Batter My Heart,Mr Xi (Book 2)

Chapter XXIII

Around 8pm at Yang Zhilan's modest apartment, she and Xi Jinwei sat comfortably on the couch after dinner.

These dinner visits had become increasingly frequent over the week, with Xi Jinwei making the long drive from his apartment to her neighborhood almost daily.

Her brother has been working out late recently, leaving them some alone time together in the apartment . A comfortable silence had settled between them but Yang Zhilan found herself stealing glances at Xi Jinwei's profile as he watched TV.

"Yang Zhilan," he began, breaking the quiet that had settled between them.

"Mm?"

"My grandmother visited the office today while I was out today," he mentioned casually, watching her face carefully. "Did she cause any trouble with you?"

"Actually, no," Yang Zhilan smiled. "We got along quite well."

Xi Jinwei's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Are you sure?"

"Mhm. She's even expecting great-grandchildren from us soon," she added with a mischievous glint in her eye.

Xi Jinwei nearly choked, clearing his throat awkwardly. "She... she did, huh?" He hadn't expected his normally grandmother to be so accepting.

His grandmother had scolded him for being unfilial many times , even threatening to disown him after the incident but didn't expect her to fold when she met Yang Zhilan.

Yang Zhilan's expression turned serious. "Mr. Xi?"

"Mm?"

"Xi Jinwei?" Her use of his full name made him turn to face her fully.

"Do you still love Linxue?" The question hung heavy in the air between them. She kept her eyes fixed on his, determined not to miss even the slightest reaction.

"I do," he answered honestly.

Yang Zhilan felt a sharp prick in her heart despite knowing she was Linxue. The irrational jealousy surprised her, but before she could dwell on it further, Xi Jinwei continued.

"But I also love Yang Zhilan."

Her heart fluttered at his confession for it was the first time he said he loved her. But she still let out a bitter laugh. "Don't try to make me feel better about loving two women, Mr. Xi."

"That's not what I mean," he said firmly. "Wang Linxue is my past - a past I can never erase. Yang Zhilan is my future. They're not different that to me."

"Then what if..." she challenged, "what if I'm not Linxue? What if I'm just Yang Zhilan? Would you still love me?"

Xi Jinwei chuckled, reaching out to pinch her cheek before pulling her into his arms. "Why are you being jealous of yourself?"

She pouted against his chest. "I'm serious! If by some miracle, Wang Linxue appeared right now, and I was here too, who would you choose?"

Xi Jinwei sighed before tilting her face up and pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. "Is this answer enough?"

She shook her head stubbornly.

"I would always choose you," he said softly. "If Wang Linxue herself stood before me right now, I would still choose you. I didn't fall for you because you might be Linxue. I fell for you because you're you, regardless of your name."

Satisfied but still feeling a bit petty, Yang Zhilan poked his chest. "But you do know I'm Linxue, right? Just with lost memories. You've already moved on, haven't you, Jinwei!"

"I'm sorry," he said with mock tiredness, "but I prefer this cuter version - Yang Zhilan."

"Hmph!" She turned away but couldn't hide her smile as she snuggled deeper into his embrace.