If Bian Yue were 18, if she were experiencing the first stirrings of love, she would certainly feel that Shen Jinci was confessing to her.
But she is no longer a child.
Among adults, it's compatibility and attraction that count.
Bian Yue still has some self-awareness; what compatibility or attraction could there be between her and Shen Jinci?
Between them, it is complete control of someone in a high position over someone in a low position.
Bian Yue no longer wishes to try loving someone she cannot control.
"Shen Jinci," Bian Yue said, "do you know what my favorite word was when I was studying?"
Shen Jinci asked her what it was.
Bian Yue said it was equality.
"I like equality," said the young girl seriously, "not the equality given to me by others, but the equality I earn for myself."
"Is there any difference between the two?"
"What's given by others can be taken back by others. What I earn, I can use as I see fit."
Shen Jinci understood what Bian Yue meant.
