"It's been twelve years. Twelve years ago, you walked behind me, and twelve years later, you're still walking behind me. Seventh Brother, I've always wondered if there could be a day when you could walk beside me naturally, instead of walking alongside me at my behest?"
Wen Moyin's voice came from in front of him. Cen Ji was slightly startled, but then remained silent and quietly followed behind Wen Moyin.
A hint of sadness flashed in Wen Moyin's eyes at the silence of the person behind him.
She tilted her head slightly, looking at the crowd of people on the South Peak, but the slanting sunlight made her lower her eyelids.
Her eyes welled up with tears, but they were quickly dried by the mountain breeze.
Wen Moyin led Cen Ji to a secluded spot on the South Peak, avoiding the martial arts practitioners gathered on the sacrificial platform.
After entering the house, Wen Moyin took out a brand-new long robe that had been prepared in advance and was about to help Cen Ji change into it.
"Moyin, I'll change it myself." Cen Ji took a slight step back.
Wen Moyin smiled faintly and said, "What, isn't changing your husband's clothes what every virtuous wife should do?"
As she said this, Wen Moyin's face was filled with tenderness, as if she and he were really just an ordinary couple content with the mundane world.
Cen Ji looked at the long robe in her hand, his brows furrowing, his lips moving but before he could speak, he felt a blur before his eyes, and a fragrant, soft body was thrown into his arms.
Wen Moyin tiptoed, reached out and wrapped her arms around Cen Ji's neck, burying her head in his neck.
Cen Ji was startled, and just as he raised his hand, a muffled question suddenly came from beside him—
"You've never loved me, have you?"
Cen Ji's raised hand froze in mid-air.
"yes."
Feeling the trembling of the person in his arms, Cen Ji couldn't help but reach out and put his hand on her shoulder.
When did you realize that?
"After losing my sight."
"Oh, they're even earlier than me."
Wen Moyin slowly straightened up, staring intently at Cen Ji's face.
She had always thought that Cen Ji had changed his mind after meeting Ban Lan, until just now when the two of them were going up the mountain, and her question that went unanswered made her understand everything.
Twelve years ago, he walked behind her; twelve years later, he still walks behind her. There has always been an insurmountable distance between them.
That one short step is why they could never truly see each other's true feelings.
She thought he loved her.
He also thought he loved her.
Ultimately, it was nothing more than looking at the moon's reflection in the water or seeing flowers through the mist—none of it was truly clear. Cen Ji steadfastly maintained that one step's distance, steadfastly upheld the respect a bodyguard should have for his master, steadfastly watched Wen Moyin's solitary figure, and steadfastly clung to what he believed to be love.
Wen Moyin reached out and brushed away the stray hairs from Cen Ji's forehead, saying, "You don't love me. But... you still married me."
Her cool fingertips slid slowly down Cen Ji's cheek, reaching his neck. She smiled faintly and said, "Hurry up and change your clothes." With that, she placed the long robe in Cen Ji's arms and gracefully left.
The moment she stepped out the door, she bit her lower lip hard and looked toward the altar not far away.
She had no idea that what was about to happen today would almost be the end of Cen Ji's life.
All she knew was that this was her last chance.
betray
Noon in winter is not actually very warm.
Despite the bright sunshine, Dr. Sun still wore an extra coat.
Dr. Sun chose a secluded corner and quietly settled down, flipping through the medical book in his hands. Older people often dislike crowds.
Seeing the perplexing point, Doctor Sun couldn't help but rub his forehead and ponder deeply. He reached for the tea that had just been brewed on the small table beside him, but found nothing.
Dr. Sun was taken aback and turned to look.
"The tea is getting a little cold."
The sudden sound behind him startled Doctor Sun so much that his hand trembled and the book fell to the ground.
He turned around and saw Cen Ji, dressed in black with black hair, a straight nose, and eyes as deep as a ravine.
“Master Cen…” Doctor Sun made a move to stand up.
Cen Ji placed the teacup back on the table with one hand and gently patted Doctor Sun's shoulder with the other.
"Let's call him Cen Ji." Startled by Cen Ji's pat, Doctor Sun slumped back down.
The mountain wind was strong, blowing Cen Ji's clothes into the wind and messing up his originally neat hair. Doctor Sun felt as if everything in front of him was dark, obscuring the sky and the sun.
"Is she alright?" Cen Ji's voice wasn't loud, but it went straight to Doctor Sun's ears.
"She's gone back." Doctor Sun picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip. Fortunately, it wasn't too cold; it was still warm.