Chapter 311: A Crushing Defeat

Meeting Gu Yang again happened even sooner than Kong Nian had expected.

The moment she received Gu Yang's call, Kong Nian's depressed mood improved significantly.

She set the meeting place outdoors, specifically avoiding Kong Xiang and everyone else.

When she arrived at the agreed-upon location, Gu Yang was already there waiting.

Although the weather was gloomy and the chill was biting, it still couldn't dampen Kong Nian's spirits.

"Brother Gu Yang, have you been waiting long?"

She learned from her memories and gave a playful smile.

Gu Yang's face appeared to have little expression as he replied indifferently, "No."

Kong Nian looked around the park. They had been here once half a month ago; returning now felt like revisiting an old haunt, bringing with it a unique sentiment.

"Let's go in."

Compared to half a month ago, not only had the number of tourists in the park decreased by more than half, but the surroundings also appeared more desolate.

Kong Nian tightened the collar of her coat. She had woken up early to dress up for this meeting, fearing she wouldn't be perfect enough, like a young girl in the throes of first love.

In the past twenty years, she had never had such thoughts or the time for them, but she didn't feel that there was anything wrong with it now.

Gu Yang simply followed by her side, listening to her incessant chatter.

"Brother Gu Yang, you have no idea—most of my time is spent doing things to eliminate evil for the people. Although I encounter danger sometimes, as long as I think about the people I've saved, I feel that no matter the cost, it is worth it." Kong Nian did not hide her identity at all, and by the end, she even spoke with a high-and-mighty sense of pride.

Out of the corner of her eye, she secretly observed Gu Yang's reaction.

Ordinary people would feel a sense of worship rising from their hearts toward someone with an identity like theirs. Lu Feng had been like that; after only two encounters, he had been deeply attracted by her mystery and had confessed his feelings to her.

Gu Yang would surely be no exception.

However, to Kong Nian's disappointment, she could not see any expression of surprise or interest on Gu Yang's face.

"Brother Gu Yang, do you think a person like me is terrifying because of the things I do?"

She changed her phrasing, attempting to probe Gu Yang's inner thoughts.

Gu Yang's gaze was unfathomable. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke: "Before meeting you all, I never believed in ghosts or gods. Only now do I realize that exorcists actually exist in this world. You saved me and Lu Feng twice, and you also resolved the matter with Feng Zong and Liu Yiyi. If it weren't for you, there's no telling how many more victims there would have been."

A flash of joy appeared in Kong Nian's eyes; it was exactly as she had thought.

"Then, are you afraid of me? Do you think we are freaks?"

This was what she cared about most.

Gu Yang shook his head. "I wouldn't say I'm afraid. I only hope that in the future, you can protect yourself well. While eliminating evil for the people, you must also ensure you don't get hurt."

A warm current flowed through Kong Nian's heart.

As expected, he was a very good man.

And such a good man was about to belong to her.

Although the clan rules did not allow marriage with ordinary people, she could choose not to marry, but she would not let go.

"Brother Gu Yang, you're so good. I knew you were still the same Brother Gu Yang from when we were children."

She deliberately mentioned their childhood; it was time for them to get to the main point.

Gu Yang, of course, understood her meaning. He took the initiative to stop walking and turned to face her.

"I have something I want to say to you."

Kong Nian smiled slightly. "It just so happens that I also have something I want to say to Brother Gu Yang."

Once Gu Yang had made up his mind, he would never change it.

"Fine, you go first."

Kong Nian lowered her eyes, a hint of shyness appearing on her face.

"Brother Gu Yang, I have been growing up in the Kong family all these years. They have trained me as their successor and placed high expectations on me, so I cannot leave the Kong family just yet."

Gu Yang chose to remain silent, letting her continue.

"Brother Gu Yang, can you give me two years? I will talk to the elders and strive to return to your side in two years' time." Kong Nian was quite certain he would not refuse. Moreover, she had thought it through clearly: if her strength still could not reach its former state within two years, she would choose to retire.

And the best choice for retirement would be to return to an ordinary life and grow old with a man like Gu Yang.

This was also the most perfect fallback plan she had prepared for herself.

Gu Yang understood what she was trying to express.

But it was destined that he could not grant her wish.

"Miss Kong, you were born extraordinary. You belong in that world that belongs to you."

To Kong Nian, such words could be considered a compliment.

She was never lacking in compliments, but only this man's words could truly move her heart.

"Since the Kong family has trained you as their successor and you are so excellent, you should continue to stay. And I will not become your burden. From now on, we are like siblings. As for Uncle Su, once his health recovers, I will find an opportunity to tell him the truth and let you father and daughter meet."

However, no one could predict when Su Jianguo would finally wake up.

All the expressions on Kong Nian's face froze instantly as she stared straight at him.

Was there a problem with her expression, or had she misunderstood?

"Brother Gu Yang, you promised my mother that you would take care of me forever."

"I will keep that promise. From now on, you are my closest, closest relative." Gu Yang emphasized his voice as he made the commitment to her.

But Kong Nian's heart sank completely. "You know that what I want is not a familial relationship at all, but..."

"I already have a loved one, so it is impossible for us to have any other kind of relationship."

This time, Gu Yang did not give her the chance to finish her sentence; his attitude of refusal was incredibly decisive.

Kong Nian felt somewhat suffocated. She had never confessed to any man before, let alone been rejected like this. She could not accept it.

"The person you're talking about, is it Su Yan? The so-called engagement was also something decided by our two families long ago, wasn't it? But the one with the engagement to you is me, not that fake!"

By the end, she could no longer control her anger, as if she were the true daughter of Kong Xiangrou.

"Enough. I won't allow you to speak of Yan Yan that way. I like Yan Yan not because of an engagement; even without one, I would still like her. In this lifetime, besides her, I will have no other woman."

Gu Yang's pace of speech was not fast, but every word was very clear. He was stating this fact to Kong Nian, and more importantly, making himself understand the heart and the love within his chest.

At this moment, he truly felt incredibly relieved.

Looking at the determined man before her, Kong Nian suddenly realized that she seemed to have made a mistake.

Before today, she was certain that what Gu Yang cared about was the person from their childhood, but now she discovered that was not the case.

"You say you like her, but does that mean everything we experienced when we were children doesn't count anymore?"

She was unwilling to let herself lose so utterly.

(End of Chapter)