Qin Yichi: Past Life Unrequited Love (6)

Qin Yichi has moved. His new home is right across from Qiao Zhen’s.

On the day of the move, Qiao Zhen happened to be heading out. When she saw him, her eyes filled with surprise, and she said in disbelief:
"Qin Yichi? Are you moving in here?"

Qin Yichi, while pushing his suitcase, feigned a look of astonishment, his tone languid:
"Yeah, you live here too?"

"Mm-hmm," Qiao Zhen blinked her eyes, her smile growing exceptionally sweet. "What a coincidence."

Qin Yichi curled his lips slightly: "It is quite a coincidence."
"Qiao Zhen, we are destined."
Even if there were no true destiny, he could create it with his own hands.

—

Qin Yichi moved several large boxes into his new home.
Inside the boxes were all the gifts Qiao Zhen had given him over the years, as well as things he had prepared for her.
Throughout these years, he had continued to prepare birthday, Christmas, and New Year’s gifts for Qiao Zhen... but unfortunately, he never had the chance to give them to her.
He didn’t know why, but whenever he saw those beautiful, delicate items, he wanted to buy them and give them to her.
He had even bought necklaces, crystal shoes, and diamond rings...
Even if the chance of giving them away was slim.
But for that tiny sliver of possibility, he still had to be fully prepared.

—

To express her gratitude for Qin Yichi rushing out to save her during that rainstorm, Qiao Zhen offered to treat him to a meal.
They had Western food.
Qin Yichi picked up his knife and fork to cut his steak, then asked indifferently: "By the way, are you and Ji Xian still together?"
Knowing the answer, he still paid close attention to Qiao Zhen’s micro-expressions.
Upon hearing this, Qiao Zhen took a sip of orange juice. Without a trace of loneliness or sadness, her voice was soft and calm:
"No, we’ve broken up."
She wasn't sad at all; instead, she radiated a sense of relief and relaxation.
Seeing this, the massive boulder that had been pressing on Qin Yichi’s chest finally settled to the ground.
His appetite suddenly improved, he ate a lot during this meal, and his sleep quality that night even improved significantly.

—

Since then, the two began to interact more frequently.
Qin Yichi chose to take the initiative.
Over the past few months, he actively took Qiao Zhen for rides on his motorcycle, watched the sunrise and sunset with her, went out for late-night barbecue, climbed mountains, looked at the sea, and went to escape rooms... they went to all sorts of places.
But he always maintained the status of a "good friend."
The two grew closer, the distance that had once separated them fading, and they constantly shared the interesting details of their daily lives.
Whenever Qin Yichi saw her smile happily, his own mood would inexplicably brighten.
Just being near Qiao Zhen made him feel as if the very air around them was sweet.
His heart pounded wildly, like tiny bubbles rising in a summer soda bottle.
Actually, being able to be this close to her was already a stroke of luck.
Friends it is, then.

—

On the day of Qin Yichi’s 24th birthday, he posted a status on his social media feed. The caption roughly implied that he was spending his birthday alone and felt a sense of letdown.
This post was visible to only one person.
A few minutes later, Qiao Zhen poked him in a private message:
【Do you want to go see a movie together?!】
【[Little rabbit peeking.jpg]】
Looking at the two messages pinned at the top, the corners of Qin Yichi’s mouth curled up: 【Okay】
A small flicker of hope ignited within him.
After these several months of spending time together, Qiao Zhen seemed to be treating him differently.
Her eyes were bright and shiny; when she looked at him, it was as if they contained a billion shimmering stars.
And after no more than two seconds of eye contact, she would immediately lower her head and look away.
A startling hypothesis emerged in Qin Yichi’s mind.
Did she... did she perhaps like him a little? Even if just a little bit...
At the cinema, there were no major blockbusters released recently, and Qin Yichi’s gaze landed on a youth romance film.
It told a story of unrequited love from the male lead’s perspective.
The most popular line was the male lead’s: "When will my secret love finally see the light of day?"
Qin Yichi was frozen in place, his lips moving as he was about to speak.
Unexpectedly, in the next second, Qiao Zhen excitedly pointed at the screen: "Qin Yichi, let’s watch this war movie!"
Qin Yichi: "..."
The small flame that had just ignited went "pfft" and was instantly extinguished.
It seemed it was all his own wishful thinking and self-delusion.
And indeed, how could Qiao Zhen possibly like him? If she were going to like him, after all these years of knowing each other, she would have fallen for him long ago...

