Scharlachroter Regen überflutet die Stadt

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I smiled slightly and said, "I miss you very much."

He smiled and said, "Me too."

I turned to look out the window. "I'm fine now."

“I can see that.” Lu Xiu nodded. “Next month, the Emperor will abdicate and he will succeed to the throne.”

He's finally going to be emperor...

"Really?" I replied softly.

"I remember someone once said that once things settled down, they would join me in a carefree life in the martial world. I wonder if the person who made that promise has kept it?!"

I laughed. If a smile could answer anything... then I would just laugh...

The main text is for those who can't follow V.

————Little Shui, who doesn't keep her word

This is dedicated to friends who can't connect with me on V; perhaps you no longer consider me a friend.

This is my first time getting verified (V) and my first time posting, and I'm still nervous. Now that I'm verified, I'm acting like a coward. I remember the first time I posted "Zhao," on Hongxiu and Xiaoxiang, I was so excited, writing so many words every day. Then suddenly, I got a contract—my first contract, and I signed it in a daze, not even reading half of the 10contract. What I felt most reluctant to leave were some of the readers I had just built a relationship with, and I even said with great enthusiasm, "You're coming with me, I won't get verified." When I said those words, I was incredibly excited. And then you… you really came with me. I was excited, I was overjoyed. Even your casual online nickname became a name I secretly remembered. Even just the word "visitor" would draw my attention, and I'd secretly guess how you felt about "Zhao." Now I know you're leaving, not because you're tired of "Zhao," but because I abandoned you first, because I didn't keep my promise.

Xiao Shui was just a newbie, the kind of tadpole that could easily drown in this vast pond. She didn't know how to advertise, didn't understand relationships, and didn't even know how to get featured. Every day she just stared at her editor's avatar, waiting for her to speak. Most of the time, the editor remained silent, so Xiao Shui stayed silent too, never bothering her. Xiao Shui's confidence in consistently updating public chapters was gradually eroded. She often felt a fear of drowning, and what kept her going were your comments and support. Until one day, the editor threw out a sentence, "You're going to be published." Xiao Shui only discovered that sentence two days later in her QQ messages. It seemed Xiao Shui hadn't made a decision, hadn't discussed it with her, and now she was going to be published and add a VIP membership.

To be honest, my feelings at the time were absolutely bittersweet. I was happy because finally my editor spoke up; I hadn't drowned after all, and I could finally receive recognition. But I was also sad because I knew in my heart that you were leaving!

Then, Xiaoshui struggled for two days, thinking a lot during those two days. Xiaoshui didn't want to be abandoned by the editor, didn't want to drown in this pool, so Xiaoshui had to bear the pressure, the criticism, the guilt and shame and keep going. Xiaoshui had the opportunity to make things clear before being added to the paid section, but Xiaoshui was really cowardly. I couldn't even say the words "I can't keep my promise," so I could only remain silent, like a turtle hiding its head, not even daring to read the comments. In those two days, I rushed to finish many public chapters. You will see that Xiaoshui updated several chapters the day before being added to the paid section, many times more than usual. That was the fourth day after the editor arranged for Xiaoshui to be published! On the fourth day, I still wanted to insist on updating public chapters! Because I knew you were leaving, and I wanted to send you off with more words.

I know you're leaving, and I can only see you off quietly. I know that everything I said might seem like an excuse to you. Actually, I have no right to argue with you because I've added a verified account, I really have, and I haven't kept my promise! Xiao Shui hates this version of herself. Maybe all authors are like this. They start with a playful attitude, then get serious, but their initial motivation for writing has changed, and they inevitably become more pragmatic.

Xiao Shui had thought that when the time came, the editor would come to discuss the timing of adding a verified account to her account. At that time, Xiao Shui wanted to tell her about her difficulties and seek her advice. However, everything was different from what she thought. There was no discussion, no reminder, and the listing was arranged. That was it! This seemed like a great temptation, but the editor did not know the helplessness behind it, but Xiao Shui did.

If Xiaoshui wants to stay in this pool, she has no choice but to abandon you. Before abandoning you, I thought of many ways to get recommended through my own efforts, but Xiaoshui failed. After failing, she saw things more clearly: there are many helpless situations in the world of writing, and sometimes we have to follow in other people's footsteps. Xiaoshui was powerless to struggle, and indeed, she didn't have the resources.

You can call Xiaoshui pretentious, you can call her affected, you can even say that everything I've said is just an excuse! Xiaoshui herself knows it's all just an excuse. If it weren't an excuse, Xiaoshui wouldn't have been a coward for so long!

Now that you've stepped forward and offered your incisive words, helping Xiaoshui shed her shell, I want to thank you! If you didn't care about me, why would you criticize me?! It's just that Xiaoshui is very sad that I disappointed you, perhaps more than just disappointment, but also a lot of other emotions. I won't block your words; I'll highlight them, pin them to the top, so that every time I see them, I tremble, remember you, and recognize this false version of myself.

