Chapter 109
Any questions you may have will be answered in this chapter.
"I saw Xue'er in the Blood Tower." I thought for a moment, but I didn't know where to start. I just uttered these words in hesitation.
"What?" A familiar, unforgettable voice rang out. I was stunned for a moment, then gave a bitter smile. Perhaps only Xue'er could have kept him hiding for so long before he showed himself. It turned out he had never left; he had just been watching me from the shadows.
Gui Yao flashed to my side and pulled me behind him to protect me. I felt a pang of sadness in my heart. What was I still hoping for? Hadn't I already figured some things out?
Jue stared at the woman whose figure was only visible behind Gui Yao. He didn't know what to say. He had been hiding in the shadows for a long time, watching her skillfully deal with the women in the harem and the palace. She had lost the softness she had when she first arrived and had learned to be cold-hearted. But he also saw her pain. He wanted to hold her in his arms and comfort her unease, but he knew that she was rejecting him now. However, seeing her hiding behind Gui Yao, he really wanted to pull her out and teach her a lesson. How could she hide behind another man? Jue stared expressionlessly at Gui Yao holding Zi Xue's hand, a chill rising from him.
"You really are here." The heavy atmosphere in the air made everyone uncomfortable. I just held onto the hem of my clothes tightly. Gui Yao spoke up, giving everyone a chance to continue.
"You found her, why didn't you tell me?" Jue's features were almost perfect, but his eyes, which seemed to freeze at the slightest glance, revealed no emotion. His cold and arrogant face sent chills down one's spine.
"You like her?" Gui Yao's eyebrows were cold and domineering, his narrow phoenix eyes were narrowed, revealing a hint of danger, and his lazy and charming voice added to his allure.
A chill rose, and in an instant I found myself in Jue's embrace. Gui Yao couldn't even pull me away. The wooden house was filled with murderous intent, as if a war could break out at any moment.
I felt lost in Jue's arms. To be honest, I still craved the warmth he brought me, and I still missed the tenderness he gave me. I told myself I couldn't fall any deeper, but I had already completely entered into it. I felt uneasy and fearful inside. I was still afraid that he would say he had never loved me, afraid that he would break up with me, afraid that he would disappear from my world forever.
I suddenly snapped out of it, pushed him away, and quickly backed away, feeling dazed. I didn't hear their calls, bumped into the chair behind me, and fell to the ground.
Jue was startled by the woman in his arms pushing him away. He saw the chair behind her, but it was too late to go up and save her.
When Shanzhu and Jing'er heard the noise, they rushed over and saw this scene: Zixue was lying on the ground in a sorry state, and two stunningly handsome men had reached out and stopped in mid-air, their faces showing expressions of pity. Jing'er was once again stunned by such a handsome man, and Shanzhu was also dumbfounded.
"Miss," "Sister," Jing'er and Shanzhu immediately reacted and ran over to help me up, but I didn't move and kept my head down. They had no choice but to squat on the ground with me.
Yes, I'm blind now. What reason do I have to stay by Jue's side? Living in darkness is a constant pain in my heart. I don't regret what I did, but why am I starting to back down and question the meaning of my existence? I miss you both—Mom and Dad.
"Xue'er," my silence made everyone in the little wooden house feel uncomfortable.
I waved away Jing'er and Shanzhu's hands, and groped my way back desperately until I reached what I thought was a corner. I hugged my feet and stared blankly ahead, my gaze unfocused.
My reaction terrified everyone. Jing'er and Shanzhu rushed to my side and called out to me. Gui Yao tried to walk to my side, but stopped after taking two steps. Jue's sharp eyes were filled with pain, but at that moment my mind was blank and I didn't see it at all.
"Jing'er, Shanzhu, you two go out," I mumbled. I thought it was better to make things clear for both of us.
"Miss," "Sister," Shanzhu and Jing'er were unwilling to go out, but seeing my resolute expression, they had no choice but to leave. Jing'er glared at them before leaving, saying that they were the ones who caused her sister's condition. Shanzhu knew that these two were more skilled than her, so she quickly pulled the princess out to prevent her from getting hurt.
