Entangled in the Mundane World's Myriad Fetters

"That would also give you a legitimate reason to ask them to leave openly."

As soon as these words were spoken, Su Cheng froze in bewilderment.

He clenched his fists nervously and spoke urgently, "But—"

Before he could voice his objections, Ji Qingyi cut him off. "What are you worried about? Fear of being gossiped about in private? Do you think that isn’t happening already? As an outlier who got in solely through high scores, you were bound to be talked about behind your back. Not to mention all the incidents you’ve caused lately."

"But… engagements usually require both families to meet and finalize things, don’t they?" Su Cheng said with visible discomfort. "I… I don’t have parents, and I’m not ready yet. Can we take more time to think it over? Let me prepare myself first."

Hearing this, Ji Qingyi’s gaze turned cold. She straightened up, looking down at him with an impassive expression. "You think you’re not ready to bear the weight of being my fiancé now. But tell me—once you’ve ‘prepared,’ do you really believe you’ll be able to handle it? Can your preparation bridge the gap of a great family’s thousand years of effort and legacy?"

She paused briefly before continuing, "As for the matter of family, I won’t elaborate further. In short, when it comes to my own affairs, once I’ve made a decision, I alone will bear the consequences. And right now, I can shoulder this responsibility."

Her tone remained emotionless, yet it carried an undeniable authority that left Su Cheng stunned.

After a long silence, he lowered his head, his face twisting with anguish. "But… but I…"

"Are you afraid that announcing this will undermine your masculinity?" Ji Qingyi reached out, her fingertips lightly brushing his cheek. Her voice was eerily gentle. "It’s alright. You can confide in me freely. In this regard, I’ve always respected your feelings."

Su Cheng shuddered violently.

Respect… respect me?

He lifted his head, meeting Ji Qingyi’s gaze with a flicker of hope. "You… you’d really respect my thoughts?"

Ji Qingyi nodded, her lips parting slightly as she spoke in a calm, measured tone. "Am I not doing so right now? Go on. Tell me just how deep your self-doubt runs."

"I…" Su Cheng lowered his head again, as if unable to face her. But in the end, he mustered the courage to voice his fears. "I want to at least reach your level in one aspect before…"

"No need."

Ji Qingyi shook her head. "You’re already enough as you are."

"What do you mean?" Su Cheng looked up in surprise.

"You have remarkable talent and a diligent spirit."

Ji Qingyi extended her slender, pale fingers, leisurely tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her words were slow and deliberate. "I believe you’ll achieve extraordinary things in the future. There’s no need to waste time and energy proving your worth—not to me, and not to anyone else."

Su Cheng was speechless.

Ji Qingyi’s eyes shimmered. "So let’s spend our precious time together… simply being together."

Su Cheng’s breathing grew heavier. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay composed. "But…"

At this point, he stood up as well, locking eyes with Ji Qingyi as he spoke with unwavering resolve. "President Ji, I’m deeply honored by your feelings and sincerity, and I’m willing to accept them. But if this gets out…"

"And what if it does?"

Ji Qingyi countered. "We’re already in mutual agreement. Even if the whole world knows, would that crush what we feel? Is the bond between us so fragile?"

"I’m afraid!" Su Cheng suddenly raised his voice, his tone raw with emotion. "That’s not what I want—it’s not like this!"

"You want to prove you can accomplish something significant on your own?" Ji Qingyi’s brows furrowed slightly, a trace of confusion in her voice.

Su Cheng pressed his lips together, glaring at her in silence.

Their gazes remained locked until Su Cheng finally spoke again. "I want it to be proper. I want everyone to see us as a perfect match. I want them to believe we’re truly suited for each other. I want their genuine blessings…"

He gasped for breath before continuing, "I’m terrified of people saying I’m not good enough for you. Because I know… just how exceptional you are. And I truly don’t measure up…"

His voice grew increasingly agitated until he could barely breathe. Finally, he slumped back into his chair, covering his chest as he coughed violently. Yet even then, he stubbornly muttered under his breath—as if trying to convince someone, or perhaps just himself. "In my life so far, I’ve failed far more often than I’ve succeeded. I’ve never accomplished anything truly pivotal. Even my long-held dream… you were the one who made it come true. I’m scared. Terrified that all this sudden good fortune will eventually lead to an even greater failure."

This was the first time Ji Qingyi had seen Su Cheng in such a frenzied state. She studied him for a moment before slowly stepping behind him. Her soft hands rested on his back, gently rubbing in slow, soothing motions.

As she helped ease his breathing, she sighed. "You’re no less than anyone else. In fact, you’re outstanding. You’re just overly sensitive, leading you to misjudge things."

"President Ji, what do you think true love is?"

Unexpectedly, Su Cheng shifted the topic, turning to stare at her with burning intensity.

She hesitated. From an intellectual standpoint, this was a question with no definitive answer.

Given his current state, was he referring to societal validation?

Or spiritual harmony and connection?

"I don’t concern myself with that question," she replied after a pause. "But throughout my life, most of the affection I’ve received has been hollow and cheap. So-called ‘love’ holds little value to me. However… I care deeply about you now. I suppose that could be considered true love."

"I don’t know what it is about me that drew you in, that made you like me." Su Cheng held her gaze, speaking earnestly. "That’s why I’ve always believed that even if we were together, it wouldn’t last. That’s one of my biggest fears."

Ji Qingyi fell silent.

After a moment, she said, "In that regard—" She paused, softening her tone slightly. "What attracts me is your kindness, your sincerity, your perseverance… and the way you somehow make miracles happen."

"That’s too common, too abstract." Su Cheng couldn’t accept it. "How can you be so sure I’m what you need? Maybe you’re just…"

"Enough." Ji Qingyi cut him off coldly. "I won’t tolerate anyone disparaging my judgment."

Su Cheng was left speechless.

A beat later, he couldn’t help but ask, "Then, President Ji… would you like to hear my definition of ‘true love’?"

Ji Qingyi arched a brow, signaling for him to continue.

"To me, compatibility in personality, values, and material conditions is just the starting point."

Su Cheng hesitated before going on. "In truth, what true love really is… my understanding is abstract. I can only describe it in vague, metaphysical terms."

"Oh, then how do you determine its usability and reliability?" Ji Qingyi asked with keen interest.

"I can't really explain it either."

Su Cheng looked at her, his gaze firm. "Because I've never been in love before, I don’t know how to describe true love. But right now, I just hope the president can give me some time—wait for me to catch up. At least until I’ve gained enough ability in some aspect to stand before you properly. Maybe then, I’ll have an answer."

As he spoke, his tone was sincere, his expression solemn, and his eyes shimmered with a kind of hope and longing that even his glasses couldn’t conceal.

Ji Qingyi studied his face for a long moment before slowly looking away.

"I know what you’re trying to do, but..." She raised her hands, gripping his shoulders and turning him to face her squarely. "Your body can’t handle it."

"How do you know without trying?"

"You’ll die."

Her words were absolute, leaving no room for argument.

"My body is already as weak as withered wood," Su Cheng murmured, his voice low and calm. He lowered his gaze to his feet, lifting a hand to press against his heart before speaking slowly. "If my heart also rots away, devoid of desire... then how is that any different from death?"