—

After watching the war movie that night, the two walked along a quiet path.
Suddenly, a group of people wearing masks emerged, holding up their phones and pointing them at the pair: "Ahhh! Is that Qiao Zhen?"
"Quick, quick, catch her, tie her up. She changed her phone number, we can't get through at all..."
Excited screams and hateful curses intertwined.
Qin Yichi instantly realized they were "sasaengs"—extreme and fanatical stalkers who were psychologically unstable and engaged in stalking, peeping, and harassing artists to satisfy their own selfish desires.
Without thinking, Qin Yichi pulled Qiao Zhen into his arms, lifted her up, and dashed toward a corner in the distance.
Behind the shade of a tree, he pressed Qiao Zhen tightly against his chest and lowered his voice: "Don't move."
Qiao Zhen obediently buried herself in his chest, reached out to cling to him in reliance, and nodded.
In that moment, the heart in Qin Yichi’s chest thumped wildly, the sound deafening.

—

A long time passed. Only after the voices of those extreme fans had completely vanished did Qin Yichi let her go, his voice low and hoarse: "They’re gone."
He had to admit it.
After all these years, he still only loved Qiao Zhen.
This affection had not diminished with the decrease in their meetings, nor had it been washed away by the torrent of time; instead, it had grown more intense.
He had finally held her.
Even if it was just an embrace born of necessity.

—

On the way back, the streetlights stretched their shadows infinitely.
The night was like ink—pitch black and silent.
Just when Qin Yichi thought this secret love would never see the light of day, he suddenly noticed—
A blush had crept onto Qiao Zhen’s ears.
Like a little rabbit blushing, she followed silently behind him, not daring to look him in the eye.

—

Recently, Qiao Zhen had very few resources. When she finally had a chance to appear on a popular variety show, she had to complete a task with a male actor, only to be subjected to malicious editing.
In the edited video, she looked like a bad woman who was clingy and trying to gain clout, inciting the toxic fans of that top-tier male star to lash out at her.
Qiao Zhen was smeared once again, and the negative search trends soared to the top.
Qin Yichi opened Weibo. Underneath Qiao Zhen’s latest selfie, the comments were almost entirely rumors and abuse.
He couldn't even stand to read those vicious comments.
Qin Yichi took a deep breath and sent her a WeChat message: 【Are you free? Do you want to go look at the sea together?】
If she was sad or upset, he would keep her company to take her mind off things.

—

The public opinion online continued to ferment.
On the plane to the seaside, Qiao Zhen kept her head slightly lowered, saying nothing.
Qin Yichi swallowed hard, just keeping her company in silence.
After getting off the plane, Qin Yichi was opening a map when a notification from Sina Weibo suddenly popped up:
【Spilling the tea! Singer Qiao Zhen frequently clings to top star Liang Yanze for clout, actually...】
He slammed his phone shut, but Qiao Zhen had already seen it.
Her face was pale. She suddenly grabbed his hand, her tone anxious: "Qin Yichi, listen to me, I—"
"I know." Qin Yichi interrupted her, gripping her cold hand back, using his own warmth to warm her bit by bit.
"Qiao Zhen, I believe you."
Even if everyone said Qiao Zhen was bad, he would still believe in her without hesitation and stand by her side through thick and thin.
Just as Qiao Zhen had once told him with firm conviction, "I believe in you."