You can dislike Xiaoshui. But I hope you won't hate "Zhao".

I didn't want to upset you. So I sincerely apologize. I'm sorry. Xiaoshui didn't keep her word.

You were with me for so long. You talked so much. Now, I can only bid you farewell in silence. I want to tell you that your companionship gave me so much confidence and motivation. Every comment you made made me smile involuntarily. Waiting for your messages used to be my habit. I think that habit will remain… even though you are no longer here. I have no way to repay you for all the things you brought me.

While writing these seemingly sentimental words, I found myself repeatedly listening to the same song—"I Still Can't Let Go of You." This reflects Xiaoshui's helplessness at this moment. But Xiaoshui doesn't want to change your mind. So I still hope you can let go of all your emotions. I will silently see you off, and I hope you will turn back and look at me, whether with hatred or expressionless...

504472002 Xiaoshui's promise to you may come true someday in the future. A day that's far off. If you can't wait, you can scold me first. Maybe through the scolding, we'll become good friends. Xiaoshui is looking forward to it!

Sinful Land Little Water

Chapter Fourteen: The Dust Settles

Inside, Nangong hosted a banquet in the courtyard, and I went along with Lihua. The lotus pond and the strings of a zither played their own melodies. Nangong and Lu Xiu toasted each other. Mianye brought Xi'er over, and when I reached out and hugged her, it attracted Lu Xiu's attention.

Pear Blossom also gently rose and walked over slowly. She placed one hand on Xi'er's forehead and sighed, "This child is extremely beautiful."

I smiled and said, "I wonder if this appearance will be a blessing or a curse in the future."

Pear Blossom laughed along, looked up at me, and asked, "Won't our child be more beautiful than him?"

This remark caused Lu Xiu and Nangong, who were standing to the side, to put down their cups and silently watch the two of us.

I smiled as I examined the pear blossoms' seemingly genuine yet feigned envy. "You really like children?!"

"yes."

I nodded. "It would be wonderful if we had children."

With tender affection in her pear-blossom eyes, Xi'er opened her eyes, and I felt that the beauty before me resembled a blooming lotus flower. Her beauty was delicate and shy, making even a pond of green lotus flowers pale in comparison. Xi'er moved restlessly in my arms, her bright eyes staring at Lu Xiu opposite her.

I smiled faintly, put down the door, and turned to leave. Pear Blossom caught up with me in a few steps. "Are you going back to your room?"

I chuckled and said, "Yes, go back and have a handsome son to raise."

Pear Blossom stopped in her tracks. "Nalan, do you truly love me?"

I looked at him with a faint smile. He suddenly smiled broadly. "Then have a child for me. I want a child whose beauty surpasses all the spirits in the world."

"Then you must wait for me in the room. You are not allowed to fall asleep first." I smiled as well.

Watching Li Hua's retreating figure, I suddenly felt exhausted. For the first time, I felt a deep pity for this exquisitely beautiful person.

I turned and walked in another direction. I felt a chill behind me that seemed to tear my chest apart…

It was already early morning. I pushed open the study door, welcoming the first rays of sunlight. I walked around the backyard, watching the autumn moon approach from afar.

"Master, Young Master Pear Blossom sat in the courtyard all night."

I gently pushed open the courtyard gate of Lilan Residence and looked at the long-haired man with his shoulders rubbing and a deep weariness in his eyes. I sighed softly, "Why don't you go to sleep?"

"I'm waiting for you." He didn't look at me, his tone as if he were talking about something unimportant. "You said you didn't want me to go to sleep first."

I remembered the joke I made yesterday, looked up at him, and said, "Go to sleep."

"Are you afraid of me?" he asked calmly. "That's why you didn't come last night... You're afraid I'll kill you..."

"Yes, I'm scared," I replied, feeling increasingly exhausted.

Slowly, he gathered his strength, and finally, he was able to smile at me.

I was burned by that smile, and my gaze went straight into his eyes.

"Pear Blossom, do you still remember?" My voice was tinged with weariness, low and slow. "How did you look at me the night we first met?"

Looking bewildered, Pear Blossom shook her head.

"Your eyes are like daggers."

I spoke softly, a slight smile playing on my lips: “I saw it clearly. There was a murder weapon hidden in your eyes, a desire to kill me. You deliberately knelt before me, deliberately revealing that stunning face. At that time… you were seducing me, weren’t you? You thought you would make me fall for your beauty, so that you could carry out your plans without restraint. What you wanted was for me to say in the Hoi On Hall that I was with you on the day of the incident. You wanted to use that one sentence to destroy Nalan Manor.”

"But you ruined yourself!"

