Suddenly, a chilling voice echoed in Mu Yunhe's mind: "I will let her know the sorrow and terror of possessing this name!"
Could it be Ruilin?
The thought of this possibility made Mu Yunhe's heart ache terribly. What if it really was Ruilin? Given how much Mu Yunhe cared for Luo Zhiheng in the past, if Luo Zhiheng were harmed, he would immediately find the culprit and torture them to death. Even just the thought that this person might have harmed Luo Zhiheng would not have deterred him.
But now that it's him, why is he so hesitant and tormented? What exactly are his feelings and attitude towards Ruilin? He's already considered the possibility that Ruilin might have done such a cruel thing, so why is he thinking about how to help Ruilin clear his name? Though it's a possibility, Mu Yunhe knows in his heart that this person is probably really Ruilin.
Just then, Xiao Xizi rushed in to report, looking extremely uneasy, "Master, someone from the General's Mansion just came to report that General Luo was assassinated last night."
Mu Yunhe's expression turned cold, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes: "Is General Luo injured? Have you captured the assassin? Are the others injured?"
Xiao Xizi said, "General Luo was not injured. The assassin escaped, but the barbarian chief who had been guarding General Luo was the first to discover the assassin. The fight with the assassin alerted the others, and the assassin fled when he realized that his assassination attempt had failed."
"Is she injured?" Mu Yunhe's expression changed, and his voice suddenly became tense.
"Who?" Xiao Xizi was taken aback, then quickly realized what was happening and said, "The person who came to report said that the chieftain of the barbarians is indeed injured, and quite seriously. Because she is the chieftain of the barbarians, it is really difficult to explain that such a thing happened in our territory. Moreover, it was to protect General Luo, so the people from the General's Mansion want to ask the master what to do."
Upon hearing that Ruilin was injured, Mu Yunhe was truly flustered and disoriented. He even neglected the still unconscious Luo Zhiheng, instructing Xiao Xizi to watch over her, and hurriedly left.
When Mu Yunhe arrived at the General's Mansion, a large number of soldiers had already gathered there. Clearly, even the Emperor had been alerted. He hurried inside, his mind filled with images of Ruilin's injuries. One moment he was furious at Ruilin's care and devotion to Luo Zhiwu, how he had even dared to fight the assassins for her sake. The next he was annoyed that Ruilin didn't cherish himself. Then he wondered, was it really just a coincidence? How could Luo Zhiheng be disfigured, and Luo Zhiwu also be assassinated? Was Ruilin truly uninvolved?
With mixed emotions, Mu Yunhe stepped into Luo Zhiwu's room. He wanted to see Ruilin first, but out of courtesy, he had to visit Luo Zhiwu first. After a quick glance and a few words, he went to Ruilin's room.
Luo Zhiheng's face was pale, and her lips, exposed beneath the golden mask, were also pale, no longer as rosy and delicate as before, making her tender and exquisite chin appear even more adorable and pale.
She lay quietly on the bed, her soft, warm, snow-white animal hide making her appear fragile and easily broken. Mu Yunhe felt a pang of pain in his heart, a dense, winding pain spreading deep within. Caught off guard, he almost groaned, startling the demon woman guarding the bedside.
The moment the Demoness saw Mu Yunhe, a murderous glint flashed in her eyes. Having learned of Mu Yunhe's relationship with Luo Zhiheng, the Demoness deeply disliked Mu Yunhe, a feeling she couldn't quite explain. However, the obvious heartache on Mu Yunhe's face somewhat eased her conscience.
"What are you doing here?" The Bear King was far less polite. His master was already angry that he had to come and take care of someone he had no connection with, and seeing Mu Yunhe made him even angrier. Although the Bear King was simple-minded, he still had some sense. In his opinion, his master's unwarranted condescension to take care of someone else was only because of this man in front of him.
The thought of its master falling for that other person shattered the bear king's thick, fragile heart into countless pieces, beyond repair.
Mu Yunhe's eyes were only on Luo Zhiheng. He ignored the demon girl with her complicated gaze, ignored the angry bear king, ignored the wolf king with his fierce aura, and walked straight to Luo Zhiheng's bedside. His movements were illogical, yet everything seemed so natural, leaving the three people with an indescribable feeling.