“I actually think I’m quite lucky. The first person I saw when I got here was you. I still remember you then. Your expression was cold and indifferent, without a trace of gentleness. Your blood-stained sword gleamed coldly. There were corpses all over the ground. Do you know how scared I was? But, strangely enough, I actually wanted to get close to you, even disregarding my own life.” I murmured as I sat on the ground, my mind filled with memories. I didn’t want to hear what they had to say. This time, I wanted them to hear what I had to say.
Xue'er lowered her head, her cold demeanor masking her sorrow; she didn't know what to say.
"Actually, ever since I saw Xue'er in the Blood Tower, I've understood a little. I understand why you didn't kill me back then, why you doted on me so much, why you protected me so much, and why you 'loved' me so much. I understand everything, but I dare not think about it, dare not ask. I silently deny all my thoughts, and I tell myself that you really love me." My tone changed, and sadness overflowed. What am I, really?
I paused, took a breath, held back my tears, and continued in a choked voice, "But, Jue, I can't convince myself. You're using me as a substitute for Xue'er. I don't know what your plans are, but I know I'm an indispensable pawn in your scheme—a pawn exposed to the world, a pawn to let everyone know I'm your weakness, a pawn to cover for Xue'er. Because I look so much like Xue'er, perhaps you're implementing some plan, afraid Xue'er will be discovered, and that's how I came to be. I'm telling you... right?" I didn't have the strength to continue. The truth was so cruel. I didn't want to face it, but I could no longer deceive myself.
"No," Jue Leng's expression cracked slightly, revealing a hint of pain and struggle in his eyes. He knew Xue'er was right, yet also wrong, and in the end, it all boiled down to these two words.
I could no longer hold back my tears; they streamed down my face like our love. I had been searching for my only solace in love, but when that solace disappeared, the walls of my heart crumbled. I picked up the shattered pieces and put them in a bottle, but I could never put them back together.
"It's over," I whispered with difficulty, burying my face in my knees.
"Bu" came to my side and hugged me. He didn't know what to say; he couldn't let her get hurt anymore. "I won't leave. Just wait a little longer, and we can be together forever."
"How can we be together? You like this, me like this, it's impossible. I'm so tired, I don't want to cry anymore, it really hurts." I looked at him with empty eyes and tear-streaked cheeks. I wanted him to see my eyes. I wanted him to leave me. Someone like me is no longer worthy of him, and I can't afford to be hurt anymore.
"No, Xue'er, I will heal your eyes, I promise." Jue placed his hands on my eyes and my cheeks, pressing his forehead against mine. His magnetic yet pained voice entered my ears, and my heart inexplicably felt a renewed sense of expectation. Perhaps I am a soft-hearted person.
Gui Yao left while Xue'er was speaking. He didn't want to interfere in their conversation; he wanted them to resolve it themselves. If Jue left, then he would protect her.
Fate has ended, fate has scattered, fate has no end; heartbreak, pain, never-ending; longing, illness, eternal separation; eyes open, eyes closed, tears have already thinned.
Puppet master of life, controller of fate—in the online tug-of-war, who is the victor?
Chapter 110
"Stop talking, get out, I want to be alone." I suppressed the desire in my heart. I dared not let myself continue to indulge like this. I pushed him away again. This was the third time. I pushed him away three times, which meant that my heart had run away three times.
"Okay, Xue'er, wait for me." She didn't force me at all. She rubbed her forehead against mine, gently left a kiss on my forehead, and then disappeared.
I cried. This time I can cry my heart out. It's not like this at all. The love I want isn't like this. It's like a torrential downpour falling on the vast earth. The accumulated sorrow swirls in this world. My aching heart is stabbed again and again like a knife, blood splattering. My heart aches faintly but cannot be healed. It's so deep that it's piercing my very bones.
I don't know how we should get along now. If I don't care about your manipulation and continue to be with you, where do I put my dignity and my heart? Even if you really loved me before, I don't dare to think about how deep your love was, for fear that the truth would be so heartbreaking.
I cried for a long, long time. My eyes were swollen like walnuts, and they hurt when I touched them lightly. I struggled to my feet. I had been sitting on the cold ground for a long time, and my legs were numb. Even standing up felt like I had no strength in my body, just like my heart.
