Only I Understand His Gentle Heart - Chapter 94.2

Tang Yu, determined to correct Tang Xin’s skewed perspective on love, kept his expression serious as he said coldly, “So, if I were to become disfigured one day, or lose a leg in an accident, would you stop liking me? Or what if I went bankrupt?”

Tang Xin blinked, tilting her head. “Would you really go bankrupt?”

Tang Yu, “… That’s not the point.”

“Oh.” She nodded. “Then what are you trying to say?”

This was going nowhere.

Tang Yu licked his lips, exhaled deeply, and picked up the coffee from the table. One sip later, he frowned at the overly sweet taste. “What kind of coffee is this? Why is it so sweet? Are all instant coffees like this?”

It was possibly the worst coffee he’d ever had.

Tang Xin’s face flushed. “That’s the one I drank from earlier…”

Tang Yu glanced at the red mug and remarked indifferently, “It’s not like a pig drank from it.”

Tang Xin, “…”

You’re the pig, you big oaf!

Tang Yu turned to her, his expression softening slightly. “My point is, do you like my external qualities, or do you like me as a person?”

Tang Xin blinked again. “Is there a difference?”

Tang Yu half-closed his eyes, looking at her with a hint of exasperation. “What do you think? You’re supposed to be a writer. I heard you even wrote several novels back on Jinjiang, and some were published. Don’t tell me they all have this twisted view of love.”

“What’s wrong with my view of love? At least I’m honest!” Tang Xin retorted, glaring at him. Why attack me personally while making a point?

Tang Yu looked at her, suddenly letting out a low chuckle. “So, you admit you like me?”

Tang Xin, “…”

She’d fallen into his trap! Flustered, she stood up abruptly, not wanting to deal with him any longer.

But Tang Yu grabbed her wrist. Having sat cross-legged for too long, Tang Xin’s legs were numb, and she lost her balance as he pulled her back. She toppled over—straight into his lap.

Stunned, Tang Xin froze, turning her head to look at him in a daze.

Tang Yu hadn’t expected things to unfold this way either. Her soft, slender frame rested against him, and for a moment, he didn’t want to let go. His arms instinctively wrapped around her, and he held her close, his gaze fixed on her.

In the background, the iPad continued playing an American TV drama, the volume neither too loud nor too soft.

For a few seconds, the room was silent—save for the faint sounds of heavy breathing from the screen. Tang Yu’s gaze flicked to the iPad, where the male and female leads were kissing passionately, pulling at each other’s clothes as they tumbled onto a bed.

A wave of heat coursed through his body, and he quickly looked away.

Tang Xin also caught the sound, realizing what was playing. Embarrassed, she scrambled to get up, but as she moved, Tang Yu pulled her back.

Her head bumped against his shoulder, her cheeks flushing red. She glared at him. “What are you doing?”

Tang Yu wasn’t sure himself. He just wanted to tease her.

As he stared at the girl in his arms, he noticed her bare face—her skin was smooth and fair, and her lips were naturally tinted a soft pink. Slightly plump, they resembled jelly.

His gaze lingered for a few seconds, and from the corner of his eye, the suggestive sounds from the iPad filled the room.

Tang Yu couldn’t deny it anymore—he was attracted to her. Right now, as she leaned against him, he felt an overwhelming urge to kiss her.

And Tang Yu wasn’t one to resist his impulses.

Lowering his gaze, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.

Tang Xin’s eyes widened in shock, her mind going blank for a few seconds.

When Tang Yu bit her lower lip gently, she snapped out of her daze and slapped his shoulder. “What… what are you doing?”

As they shifted on the carpet, their legs tangled. Tang Yu adjusted his position, kneeling slightly to cage her against the sofa. His lips brushed hers again, and he murmured, “Kissing you.”

Tang Xin’s face turned beet red, her heart pounding wildly.

His lips were soft and warm, moving slowly against hers. The lingering sweetness of the coffee mixed between them, the taste spreading with every touch.

Suddenly, Tang Yu decided that maybe the coffee wasn’t so bad after all.

For a brief moment, Tang Xin let herself get lost in the sensation. But after half a minute, she came to her senses and shoved him hard, scrambling to her feet. In her rush, her knee hit something.

Tang Yu groaned, his expression twisting in pain.

Tang Xin froze, realizing what had just happened. Her face turned crimson.

She hesitated, stealing a glance at Tang Yu. His face was dark, his ears slightly red, making him look… oddly captivating.

She felt a twinge of guilt.

Could I have… broken something?

“What… are you okay?” she asked hesitantly.

Tang Yu took a deep breath, his voice tight. “Tang Xin, are you trying to kill me?”

“… Did I break it?”

Tang Yu glared at her, his teeth gritted. “No, you didn’t!”

“Well, no need to be so fierce about it,” Tang Xin muttered under her breath.

After a long pause, she asked in a small voice, “Still want coffee?”

“What do you think?” Tang Yu snapped.

Who the hell could think about coffee now?

Taking another deep breath, Tang Yu leaned back against the sofa, his long legs stretched out in front of him. Tang Xin stole a glance, noticing how his tailored pants accentuated his lean, muscular legs.

“… Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked timidly.

Tang Yu chuckled lightly. “If I wasn’t, would you take responsibility?”

Tang Xin, “…”

Was he joking or serious?

Checking the time, Tang Yu stood up, grabbing his coat and scarf from the sofa. “It’s getting late. I’ll head back now. Finish packing your things.”

Tang Xin stood as well, her face still red. “Okay.”

At the door, Tang Yu turned back to look at her. “Stay in Goliath for one week, then come back. Got it?”

Tang Xin raised her head to meet his gaze. “Sure.”

But in her mind, she fumed. Why do I have to do whatever you say?

You kissed me, and you don’t even have the decency to clarify your intentions?

Hmph.

🌍 Across Cultures with Coffee and Kisses: Kliraz’s Take!

Tang Yu and Tang Xin’s late-night coffee escapade highlights hospitality quirks worldwide. In Chinese culture, hosting a guest—even unexpectedly—means offering tea, snacks, or in Tang Xin’s case, sweet instant coffee. In Morocco, the equivalent would be pouring mint tea in an elaborate ceremony, while in Russia, guests might receive black tea with homemade preserves. Tang Yu’s casual behavior mirrors Middle Eastern customs, where guests often roam freely in the host’s kitchen, compared to Scandinavia, where such informality would seem impolite.
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Ancient tea culture centered on harmony and respect, while today, coffee conversations like Tang Yu and Tang Xin’s are spontaneous, bordering on flirtatious. Similarly, in South Korea, tea houses have been replaced by cafés where couples enjoy dessert and privacy, whereas in Ethiopia, the coffee ceremony still carries social weight as a communal bonding experience. Relationships truly evolve with what we sip! (─‿‿─)

Behaviorally, Tang Yu’s question about whether Tang Xin values him or his attributes showcases the self-concept theory. We want love that validates our identity, not just external traits. Readers, how do you see this in your culture? Do you value direct honesty like Tang Xin, or is subtlety key? (*≧▽≦)ﾉﾞ