—

Qin Yichi had originally intended to keep her company to help her relax.
But he had severely underestimated the malice of human nature. At the hotel entrance, a group of anti-fans suddenly rushed up, shouting: "Apologize to our Brother Yanze!"
In the next second, a basin of transparent liquid was thrown toward Qiao Zhen.
Qin Yichi’s body reacted faster than his brain. He turned sideways to shield Qiao Zhen, pressing her tightly into his arms.
"Splash—"
Cold, biting water poured down, completely soaking his back.
Qin Yichi looked down, seeing that not a single hair on the person in his arms was wet, and only then did he slowly set his mind at ease.
She was fine.
As long as she was fine.
There were gasps all around. The hotel security immediately came out to stop the anti-fans and stalkers, and they quickly called the police. The scene was chaotic...
This mess dragged on until late at night. The group of anti-fans eventually only gave a verbal apology.
Because all they had thrown was ordinary cold tap water.
And fortunately, it was just tap water.
Qin Yichi showered, changed into pajamas, and opened his hotel room door to see Qiao Zhen standing outside with red eyes.
Her eyes were moist, and she lowered her head slightly, looking as if she had done something wrong.
Qin Yichi’s heart ached. He pulled her inside, closed the door, and feigned a casual tone:
"What's wrong?"
Qiao Zhen lowered her eyes, her voice trembling: "Why did you block it for me just now? If... if she had thrown something else..."
Two months ago, there was news abroad about anti-fans throwing sulfuric acid, and that artist was nearly disfigured.
Before she could finish, Qin Yichi couldn't help but ruffle her hair, his tone extremely serious:
"Then I would have blocked that for you, too."
I will protect you forever.
In the next second, the tears Qiao Zhen had been holding back finally fell, like pearls, silently sliding down her cheeks one by one.
Qin Yichi reached out to gently wipe her tears.
He knew that tonight’s encounter was the final straw.
Resources being snatched, malicious editing on variety shows, public attacks and abuse, fans leaving... how could Qiao Zhen bear all these grievances alone?
Qin Yichi sighed, pressed her into his arms, and patted her back gently, his throat dry:
"Don’t cry. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to see the sea, okay?"
Qiao Zhen buried herself in his arms and nodded, reaching out to hug his waist.
She even rubbed against his chest affectionately.
In an instant, Qin Yichi froze, his body stiffening, looking at the person in his arms in disbelief...

—

After their brief seaside getaway, the two returned to their daily lives.
December 31st, New Year’s Eve.
Qin Yichi took the velvet box containing the diamond ring out of his pocket and looked at it for a long time.
People are greedy. He had originally thought that just being able to be close to her was enough, that even being purely friends was fine, but now he wanted more.
He was too greedy.
He wanted to tie Qiao Zhen to himself, to be together forever, and never be apart.
But calculating the time, Qiao Zhen had loved Ji Xian for seven years. Seven whole years. Her heart had been broken, so she probably wouldn't be able to jump into the next relationship so quickly.
Qin Yichi swallowed hard and silently put the ring box away.
Keep waiting, then.
However, at that moment, a knock sounded at the door.
Qin Yichi went to open it, and Qiao Zhen was standing there, looking at him with longing eyes:
"Qin Yichi, I want to drink."
"Can you keep me company?"

