Cheng Anya's expression was calm—serene, even—as she met Yang Zekun's gaze directly and nodded. "Yes."
Struggling to deny it would only make her look more pathetic. Ningning's very existence was all the proof anyone needed. And someone as smart as Yang Zekun would have figured it out long ago.
The dim streetlamp cast a faint yellow glow, flickering across Yang Zekun's face, half in light, half in shadow. His eyelids lowered slightly, hiding the pain in his eyes. He was a proud man—too proud to show vulnerability in front of the woman he loved.
"I suspected it a long time ago," he said quietly. "The first time I heard of Ye Chen after returning to the country two years ago, I thought he looked familiar. Then, as Ningning grew up, I realized... they're practically clones."
He looked up, his usual warm smile tinged with bitter resignation. "I've brought up S, brought up Ye Chen multiple times. You never reacted. I thought it was just coincidence."
Cheng Anya listened silently, calm as spring mountains. These past few years, Yang Zekun had done so much for her and her son. She was deeply grateful.
She was willing to do anything for him—except return his love.
Seven years of silent devotion, asking for nothing in return. Cheng Anya had considered telling him the truth more than once, but in the end, she said nothing.
After all, they were both intelligent people. Deep down, they both knew.
"Ye Chen doesn't know about Ningning," Cheng Anya said plainly. "What happened seven years ago... it was all a misunderstanding."
A beautiful misunderstanding that gave her the most precious gift in the world.
"So aside from Ningning," he asked, "you and Ye Chen... have no relationship at all?"
"Senior, we've known each other for seven years. You should know—I'm not the type to chase after a man who can't be faithful." The image of Ye Chen and his countless lovers flashed through her mind.
Bitterness flickered in her chest.
"Then be my girlfriend," Yang Zekun said firmly. "I've loved you for seven years."
His gentle eyes held an unyielding determination—and a quiet hope that was almost imperceptible.
"Senior, don't joke like that, I…" Cheng Anya was shaken. Her eyes flew open in shock. She had never expected a confession—after all these years, they had carefully maintained a respectful distance, like an unspoken pact.
"You know everything about my past. You know I have Ningning. You deserve someone better. I'm being honest—I've never met a more wonderful man than you. But I'm not good enough for you…"
"I don't care!" Yang Zekun suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace, his voice resolute. "None of that matters. All I know is—I love you, Cheng Anya!"