Chapter 409: Confrontation

Thinking about what could happen if Tong Sui did not take this matter seriously filled Zhong Yi with dread.
The police officer said, “Due to the special nature of the case, Mr. Tong Sui, you can hire a lawyer to handle the subsequent processes without meeting the suspect.”
“I want to meet him.”
Tong Sui’s words took everyone by surprise.
In the face of someone lurking in the shadows and entangling him, almost everyone would choose to avoid the situation, hoping to quickly forget the whole incident.
But Tong Sui took the initiative to request a meeting.
It was his right.
They should not stop him, but their hearts felt a bit of pity for this seemingly fragile boy, as delicate as porcelain.
Tong Sui did not think too much; he merely wanted to know what kind of person would act in such a nearly crazy manner.
When the iron door of the detention room opened, the person inside, handcuffed and sitting in the corner, did not match Tong Sui’s expectations of a perverted appearance.
On the contrary, he looked very ordinary—ordinary enough to be forgotten in a crowd.
Upon hearing the sound of the iron door opening, the person still kept his head down, seemingly uninterested in those approaching him.
After a long time, he slowly lifted his head, and the dullness in his eyes ignited with an astonishing light the moment he saw Tong Sui. He seemed willing to bump against the iron bars just to reach him.
“Sweetie, you came to see me. Are you angry? I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have written to you so bluntly. Please don’t be upset, okay?”
Tong Sui did not step back; he stood not far away, but his hand could not reach him.
Just looking at that exquisite and beautiful face was enough to leave him thoroughly enchanted, more stunning than he had ever imagined day and night.
“I’m not angry because it’s not worth it.” Under everyone’s gaze, Tong Sui even took half a step forward, “Actually, I’m curious—what do you like about me?”
The man seemed caught off guard by Tong Sui’s proximity, his expression momentarily lost and then he asserted, “I like everything about you, Sweetie. I love you very much.”
“No, we don’t even know each other. The you that you like has always been the imagined version of me,” Tong Sui stepped closer, reaching out his hand.
Everyone’s attention was drawn to that pale, jade-like hand.
Zhong Yi felt a surge of tension tighten his body, as if he would rush forward at the slightest harm to Tong Sui.
When Tong Sui’s fingertip touched the back of the man’s hand, he reacted as if he had been electrocuted, quickly retracting his hand and retreating in pain, hunching on the ground as if Tong Sui had turned into some kind of monster.
“Is this what you call love?”
Tong Sui had actually noticed this earlier—the man would become extremely nervous when touched, to the point of being abnormal.
“I, I…”
Tong Sui replied, “Love is something delightful. Your actions do not deserve the term.”
After leaving the police station, Zhong Yi said, “Don’t worry, I will make sure the best lawyer ensures he serves his full sentence, and he will never get a chance to come near you again.”
“Yeah, thank you for your help with this matter.”
Tong Sui no longer looked as calm as he had before; exhaustion was evident in his brows and eyes.
It was clear that no one could remain indifferent when facing such an extent of entanglement.
Zhong Yi quietly drove, not wanting his affection to become a burden for Tong Sui, yet he had to acknowledge what he had long chosen to ignore—
Among their group, Tong Sui’s attitude towards Chi Xingyu was evidently different.
He just couldn’t stand the thought of the person he liked being with someone else. Just imagining that scene left him breathless.
As they passed by a bookstore, Tong Sui suddenly spoke, “Zhong Yi, stop the car for a moment.”
Zhong Yi snapped back to attention and parked by the roadside.
“I’m going to buy something quickly; I’ll be right back,” Tong Sui said as he unbuckled his seatbelt and walked towards the bookstore, carefully selecting items from the shelves.
Zhong Yi’s gaze involuntarily followed him, his heart aching, as he knew these items were for Chi Xingyu.
Deep down, he understood, yet he couldn’t bring himself to act on it.
He contemplated how, if he could never see Tong Sui again in the future, it would leave a void in his heart, but he didn’t want to become entangled in a way that would only bring Tong Sui pain.
Such love was too selfish.
After a while, the car door opened again, and Tong Sui returned with some study guides in hand.
“All set, let’s go.”
Zhong Yi restarted the car, driving down the highway while Tong Sui flipped through the newly purchased books, the atmosphere between them settling into a silent harmony.
When they arrived in front of the small house, Zhong Yi suddenly stopped the car and said, “Tong Sui.”
“Mm?”
Tong Sui lifted his head.
The emotions that Zhong Yi had been cultivating throughout the drive got caught in his throat when faced with Tong Sui; he knew if he didn’t say it now, there would be no more opportunities.
“I actually don’t really like you, so you don’t have to worry about me being hurt. Honestly, I don’t like you at all anymore.”
“…?”
Tong Sui was utterly confused.
What act was this guy putting on today?
Having said something so abrupt, Zhong Yi fled into a deserted corner, releasing a breath of relief after confirming that Tong Sui hadn’t followed. He leaned against the wall and slowly squatted down.
How could he say such things to Tong Sui? He actually liked him very much—really, he liked Tong Sui…
For the proud Zhong Yi, his eyes felt sore, and he wiped them, shocked to find dark stains on his sleeve.
Was this a tear?
…Had he actually cried?
Did this count as a heartbreak?
Zhong Yi couldn’t comprehend how he could be heartbroken over a relationship that hadn’t even started yet.