Chapter Fifty-Nine: Pouring Out One’s Heart

Kang Ning quietly held the beautiful woman in his arms as she wept, saying nothing, his warm, broad hand gently soothing her trembling back.

After more than ten minutes of tears, Lu Jing finally lifted her head, glaring at Kang Ning in reproach.

Kang Ning, prepared in advance, used a tissue to softly wipe away the traces of tears from her face, starting from her delicate, fair chin up to the corners of her reddened eyes. With her breath fragrant as orchids, Lu Jing closed her eyes, contentedly savoring this gentle comfort.

Kang Ning gazed greedily at Lu Jing’s long lashes, her rosy lips, and her elegant, slender nose. After a long while, he spoke in a soft voice, “Jing, there’s something I need to tell you. I hope you’ll listen calmly and make the right decision afterwards.”

Lu Jing slowly eased out of Kang Ning’s embrace and tidied her slightly disheveled hair. Kang Ning nodded gravely. From the solemn, pensive look in his eyes, she sensed that what he was about to say was of great importance.

Leaning back in his seat, Kang Ning looked out at the fine rain beyond the car window, gathering his thoughts before he spoke in a slow, distant tone. “About half a year ago, I went through a great ordeal in my hometown. That’s when I began my wandering life, homeless and adrift. I nearly broke down—until a kind, openhearted father and daughter saved me. The simple, honest people of the Yao village gave me courage and hope. In them, I witnessed kindness and tolerance, and a noble character that cherished optimism and loyalty. Their resilience and dignity inspired me every day, reminding me that each day brings new hope, urging me not to give up. Gradually, I found my strength again. Do you remember the day we met?”

Lu Jing nodded. “How could I ever forget?”

“That was my first day returning to the world. I say that because, to me, the Yao village was beautiful—a sanctuary for my soul, my own paradise. Life there was simple, even backward, but I felt safe and at peace, my heart calm and content. Though I only stayed there for ten days, it seems in my memory that I lived there for ten years. The mountains, the rivers, the sincere faces—I will never forget them, even if I wanted to…”

Seeing the glimmer of tears in Kang Ning’s eyes, Lu Jing was deeply moved and surprised. She was just about to reach out when Kang Ning quickly raised his hands to his temples, rubbing them as if to erase his tears and mask his sorrow. He cleared his throat quietly and continued,

“On my first day leaving the Yao village, I met you, Yi, and Mengmeng. At first, I never imagined we’d become so close. After fixing the car and getting into yours, I listened to your teasing banter. More than once, I wanted to get off and leave. But when you told me there was a job where I could support myself, I thought it over and decided to come along. If not for that, I truly don’t know where I’d be right now.”

Lu Jing hadn’t expected this at all. She immediately clung tightly to Kang Ning’s arm, leaning on his shoulder. “If our teasing had driven you away, I wouldn’t know whether to laugh or cry now.”

Looking sincerely into Lu Jing’s eyes, Kang Ning said, “Fate plays its tricks. If I had gotten off that day, you wouldn’t be crying like this now. I truly worry I’ve brought you harm.”

“Don’t you dare say that!” Lu Jing slapped his leg hard, then hurriedly soothed him. “Does it hurt?”

Kang Ning shook his head with a smile. “You know everything that happened after, but I want to tell you how I felt. From the moment I decided to follow you, I started observing all of you—your words and actions, trying to understand each one’s character and heart. What I found, and am so grateful for, is that no matter how sharp or bold your words, you all have the kindest, most sincere hearts. And you’re all so beautiful—it’s rare.”

At this, Lu Jing gave Kang Ning another gentle slap. “You smooth talker!”

Kang Ning caught her hand, holding it warmly. “In these few months, I’ve learned so much. From knowing almost nothing about cars, now I can repair all kinds. I’ve learned to use technical dictionaries, to read and translate original manuals in English. Every day is fulfilling. Most of all, from you all, I’ve felt genuine care, love, and understanding. Sometimes I feel unworthy, yet deeply moved. It’s as if we’re a family—especially you, Jing. You’re like a sister and a best friend to me. Wearing the clothes you bought, even my underwear, I feel so happy and warm. When I realized I could accept this naturally, I knew one day we’d break through the last barrier between us. But I didn’t expect that day would come so soon.”

Seeing Lu Jing’s cheeks flush, Kang Ning gently pushed her away and said seriously, “I can’t accept your deeper feelings because I don’t know what tomorrow holds for me. Today, tomorrow, or the day after—I might suddenly disappear. I can’t let my vanity or selfishness bring you harm. Besides, I’ve already come to see you as family. Trust me, Jing, I’m telling the whole truth—and it might be even worse than you imagine. Don’t ask me why—even if you do, I won’t tell you. That’s all I have to say; ask me anything else except why I left my hometown, and I’ll answer you.”

Lu Jing sighed softly. “I knew you had heavy matters on your mind. Don’t think that your calm demeanor can fool me. Every time I see that deep sorrow in your eyes, my heart aches. But I won’t ask what you don’t wish to tell. I trust your character. From the day we met, when you pulled my car out of the mud, fixed my car, and everything you did on the road—especially the way you risked yourself to save others—I trusted my first impression and judgment even more.”

She reached out a trembling hand, gently stroking Kang Ning’s face. “I don’t know how I fell in love with a fool like you, or when it happened. Not until I spent those days on a business trip to Chengdu did I realize I had fallen for you, Wu Xiaohua. Maybe the seed was sown the very first day we met.”

As Kang Ning started to speak, Lu Jing pressed her hand to his lips. “Don’t say anything. Let me finish. It’s been so long since I’ve had someone to confide in. I know what you’re trying to say, and I know maybe there’s no future for us. But, Xiaohua, do you know? I thought I’d never love another man again. Who could have known that your arrival would completely upend my heart? This is the first time in seven years I’ve truly fallen for someone—and with a turmoil and fear I’ve never felt before. Maybe this is fate. No matter what, in front of you…I won’t suppress myself any longer!”

Kang Ning caught her hand on his lips and gently kissed it. “Jing, don’t call me by that surname Wu anymore. Call me Ning—it’s my childhood name. My family always called me that, and it feels intimate.”

Lu Jing looked at Kang Ning in surprise. Realizing the implication, she immediately twisted his hand and bit down hard until he grimaced in pain, then gave his hand a few more sharp smacks, glaring fiercely as she half-shouted, “You sly thing! Making me call you that all this time—you… Go to hell! You’ve infuriated me! Tell me—just how many names do you have?”

Rubbing his sore hand, Kang Ning replied, aggrieved, “I swear, it’s just Ning. No more. I promise on my future son!”

Lu Jing burst into laughter and threw herself at him again, pinching his waist hard, grumbling, “Shameless, where are you going to find a son? Aren’t you embarrassed…?”

Kang Ning could only endure her antics helplessly, secretly lamenting, Good grief, why do they all use the same moves? It's as if they were all taught by the same master!