigilance, treating Yun Sheng as an unstable factor. His constant probing, suspicion, and scrutiny were what drove Yun Sheng to distance herself from him in the first place. Now that Bai Ye was experiencing the bitter taste of unattainable longing, he had no one to blame but himself. It was only right that he suffered a little.
At this thought, Si Jin let out a mocking chuckle. He picked up the coffee cup from the table and took a slow, deliberate sip. Right at that moment, a crisp female voice rang out beside him.
"Hello. Excuse me, sorry to interrupt."
A fashionably dressed young woman with exquisite makeup slowly walked over. She looked at Si Jin, obvious infatuation and shyness hidden in her eyes, and spoke softly.
"Sir, I was just sitting over there, and I’ve been noticing you for a while. You have a really great aura, and you’re exactly my type. Could I get your contact information?"
As she spoke, she took the initiative to raise her hand and show her terminal, leaning forward slightly and looking at Si Jin with a gaze full of anticipation.
Right at that moment, Yun Sheng pushed the door open and walked into the café. With a single glance, she spotted Si Jin sitting by the window. Standing in front of him was a pretty, fashionable young woman holding a terminal out to him—presumably trying to get Si Jin to scan her code and add her.
Yun Sheng narrowed her eyes slightly. After a brief pause, she maintained her composure and confidently made her way toward the window seat. As she drew closer, she heard Si Jin’s flat, emotionless voice.
"Sorry, I already have a girlfriend, and she’ll be here any minute."
The young woman was visibly taken aback but refused to give up easily. She maintained her posture, keeping the terminal offered in front of him.
"That’s okay, it’s just to add a friend. I just feel a really good connection with you."
"There’s no need." Si Jin briefly lifted his eyes. His tone was polite but utterly distant, and his attitude was exceptionally resolute. "My girlfriend would mind."
This short sentence completely shut down any remaining avenues for the young woman to pursue. The anticipation on her face instantly vanished, replaced by obvious disappointment in her eyes. Left with no choice, she awkwardly withdrew her hand, muttered a low apology, and turned to leave.
Watching the woman’s forlorn retreating figure, and then glancing down at the completely aloof man, Yun Sheng couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh. She quickly walked over and sat down opposite Si Jin, her eyes curving into crescents with a hint of teasing amusement.
"That poor girl just now looked like she was about to cry from sadness. Aren’t you being a bit too unfeeling?"
Si Jin raised his eyes to look at her. The cold distance he had shown to the stranger just moments ago completely melted away, his eyes instantly flooding with gentle warmth. Reaching out, he gently grasped Yun Sheng’s hand where it rested on the table, his fingertips rubbing against the pads of her fingers. His tone was incredibly earnest.
"Whatever happens to other people has nothing to do with me. I only care about you."
A wave of sweetness washed over Yun Sheng’s heart, but she deliberately teased him. "She just wanted your contact info. It’s really no big deal."
"Absolutely not." Si Jin slightly tightened his grip, firmly holding her hand. His tone grew even more serious and solemn, carrying a perfect mix of grievance and stubbornness. "I’m a man with a girlfriend. How can I casually add another woman’s contact info? What if my girlfriend gets jealous, throws a fit, and turns around and dumps me? What would I do then?"
Yun Sheng’s heart softened completely at his words, the smile in her eyes impossible to hide.
"Since when am I so petty? It’s just adding a friend. I wouldn’t get angry over that."
Si Jin gazed into her sparkling eyes. His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly, his eyes brimming with a tenderness reserved exclusively for her.
"I can’t afford to take that gamble. Even if there’s only a one-in-ten-thousand chance, I don’t want to cause you even the slightest bit of unhappiness. Yun Sheng, I belong solely to you. No one else is allowed to have even the tiniest piece of me."