"I need to be alone with her for a while. Please leave."
Her self-righteous tone infuriated everyone, but the demones stopped the irritable bear king and the sinister wolf king. She knew all too well that Luo Zhiheng must really want to be with Mu Yunhe at this moment.
After the three left, Mu Yunhe stared intently at Luo Zhiheng. Even through the mask, he didn't feel like a stranger. Sitting by her bedside, her fragrance was unfamiliar, yet he didn't find it repulsive. He couldn't help but raise his hand to stroke her cheek. The cold mask gleamed smoothly, and his fingertips lingered on her chin, conveying a profound sadness and unspeakable grief.
She woke up in his arms, and the moment she opened her eyes, their eyes met. In his eyes were a mixture of barely concealed pain and bewildered amazement, while in her eyes were intense wariness and profound weariness.
Mu Yunhe leaned down as if bewitched, his breath heavy and deep. He disliked the wariness in her eyes, so he pressed his voice almost interrogatively: "Are you afraid of me?"
Luo Zhiheng's eyes were momentarily dazed, then turned distant and indifferent. She turned her face slightly to the side, her voice carrying an unusual coldness: "Stay away from me, I don't know you."
Mu Yunhe's expression shattered into a ferocious one in an instant. He forcefully turned her face around, his eyes seemingly hiding the madness of a wolf, filled with sorrow and hurt: "I already know I was wrong, what more do you want? Are you only happy when you ruin my face? Only then will you be willing to forgive me?"
Luo Zhiheng's pupils contracted slightly, seemingly surprised that even with her using the disguise of assassins on this side, he still suspected her. But then she quickly understood. He was Mu Yunhe, and even if only a third of Mu Yunhe remained, he was still Mu Yunhe. How could he truly be utterly foolish?
How could she bear to be truly indifferent to him? It was just that she was afraid to face his insightful eyes, afraid that he would see through her feelings.
"Are you blaming me? Blaming me for ruining the face of your beloved woman? Or are you going to ruin my face to avenge your 'Aheng'?" Her tone was melodious, seemingly extremely pleased, yet also like a sharp blade, relentlessly wounding Mu Yunhe. Only his pain could alleviate her heartache.
"If I really blamed you, do you think I would still be speaking to you so humbly now? Ruilin, what deep-seated hatred do you have for Luo Zhiheng that you target her at every turn and now you've ruined her face?" Mu Yunhe was also surprised by his own reaction. Luo Zhiheng was injured, but he seemed indifferent. Instead, he came over to comfort the culprit, afraid that if he made another unclear statement, he would really anger her.
The feeling he had for Ruilin was just like the feeling Mu Yunhe had for Luo Zhiheng in his memory. Facing her, there was only love, no hate. Even when she was being unreasonable, there was no blame or anger, because Mu Yunhe knew from the bottom of his heart that whatever Luo Zhiheng did, no matter how absurd or cruel, there must be a reason why she had to do it.
That's exactly how he feels about Ruilin now!
Mu Yunhe was stunned by his feelings. How could he have such feelings for Ruilin?
Rui Lin hurt Luo Zhiheng, and he's actually on Rui Lin's side!
Luo Zhiheng was startled by the obvious shock and disbelief on Mu Yunhe's face, and her words became less sharp: "What's wrong? Are you upset because I hurt your 'Aheng'?"
"No." Mu Yunhe answered subconsciously, then froze. How could he answer like that? What did he take Luo Zhiheng for? But seeing the bright smile on the woman's lips, Mu Yunhe couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. As long as she was happy, as long as she was satisfied, anything was fine, no matter what!
Luo Zhiheng was very satisfied with Mu Yunhe's attitude. Although he hadn't recognized her yet, Mu Yunhe's complete indifference towards Luo Ningshuang, his tolerance and accommodation towards her made Luo Zhiheng overjoyed. She had also vented her anger a little last night, and she was truly relaxed at this moment.
She hooked her hand around Mu Yunhe's neck, and amidst his shocked and embarrassed expression, she wrapped her arms around his neck, forcefully pulling his face down. Mu Yunhe didn't cooperate, a noticeable blush appearing on his handsome face, his eyes darting around evasively. This shy appearance reminded Luo Zhiheng of how they interacted a few years ago. Back then, Mu Yunhe was still a naive young man, and he would also blush like this from excessive intimacy.
