The two chatted casually as they walked, soon arriving at the ever-bustling Wanmin Restaurant.
The familiar warmth of cooking fires and rich aromas rushed toward them, instantly whetting the appetite.
Keqing was clearly a regular here. She ordered a plate of Golden Shrimp Balls, then handed the menu to Yi Chen.
Yi Chen didn't hold back either, adding three hearty-looking meat dishes.
While waiting for the food, Yi Chen glanced around.
Though the restaurant was lively and noisy, their table was tucked away in a relatively quiet corner.
Lowering his voice, he leaned closer to Keqing and asked seriously:
"Keqing, is now okay?"
The look in his eyes wasn't like someone asking whether he could confess—
it was more like "Can I start the demolition operation now?"
Keqing had just lifted her teacup. She paused, looking at his sneaky yet solemn expression, barely holding back laughter.
Suppressing a smile, she lowered her voice to match his seriousness and nodded.
"You can. But—"
She raised a finger to her lips.
"Keep your voice down. Don't disturb the others."
Yi Chen nodded gravely, indicating full understanding.
Then he took a deep breath and obediently leaned in—
right next to Keqing's ear.
Warm breath brushed her skin as his deliberately lowered yet crystal-clear voice flowed like a gentle electric current straight into her ear:
"I like you."
"I like you."
"I like you."
He repeated it eight times in quick succession, each confession clear and earnest, his warm breath washing over her sensitive ear and neck without restraint.
Keqing had still been amused at first—but the very first "I like you", whispered so close, made her freeze instantly.
She could feel his body heat.
Smell the clean, fresh scent of someone who had just bathed.
Hear the low, serious repetition of his confession—
Like feathers brushing relentlessly across her nerves.
A strange, tingling sensation surged from her ears through her entire body.
Her cheeks and ears burned uncontrollably, heart skipping beats, even her fingertips going numb.
By the time Yi Chen finished the eighth confession and leaned back with a satisfied "mission accomplished" smile—
Keqing looked like she'd just been pulled out of a steamer, glowing red from head to toe, steam practically rising from her ears.
Yi Chen tilted his head in confusion.
"Huh? Keqing, what's wrong? Your face is really red. Are you not feeling well?"
His utter lack of awareness made her even more flustered.
She desperately shook her head, voice wavering.
"Ah—haha… I-I'm fine! It's just… it's a bit hot in here! Yes, hot!"
"If it's hot, you should drink water! Hydration helps cool you down!"
Yi Chen immediately offered extremely practical advice—
then topped off her already full teacup until it was nearly overflowing and pushed it toward her enthusiastically.
"Drink up! Quickly!"
Keqing: "..."
She stared at the brimming cup, then at Yi Chen's completely sincere "I'm very concerned about you" expression.
That familiar mix of helplessness and amusement welled up again.
You idiot…
She sighed inwardly, then obediently picked up the cup and took small sips, hoping the cool tea would calm her racing heart and burning face.
After a few sips, she glanced at him again—
Only to find Yi Chen had already forgotten the entire incident, neck craned eagerly toward the kitchen.
"Why aren't the Golden Shrimp Balls ready yet… they smell so good…"
Keqing watched his utterly pure, food-focused profile—and her heart skipped again.
Such a hopeless idiot…
And somehow… she really couldn't be angry at him.
After lunch, they strolled back toward Yuehai Pavilion through the bustling streets.
The warm afternoon sun stretched their shadows long, occasionally overlapping.
Keqing walked half a step behind Yi Chen, watching him enthusiastically examine the odd trinkets at roadside stalls.
This relaxed, almost leisurely atmosphere was something she rarely experienced.
Walking alone with a man like this…
Keqing turned her head slightly, feeling the breeze brush her face.
…Unexpectedly, it felt nice.
No pressing duties.
No political maneuvering.
Just walking, listening to his sometimes naïve, sometimes oddly sharp remarks.
Maybe… it's just because it's him.
She looked at Yi Chen's carefree side profile and came to that conclusion.
Because he was simple. Pure.
Being around him made it easy to relax.
Soon, Yuehai Pavilion came into view.
Keqing stopped, collecting herself and returning to her usual decisive Yuheng demeanor.
"I still need to inspect the harbor this afternoon. I won't be going inside. See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow!"
Yi Chen beamed, waved energetically, and turned to head inside as usual.
Then Keqing's voice stopped him.
It carried a trace of hesitation—almost imperceptible.
Yi Chen turned back.
"Hm? Something else?"
Keqing pressed her lips together slightly, avoiding his gaze, her voice softer.
"Just… tomorrow… will you still…"
She didn't finish the sentence.
But the faint expectation in her eyes—and the blush creeping onto her cheeks—said everything.
Tomorrow… will you still confess to me?
After the whispered confessions and the quiet walk, she realized—
she had started to look forward to that morning ritual.
The unfamiliar anticipation embarrassed her… yet she had to ask.
Yi Chen looked at her, momentarily stunned by her shy, expectant expression—so different from her usual sharp decisiveness.
Then he smiled warmly, as if understanding everything.
"Of course not!"
Keqing froze.
The budding flower of expectation in her heart shattered instantly.
…Not anymore?
Had he given up?
Did he think she disliked it?
A wave of disappointment and inexplicable hurt surged through her, leaving her momentarily unable to manage her expression.
But Yi Chen noticed none of it.
After saying "of course not," he waved cheerfully.
"Bye! I'm off to work!"
Without hesitation, he turned and jogged into Yuehai Pavilion, disappearing down the corridor.
Keqing stood there alone.
The sunlight shone brightly—but she felt no warmth at all.
The surrounding noise blurred into distant echoes.
She stared at where he vanished, feeling strangely empty.
I had just started to feel… something different…
She bit her lip, took a deep breath, and forced the emotions down.
…It's fine. I shouldn't have expected anything in the first place.
She turned toward the harbor, her steps noticeably heavier than before.
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