"What I felt for her belongs to the past," he admitted. "It ended a long time ago, even if neither of us truly realized it."The candle flame flickered softly between them.
Fu Sheng's eyes remained fixed on Su Long.
"But you…"
He paused briefly.
Then his voice softened further.
"You are my present."
The courtyard fell silent again.
Su Long looked at him quietly, her expression unreadable.
Fu Sheng stepped closer this time, slower and more careful than before, making sure not to touch her again without permission.
"I know I handled this badly," he said. "But I do not want there to be distrust between us because of another person."
Su Long lowered her gaze briefly.
Then she spoke at last.
"You really are terrible at handling these things."
Fu Sheng let out the faintest breath of helpless amusement.
"Yes," he admitted honestly.
That answer almost made Su Long laugh.
Almost.
But the irritation in her chest had still not completely disappeared.