Luo Zhiheng felt like teasing him, so she pouted her pale, colorless lips and said softly, "Mu Yunhe, kiss me."
Mu Yunhe's eyes widened, his ears turned bright red, he cleared his throat, his voice trembling slightly, and said in a low voice, "How can that be?"
Luo Zhiheng's domineering side kicked in, revealing her true nature as a female bandit: "If you don't kiss me, it means you hate me and resent me for hurting your 'Aheng,' which proves you want revenge on me. We are enemies. If you don't kiss me, then get out of here right now and don't let me see you again!"
Mu Yunhe felt a little flustered upon hearing this, his mind went blank, and staring at her chattering little mouth, he felt a burning desire. He lowered his head and kissed her lips. The soft touch triggered an unknown feeling in his heart, and he couldn't help but deepen the kiss. His lips and tongue delicately traced her lips, slowly going deeper, and gradually the passion intensified.
Luo Zhiheng was dizzy from his kiss, feeling as if the emptiness and void of the past three years had been filled in this moment. Warm sweetness and slight pain were mixed together, and in the end, there was only an intense love that no amount of unfamiliarity could dispel.
In her confused and infatuated state, Luo Zhiheng seemed to hear a murmur from his lips, a sound that was both satisfied and desperate, almost bringing tears to her eyes. It was like a dream, a vision that seemed real, and she didn't know if it had ever happened or if it was just her imagination.
“Aheng…”
It's past midnight, and the screen's black again. Waaaaah, Hua Sha really wants to grab Xiao Hehe and wring her out, to vent my frustration. That's all for today, I'm exhausted. Still asking for recommendations, comments, and monthly tickets! Hugs to my darlings! Do you think Xiao Hehe will remember anything from this kiss?
479 New Loves and Old Flames: A Man's Choice! (Bonus Chapter on the 5th)
Updated: 2013-12-06 13:09:42 Word Count: 8264
Mu Yunhe stood at the crossroads. He had walked this road countless times, but today, for the first time, he saw an extra fork in the road. He stood there, not knowing which way to go. The rich sweetness seemed to linger between his lips and teeth, and there was also a real stinging pain on the tip of his tongue, like a knife cutting through his soft lips and reaching his heart.
It hurts so much!
In a daze, I could almost hear Luo Zhiheng's tearful murmur: "Yun He..."
Her voice was so familiar, so melodious and almost desperate, its shattered tone chilling him to the bone.
For three years, without the feeling that Mu Yunhe remembered, the powerful impulse and longing drove him to a crazy, irrational state at that moment, and the kiss eventually turned into a hurt and condemnation between their lips and teeth.
She bit him with all her might. He didn't want to resist. The deep sadness in his heart made him feel helpless. He felt that she was venting her inexplicable anger and fear like a little animal. All he could do was indulge her and pamper her endlessly. Even though he knew he was hurting himself, he just wanted to indulge her.
He thought he must have forgotten something very important to Mu Yunhe, or perhaps someone, but what exactly had he forgotten? Something connected to Luo Zhiheng—that feeling of déjà vu, that deep-seated obsession, that kiss—he even fantasized about it lasting forever. Even when he opened his eyes, there was no Luo Zhiheng still at home in his world, only the woman before him and himself.
He didn't want to hesitate and doubt anymore. A vague guess was forming in his mind, but it was a rather absurd one. He looked at the fork in the road, and before him was Luo Zhiheng's masked face. His eyes were fixed on her eyes, clear red, clean and delicate, as if they were entangled with a deep-seated pain of sin. He was drawn into her pain and felt the intense pain as if he were experiencing it himself.
"I wish I could bite you to death, so that you would belong to me alone!" Luo Zhiheng's words were clear and profound, filled with intense hatred and deep affection. Her eyes were filled with tears as she looked at him. She smiled fiercely while tenderly tracing his lips with her tongue. The taste of blood on his lips was sent into her own mouth by her tongue, and the two of them tasted the warm and sweet taste of blood together.
