Ling Wei sat beside Jiang Jian, spoon-feeding him warm, savory soup. His eyes, still sunken from exhaustion, sparkled as he gazed at her.
"Wei, do you want to have kids someday?" Jiang Jian asked, his voice low and gentle.
Ling Wei's face flushed crimson. This guy! Doesn't he know when to be serious? she thought, her heart racing.
"Uhm, I'm not sure," she stammered, avoiding eye contact. "We can't just have kids; we have to plan it properly."
Jiang Jian's gaze never wavered, his expression soft.
"I want to build a life with you, Wei," he said, his words dripping with sincerity.
Ling Wei's cheeks burned hotter. No one had ever spoken to her with such vulnerability.
"What makes you bring this up now?" she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Jiang Jian's smile was faint.
"Almost losing my life made me realize what truly matters," he replied. "You do, Wei."
Ling Wei's heart skipped a beat.
Ling Wei's eyes widened, her face still flushed. "Jiang Jian, what's gotten into you?" she asked, trying to compose herself.
He doesn't usually say sweet nothings; he's probably serious.
Jiang Jian's gaze held hers, his expression unwavering.
"Wei, let's get married. I'm serious. Let's live as husband and wife," he said, his voice firm.
Ling Wei's mind reeled. Marriage? Was he really proposing?
"Jiang Jian, you're still recovering. Don't say things you might regret," she stammered.
Jiang Jian's hand grasped hers, his touch warm.
"I've never been more certain, Wei. I want to spend my life with you," he said, his eyes burning with conviction.
Ling Wei's heart raced. No one had ever looked at her with such intensity.
"Jiang Jian, I...I need time to think," she managed.
Jiang Jian nodded, his grip on her hand tightening.
"Take all the time you need, Wei. But know this: I'm not going back on my word."