Chapter 289 - 263: Confession 2
Chapter 289: Chapter 263: Confession 2
Jun Ran followed closely behind him, her heart soaring with excitement. As she passed Gu Shaoling, Shaoling smiled and gave her a supportive gesture, but Jun Ran didn’t even notice.
Gu Shaojun led Jun Ran into a spacious courtyard. They stood face-to-face in the middle of a paved path to talk. Anyone could see them, but no one could overhear their conversation.
Jun Ran was speechless. ’I’m a campus belle, after all—one of the most popular figures at Kyoto University with countless admirers. Is this really the setting for my first-ever confession to a guy?’ Although she felt a bit slighted, she grit her teeth and endured it. She had finally managed to get Gu Shaojun alone; it was a rare opportunity, and she couldn’t back down now. Everything else could wait.
When her older cousin was still alive, Brother Shaojun often came to visit the Jun Family. She had always liked Brother Shaojun, but in the beginning, she truly saw him as just an older brother. As she grew older, her feelings gradually began to change. From the age of twelve, she never lacked for suitors, but she was never moved by any of them. Then one day, she happened to run into Brother Shaojun, whom she hadn’t seen in a long time. In that moment, her heart pounded so urgently and passionately that she finally understood: the man she loved was someone like Brother Shaojun!
’So what if the Gu and Tang Families have a marriage contract? How old is Tang Yaxuan, anyway? Besides, it’s a childhood engagement arranged by their ancestors—how absurd! I really don’t understand how these adults think. They probably can’t even comprehend what love is!’
That’s why she never paid Tang Yaxuan any mind, and she never went into a battle unprepared. She understood the importance of alliances between aristocratic families, but the Jun Family’s power was on par with the Tang family’s. Moreover, in terms of age, appearance, upbringing, and education, she surpassed Tang Yaxuan in every respect. For Brother Shaojun, she was a far more suitable and compatible match!
’All it would take is one spark to ignite the fire of love between them. And with love, all that ancestral nonsense, marriage contracts, and childhood engagements could go to hell. No one and nothing will be able to stop her and Brother Shaojun from being together!’
Gu Shaojun faced the young woman’s adoring eyes, his own expression impassive. Inwardly, however, he was sighing. ’Just as I thought. Trouble’s come knocking.’
’Being admired, adored, or crushed on was nothing new. As long as it didn’t interfere with his life, he let them be. But confessions? He could do without them. He didn’t have the time to spare and never gave anyone an opening.’
But this Jun Ran was a little different. Gu Shaojun wanted to confirm something. If his intuition was correct, then he needed to stop her and make her turn back sooner rather than later.
So he had sent Xiao Man off ahead of him, staying behind to patiently see this through with Jun Ran. ’Let her say what she wants. It’ll just be a matter of turning her down.’
’He had to go through with this tedious task for two reasons. First, he didn’t want her to affect his time with Xiao Man. He only had three days with her, and every minute was precious. Although Xiao Man hadn’t said anything, he could sense it—she was unhappy with Jun Ran’s presence. Second, Jun Ran was his childhood friend’s younger sister. He had to treat her like his own. A sharp, sudden blow might hurt, but it was the most effective method. He’d rather she hated him than waste her energy and emotions on something unrealistic.’
"Jun Ran, what did you want to talk to me about?"
Gu Shaojun’s tone was placid and cold, but he had underestimated Jun Ran’s boldness and passion. Almost at the exact same moment, the words that came rushing out of her mouth made him frown. "Gu Shaojun, I love you! Very, very much! I want to marry you!"
Standing at five-foot-six, Jun Ran tilted her head up to look at the man she loved, her gaze deep and unwavering. She looked delicate and fragile, with a refined, almost otherworldly beauty. Her love was so pure, sincere, and ardent that she felt no shyness. After her declaration, she took another half-step toward Gu Shaojun, who stood just a pace away. If he wanted to embrace her, all he would have to do is raise a hand to pull her into his arms.
Gu Shaojun stood ramrod straight, his gaze icy and merciless as it bored straight into Jun Ran’s eyes. "Your cousin, Jun Yang, and I were close friends. Jun Yang adored you. This is the third year since his death. When I gathered his belongings, I found a picture of you in his wallet. On the back, he had written a single word: ’Angel.’ You were his angel. When I see you, I’m reminded of him. The only thing I can do for him is to stand before you as an older brother and treat you as a sister, the same as Shaoling. We are equals. You have the right to confess your feelings, and I have the right to refuse them. Forgive me, but I cannot accept your love!"
Jun Ran’s face, once as vibrant as a rose, instantly turned as pale as snow. Tears welled in her eyes, and her voice choked with a sob. "How could you be so cruel? Give me a reason!"