Gui Yao was waiting outside to chat with them. Jing'er was standing outside first. When she saw Gui Yao come out, she looked behind him. When no one was there, she pouted and looked at Gui Yao with dissatisfaction. Then she remembered that Shan Zhu had told her that the two people were not good people. So she reluctantly withdrew her glare and lowered her head, squatting on the ground like a pitiful little pet waiting for her sister.
They waited for a very long time, but Gui Yao remained in the same position, leaning against the wooden railing outside the cabin, his eyes fixed on the ground with a deep gaze. His devilish face added to his languid charm. He was a man who perfectly embodied allure, and every move he made was enough to make people yearn for him and be haunted by his dreams.
Jing'er couldn't wait any longer. At this moment, she was only thinking about her sister and forgot all about Shanzhu's words. She stood up quickly and was in front of Guiyao in the blink of an eye. Before Shanzhu could react, she grabbed her. When Shanzhu came to her senses, she quickly moved closer to Guiyao to prevent him from attacking the princess.
Gui Yao was deep in thought when someone suddenly appeared in front of him. He wanted to attack, but sensing no murderous intent, he refrained. Looking up, he saw a delicate young girl with a fair complexion, lips like cherries, eyebrows like ink paintings, and eyes like autumn water. She was about fourteen or fifteen years old. Her jet-black hair was styled in a princess bun, adorned with a pearl hairpin with tassels. She smiled charmingly, her skin as white as snow, her cheeks flushed with a faint pink. She was delicate yet elegant, appearing cute and pretty. Her bright, lively eyes darted around mischievously, showing a hint of playfulness and naughtiness.
"Why isn't my sister coming out yet? Are you bullying her?" Her slightly childish voice and puffed-out cheeks made you want to pinch them. She was cute and clever but completely lacked any imposing manner, making you want to tease her a little.
"Girl, how would I know?" Gui Yao actually quite liked children, probably because his mother was like that too. Also, he knew that this little girl had saved Zi Xue. He had a mischievous thought in his mind, so he glanced at her, exuding charm, and then turned his face away.
Jing'er was stunned by his gaze, then blinked and shook her head violently, muttering angrily under her breath, "You monster!" Her face flushed red with anger, and she shifted her stance, appearing before Gui Yao with glaring, copper-bell-like eyes. "How could you not know? My sister was perfectly fine back then. After you came, she became like that. You must have done something!"
"Don't ask me, little girl." Gui Yao's originally annoyed mood was amused by her cute expression. She looked at her with a half-smile, and reached out to pinch her cheeks.
"How dare you!" Jing'er struggled against his hands. When he released her, she quickly protected her face and scolded him in her delicate voice, but it had no power. "Men and women should not touch each other. I am a princess. How could you..." A few tears welled up in her eyes, like cat ears drooping on her head, which was quite cute and made her want to be tormented.
Indeed, seeing the girl's expression, Gui Yao really had the urge to torment her, but he restrained himself. He was also afraid that this little animal would run to Zi Xue and complain about him. He sat sideways on the wooden railing, one foot on the railing, the other swinging in the air, arms crossed, back against the wooden pillar, a glint in his eye, and said in a magnetic voice, "Girl, come here."
Jing'er was once again captivated by his good looks and walked over in a daze. Only when she was almost upon him did she snap out of it, slapping her forehead and muttering, "Really, how could I be bewitched by a handsome man? I am the dignified princess of the Snow Kingdom!"
Jing'er thought her voice was too soft for others to hear, but those with special skills could hear even the faintest sound. Hearing this, Gui Yao chuckled, thinking to herself, 'What an adorable girl!'
I propped myself up and opened the door, and heard Jing'er's accusations against Gui Yao. My heart warmed, and then I heard what Jing'er said next. My weariness and depression dissipated a little.
"Alright, Xiao Yao, stop teasing Jing'er." I leaned weakly against the door frame, my hoarse voice startling even myself, but I still couldn't help but smile bitterly. When did I, Zi Xue, ever get myself into this state for a man?
A gentle breeze blew by, and Gui Yao was already beside me. Even Shan Zhu couldn't see his movements clearly, which made Shan Zhu even more wary of him. But seeing that he didn't do anything to the young lady and the princess, she didn't do anything either.
