Chapter 61: A Proposal of the Heart

Chapter 61: A Proposal of the Heart

Ryan's Weibo post didn't include any words. Instead, he simply shared a song—*Elle* from his new album, the one he had written for Emily. The difference this time was that it was a re-arranged version, performed as a self-accompanied piece—just Ryan, his voice, and a guitar.

Unlike the sweet and light-hearted original, this acoustic version was more tender and heartfelt. His clear, resonant voice, paired with the gentle strumming of guitar strings, conveyed emotions so pure and genuine that each note seemed to linger in the air. It was as if he was pouring his soul into every line, expressing his longing to share life's moments with her, to explore the world together. The simplicity of the performance made it all the more powerful.

Ryan's voice had always been captivating, but this rendition wasn't about vocal prowess—it was about sincerity. As one commenter put it, "It's just a sweet little love song, but why does it make me want to cry?"

The song, soft and full of emotion, quickly sent fans into a frenzy.

Ryan's intentions were now crystal clear—he was determined to step away from the perfect idol image, even if it meant losing fans. His actions seemed almost reckless, as if he had decided to put everything on the line.

While some fans expressed their heartbreak by unfollowing him, a significant number found themselves drawn in by the raw emotion, declaring, "This is too irresistible!" Together, these captivated fans and curious onlookers began to fall headfirst into the "Qixi" CP fandom.

The CP fan who had previously crafted witty scenarios for the couple was overjoyed, posting several ecstatic messages, complete with memes to express her excitement. She even pinned a new set of scenarios:

"I'm the luckiest CP fan in the world! My ship is sailing strong, and I'm never leaving this fandom! I've got so many ideas—let's all jump on board and start writing!

'Even if the world turns against me, my eyes will always be on you!' (Male POV)

'Divorced? Fine :) Life only gets better from here, with younger and hotter partners. Each marriage is better than the last~ (Female POV, empowerment edition)'

'President, it's been a year since you divorced your wife!'

'Has she admitted her mistake?'

'No, she's announced her relationship with a top idol!'

…"

Shipping and fanfiction were all part of fan culture, usually confined to their own circles. But it was rare, if not unprecedented, for a star like Ryan to jump into the fray, openly and unapologetically. And as a rising idol, his boldness was unmatched.

With their idol leading the charge, "Qixi" CP fans were on cloud nine, and the tone of their posts grew more triumphant:

"Ryan is 10 feet tall today!"

"OMG, did you see that? Say yes, say yes, say yes!!"

"I'm officially joining this fandom! By the way, the atmosphere here is completely different from Ryan's usual super polite fanbase. I get why his die-hard fans are upset, but as a casual fan, I'm absolutely here for this. Not every idol would have the guts to make a move like this at the height of their career. Ryan's a real man."

"Exactly! On the other hand, the other guy only made his marriage public after the divorce [sly grin]. Just speaking the truth here, no personal attacks—so let's all be nice."

The "Qixi" CP fandom was riding high, feeling as though they were winning the shipping wars.

Meanwhile, the "Find My Wife" CP fans were getting restless, urging Ethan to make a move. Soon enough, their calls were answered when Ethan posted his second Weibo update:

"I'm hosting a charity live stream, painting what I love most, to continue spreading kindness. All proceeds from this stream will be donated to rural rescue projects. [link to livestream]"

A livestream?

The billionaire was livestreaming?

"Find My Wife" CP fans, along with countless curious viewers, flocked to the stream.

The screen showed a tall man standing with his back to the camera, displaying a broad set of shoulders and a narrow waist. In one hand, he held a paintbrush. The easel in front of him was fully visible, and a rough sketch was already starting to take shape.

Viewers, both excited and puzzled, watched patiently as the image on the canvas became clearer, colors gradually filling in the outlines.

It was a woman leaning on a man's shoulder, fast asleep. She was dressed in a blue off-shoulder gown, her dark hair contrasting with her fair skin, her red lips vibrant, and her long eyelashes beautifully curled. Even in sleep, she was stunningly graceful—there was no mistaking that this was Alisa.

The livestream chat exploded, with comments flying by so quickly that the stream started to lag:

"Wow, he's really going all out! First, the other guy sings, and now we get a live painting session. Are they battling it out for her love? I'm tearing up! Personally, I think the one who's still chasing her is putting in way more effort and heart~"

"Creston Media Enterprises V: Painting what I love most, for a good cause! Ethanxx will personally double all proceeds from this livestream and donate them to rural rescue projects! Join us and make a difference!"

"Whoa, this is incredible! I had no idea he could paint! Have I been living under a rock?!"

"'Find My Wife' CP fans, let's rally! I may be single, but my ship MUST sail and reunite!"

"Did no one notice the key detail? 'Painting what I love most,' that's right, Alisa is the love of his life! Even his back looks so full of tender devotion."

"Why are you crying? This is pure sweetness! Alisa is leaning on his shoulder—if that's not a sign they're getting back together, what is?"

"Alisa, please take another look at him! This ex-husband of yours is not only handsome and talented but also unbelievably rich! And he still loves you so much. Are you really going to let a man like this go?!"

The man on screen continued to paint with focused precision, each brushstroke gentle and deliberate, as if he were caressing the skin of a beloved. His touch was full of deep affection, and it was evident in every detail.

Just as the painting neared completion, with the woman on the canvas coming to life in vivid detail, Ethan suddenly paused. He turned, revealing his sculpted, chiseled profile to the camera.

