Chapter 378

Chapter 378: In What Way Was Ming Excessive?

Zhu Cici didn’t bother asking Ming any more questions.

Zhu Cici felt her eyes sting, as if she wanted to cry a little.

But Zhu Cici held back.

If she really started crying, it would be utterly embarrassing.

Seeing the atmosphere was oppressively unbearable, Yu Wen Xi began discussing lighter topics, like who would attend the Four Seas Grand Ceremony.

Or what kind of activities the Four Seas Grand Ceremony would feature.

Finally, they discussed what the legendary Empress might look like.

With Yu Wen Xi initiating the conversation, others quickly chimed in and followed suit.

The mood in the private room returned to normal.

However, between Zhu Cici and Ming, there was still an undeniable tension.

It seemed as though Zhu Cici had been completely hurt.

Ling Bisheng, observing Zhu Cici’s appearance, felt his heart being cut by a knife.

Of course, more than anything, he felt melancholy and disappointment.

Ling Bisheng had confessed his feelings to Zhu Cici more than once.

Though Zhu Cici always refused him decisively,

Ling Bisheng continued to harbor feelings for Zhu Cici.

Now when Ling Bisheng saw this man appear, causing the woman he liked so much sorrow with just a few words,

He deeply realized how important this person was to her.

He also realized that no matter what he did, it was all meaningless.

Zhu Cici has always been someone who clearly loves or hates; she likes or dislikes without ambiguity.

No matter how much he does, it will never match up to a single word from this man.

Yet now, this man gained the affection of such a good girl but ended up hurting her. This filled Ling Bisheng’s heart with an inexplicable anger.

“Everyone, please continue enjoying your meal. I feel a bit unwell, probably due to fatigue from recent travels. I’ll take my leave.”

Half an hour later, after finishing her meal, Zhu Cici used the excuse of needing to rest at the Dragon Palace.

“Alright, alright, Cici, take care while resting.”

The others naturally bowed their hands, not exposing her pretense.

Ling Bisheng wanted to accompany Zhu Cici back but was rejected by her.

After Zhu Cici left, everyone noticed the atmosphere became noticeably lighter.

However, their gazes towards Ming were rather complicated.

Another incense stick’s time passed, and the others gradually bid farewell. Ming, Yu Wen Xi, and Miao Feng walked out of the tavern, strolling on the streets of Longdu.

Walking together, both Yu Wen Xi and Miao Feng had complex expressions, each hesitating to speak. Ming, however, appeared extremely calm, as if nothing had happened.

“Ming brother…” Yu Wen Xi couldn’t help but say, “What you said earlier to Cici… It just feels… feels…”

As he spoke, Yu Wen Xi didn’t know what words to use.

“Feels excessive?” Ming smiled.

Yu Wen Xi, Miao Feng: “…”

Neither of them knew how to respond.

Was what Ming said to Cici excessive? It indeed seemed excessive.

Because Cici waited for Ming for so long, only to find out that Ming kept his distance from her and even openly expressed interest in another woman right in front of her.

If one put themselves in Zhu Cici’s shoes, they wouldn’t be able to handle it either.

But can we say Ming wasn’t excessive? Actually, it does seem fine; Ming didn’t really do anything wrong.

Ming and Cici didn’t have much interaction beyond giving her a poem during childhood. Beyond that, it seems like there was nothing else.

Moreover, even if Ming promised to marry Cici during childhood, so what?

Childhood talk is often naive; who takes childish words seriously? Even if the other party took it seriously, how could Ming be blamed?

“I know what you two are thinking,” Ming chuckled and shook his head. “Miss Zhu Cici from the prestigious academy does seem to like me somewhat, which I am aware of since I’m not stupid. But, what exactly does she like about me?”

Yu Wen Xi, Miao Feng: “…”

Ming sighed lightly. “We all move forward in life. Who stays forever at the same crossroads? Some people like the scenery at a certain crossroad, not the person themselves.”

On the other side, Fang Yu and the three others walked down the street, their moods equally complex.

“That Ming! He was truly excessive!” Ling Bisheng angrily said.

Fang Yu laughed. “Excessive? Where exactly was he excessive? I don’t think Brother Ming did anything wrong.”

Ling Bisheng looked at Fang Yu, his voice unconsciously rising. “Are you asking me where he was excessive? Didn’t you see Cici was almost crying?”

Fang Yu remained calm, smiling at Ling Bisheng. “Then tell me, because Cici almost cried, was Brother Ming excessive? Can you explain why Brother Ming was excessive?”

“Of course, it’s excessive because…” Ling Bisheng angrily tried to speak, but the words stuck in his throat, unable to come out.

Chen Kun, who had been listening silently, shook his head and added:

“Brother Bisheng, haven’t you realized that Brother Ming deliberately said those things, or perhaps revealed everything he truly thought?

Regardless of how beautiful Cici is, ranking among the top ten beauties of the Red Beauty List, once anyone gets her, it boosts any man’s vanity immensely.

And it’s obvious that Cici has feelings for Brother Ming.

Any person with ulterior motives could easily sweet-talk Cici into falling for him first, then deal with the consequences later.

But did Brother Ming do that? No.

While deliberately keeping his distance from Cici, Brother Ming revealed his true self, wanting Cici to see the real him.

In my view, Brother Ming wants Cici to understand — maybe I’m not the same person I was as a child. You liked the young me, but whether you want to like the present me is something you must consider carefully.

From start to finish, Brother Ming didn’t take any advantage of Cici.”

Ling Bisheng: “…”

“Brother Bisheng,” Fang Yu sighed, patting his shoulder. “I know you like Cici, and I know you’ve been comparing yourself to Brother Ming secretly, but this time, Brother Ming’s actions were truly those of a gentleman. And at least, Cici’s feelings aren’t cheapened anymore.”