Jing'er was initially delighted to hear my voice, but after carefully considering my words, she became so angry she almost jumped up. Seeing her dear sister being supported by the person who had mocked her, she immediately ran to my side, eager to win my favor.
"Sister, let Jing'er help you. Do you want something to eat? We've prepared mangosteens." Jing'er carefully helped me up and said happily, as if she was thinking about food, and her mouth looked like it was about to drool.
I smiled. Hearing Jing'er's cheerful voice always puts me in a good mood. Jing'er's voice has a soothing effect on the soul, and I am very grateful for the happiness that Jing'er brings.
Gui Yao was displeased. This little girl really didn't know what was good for her. Didn't she see that I wanted to spend time with Xue'er? She also started acting like a child with Jing'er, "Fatty, go get some food."
"No, I want to help my sister!" Jing'er realized that Gui Yao wanted to drive her away, but she wouldn't let him. Humph, she stuck out her tongue and made a face at him.
Seeing Jing'er's funny face, Gui Yao's face darkened, but he couldn't do anything. Zi Xue was still here. If he messed with that girl, Zi Xue would definitely help her, and then she would definitely blame him. He really couldn't do this, so he could only swallow his anger. But he also glared at Jing'er. He didn't realize how popular he was at this moment. If people in the martial arts world saw him, they would be shocked.
"Okay, let's go eat," I patted Jing'er's hand, signaling her to stop being stubborn.
Gui Yao's face returned to its original bewitching appearance, a cold glint flashed in her eyes, she glanced into the small wooden house, and then said to us, "You guys go first, I have some things to do, I'll be back later. You have to eat well, okay?" Before I could even reply, she had already disappeared.
Jing'er looked at Gui Yao gazing at her sister with such doting affection, and her heart ached, but she still smiled. When she saw Gui Yao's figure disappear, her face darkened, but when she heard that he would come back, her heart was filled with joy again. She didn't know why she felt this way; she could only attribute it to the fact that she had lost a playmate with whom she had quarreled. Jing'er was very naive; she couldn't yet distinguish what liking someone meant.
"Sister, let's go." Having regained her composure, Jing'er noticed her sister's swollen eyes but didn't ask anything. She understood her sister and would listen when she wanted to speak. Now, with ice packs on her eyes, she said, "Mangosteen, go fetch some water."
Shanzhu nodded in understanding and went out. Jing'er helped me sit down, placed a bowl beside me, and the aroma of food attracted me. Only then did I realize I was hungry. Jing'er happily fed me. When Shanzhu came back, she carefully wiped my eyes, refusing Shanzhu's help. She was very clumsy, and it was clear that Jing'er had never served anyone before. My heart was filled with emotion again.
Chapter 1011
Zixue was still very grateful to God for bringing her into this world. At least meeting Jing'er was an opportunity she would never forget in her life, and the warmth Jing'er brought her was something she would never forget. How could I bear to leave this innocent girl so soon? I wanted to see her find her lover and live a happy life before I could leave.
I could hear the seriousness in Gui Yao's tone just now, and I knew he had something important to do. I thought he might be back late, but Gui Yao appeared when Jing'er and I were halfway through our meal.
Jing'er was happily eating when Gui Yao suddenly appeared, startling her. She wanted to look up and scold him, but then she saw that his chest was covered in blood. She cried out in fright. Her sister hurriedly asked what happened. When she saw Gui Yao gesturing for her not to tell her sister, she immediately covered her mouth, her hand still in mid-air, pointing in the direction of the wound.
I was eating perfectly fine at first, but then I smelled Gui Yao's scent and heard Jing'er scream. I was startled and quickly asked, "What's wrong?"
"It's okay, sister, Jing'er saw a cockroach." Jing'er's voice trembled slightly, so I didn't doubt her and comforted her, saying, "Sometimes there are cockroaches in this little wooden house. Don't be afraid, Mangosteen, quickly catch the cockroach and get it out of here, don't scare Jing'er."
Gui Yao saw the girl cover her mouth and nodded in agreement, 'This girl isn't stupid.' But what she said next made his face turn pale. This girl was still holding a grudge against him for playing tricks on him earlier, actually calling him a cockroach. Is there such a beautiful cockroach as him? Hearing the girl's words was fine, but what Xue'er said next made him even more speechless. What did she mean by throwing him out?