It was as if he had seen someone—his deep, dark eyes softened as he gazed at someone off-screen, radiating warmth and tenderness.

Then, the camera captured a glimpse of long black hair, fluttering eyelashes, a delicate nose, and a beautiful face—Emily's face, the very image he had just been painting.

The livestream erupted as Emily's unexpected appearance sent shockwaves through the chat. But just as the frenzy reached its peak, the stream abruptly cut off, leaving viewers staring at a black screen.

**

Ethan set down the phone he had used to end the livestream and raised an eyebrow at Emily. "Did you finish the soup?"

Emily stared at him for a few seconds, then waved her phone at him, the screen still displaying the last image from the livestream.

"What was that all about?"

"All those chaotic posts online… They're just there for entertainment. The buzz will die down in a while, and no one will care anymore…" She pouted slightly. "Why did you have to get involved yourself?"

Where was the cool, detached Chairman Harrison?

The aloof Chairman Harrison said nothing, his lips pressing into a thin line, as if stubbornly holding his ground.

Emily: "…"

Wait…

Was he really competing with the CP fans?

Ethan gently took her hand, guiding her over to the easel. "Do you like it?"

Emily's gaze lingered on the blue paint smeared on his white shirt before drifting to the painting.

She remembered the blue off-shoulder dress—she had worn it the night she got drunk, the night he carried her back to the Starry Pavilion…

Although he had painted a portrait of himself and given it to her once before, Emily had always found it hard to believe—this money-making machine could paint? It seemed almost unreal.

But watching the livestream, she had been mesmerized.

Not only could he paint, but he was also skilled and meticulous. Watching herself slowly emerge from under his brush had made her heart tremble, and after that tremor, it melted into a warm, soft puddle…

She glanced at him sideways, her eyes filled with an indescribable emotion.

When Ethan caught the look in her eyes, it seemed to encourage him. He smiled, taking her hand once more.

"We're not having dinner at the old house tonight. Let me change my clothes," he said, his long fingers brushing off the paint from his shirt.

"I want to take you somewhere else."

**

The place Ethan had in mind was the most renowned Michelin three-star restaurant in Jiang City.

Situated atop the Twin Towers, this upscale restaurant not only boasted stunning views but also came with a price tag that was equally breathtaking. Securing a reservation required booking at least three months in advance.

Yet, as Emily walked in, she noticed that besides the staff, the restaurant was completely empty.

He had reserved the entire place.

Ethan glanced at her expression but saw no reaction from her.

She must have forgotten.

This was the restaurant where he had taken her for dinner after they first got married.

Emily stopped in front of a table by the window, adorned with fresh flowers and candles. Ethan moved behind her

, pulling out a chair.

As she sat down lightly, she waited for a few moments but noticed that Ethan hadn't taken the seat across from her. She turned, puzzled—

He was gone.

Emily looked around, confused, when suddenly a spotlight illuminated a spot not far away.

Ethan stood under the light, a grand piano in front of him.

Emily: "?"

The light highlighted the chiseled contours of his face, casting shadows that accentuated his features. She couldn't make out his eyes, but she could feel his intense gaze on her, filled with warmth and emotion.

Ethan sat down at the piano.

"This song is what I've been wanting to say to you."

Emily stared at him, completely bewildered.

She wasn't too surprised that he could play the piano. Growing up in a family like his, music and etiquette were part of the package.

But when she noticed the microphone in front of him, Emily was stunned.

He was going to sing?

He could sing?!

What else was he hiding?

Had she been oblivious to the fact that her ex-husband was a treasure trove of hidden talents?

Was he trying to one-up Ryan's serenade with his own piano performance?

Classic Ethan.

As she was lost in thought, the elegant, deep piano intro began to play.

"If I walk, would you run

If I stop, would you come

If I say you're the one, would you believe me

If I ask you to stay, would you show me the way

Tell me what to say so you don't leave me

The world is catching up to you

While you're running away to chase your dream

It's time for us to make a move, cause we're asking one another to change

And maybe I'm not ready,

But I'll try for your love

I will try for your love

We've been hiding enough…"

…

Emily stared at him, holding her breath.

His singing… was it always this good?

His deep, rich voice, each note delivered with precision, his English pronunciation clear and natural—it all came together so perfectly.

As the romantic, heartfelt melody flowed from his lips, Emily felt a sudden jolt in her heart.

She had always found Ryan's love songs moving, but hearing Ethan sing made her heart race in a way she had never expected.

She had never seen this side of Ethan.

He gazed at her, boldly and candidly confessing his love through the lyrics, his eyes steady and sincere—she hadn't known he could be so open and fearless.

For a moment, Emily found herself believing that this man's capacity for love might surpass her own, might be even richer and stronger.

She had once thought she would never again love someone so recklessly and completely.

But now, there was someone who loved her with the same intensity she had once lost…

When the song ended, Emily remained frozen in her seat.

Ethan rose and slowly walked over to her, taking her hand and helping her to stand.

"Emily." He spoke her name softly, his gaze more fervent than ever.

"I've been thinking a lot lately about what else I can do. I have so much regret and guilt when it comes to you."

He tightened his grip on her delicate hand, while his other hand gently cupped her cheek, caressing it as if she were something precious.

"I've said 'I'm sorry' to you, and I've told you 'I love you.' But I think the most important thing I need to say is something I never properly asked you three years ago—"

His tall figure slowly descended, dropping to one knee before her.

"Emily, will you marry me again?"