Mu Yunhe trembled with heartache during that painful kiss. It was the first time Luo Zhiheng had spoken to him so clearly. She wanted to possess him, and her selfish desires prevented her from having anyone else. He felt not disgust, but a bittersweet pleasure.
"If one day you find I'm gone, remember to panic, because that means I don't want you anymore." The intertwining of their lips conveyed a queen who refused to admit defeat or allow herself to lose, a domineering declaration carrying her unique charm and sharpness. In short, it wasn't a joke; what she said, she meant!
That was the first time Luo Zhiheng had given him clear boundaries and time limits. It seemed like he had only just started dating this woman when he was ruthlessly told how long they could stay together. She wouldn't wait for him for long. If he couldn't meet her expectations, she would leave without hesitation. At that point, she would completely abandon him, and he would probably have no chance to regret it.
Mu Yunhe had never felt so sorrowful. He had to admit that he liked a woman who was special and wonderful. She was unrestrained, flamboyant, and different from others, yet she was also exceptionally sensitive.
She couldn't tolerate him having other women. Her love was clear and bold, natural and justified. In the face of her love, Mu Yunhe felt very humble. He could always sense the emotions in her eyes. Although their contact was brief, he couldn't deny his irresistible attraction to Luo Zhiheng.
The moment he realized he had truly fallen for a woman other than Luo Zhiheng, before he even had time to feel fear, guilt, or back down, this woman explicitly told him: "Choose me, and you can't have any other women. If you don't want me, wait until I reach my limit, and then you'll never have a chance to be with me again."
At that moment, Mu Yunhe felt no fear, guilt, or hesitation; all he felt was hatred and helplessness towards this woman who was so intensely passionate, along with a deep sense of panic. He thought to himself, he could never truly love or hate her.
"So you have to fall in love with me before I leave you." She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, her gaze seemingly playful and nonchalant, but he dared not take her words lightly or carelessly.
She pushed him away, and just as he was about to kiss her deeply again, she smiled with a captivating yet ruthless smile, saying in a chilling way, "Mu Yunhe, do you love me? If you love me, go back and kill that woman. If you don't love me, leave."
Too many things erupted at once, and before he could sort them out and digest them, she wouldn't allow him to back down and presented him with one challenge after another.
The woman in the house is Luo Zhiheng. He betrayed Mu Yunhe's intentions and didn't love Luo Zhiheng first, and then inexplicably fell in love with another woman. He is already an unrighteous bastard, so how could he possibly kill Luo Zhiheng in the house?
Suddenly, Mu Yunhe was shaken to his core. He didn't love her! He realized that his neglect of Luo Zhiheng all this time, even his care for her during her three-year coma, had failed to move him or evoke any heartache. It was because he didn't love her!
Does he no longer love Luo Zhiheng? Or perhaps Mu Yunhe no longer loves Luo Zhiheng?! But how could that be?
Mu Yunhe's remnant soul remained in the mortal world because of Luo Zhiheng's existence. As long as Luo Zhiheng was alive, Mu Yunhe would not die. If he no longer loved Luo Zhiheng, how could he still be safe and sound?
Mu Yunhe was in complete confusion; he had no idea what was wrong. The problem in his mind was simple: if he didn't love Luo Zhiheng, his tormented remnant soul would completely dissipate into the world, and he would be truly dead. Only if this remnant soul still loved Luo Zhiheng could it continue to exist.
But he no longer has any feelings for Luo Zhiheng, yet he is still alive and well.
Where exactly did things go wrong? He stood there, stunned, his mind still reeling.
Luo Zhiheng's smile vanished, replaced by a chilling demeanor. Pointing at the door, she shouted, "Get out!"
Mu Yunhe's expression changed, and he subconsciously gripped her hand tightly. He didn't want to let go of her, and he couldn't deceive his own heart any longer. She said she would leave if she didn't love him, and she told him to leave, which meant she was convinced that she didn't love him.
"What are you doing now? If you don't love me, why pretend to be so deeply in love? We're just strangers who met by chance." Luo Zhiheng smiled coldly, her smile devoid of any warmth, making Mu Yunhe's heart tremble.
"If I didn't love you, do you think I would kiss you with my self-control?" Mu Yunhe pinched her chin, his voice uncontrollably cold and hard.
