The Return of the God Level Assassin Chapter 1299: WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN THE TWO (I)

Luo Jin found himself in the gym, wrapping up a round of pull-ups. His fingers wrapped firmly around the steel bar, spaced at shoulder level. He hoisted himself upward until his chin passed over the bar, his back and arm muscles clenching and bulging from the strain. Beads of sweat trickled from his forehead, streamed along his cheek, and followed the curves of his neck and shoulders. His tank top clung moistly against his chest and back. In a steady descent, he lowered down and touched the ground, his breaths coming in heavy gasps.

Grabbing his water bottle from the floor, he gulped down a lengthy swig. Although his family's home boasted a top-notch private gym, he'd chosen to come here by car. Solitude wasn't what he craved at the moment. This gym had earned rave reviews online for its bustling atmosphere. He'd selected it on purpose, knowing it would buzz with crowds, the clang of weights, and upbeat tunes filling the air. That steady hum of activity was just what he needed to drown out unwelcome thoughts.

Ever since that final, chaotic encounter with Su Yuqi, irritation had plagued him, his emotions fluctuating wildly. The vast emptiness of their large house only worsened it, leaving him isolated most of the time. Thankfully, school kicked off this Monday, offering a chance to pour all his energy into academics.

Wrapping up his session, he headed to the locker room for a swift rinse. Once clean, he changed clothes, slipping into athletic shorts and layering a light zip-up jacket over his tee.

Slinging his gym bag across one shoulder, he exited the gym and crossed the lot to his parked motorcycle. He unlocked a side compartment, stowed the bag, and secured it. Mounting the bike, he revved the engine and sped away.

On the ride home, Luo Jin considered swinging by a drive-thru for a belated meal. But he reconsidered, opting to settle for whatever food awaited at home.

Reaching the house's front entrance, he prepared to hit the intercom for access. Yet before his finger could press it, a taxi rolled up and halted directly before the gate.

Turning to look, he nearly tumbled from his bike upon spotting the passenger emerging. A woman with vibrant purple-dyed hair tied in a disheveled bun stepped out. Her outfit featured a worn black band tee, torn black slim jeans, and sturdy combat boots.

"Y-Yuqi?" he uttered, his tone choked and hesitant, questioning if his eyes deceived him. Why on earth would she appear here?

As the taxi departed, Su Yuqi approached him. With each step nearer, the reality sharpened—no illusion or hallucination. There she stood, Su Yuqi, mere feet from their home.

"Hey," she greeted, halting before him. Her gaze scanned his motorcycle, followed by a subtle approving tilt of her head. "Nice ride."

"You—" he began, mind racing to process. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Hadn't she essentially severed their connection? True, those precise words hadn't escaped her lips, but the whole exchange had screamed finality. So how could she casually arrive now, remarking on his bike as if no rift had torn them apart?

Su Yuqi gazed at him briefly, like committing his features to memory. "First off, I need to say sorry for all the pain I inflicted on you. I acted... selfishly and without care. I focused solely on what I thought was best, ignoring your views or your feelings entirely. That was my mistake. Deciding our path alone was utterly wrong." She drew a quick breath. "Fear of a possible future blinded me to the now, making me ready to sacrifice what we had. That was foolish."

"Damn right it was," Luo Jin snapped, the words bursting out unbidden.

Her apology caught him off guard at first—the very last response he'd anticipated. But surprise swiftly gave way to a surge of burning fury. After all, what good was remorse now, after the agony she'd unleashed?

"What," he demanded, sarcasm dripping from his tone. "After more than two weeks, you finally realize your error? And you're here to act like we can simply rewind to the old days?"

Su Yuqi paused in silence for several heartbeats. As her eyes dropped to the pavement, appearing lost for words, Luo Jin nearly relented. He nearly voiced agreement to reset everything. To resist, he bit down on his jaw fiercely.

"My core belief remains sound," she admitted, lifting her gaze to meet his once more. "The error lay in my delivery. The manner I handled it."

Luo Jin's teeth ground together at her words. "Then why bother showing up if your stance hasn't shifted at all?"

"I came because I trust these feelings I have for you," she replied steadily, holding his stare. "And that requires true belief in your feelings for me too. Doubting us by choosing alone was my fault. So now, I'm offering a suggestion. A way we could navigate ahead together."

Rage boiled inside Luo Jin, urging him to unleash a torrent of curses. Yet her hold on him proved too strong; instead, he balled his hands into fists and queried flatly, "What suggestion?"