Apocalyptic Era: Starting from picking up a Bishoujo
Chapter 373 - 347 I am yours

Chapter 373: 347 I am yours

Between the suggestions of Little Bowl and Zhu Shi, I ultimately adopted Zhu Shi’s advice, and directly expressed my feelings to Mazao.

And looking at Mazao’s startled expression, my heart was indeed somewhat uneasy and wavering.

Our relationship had more than one abnormal aspect. It wasn’t just the age difference, the imbalance of power between us also made this confession seem like a strong party demanding something from a weaker one. Moreover, my intentions towards Mazao were not always kind. Rather, for a long period of time, I harbored some very malicious plans against her.

Even though I had previously told her of my pursuit of her Broom Star Physique and she showed an unexpectedly delighted emotion, it didn’t mean that the matter had no negative impact on the current situation. On the contrary, now that I am suddenly confessing my fondness for her and expecting her feedback, would she think that if she gave a negative response, she would face my neglect, or even possibly be abandoned by me in the future?

She so desired someone who could accept her completely. So when that person shows her an emotion she did not wish for, would she give an insincere answer under pressure?

I don’t know. In fact, I wasn’t fully prepared myself, nor did I know what kind of preparations would be considered reasonable. But like the battle I was about to face, many things need to be grasped in the process of practice. Constantly thinking that I am not ready or that the perfect moment has not come will only lead to more delays until it fades away.

On the other hand, while I put pressure on myself that "I must do this," I still didn’t want to pressure Mazao.

Maybe it had been like this from a long time ago. Seeing my friends happy around me, I would relax; and seeing Mazao reveal a happy smile when enjoying good food, I would also feel joy. Thinking about it, my affection for her is not just based on her Broom Star Physique. However, that is probably not enough.

Perhaps a part of me hoped that she would reject my confession. Because "clean" is almost the opposite of what I feel, and it is very possible that I would prioritize "my desire" over "her happiness." If her reply could help me let go, I could then revert to being someone who only thinks about how to use her. How much easier that would be.

Mazao showed an expression of hesitation, and seeing that, I added, "I just want to express my real thoughts, and it’s not that I need you to give feedback right now. It’s sudden, you might also find it hard to sort out your emotions. If you feel difficult to respond, it’s okay to put this topic aside for now."

She shook her head and then asked, "Zhuang Cheng, do you really like me?"

"I won’t lie to you," I said.

"So, does that mean... you want to do... that kind of thing with me?" she hesitated to ask.

"I can’t say I am completely without those thoughts, but I didn’t confess to you for that reason. That’s also the truth," I said.

"Why? Zhu Shi is much better compared to me," she said with low self-esteem. "Compared to Zhu Shi, I’m like a child; holding my body couldn’t be comfortable.

"I also don’t know much about modern society, I’m not interesting to talk to, and I have a rather gloomy personality. When there are other people around, I often don’t know what to say, so I just pretend I don’t exist.

"In less than a year, Zhu Shi will probably be able to use the Power of Impermanence, and she’ll be able to help you a lot in fights. Every time you fight, I can only hide far away, even though you are going to fight desperately for my sake, I can’t help at all.

"Zhu Shi and her grandfather know many people at Luoshan Headquarters, and they can help you anchor yourself in the abnormal world later on. Besides you and Zhu Shi, I’m not familiar with anyone, and being with me you can’t meet more people..."

Her tone became more and more uncertain. Strange, why did she keep comparing herself with Zhu Shi so frequently? Could it be that she wanted me to be with Zhu Shi? I’m not without fantasies about Zhu Shi, but overall, I see Zhu Shi more as a friend.

And as she spoke to the end, she showed a depressed expression: "And if I... became that kind of relationship with you, people would think of you as a pervert."

"It’s okay, I am a pervert," I said.

"Huh?" she was stunned.