"Yes! Nangong is an extremely intelligent man, but he is too stubborn. He knows that your life is my death. He knows that the person who hurt him is Situ, but he is powerless to touch Situ, so he can only target you! Therefore, he would rather lie and cater to Situ by pushing the assassination attempt onto you. As long as I don't say a word, this storm will end with your death. This time, Situ is gambling with your life."

He knew you would tell!

"I didn't want to say it," I smiled weakly, "but I didn't want to see you die either! So you've still won by a hair's breadth!"

"Did you know the consequences of what you did that day?"

"I know," I sighed softly.

Do you regret it?

"I have no idea."

"If you say that, I'll get you in trouble."

I smiled slightly. "Isn't this what you wanted?"

Pear Blossom shook her head. "You are the leader of the alliance after all. Why would you do something worthless for me? If you don't say anything, you won't be in danger."

I looked up and stared at him:

"I... am not that noble."

"Yes, but regarding the assassination attempt on Nangong, at least you are innocent." I sighed, referring only to the fact that the person wasn't you, regardless of whether you knew about it, remained indifferent, or whether you colluded with them to trap me, regardless of... whether you were in cahoots."

"Even if you don't say anything, I won't do anything."

“Yes.” I smiled, “but the Yuan Church has killed many innocent people.”

The pear blossoms, with a smile like the spring breeze of March, looked at me silently, their eyes holding too much unspoken emotion.

I reached out and brushed the fallen leaves from his hair. "I—I didn't do it for you—" Someone once placed the word "world" in my heart. Sometimes, some memories can be deliberately forgotten, but habits are formed imperceptibly.

Pear Blossom stood still for a long time, "We still made a mistake, because he didn't expect you to say you liked me. In front of all the heroes of the martial arts world, you ruined his entire plan with just one sentence."

I sighed and laughed, "What's the second step in your plan? What happens after I admit I'm with you?"

Pear Blossom smiled coolly, "Later I will falsely accuse you of colluding with the Yuan Cult."

"But just because of a single word like 'I like you,' the outcome is completely different."

"Yes, although you have lost your reputation for chastity, at least you have saved Nalan Manor. Situ underestimated you in your desperate move of burning your bridges."

"Why do you say that?" I asked softly.

"He always believed that you were the kind of person who would do anything for dignity, but you chose to trample on it."

“I… also sometimes succumb to fate.” I looked at him. “That’s not surprising.”

When did you start to doubt me?

I laughed, “Back then, Situ told me to take you away! If you were someone he wanted to kill, why would he hand you over to me so easily? If you were truly someone he framed, he would never have given you a chance to live. No matter what, he would never have handed you over to me. But you just happened to come, and you were sent here by the Situ family. I can’t help but suspect that you came to my side with other intentions, so I started to think that maybe it was a trap from the very beginning.”

Pear Blossom paused for a moment, then smiled coolly and said, "If that's the case, why..."

I?"

I stared at him for a moment, and when I spoke, my tone remained calm. "You still ask this question now, which shows that all the effort I put into you has been wasted. I won't keep you here. You only have two choices: one is to die, and the other is to go back to his side. If you go back to his side and continue that unconventional relationship, I'm afraid it will only make your life worse. That's why you chose to leave three years ago."

Pear Blossom smiled bitterly, "I cannot ruin his lifelong reputation."

"But you ruined me." I smiled. "Because you loved him, you didn't hesitate to leave him, yet you returned to his side to help him when he needed you. You were willing to give everything to fight for him, yet you didn't hesitate to use despicable means to scheme against me, to scheme against everyone in the world. You failed at one skill, so you devised another, staying by my side ready to strike at me again at any moment?!"

Upon hearing those words, Pear Blossom trembled slightly. He stared at me blankly, opened his mouth, but ultimately couldn't utter a word.

"You should leave. This is the best I can do to protect you. It won't be long before Nangong discovers your background. I really don't want another life to be lost in my manor."

Pear Blossom stared at me intently, her eyes still shimmering with boundless tenderness. I shook my head. "Pear Blossom, don't look at others like that anymore! Remember, you are a man..."

I turned and left the courtyard, but the shadow behind me remained standing still.

For the first time in many days, I shared breakfast with someone other than Pear Blossom.

Xiaoyu looked up and glanced around, then asked softly, "Where's the pear blossom?"

“He’s sick,” I replied.

Nangong frowned slightly and instructed the people behind him, "Seal off all four gates of the manor, not even a fly is allowed to get out."

"Why bother?" I chuckled, mimicking the servant's smile. "Just be as carefree as before."

The servant was clearly in a dilemma. Nangong clenched his fist. "Are you going to let the tiger return to the mountain?!"

"Enough!" I couldn't hold back my anger and slammed my hand on the table. "We should use this time to find the traitor in our own ranks. Why bother getting entangled with useless people?"