Chapter 78: Setting boundaries
Nana hadn't taken the decision lightly, or in the heat of the moment because of what happened last night. She knew she had no right to take such an important decision recklessly no matter what took place. After all, it was a matter of Jianyu's feelings too. He must not get hurt while she was trying to deal with her own troubles.
She admitted that a part of accepting Jianyu was because so that she could forget about Jinhai and move on.
A new relationship may help her to swallow the bitterness of her old feelings.
She thought it was really the time to set boundaries so that every relationship becomes defined. No uncertainties. No vague assumptions. They were related as cousins. She couldn't have run from Jinhai forever.
But she also said yes because she genuinely felt that she can be happy with him if she tried. He was a really good person. He was never unreasonable. It was easy to get along with him. He always supported her, stood by her side. What more does any girl want?
So even before this meeting, her answer was ready.
Jianyu was surprised. He never thought that Nana would give him a definite answer. And that too a yes. At least not today. He thought maybe she would need some time to think over it. But he saw in her eyes that she had seriously thought this through.
He smiled, "Okay. But for the sake of my assurance, I will ask you again. Are you sure about this?"
She nodded and said, "Yes, I'm absolutely sure about this."
He chuckled, "Alright then. I will be in your care."
She bowed while sitting, "Yes, me too. I will be in your care as well."
He laughed. "Seriously, you never change. You are still so polite and formal. You really didn't have to bow, Miss Girlfriend."
She frowned. But she blushed when he suddenly addressed her as his girlfriend.
"It's become my habit…Mr. B-boyfriend.", she thought she had to really return the gesture. It was hard to say the last word.
His eyes widened. He pressed his lips to control his chuckle.
All this while Suyin thought of killing Nana countless times. Every time they laughed, she felt like slapping her senseless. It was hard for her to control her temper and stop herself from going there and making a mess out of her. She imagined taking the knife and stabbing her over and over.
I will never ever let this happen. Jianyu was mine, is mine and will always be mine. I will never let a lowly b*tch like you have him, Nana. You stole him from me. This the biggest mistake you made. You shouldn't have accepted to be his girlfriend. And I will make you regret it!
I, Tang Suyin, promise you this.
She got up and left secretly shooting daggers at Nana.
---
Nana and Jianyu continued their conversation.
Jianyu said, "The happiest person will be my mom. You don't know. She will be like on cloud nine after hearing this."
Nana smiled. "Yes, I know. She was so excited when we had first met. I was really shocked by hearing her proposal."
He scratched his head. "Ah, don't remind me that. I was so embarrassed. My mom is like that. She gets hyper and all excited when she takes a fancy to anything. In fact, she told that Uncle is the same."
She smiled remembering Uncle Liu. She used to meet him every day at Liu Corps or rather he hung around her all the time. She missed his cheerful and jokester talk. But, she won't be able to meet him now.
"I-"
"I-"
Both said at the same time.
Jianyu said, "You say first."
"Ah, no it's fine. You go ahead."
"Um okay."
He cleared his throat. "Well, I just…it's a little awkward but I just wanted to assure you that we can take this slowly. I mean you don't have to worry about…physical intimacy or anything. Or get stressed about it. I know we both need time to be comfortable to get to that stage."
Jianyu had really loved Suyin. He needed time to get into that space with Nana.
Nana widened her eyes in surprise.
"…Actually, I was going to say the same thing. But I didn't know how to. This is my first relationship and I don't know about these things much.", she felt embarrassed.
"It's okay. That's good. That means we think along the same lines. I feel relieved now."
She chuckled.
They talked a little more and then got up to leave.
Dropping her off at Natsukashi, he said, "I'll leave now. And I will have to trouble you for another lunch delivery tomorrow in my office."
"Sure."
"Thanks. Oh yes, I forgot. How's your work going on in Liu Corps?"
She stiffened.
"I-I don't work there anymore."
He frowned. "Why? Did your contract get over? So soon?"
She felt troubled. Should I tell him the truth?
He saw her distressed. Did something happen? Why does she feel so anxious?
"Is everything alright? You can tell me if there is any problem."
Just then somebody called.
"Nana."
Both turned and were shocked seeing that person.
Liu Huian?