"Little Bowl and Zhu Shi said this about me before, I was a bit concerned at first, but now I’ve come to terms with it. If liking a girl like you makes me a pervert, then that’s what I am," I said, "Mazao, I heard from Little Bowl that you saw a lot of terrible people and things in the Doomsday Era, so you hate these things deeply. Maybe you think I’m no different from those people, but I still want to ask you, are you willing to accept me?"

"I feel disgusted by those people, but regarding you..."

Mazao looked at me with complex eyes for a while, then said, "Zhuang Cheng... can you hug me?"

I had hugged Mazao before and had been hugged by her from behind. Since she asked for it herself, I had no shyness or hesitation, and slowly embraced her body. And after a slight pause, she also hugged me back.

"...If only it could always be like this," she uttered a sigh that seemed to come from the depths of her heart.

Obviously, she had given her answer.

I felt my heart and joyful emotions explode and entangle into a complete mess. Then, slowly, bit by bit, I regained peace in the embrace.

After a long while, we separated. She seemed to have pondered a lot, and looking into my eyes, she said, "Zhuang Cheng... could you give me a bit more time?"

"Time?" I asked.

She said, "I still don’t want others to look at you with strange eyes. Although I don’t mind being looked at in a weird way..."

"I don’t mind either," I said.

"But if others look at you like that, I find it unbearable. So, can you give me a bit more time? At least, um..."

She touched her body and after thinking for a bit, she said, "At least wait until I’ve grown into a body that feels comfortable to hold like Zhu Shi’s before we become true lovers. Is that alright?... Or do you prefer me as I am now?

"My Power of Return may not accelerate my growth, but once I grow, I can switch back and forth between my pre-growth form and post-growth form. If you are not satisfied by then, if you feel the younger me was more charming, I can always change back."

Although admitting that I’m a pervert, I’m not exclusively attracted to the current Mazao. As I’ve said before, I’ve also fantasized about Zhu Shi, so I believe my orientation is still within the range of a normal, healthy male. Naturally, I have no objections to Mazao’s current proposal.

"I suppose that’s fine," I said, "So, what does that make our relationship now?"

People who have not married but promise each other lifetime commitment are considered to be engaged. What about the commitment before a formal relationship?

"I don’t know either," Mazao replied, "But, I am already yours."

With that, she seemed to find these words embarrassing, hugged me again, and buried her reddening cheeks into my chest.

-

Following Zhu Shi’s advice was indeed correct. Circumlocutory tactics might suit ordinary situations, but not for me. A straightforward approach is what I should take on.

I confessed my feelings to Mazao, and she accepted them. As a pre-battle gift, there’s nothing better.

Im about to set off now. Seeing me turn to leave, Mazao couldn’t hide her concern. But she should know that she can’t persuade me. Even if this time, my departure means facing more losses than wins, especially in her eyes as this battle is fought for her, and she can’t join the fight, it would inevitably torment her more.

Closing her eyes, Mazao took a deep breath and then exhaled. When she opened them again, her expression was resolute.

"――Zhuang Cheng, you must win," she said.

For me, the best encouragement is that she can say such a blessing to me.

I felt a tremendous force injected into my heart, and the shadow of Ming Zhuo instantly dissipated. Although I still couldn’t figure out how to defeat Ming Zhuo, I felt no possibility of defeat.

Those who don’t know me well think that I challenge Ming Zhuo because I have some chance of winning; those who know me well believe that I stood no chance from the beginning. Even I myself can’t imagine a way to victory.

If I really win, it will surely surprise many people.

So I’ll try to win this time.

I bid farewell to Mazao and arrived at the hotel lobby on the first floor. Lu Chan was waiting for me there. Our gazes met, and, in tacit understanding, he turned and led me out the door.

Under his experienced guidance, we quickly left the hotel and moved towards the outermost areas of Luoshan Headquarters. The scenery around us gradually became deserted, and after some time, Lu Chan brought me to the front of a massive building.

He looked at the building with a nostalgic gaze, then turned to me, "This is where Ming Zhuo resides, he’s probably in the deepest part of this building right now."