Chapter 103: The Story

Lu Jing’s bright eyes brimmed with tenderness as she saw Kang Ning, pale-faced, lie down beside her. She turned to gently cup his face, studying him as if admiring a precious gift bestowed by the heavens—her affection sincere and unwavering.

“Jing’er, shall I tell you a story?” Kang Ning held her hands in his palms, gazing quietly into her eyes.

Lu Jing nodded softly, “It’s been a long time since anyone told me a story. I love listening.”

Kang Ning took a deep breath, lying back and staring up at the ceiling. Lu Jing obediently rested her head on his chest, stroking his calm heart as she listened attentively.

“Once upon a time, there was a young man who lived carefree in the lush, green south. His days were filled with hard work, joyful play, and study. He lived harmoniously with family and friends, in an easy, leisurely way. One night…”

Tears streamed down Lu Jing’s cheeks as Kang Ning’s words unfolded, soaking into his chest.

“…That young man left the mysterious, ancient mountains and was fortunate enough to meet three beautiful fairies. This marked the end of his aimless, troubled flight. Gradually, he fell in love with one kind fairy, and she, with great compassion and warmth, accepted him into her embrace. Seasons turned from winter to spring and summer, days passing peacefully. Just as he was basking in happiness, he suddenly received news from a lone wild goose flying north. It told him this: the kind girl who once saved his life and risked everything to hide him from countless government officers, the beautiful girl to whom he had entrusted his pure heart, had become pregnant since he left. She endured unimaginable sorrow alone, bearing the bittersweet hardships that only a lonely soul can know, and in the end, she gave birth to a child for the faithless young man who had vanished without a trace.”

“When the young man received this news, his heart was pierced with pain, but he could not return to his dangerous homeland, the place he longed for day and night. If he dared to go back, a single misstep could cost him his life, and all the efforts of his friends and family who worked silently to clear his name might be in vain. So he dared not return, nor could he face the heartbroken girl he had hurt and abandoned. He did not even know what the child he had never met looked like. So he was troubled, burdened deeply…”

Lu Jing kissed away Kang Ning’s tears as they fell, her own eyes brimming with sorrow. “My love, why didn’t you tell me sooner? I never knew you suffered so much... Oh, why? Only now do I understand why you never called home during holidays... how much pressure you bore, hiding your pain behind a smile, quietly doing so much for us... My happiness was bought at such a cost... I’m so heartbroken, my love…”

Kang Ning embraced the grieving Lu Jing, wiping her tears gently. “Jing’er, don’t cry. It’s bad for your health. After all, it’s only a story—something from the past. Now, let’s change position so you’re more comfortable.”

Lu Jing couldn’t stop crying. “No! I want it just like this. Tell me—you don’t believe me, do you?”

“No! You know how deeply I love you. You’re so gentle, kind, sensitive, and fragile. Though I hate to worry you, after learning so much today, I couldn’t keep silent or hide the truth—it would be deceit, and my conscience couldn’t bear it.” Kang Ning’s mood was complex as he held the sorrowful Lu Jing, quietly awaiting her response.

Gradually, Lu Jing’s sobs subsided. She sat up with difficulty, wiping her lingering tears, silently meeting Kang Ning’s gaze without a word. Kang Ning got up to fetch a glass of water, then went to the bathroom to soak a towel in hot water, wringing it gently before bringing it back to the bedroom.

After drinking, Lu Jing took the warm towel from Kang Ning and buried her face in it for a long moment, then wiped her face and handed it back. Once Kang Ning tidied up and sat again on the bed’s edge, she looked into his apologetic eyes and whispered, “I don’t care. I just want you.”

Kang Ning, full of tenderness, gently laid her down and pulled a light blanket over her swollen belly. “Jing’er, I’m sorry—for you, for Su Fang, for Meng Meng.”

“Don’t say that. Only we women truly understand a woman’s heart,” Lu Jing said softly, resting her head on Kang Ning’s arm and stroking his chest. “My love, I’m just sad. I didn’t know you had suffered so much, endured so many grievances. Jing’er doesn’t regret it. Even if we started over, I would still love you.”

Seeing Kang Ning moved, Lu Jing pressed her hand to stop him from raising his face. “Lie down. I want to talk with you.”

“All right.” Kang Ning held her hand and brought it to his lips.

Lu Jing sighed. “My love, I haven’t met Su Fang, but I know she must be beautiful, kind, and strong. Putting myself in her shoes, I’m not sure I could be as good as she is. Since I became pregnant, you’ve been here every day to comfort me. I don’t even have to cook or do laundry. Compared to Su Fang, who doesn’t know how she’ll survive these difficult months, I’m living in paradise. What more could I want? I only feel sadness, and sorrow for Su Fang.”

Kang Ning gently wiped a tear from Lu Jing’s eye. “You and Su Fang share many qualities—both kind and forgiving, equally beautiful, equally gentle and serene.”

“Darling, I understand how you feel, but I will never let go because of this.” Lu Jing rested her head on Kang Ning’s chest, pressing her face against his heart. “I don’t care about titles or status. I just want to be with you, so our child can grow up happy. As for Meng Meng, you’ll need to be more careful. Don’t be fooled by her delicate appearance—her spirit is strong. You could tell when she dared to run away from her arranged marriage how brave she is. Sigh—You, my troublemaker, somehow got the two of us tangled up on the same bed, fooling around so naturally and joyfully. It feels like a dream now. From what I know of Meng Meng, she’s made up her mind about you; she won’t leave you for this lifetime. I even told her she could have the first place and marry you. But now, with Su Fang in the picture, I don’t know how you’ll explain it all. I think she’ll suffer terribly.”

Kang Ning held Lu Jing a little tighter and spoke calmly. “When Meng Meng returns in a few days, I’ll tell her everything. I can’t keep secrets from her—I respect whatever decision she makes. I’ve already let Su Fang down, let you down, and I can’t keep hurting Meng Meng anymore. Sigh…”

Seeing Kang Ning so burdened, Lu Jing climbed onto him, sitting on his waist and lowering her head to kiss his lips and chest.

“Jing’er, don’t tire yourself out. Lie down,” Kang Ning said, sitting up to hold her gently.

Lu Jing shook her head, taking Kang Ning’s hands and placing them softly at his sides, then kissed his heart before lifting her head. “My love, you’re more tired than I am. Please, don’t speak anymore tonight. Let me take good care of you…”

Without waiting for his response, Lu Jing lowered her head and kissed him deeply once more.