The Return of the God Level Assassin Chapter 1284: SU YUQI'S DECISION
Previously on The Return of the God Level Assassin...
Luo Yan pulled open the passenger door of Shen Ji Yun's car before slipping into the seat. He had just shut the door and clicked his seatbelt into place when Shen Ji Yun faced him, worry clear in his gaze.
"How did your conversation with Sister Yuqi turn out?" Shen Ji Yun questioned without delay.
"It went roughly as well as expected, I suppose," Luo Yan replied, resting his head against the seat. "At the very least, I'm hoping that's the case."
With those words, his thoughts drifted back to Su Yuqi's response after he shared that final bit of guidance during their discussion.
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Luo Yan observed Su Yuqi attentively. Once he wrapped up his words, a sudden quiet fell over her. Though he couldn't pinpoint her exact thoughts, the faint shifts in her facial expressions told him she'd absorbed what he said deeply. A quiet wave of ease washed over him because of that. It showed that his advice had struck a real chord with her.
After what felt like ages, she broke the silence once more. "You're correct. I couldn't take that chance because, at my core, fear held me back. And it still does. I'm terrified that pouring my all into a romance with him would only lead to pain for both of us in the end. I'm worried we might not even remain friends after. I realize that's a timid mindset.
"Listening to you describe your bond with Shen Ji Yun... it hit me how he possesses a trust that I lack. It's not a question of doubting Ah Jin's honesty. I don't. The issue is my own lack of confidence. I don't believe I could cope if things crumbled. Shen Ji Yun had the courage to stake everything on you. But I simply don't have the guts to wager on me and Ah Jin."
Luo Yan pondered her statements briefly, mulling them in his head. Then, with all the softness he could muster, he inquired, "So, considering all you've shared... is this truly your ultimate choice, Sister Yuqi?"
A helpless smile crossed Su Yuqi's lips at that. "It probably is. Yet your words prompted me to question it all over again. Since, as you pointed out, suffering comes with maturity, and true happy conclusions don't come from surrender."
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Luo Yan couldn't be certain if Su Yuqi intended to retract her words to Luo Jin. What stood clear was her current contemplation of the matter, along with a genuine reevaluation of her path. For their exchange, that represented the most favorable result he could have wished for.
Alright, Ah Jin, your older brother has given it his all to assist you. Now it's up to you to make the next move.
***
Following her discussion with Luo Yan, Su Yuqi departed the cafe and hopped on her motorcycle, heading directly to the airport. She had secured a ticket to S City already. Her intention was to meet Luo Jin in person and speak openly. Luckily, this fell on the weekend just prior to the semester's start, sparing her any concern over skipped lessons.
She recognized this choice might seem impulsive. One voice in her head urged her to pause and deliberate more thoroughly. Yet she also understood that yielding to her rational, guarded instincts would lead her right back to the prior verdict. And she refused to allow that, not on this occasion.
Luo Yan's insights had illuminated several key realizations for her. He brought to mind basic proverbs she'd heard but never fully embraced. Phrases such as no risk, no reward. Or without trying, there's no success. And perhaps the most relevant at present: you fail every shot not attempted. He was spot on. Constantly opting for safety only guaranteed she'd forever wonder about untried possibilities.
And at last, a straightforward fact dawned on her. She refused to let an enduring 'what if' linger between her and Luo Jin. The notion of perpetual uncertainty suddenly loomed far grimmer than the dread of attempting and stumbling.
***
True to what Luo Yan shared with Shen Ji Yun, they embarked on a date after exiting the cafe. Shen Ji Yun proposed the idea himself. He guided them to a shooting facility, recalling Luo Yan's past mention of enjoying the marksmanship drills from his military exercises.
Truthfully, though, Luo Yan only favored the firearm sessions because they demanded the least physical effort of the entire regimen. He held no real enthusiasm for it. But he found it impossible to confess that to Shen Ji Yun, especially seeing the evident delight and eagerness in the other's eyes as he revealed the itinerary. And all the more so when Shen Ji Yun glanced his way in the vehicle, those azure eyes sparkling with eagerness for their outing.
Above all, Luo Yan sensed Shen Ji Yun's thrill stemmed from believing he'd pleased him with this arrangement. The other clearly took pride in recalling that small tidbit. Thus, faced with his boyfriend's expectant look, how could Luo Yan bear to let him down by admitting he wasn't truly into shooting?
Which brought them here. Luo Yan positioned himself in a lane at the range. Protective ear covers rested over his ears as he gripped a handgun, sighting the paper silhouette at the far end. Shen Ji Yun lingered right behind, softly correcting the angle of Luo Yan's arm and shoulder to improve his stance. From afar, it resembled Shen Ji Yun embracing him from the rear.
He scanned the area briefly. The nearby lanes sat empty, and the coach occupied himself at the desk. Feeling a mischievous urge, he shifted backward on purpose, pressing his rear lightly against Shen Ji Yun's body.
A secret smile curved his lips upon catching the other's quiet intake of breath in astonishment.