books44 Chapter 365 [Empire] Growth is an Instinct
Chapter 365 [Empire] Growth is an Instinct
Wen Ya and I walked into the familiar ice cream shop. The air was filled with a cool, sweet aroma. The decor remained simple, yet there was a certain relaxing atmosphere. Business was especially brisk when the simulated system was set to a scorching summer heat. The shaved ice, ice cream, jelly, and other cold drinks were a feast for the eyes.
I stood at the counter, staring at the smoothie sundae on the menu, a faint smile forming in my heart. Those outrageously large sundaes always made me feel a little amused, yet also a little nostalgic. With its rich layers of smoothie, thick cream, vibrant fruit, and dazzling candy toppings, every bite was filled with the flavor of summer. Wen Ya stood beside me. He was clearly not used to these "high-sugar, high-calorie" desserts, but he still smiled at me.
Without hesitation, I pointed to the large smoothie sundae and said, "Let's have this one. I'm in a good mood today, so I'll be a little unrestrained." I smiled mischievously, with a relaxed look in my eyes.
Wen Ya looked at me, then at the menu, and whispered, "Can you really eat so much? It seems like you always order this kind of... exaggerated portion."
"Of course! You have to know that this is my 'summer ritual'." I said as I took the sundae full of ice cubes with a smile. Seeing Wen Ya's expression that seemed helpless and doting, I suddenly felt that she was a little cute.
"Are you a foodie?" Wen Ya asked softly, with a hint of helplessness in her eyes, but her tone was not harsh, instead it was filled with a gentle smile.
"Well, in a sense you can." I shrugged and raised my eyebrows. "But if this is called a foodie, then you should be considered an extra-large portion of 'spiritual food'. Just watching you play the piano, paint, cook... it's like a feast." I deliberately teased him.
Wen Ya smiled slightly: "You only understand now, you are so slow." He took the slightly smaller smoothie I pointed to and ordered a simpler ice cream cup.
"Everyone has his or her own way of enjoying life." His words were gentle, yet somewhat philosophical.
I nodded, feeling a little warm inside. Yes, everyone has their own way of relaxing and enjoying themselves, and a gentle way might be doing what they enjoy, or spending a simple and ordinary life with someone like me.
"Would you like to try mine? It's delicious." I smiled and handed him a spoonful of smoothie. Wen Ya smiled slightly and immediately accepted my invitation. Watching him take a sip, the gentle expression on his face made me a little stunned.
"Yeah, it's pretty good." He nodded, a gentle glint in his eyes. Maybe Wen Ya doesn't like sweet things, but he is always willing to try for me.
My heart moved slightly, and I whispered: "Wen Ya, why are you always so tolerant of me?"
He was stunned for a moment, then smiled. "Tolerance? It's just a little more patience on your part." He didn't continue to explain, and immediately changed the subject. "But I do want to know, are you working so hard every day so that you can one day truly leave me and become a completely independent person?"
I was stunned, a subtle shift in my heart. I didn't want him to see my complex emotions, so I smiled softly. "Who says I have to leave you? Rather, I hope to be with you, to face whatever the future holds." My voice was playful, but it couldn't hide my true feelings.
Wen Ya looked at me with deep eyes. He didn't say anything else, but quietly ate his ice cream. I knew that he must understand my thoughts, but he was used to not saying much.
This ice cream shop was where Nightingale and I sat together for the last time before we separated. Now, Wen Ya and I sat here again. However, time has passed, and my former companion has left. Now, sitting across from me is someone who has accompanied me through my daily life.
"Wen Ya, growth is an instinct." I used a straw to sip the melted liquid at the bottom of the cup. Wen Ya's tone was very serious: "But I don't want your instinct to take you away from me."
I lowered my head, gently stirring the smoothie in my cup, my heart stirring subtly. Wen Ya's voice was soft, but like a thin string, it instantly plucked my heartstrings. Growth, instinctual, is an inevitable process for everyone. I know that both he and I are unconsciously experiencing our own growth and change, or rather, migration. Yet, the tenderness and persistence in Wen Ya's words suddenly made me feel as if I were in a dream.
I didn't answer immediately, and the atmosphere seemed to freeze for a moment. The sweet fragrance in the air and the melodious background music in the shop suddenly seemed distant, as if the entire world had shrunk to just Wen Ya and me. My heartbeat seemed to slow a few beats.
After a long moment, I gently raised my head and saw a hint of worry in Wen Ya's eyes, an expression he rarely showed. It suddenly dawned on me that perhaps neither Wen Ya nor I were ready for the word "leave." He didn't want me to grow into an independent individual who could leave him at any time, and I didn't want him to leave me one day, even if it was because his "responsibility" had been fulfilled, even if the love he once gave me had faded.
"I know," I whispered softly, my voice choking, but not enough to make my eyes overflow. That sincere emotion had already taken root deep within my heart, taking root and sprouting. Wen Ya looked at me, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, but ultimately turning into a gentle smile. He reached out and gently touched my hair, the same gesture he always used to comfort me, a kind of silent comfort.
"Growth is a process, but it doesn't mean leaving." Wen Ya's tone became calm, yet firm. "You can grow, you can become stronger, but I hope you remember that I will always be here."
I stared at him for a moment, my emotions and doubts slowly intertwining into a complex feeling. Does growth necessarily mean separation? I'm not sure. Perhaps our relationship isn't defined by a single definition; it can be companionship or support. Perhaps the meaning of growth isn't about leaving, but about making each other better people, even if one day we go our separate ways.
"Yeah, I understand." I responded softly, but deep down I was determined. No matter how the future changes, I will cherish this time and this silent promise given by Wen Ya.
Wen Ya nodded, seemed relieved, and smiled: "We all have our own way to go, but no matter what, I hope you can go further with this warmth." His voice was soft, with a barely perceptible sigh.