Chapter 54: Never Let You Go

Chapter 54: Never Let You Go

"Dad... you... you said Brother Jian's Ocean Tears didn't fall off?"

Ning Rongrong's eyes widened slightly, her tears slowing as she processed the revelation.

Ning Fengzhi nodded solemnly: "Yes, Rongrong. You know the characteristics of the Ocean Tears. This means Qin Jian's heart for you has never wavered. He still loves you and has never thought of giving up on you."

"Is it really... true?" Ning Rongrong asked, her voice trembling with hope.

"Yes, it's true," Ning Fengzhi assured her. "However, your Ocean Tears fell off, and this shows us a difference between you and Qin Jian, a difference in how you both approach this relationship."

"What do you mean by 'not as good as him'?" Ning Rongrong asked anxiously, clutching the Ocean Tears in her hand.

Ning Fengzhi explained gently, "It's about understanding yourself and having faith in the future. Do you truly know what you want, Rongrong? Are you certain about spending your life with Qin Jian? Have you thought about your own goals and desires?"

Ning Rongrong fell silent, her mind racing. "What do I really want... Do I want to spend my whole life with Brother Jian...?"

"When you were caught up in the early stages of love, Qin Jian had already found clarity in his heart," Ning Fengzhi continued. "He knows what he wants and is certain of his feelings for you. He never doubted his love, even when faced with separation. His unwavering belief in your future together is why his Ocean Tears remained intact."

He reached out, wiping the tears from her face. "But you, Rongrong, you doubted. You lacked confidence in your feelings and in him. You questioned the future, and that's why your Ocean Tears fell off."

Ning Rongrong stared at the shimmering Ocean Tears in her palm, her heart heavy. "So it's because I didn't believe in us..."

Tears welled up again, but she fought to hold them back. "Dad, I know what I need to do now."

She gave Ning Fengzhi a small, determined smile, though it carried a trace of pain that tugged at his heart. Is this what growing up means? he thought. Hiding your pain, understanding the feelings of those you love...

"Dad, when I merge the Ocean Tears again, I'll go find him," Ning Rongrong declared, her voice steady. "I'll be with him, no matter where he is!"

She clenched the Ocean Tears tightly, her eyes blazing with resolve, a look so fierce it almost startled Ning Fengzhi.

"Rongrong..." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Since you've made up your mind, work hard. The tulip Qin Jian gave you has raised your soul power to level 27, and more importantly, your Spirit has evolved into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tiles Tower!"

He spoke with gravity, "This is a miracle Qin Jian brought to you. You mustn't let him down, understand?"

"Nine Treasure Glazed Tiles Tower..." Ning Rongrong summoned her Spirit, gazing at it in awe. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered, "Brother Jian, thank you..."

"One more thing," Ning Fengzhi added, handing her a letter. "Qin Jian left this for you. Read it when you're ready."

He placed the letter in her hands, then left with Jian Douluo, giving her space to process her emotions. Some paths, he knew, could only be walked alone.

"Brother Jian left me a letter..." Ning Rongrong murmured, her fingers trembling as she opened the envelope. Inside was a thick purple card, unlike ordinary paper.

As she unfolded it, a soft melody of zither and gu xun filled the air, followed by a familiar song: "The moon is bright, and the branches are full of flowers... Someone is missing you..."

Tears spilled from her eyes as she clutched her mouth. "This is... the 'Separation' song Brother Jian and I performed..."

The tender melody carried a deeper weight now, resonating with her newfound understanding of love, longing, and loss. She read the letter, Qin Jian's clear handwriting pulling at her heart.

---

Rongrong, when you see this letter, I have already left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tiles Sect...

I'm sorry for not saying goodbye in person. I knew I wouldn't have the strength to leave if I did...

I know you must have doubts, maybe even resentment...

Ning Rongrong shook her head, tears falling. She could never resent him.

There are things I can't tell you because of the rules I must follow.

No matter how much pain or sadness I feel, I carry it with you...

You've become a part of me, inseparable...

I didn't want to leave you, but fate is cruel...

Sometimes I wonder if my presence burdens you. Without me, you'd still be that carefree, willful girl...

You'd grow up happy, meet someone else, and... marry another...

Ning Rongrong shook her head fiercely, her tears blurring the words.

Rongrong, I want my presence to bring you joy and happiness... I want you to be happier with me than without...

I love you so much...

I wanted to write that if your feelings ever waver, if you fall for someone else, you should let go of our relationship...

But as I wrote those words, my heart ached so fiercely...

Rongrong, this is the first time I've felt true physical pain in my heart, not just emotional, but real...

So I know I can't live without you...

So I changed those words...

No matter what you feel in the future, no matter if you're drawn to someone else...

I, Qin Jian, will never let you go!

Wait for me. I will marry you one day!

Because you are my fiancée!

---

Ning Rongrong laughed through her sobs, clutching the letter to her chest as she sank to the ground.

"Brother Jian... Rongrong will never change her heart... Rongrong is waiting for you to marry me..."

The song continued, its gentle notes wrapping around her.

"Give you a smile..."

"Give me longing..."

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(End of this chapter)