Chapter 729: Smile

"Commander, wouldn't this be too risky?" Bisimai said, looking at Qin Ge whose eyes showed determination.

Qin Ge shook his head. "No, I can sense they have no ill intent."

"But we can't be sure they won't change later." Bisimai said solemnly.

Qin Ge smiled, turned his head to look at Bisimai, just quietly watching until the solemn expression on Bisimai's face faded, leaving a hint of panic.

"Commander... do I have something on my face?" Bisimai said unconfidently.

Qin Ge smiled, raised his hand, and gently placed it on Bisimai's cheek. "No, I just feel that today you don't match the usual Iron Blood chancellor. You seem a bit nervous; can you tell me why?"

Bisimai blinked, then lowered her head with a flushed face. "Commander... don't tease me..."

"Did you hear the rumors in the fleet?" Qin Ge said, lowering his hand.

"A few." Bisimai nodded.

Qin Ge smiled. "Bisimai, do you feel what I'm doing is right?"

"I..." Bisimai hesitated then said, "The Oath Ring is a type of ship equipment; if everyone in the port could equip it widely, it would indeed boost our fleet's combat power."

"That's very much your style of answer." Qin Ge chuckled. "But the meaning it represents is also unique."

"Actually, this kind of thing is for the commander to decide; no need to ask me." Bisimai said.

"Then, what if I give you one?" Qin Ge said, gazing intensely at Bisimai.

Clearly, upon hearing Qin Ge's words, Bisimai's face instantly flushed, and her previously calm gaze became bewildered.

"This..."

Bisimai was momentarily speechless; although a few days ago, while chatting with Weineituo and others, Zala had unintentionally brought up this issue, and although Bisimai had turned and walked away then, it didn't mean she didn't care.

Just as today's talk could have been postponed until tomorrow morning, after finishing everything, seeing Kalubudisi leave Qin Ge's room, she inexplicably wanted to go in and see him.

Until Qin Ge brought it up again in front of her, the usually composed Bisimai finally showed a hint of panic.

She had spent her life fighting for Iron Blood, never considering her own affairs; even knowing she had a sister, she hardly cared, devoting everything to Iron Blood.

But now this strong heartbeat is something she has never felt before; could this be what she has always hoped for?

Watching Bisimai's conflicted and flustered expression, Qin Ge felt quite surprised.

Because Bisimai has always been the embodiment of calm and rationality in Qin Ge's heart, he feels at ease with her; no matter what others in the port think, he trusts her.

"Are you unwilling?" Qin Ge said with a smile.

"No..." Bisimai quickly shook her head. "I just didn't expect the commander to say this; if it's a joke... please don't tease me..."

Qin Ge shook his head. "How could this be a joke? You should know I never joke about serious matters."

"We've been together this long; we know each other's personalities, and saying this to you came after careful thought."

"I want to respond to your feelings; perhaps this is the most direct way. Accepting the Oath Ring doesn't necessarily mean becoming a marriage ship, but rather our vow to be together in the future."

"I..." Bisimai looked at the sincere Qin Ge and shook her head. "No, it's not that I don't accept your kindness; I just... I'm not good at expressing feelings."

"As you said, we've lived together this long and know each other well, so this should be a natural progression, with no question of willingness."

"I want you to know that just seeing you by my side makes me very happy; as for anything else, for someone like me, it's merely a luxury..."

"How could it not?" Qin Ge looked at Bisimai, whose face showed no expression, smiled, and took her hand. "Happiness, for humans, only makes us want more."

"So don't overthink it; since we've chosen to be together, we'll create more happiness in the future, rather than simply stopping here."

After saying that, Qin Ge stood up, came to the cabinet under Bisimai's gaze, opened it, and took out a small box.

Bisimai's sharp eyes could naturally see what the small box looked like and know what was inside.

And her heart was beating uncontrollably at this moment; this unfamiliar feeling made her a bit flustered, but more so, it was a deep anticipation from within.

Qin Ge didn't linger; after taking the box containing the Oath Ring, he walked over to Bisimai.

But this time he didn't sit beside her; instead, he took her hand and pulled her up.

Looking at Bisimai's flushed face, Qin Ge smiled and said, "For others, I usually invite them out, then under the pretense of a date give them the Oath Ring."

"But for you, I don't know how to do it—whether to ask you out and then give you the prepared ring, or do something else, since you're different from them."

"Perhaps precisely because of that, today's opportunity is special; I want to give it to you now, whether as a future close comrade or as a marriage ship, leaving the choice entirely to you."

Seeing Qin Ge's smile and the Oath Ring box he held in his hand, Bisimai's heart steadied instantly; although her face still showed various expressions, the outcome was already decided.

"Commander, do you know? When appearing before my compatriots, I must be uncompromising, must forge ahead; I cannot merely be the Bisimai who is poor at expressing emotions—I must be an invincible Iron Blood leader."

Saying this, Bisimai's expression softened. "But whenever I'm in front of you, I can feel a sense of ease, without needing to impose that steadfastness toward my compatriots on you."

"At least in front of you, I can slightly set down this burden. As you said, human nature is greedy; when faced with happiness, everyone wants more, and I am no exception."

"So if the commander is willing, I greatly look forward to chasing these happinesses with you in the future."

As soon as Bisimai's words fell, Qin Ge immediately embraced her. "Hearing you say that is truly wonderful."

"Commander..."

Bisimai felt Qin Ge's embrace; although her heart was still racing, she felt an unusual calm.

This feeling is truly good.

Leaning on Qin Ge's shoulder, Bisimai softly said, "What expression should I show at a time like this?"

"Just smile." Qin Ge said softly.

"A smile...? I understand."