He thought he saw something like a smile in Luo Zhiheng's eyes, but it vanished in an instant, and he thought he was just imagining things. Because Luo Zhiheng's voice was even colder: "Men are all the same. When they see a beautiful woman, they naturally can't control themselves. Besides, why wouldn't you take advantage of such a great deal? You're not stupid, why wouldn't you take advantage?"
Mu Yunhe, who was usually unsmiling and never showed his emotions, was truly at a loss for words. Was this woman his nemesis? Because no matter whether her words were right or wrong, even if he could find a thousand ways to refute them, he would not want to refute her. He just felt that as long as she was happy, nothing else mattered.
At that moment, Mu Yunhe's heart softened, simply because her swollen little lips were slightly pouting, and her bright eyes were captivating. Even just a slight smile could give him a strong impulse, making him wish he could offer her the best things in the world with both hands, just to make her smile.
"I'm not stupid. I know how I feel about you. If you just let me leave like this, it means you really don't want me anymore, Ruilin. I'm not an irresponsible man. I love you, but I can't let Luo Zhiheng down. She's not just my wife, she's my responsibility, she's Mu Yunhe's life." Mu Yunhe's last words mentioned his own name. He thought, perhaps his feelings for another woman were just personal emotions stemming from his third personality? These emotions shouldn't belong to the complete Mu Yunhe. He couldn't selfishly judge the complete Mu Yunhe because of himself.
"You mean, you're choosing that woman in your family?" Luo Zhiheng really didn't know how to feel. She had always known that Mu Yunhe cared about her, but hearing Mu Yunhe say that she had spoken of his life made her feel extremely uncomfortable.
It's not good to say this unless you're in a dilemma.
The two fell silent for a moment. Later, Luo Zhiheng gave Mu Yunhe something—an exquisite ruby ring. When she handed it to him, she said, "I know your responsibilities, and I've heard the story between you and Luo Zhiheng. It's touching and admirable, but love never comes in order of arrival, nor is there any reason to it. I, Ruilin, am a selfish woman. I've fallen in love with you, I want you, and you can only belong to me. But I'm not one to force others."
"So, Mu Yunhe, I'm giving you the right to think and choose. You can keep this ring. When you've decided who to choose, wearing it will be your answer. If you don't want me, you don't need to return it; just destroy it. I'm only giving you three days to consider; after that, it's over!"
With mixed feelings, Mu Yunhe left Luo Zhiheng.
The ruby ring shone dazzlingly in the sunlight, its brilliance resembling Luo Zhiheng's eyes, blooming with a solitary, captivating beauty in his pale, almost transparent palm. Slowly clenching his fist, he seemed to grasp at the hope of being with her.
At this fork in the road, he ultimately chose the narrow, winding path he had never taken before. The path was incredibly rugged, strewn with thorns and weeds, muddy and difficult to traverse. He was extremely weak and exhausted, yet he persevered. The journey home should have taken only half an hour, but he didn't return to his residence until late at night.
After Mu Yunhe left the path, the demoness put away all her illusions and returned to Luo Zhiheng's side.
The demoness asked, puzzled, "Master, why don't you just tell Mu Yunhe that you are Luo Zhiheng?"
Luo Zhiheng lazily touched her mouth, smiling like a cat that had just stolen some cream, both delighted and expectant: "What else is fun? He didn't recognize me at first, so this is his lesson and torment. When he finds out later, he'll be so regretful, annoyed, and anxious. I'm already looking forward to seeing how he reacts when he finds out."
The demones thought about how Mu Yunhe was so conflicted in front of Luo Zhiheng, being teased by Luo Zhiheng so playfully, and how he was so upset and confused, while Luo Zhiheng, being so young and heartless, just watched the show from the sidelines, and they found it all quite amusing.
"Isn't the master afraid that he will ultimately choose the imposter? After all, this matter is too unbelievable. Who would have thought of such a shocking conspiracy?"
Luo Zhiheng smiled confidently: "No, he won't choose any woman other than me. But he's still so hesitant now, I guess his answer in a few days will make me very angry. After all, I'm so important to Mu Yunhe. Luo Ningshuang is impersonating me now. Mu Yunhe is so responsible, he should give up his feelings to make Mu Yunhe and Luo Zhiheng a complete couple."