Victory or Defeat

Silence—

Nothing is more unnerving than the sudden quiet!

After Ji Qingyi mustered the courage to utter "Su Cheng," there was no response—no reaction at all, as if he were a block of wood frozen in place. This left her feeling humiliated, as though she had been toyed with.

This was a decision she had made after suppressing her emotions and wrestling with herself, yet Su Cheng refused to follow the script. It made her feel utterly foolish!

She had responded to him!

She had even shown willingness to let him call her "Qingyi"!

And yet, he completely ignored her address!

How outrageous!

A surge of indignation welled up in Ji Qingyi’s chest. The corner of her lips twitched imperceptibly, her icy composure barely holding. Still, she managed to speak in a frigid tone, demanding, "Did you not hear me call your name?"

"I did, but..."

Su Cheng tilted his head in exaggerated thought, deliberately drawing out his words to tease her before leisurely continuing, "It didn’t sound affectionate at all. If anything, it felt even more distant than how you’d address a mere acquaintance."

"That’s just your subjective opinion! My tone and inflection were clearly different. Anyone else would’ve noticed the distinction immediately!"

Ji Qingyi’s face darkened, veins faintly visible at her temples as she turned to glare at him. Her usually lifeless eyes gleamed with an eerie intensity—enough to send chills down an ordinary person’s spine.

"Then give me a moment to think of a better way to recognize the difference. Speaking of which..."

Su Cheng smoothly shifted the topic, his voice softening as he looked at her. "You reached out to me first. I assume you have something important to say?"

At this, Ji Qingyi stiffened, her gaze flickering before she ultimately shook her head. "You’re mistaken. I just wanted to talk."

"Is that all?"

"Yes. That’s all."

Silence fell between them once more, thick and suffocating.

For Ji Qingyi, the word "like" was an affront to her pride. Even typing it out on her phone filled her with unbearable shame, let alone saying it face-to-face!

Yet, her principles forbade her from running away. Su Cheng had given her a ring, baring his feelings.

And here she was, unable to reciprocate—a humiliation in itself.

The torment of it all was unbearable.

But now, she had no choice.

This might be her last chance.

So—

She decided she would tell him after he left. Over text.

"My phone was confiscated by Li Guanqi."

Su Cheng’s sudden remark made her flinch again.

"I see..."

Another prolonged silence settled over the room.

Then, as if struck by inspiration, Su Cheng suddenly perked up. He reached out, placing both hands on Ji Qingyi’s shoulders and staring intently at her.

Startled by his abrupt gesture, Ji Qingyi barely had time to frown before Su Cheng spoke first.

"I thought of a new nickname for myself! It’s perfect—though I’m not sure if you’ll like it."

Ji Qingyi’s brows twitched slightly. Though puzzled, she maintained her frosty demeanor. "Go on."

"Cheng’er. What do you think?"

Without a hint of shame, Su Cheng uttered the nickname with a bright grin, even giving a thumbs-up.

The moment the words left his mouth, Ji Qingyi froze. Then, in one swift motion, she shoved his hands away and turned her back to him, the tips of her ears burning red.

Just hearing it was mortifying!

How could he say something so embarrassing with a straight face?!

Cheng’er...

There was no way she could ever call him that!

Seeing her resistance, Su Cheng only leaned in closer, undeterred. "What’s wrong with it? I think it suits our relationship perfectly!"

Ji Qingyi shifted away, putting distance between them as she resumed her aloof stance.

"It’s just an ‘er’ suffix. Where I’m from, adding ‘er’ to a name is something elders do for juniors they adore."

At this, Su Cheng’s expression dimmed. He lowered his gaze, murmuring in a wounded tone, "Back in the club, you taught me so much. That’s why I wanted a special, affectionate name..."

Then, without looking at her, he stared at the floor and whispered, "If you don’t like it... I’ll keep thinking."

Hearing this, Ji Qingyi felt an inexplicable pang of regret.

Because Su Cheng had reverted from "Qingyi" back to "President."

The worst part? She had always wanted to maintain control, yet her pride had led her to lose ground entirely.

This retreat felt like surrender—an admission of defeat.

And Ji Qingyi despised losing.

The frustration of it coiled tight in her chest.

Gritting her teeth, she turned back to Su Cheng with a dangerous smile. "Fine. You’ve got nerve, provoking me again and again..."

Even as the thought of saying "Cheng’er" made her skin crawl, she forced the words out through clenched teeth. "I accept!"

"President, you...?"

Su Cheng watched as she stormed to the window, her expression fierce.

There was no turning back now. No escape.

Only one path remained.

She took a deep breath, then yanked the curtains open and flung the window wide. A clear, ringing voice pierced the air.

"Then I’ll say it plainly! You’re my favorite thing! And you’ll stay my favorite thing! From now on, you’ll listen to me and keep me happy—got it?!"

Even Su Cheng, who had long mastered emotional detachment, was stunned by her outburst.

But it wasn’t over.

After her declaration to the world outside, Ji Qingyi spun around, an almost manic energy radiating from her. She closed the distance between them in three strides, looming over him with palpable dominance.

"Do you know what happens when you provoke me?"

Su Cheng shook his head.

The next instant—

Ji Qingyi’s slender fingers gripped his chin, pulling him toward her.

Then, warmth.

The sudden press of lips against his sent a jolt through Su Cheng’s body, leaving him frozen in place, utterly speechless.

"This," she murmured against his mouth, "is your punishment."