Rebirth: Once Again With You

Li Caiyi didn't know how long they cried like that. Thankfully, no one was around them, or they probably would cause a scene.

Dai Zhiqiang still clung onto her, and her chest tightened seeing him so fragile like this. She caressed his head tenderly, wanting to ease his pain as much as possible.

Feeling her warm touch, Dai Zhiqiang felt like he was going to melt. The past six years without her were difficult for him, but now, he thought he could close his eyes and let himself be spoiled by her.

He wanted to be closer to her, so he snuggled into her embrace even more.

Li Caiyi smiled, seeing him act like a child. She was happy he didn't push her away, but then again, he was probably just desperate for someone to comfort him like this.

Dai Zhiqiang was the type that would bury his feelings just to make someone feel better. She assumed he probably couldn't cry in front of his brother.

What now?

Dai Zhiqiang had lost one of his family members, and the possibility of him walking the same dying path as he used to become bigger. She had lost the starting line before she could even begin.

"Zhiqiang, did you come back to your previous house?"

"....I didn't, but the house is still under my father's name."

"Did you live with Shenqiang now?"

"No. He didn't return with me to the S country. He was busy studying and said he wanted to show you what an amazing man he became, so I didn't persuade him to follow me."

Li Caiyi was flattered to hear that, but at the same time, she was worried. "Will it be okay to leave him alone? What if something happens to him?"

If something were to happen to Dai Shenqiang as well, then Dai Zhiqiang would really fall into a dark path of no return.

Dai Zhiqiang smiled before replying, "He will be fine. Shenqiang has changed, so this time everything will be alright."

"Really? Are you really sure? What about if Huang Zhen threatened him this time while you were away?"

Dai Zhiqiang's expression frosted upon hearing that name. He tightened his hold on her as he answered, "It's alright. He wouldn't be able to move for some time."

"What do you mean?" Li Caiyi looked down at him in confusion. "Did something happen to Huang Zhen?"

Or rather, did Dai Zhiqiang do something to him?

Li Caiyi felt anxious. If Dai Zhiqiang killed him, he would be subjected to the same crime he did in his previous life. Being a wanted man meant he would lose his chance to continue a peaceful life with his brother, which could result in his demise too.

That couldn't happen!

​ "He is probably treating his injuries right now. The reason why I can peacefully return here is also because of that."

"Were you the one who inflicted those injuries on him?"

"He deserved it." Dai Zhiqiang's voice was full of resentment as he continued, "After everything he did, it's already a good thing that I didn't finish him off."

Li Caiyi became more and more confused. "Wait. Can you slow down a bit? So you almost killed him, and that's why he can't do anything to us now?"

Dai Zhiqiang nodded before looking up at her. Their faces were so close together that if he stretched his neck or if she leaned down a bit more, their lips would overlap.

From this proximity, Li Caiyi could clearly see every lash on his eyelid. She subconsciously held back her breath. Her heartbeat sped up, especially when his gaze slowly traveled down from her eyes to her lips. Thick emotions swirled in his eyes, and it felt like she was pulled into him like a magnet.

It couldn't be that he would kiss her?

Li Caiyi was contemplating whether she should close her eyes or not, but that expectation was reduced to dust when Dai Zhiqiang suddenly released her.

"Anyway, you don't have to worry about Shenqiang. I personally made sure there would be no threat coming to him. And Huang Zhen wouldn't come after us again for now."

"Ah, oh…" Li Caiyi responded awkwardly while embarrassment slowly colored her cheeks. She got too into the moment that became conceited again. She hoped Dai Zhiqiang didn't notice that.

"Li Caiyi, do you have time after this?"

"Aside from the audition, I don't have anything scheduled today. What's wrong?"

Dai Zhiqiang smiled. "Then, do you want to go on a date with me?"

***

When he asked her to go on a date with him, she thought she had misheard at first. But it turned out to be real.

A lot of things happened today. It was like a neverending rollercoaster of surprises for her.

First, Dai Zhiqiang appeared in the audition as one of the most prominent investors in the project, then the sad revelation of Dai Bolin's passing ended with him asking her out.

Li Caiyi didn't refuse since she also had so many things she wanted to ask him. Especially regarding Huang Zhen. She didn't think much of it since it wouldn't be their first date anyway. The most they would do was probably go to a restaurant and eat together.

However, she was soon proven wrong because Dai Zhiqiang came more prepared than she thought.

"Li Caiyi, which one do you want to ride first?"

Dai Zhiqiang spread the amusement park's pamphlet in front of her, sounding more excited than usual. Li Caiyi looked down at the attraction listed on the pamphlet, still in a daze.

Out of all places, an amusement park would be the last thing she imagined Dai Zhiqiang would bring her to. It wasn't an ideal place to talk and was too crowded.

Even counting their every dates six years ago, this was the first time they had gone to an amusement park.

"Dai Zhiqiang, are you sure you want to go here? Don't you usually like a much quieter place?"

"Hm? When did I ever say that? As long as I'm with you, anywhere is fine." Dai Zhiqiang grabbed her hand before smiling at her, "Since you don't know which attraction to ride, I will decide on the first one. You are okay with that, right?"

"Huh? Hey, wait a minute!"

Li Caiyi was startled because he suddenly pulled her with him, but seeing him smile happily stopped her from complaining.

"Geez, it can't be helped."

It was rare for him to take the initiative, too, so she decided to go along with him.