—

Tonight was New Year’s Eve.
In his memory, whenever New Year’s Eve came around when they were children, Qiao Zhen’s family would go back to their hometown—her stepfather’s hometown—leaving Qiao Zhen all alone.
Back then, Qiao Zhen would run to his place every year to watch TV together.
But ever since she started liking Ji Xian, they hadn’t spent New Year’s Eve together anymore...
Qin Yichi had a few bottles of red wine at home. He poured the wine and turned on the TV, randomly playing the movie *Zootopia*.
He didn’t ask why Qiao Zhen suddenly wanted to drink; he just silently kept her company.
Qiao Zhen wasn't someone who could hold her liquor well; she got drunk at the slightest touch of alcohol.
She had many glasses that night, her eyes red, and she looked at him secretly several times, wanting to say something but stopping.
But whenever he looked up, Qiao Zhen would lower her head and shrink back, letting her head droop, not daring to meet his gaze.
It was as if she were hiding some little secret.
Qin Yichi clinked his glass against hers and asked: "What’s wrong?"
The sound from the movie was loud, but Qiao Zhen was unusually quiet, whispering: "I’m not happy..."
Qin Yichi patiently coaxed her: "Then what can I do to make you a little happier?"
At that very moment, the movie happened to play the line where Nick the Fox says:
——"All right, come here for a hug."
——"Dry your tears, why are you crying all of a sudden?"
Qiao Zhen finished another glass of wine. Dazed by the alcohol, her fair cheeks flushed with a layer of pink. She said in a muffled, nasal voice: "Qin Yichi."
"Yeah?"
"I want a hug, too."
Her tone was aggrieved, yet it sounded like she was acting spoiled. As she spoke, she secretly observed his reaction, her eyes filled with nervousness and anticipation.
Qin Yichi’s heart skipped a beat, his rhythm completely thrown off.
He confirmed over and over again that these words had truly come from Qiao Zhen’s mouth.
He swallowed slightly, stood up, and hugged the swaying Qiao Zhen, pulling her gently into his arms, and asked:
"Will this make you feel a little better?"
Through the thin layer of her pajamas, he could even feel the curves of her body, pressed tightly against his, exceptionally soft and comfortable.
Qin Yichi’s earlobes began to burn, and his desire was hard to suppress.
He felt like a beast taking advantage of someone in a vulnerable state.
Yet Qiao Zhen knew nothing. She nodded, buried herself in his arms, her voice sweet, soft, and slurred:
"I want a head rub."
Qin Yichi raised his hand and rubbed her hair with affection, as if patiently smoothing the fur of a small animal.
Just like when they were very, very young.
Qiao Zhen’s mood slowly improved. She looked up at him, her eyes decorated with sparkling diamonds, as if she only saw him.
She blinked and said: "I want a kiss, too."
As soon as the words fell, Qin Yichi’s fingers suddenly froze.
Qiao Zhen couldn't wait any longer; she reached out to poke his chest. "Hurry up, I want a kiss..."
She looked ridiculously drunk, blurting out all sorts of nonsensical requests.
Qin Yichi helplessly pinched her cheek and lowered his head, just about to reason with her.
Unexpectedly, in the next second, Qiao Zhen stood on her tiptoes, domineeringly cupping his face and capturing his lips.
She kissed him as eagerly as a little beast, tasting of tipsy red wine and a fresh, sweet scent.
Qin Yichi was completely stunned, as if he had been nailed to the spot.
After Qiao Zhen finished pecking at him, her eyes turned even redder, her voice choked with sobs: "Qin Yichi, why are you so good? I..."
She tried her best to hold it in, but eventually, she completely broke down, crying her heart out, and hugged his waist tightly:
"I like you. What do I do? I really, really like you so, so much, wuwuwu..."
In that instant, Qin Yichi’s eyes burned hot. His barren, desolate heart seemed to sprout tender green buds, blooming with vibrant color.
His years of secret love,
Finally had an echo.

—

The next day, Qiao Zhen woke up in Qin Yichi’s bed.
The drunk little Qiao Zhen last night had been especially well-behaved, full of "I only like you" and "I like little Qin-chi the best." She had insisted on sleeping in his bed, and when he wouldn't let her, she would cry with grievance, forcing him to make do on the sofa for the night.
Or rather, Qin Yichi hadn't slept at all.
He pushed the bedroom door open slightly, leaning against the doorframe with poise, and sure enough, he saw Qiao Zhen looking completely bewildered.
Her hair was a mess, her face flushed with shame, and she said incoherently: "Qin Yichi, let me explain, I-I-I... last night..."
How could she be so cute?
Qin Yichi’s heart melted. With great effort to suppress his laughter, he walked over to her, leaned down slightly, and spoke with a serious, earnest tone:
"Little Qiao Zhen, I am a very traditional and conservative man."
"But you took my first kiss last night."
Perhaps because he sounded too serious, Qiao Zhen clutched the corner of her quilt, buried her head on the bed, and her voice trembled lightly:
"Ah, I'm sorry, then what should we do..."
Qin Yichi swallowed hard, his heart pounding wildly.
In the next second, he knelt on one knee, opened the black box, and revealed an exquisite, shimmering diamond ring:
"But what a coincidence, I also like you very, very much, so—"
"Qiao Zhen, will you marry me?"

(Past Life Chapter · End)