Mangosteen was almost laughing at the scene. She looked at Gui Yao, who was standing there with a wry smile, and wondered how to get rid of the cockroach. It was quite big and it would be quite a struggle. Miss is really something.
"What's wrong with you guys?" I feel like the atmosphere has changed. I feel Jing'er trembling a little, Shan Zhu is making strange noises, and Gui Yao is silent. What's going on? Can anyone tell me?
"No, sister, let's eat. Jing'er isn't afraid anymore. It's just a cockroach, what's the big deal?" Jing'er suppressed a laugh and glanced at Gui Yao. Seeing that he turned pale again, she winked mischievously and smiled as she spoke to me.
"Okay, that's good. Jing'er is so brave. Just ignore the cockroach. Is Xiao Yao here? Sit down quickly. Were you scared by the cockroach too?" I smiled with satisfaction. Look at this child. Haha, it's only because I taught her that she's so brave.
Gui Yao couldn't exhale, so he had to swallow it down, which almost made him vomit blood.
After a few jokes, everyone ate their meal very calmly. Even Jing'er quieted down. I didn't say anything either. My father had taught me before that I shouldn't talk while eating. This is a good family tradition, and I followed it here. So I didn't feel that there was anything wrong with the atmosphere.
After secretly chuckling to herself for a while, Jing'er noticed that Gui Yao's wound was still bleeding. She quickly gestured to Shan Zhu, who hesitated, looking at Jing'er and then at me, but didn't move. Jing'er tilted her head in confusion, looked at Shan Zhu, then tapped her head and nodded knowingly. She started eating, but kept glancing at Gui Yao. Seeing him injured always made her feel inexplicably sad. Seeing him ignore his wound just to have a meal with his sister made Jing'er feel bad.
As I ate, I gradually sensed something was wrong. At first, the smell of blood made me think it was the smell of a cockroach killed by Mangosteen (author's note: This girl has a dog's nose). But now, the smell of blood was getting stronger. I put down my chopsticks, wiped my mouth with a handkerchief, and put on a serious expression. As I stopped, they stopped too. I asked in a stern tone, "Who's injured?"
"What?" Jing'er had been eating happily. Although she felt upset, she never forced herself to eat. She was the type to channel her grief into her appetite; she was someone who could easily let go of things. She was enjoying her meal when she saw her sister put down her chopsticks, expressionless. Jing'er was already about 80% full, so she put hers down too, wanting to see what her sister would say. But then her sister asked this question, and her eyes darted towards Gui Yao, a little worried that he might be scolded by her sister. (Author's note: This girl still has the heart of a child.)
"What happened?" No one answered me. The smell of blood became clearer and clearer. I was furious. How could someone be injured and not be told? Did she think she was blind and wouldn't know? My tone became even angrier.
Seeing her angry sister, Jing'er didn't know what to do and could only look to Gui Yao for help. "Just tell her, sister is angry." (Author's note: This girl didn't forget her sister for the sake of beauty, good girl.)
Gui Yao didn't know what to say. She had been keeping it a secret, but how did it get discovered? And Xue'er even got angry. What was she going to do?
"I hate being lied to," I said. I felt the smell of blood was very close to me. I leaned against the table and followed the scent. I accidentally touched the person's wound, and the person made a sound. I knew that the injured person was Gui Yao.
"What happened? How did you get hurt after being out for so short a time?" I lost my temper. I was worried about Xiao Yao. Xiao Yao took care of me like a brother. Although I knew his feelings, I didn't dare to reciprocate. As long as I had a clear conscience, I wouldn't dare to play this ambiguous game.
"It's alright, Xue'er, don't worry," Gui Yao pulled my hand down, wiped it clean with a handkerchief, and comforted me. He felt sweet inside. Xue'er's nervousness proved that she still cared about him. He knew her pain, but he was patient and would wait.
I broke free from Xiao Yao's grasp and hurriedly called out to Mangosteen, "Quick, Mangosteen, get those medicines!" Then I turned around and scolded Gui Yao, "Why didn't you say you were injured? Are you trying to make me worry? I only have you guys left!" As I spoke, tears welled up in my eyes again. Lately, I've become very prone to crying.