After the Young Master’s Death, He was Kissed by His Mortal Enemy! - Chapter 54

When Cheng Yi embraced him, Shen Ran’s body tensed at first. It took a moment before he slowly relaxed and rested his head gently on Cheng Yi’s shoulder.

Yes… from the moment he was reborn until now, Cheng Yi had been by his side every single day.

On those sleepless nights, during the moments he felt defeated or crushed—Cheng Yi was always the one facing it all with him.

Cheng Yi was the closest person to him.

He didn’t need to explain what kind of nightmares he had, or what words he couldn’t bring himself to say. Cheng Yi just understood.

The Cheng Yi of the past had been sharp-tongued and proud, always speaking with a trace of mockery—whether to him or anyone else.

But now, Cheng Yi was gently rubbing his back, voice and gaze equally soft.

—A kind of care and patience that he reserved only for him.

“If it really hurts that much, you don’t have to hold it in. Just cry if you want to. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”

Shen Ran remained silent.

When did Cheng Yi start treating him this well?

And when did he become so used to having someone like Cheng Yi at his side?

Looking back, everything in recent days had been carried out under Cheng Yi’s concern and care.

Cheng Yi had pretended to be his boyfriend and accompanied him home for dinner. He had introduced Wei Hailan to help with the DNA testing.

He had taken in Shen Ran when nightmares left him without a place to go, even letting him sleep in his own bedroom.

He had gone with him to Qingshan Orphanage to search for his roots, and stayed with him when he was breaking free from hypnosis and facing the truth.

Bit by bit, without realizing it, Cheng Yi had filled every corner of his life.

…But Shen Ran knew—Cheng Yi had his own burdens too.

He wasn’t a man with nothing to do. He had work, responsibilities, and a painful past to shoulder.

Cheng Yi still had a company to grow. One day, he would have to face the world and erase the label of “illegitimate son.”

There was no time to dwell on the nightmare, nor room for lingering grief from a dream.

Right now, Shen Ran’s heart was full of guilt—and pain.
Pain for Cheng Yi.

His shoulders slumped as he whispered, “…I’m sorry, Cheng Yi.”

Cheng Yi seemed surprised. Even the hand that had been soothing his back paused.

“Why are you suddenly apologizing to me?”

“I just feel like I’ve been troubling you a lot lately. If it weren’t for my mess, you wouldn’t have had to run around doing all this… You wouldn’t have to stay up late at night comforting me, either.”

Shen Ran knew Cheng Yi hadn’t been resting well.

He himself now woke up earlier than Cheng Yi, who’d always been the one with the more disciplined schedule.

“I really feel guilty. If it weren’t for me, your life would definitely be easier than it is now.”

There was no response at first.

Shen Ran lowered his eyes, not daring to meet Cheng Yi’s gaze.

He knew Cheng Yi liked him. But affection could fade, worn down by daily burdens. Love didn’t always last the way people hoped it would.

What he feared most was seeing confirmation in Cheng Yi’s eyes—that he was indeed a burden.

The silence stretched on, and Shen Ran’s anxiety deepened.

Then, Cheng Yi slowly pulled his arm back from Shen Ran’s shoulder and stood up without a word.

As the weight lifted from his shoulder, Shen Ran’s heart sank.

So… Cheng Yi did feel the same way?

Did he finally run out of patience too?

Had Shen Ran’s words today made Cheng Yi realize it too?

His thoughts spiraled, crashing through him in a storm of emotions, but he still didn’t dare lift his head.

Then, he heard the drawer of the bedside table open. Cheng Yi was rummaging through something.

A moment later, the mattress dipped beside him—Cheng Yi had returned.

“Don’t hang your head like you’ve done something wrong. I’m not about to punish you. Lift your head. Look at me.”

The familiar teasing tone caught Shen Ran off guard.

He blinked in confusion and slowly looked up, still slightly hesitant to meet Cheng Yi’s amused gaze.

“I thought it over,” Cheng Yi began with a smile. “You’re right—these past few days, dealing with all your troubles has been exhausting. At least you’re self-aware enough to know it. Not completely ungrateful, I suppose.”

“…”

Shen Ran could tell that Cheng Yi wasn’t blaming him at all. That alone was a relief—and also made him feel a little overwhelmed.

Cheng Yi was still Cheng Yi. Even in a moment like this, he could still use that light, effortless tone to poke fun at him.

“—But,” Cheng Yi added, voice smooth, “if you really feel sorry, you could always make it up to me.”

“Make it up to you? What could I possibly give you?” Shen Ran muttered quietly. “You don’t care about my gallery, and I don’t make as much money as you… what could I even offer you…”

“You could offer yourself. I’d say marrying me sounds like a pretty good deal.”

Oh. Offer himself.

…Wait. Offer himself?!

“W-what do you mean, ‘marry you’?!”

Shen Ran was startled, instinctively thinking Cheng Yi was teasing him again.

But this time, even though Cheng Yi’s voice carried a hint of mischief, there was no trace of playfulness in his eyes.

“You said you feel indebted to me, didn’t you?” Cheng Yi said softly. “I think marrying me would be more than enough. If you’re willing, I’ll put the ring on you right now.”

Put the ring on…?

Only then did Shen Ran notice the small, elegant box in Cheng Yi’s hand.

So that’s why he had stood up just now—he had gone to get this?

Noticing his gaze, Cheng Yi smiled faintly and opened the box.

“Alright, stop staring at it like a fool. I know I have good taste. Just say the words ‘I do’ and I’ll put this on you right away.”

The smile gradually faded from his face. Cheng Yi straightened his posture, suddenly solemn and serious—more than Shen Ran had ever seen before.

“Shen Ran, I like you. To be honest, I’ve liked you for a long time.”

“Being with you, helping you through your troubles—that’s something I truly want to do. Not something I’ve ever found tiring.”

“And I hope this kind of life… can continue.”

He paused for a moment, then spoke more frankly.

“Truth be told, I’m a possessive person. I want to be the only one you turn to when you’re upset, the first one you think of when something goes wrong. And, of course, the person who helps you grow and become even better—that has to be me, too.”

Cheng Yi took a ring out from the box and held it up.

“Honestly, before this, I was still hesitant. There are many things I haven’t told you yet—many secrets.”

“But Wei Hailan was right. We only get one life. We shouldn’t worry too much.”

And with that, he let the final syllables stretch into the air.

Shen Ran instinctively held his breath. His pounding heartbeat echoed in his ears, mingling with Cheng Yi’s voice.

“I’ll support you. Your gallery will flourish, and I’ll teach you about investments, too. Even without the title of ‘young master of the Shen family,’ you’ll still shine.”

“Shen Ran, that ‘marry me’ line—that was a joke. Because truthfully, you never owed me anything…”

“…But still, please—be with me.”

Though his voice was soft, it carried immense sincerity.

To love someone means genuinely wanting them to grow, not to spoil or restrain them.

“So… will you say yes?”

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