Chapter 54: Do Not Make Things Difficult for Us

Page (1/3)

Sinosa found herself caught in a deep and tangled inner conflict. So often, people do not truly know what they want, and perhaps it is precisely this uncertainty that breeds such things as worry and distress. Whatever the case, each person makes choices different from the next.

When she awoke again, she knew she could no longer continue with Xuanyuan Juesi. She began to examine herself anew, trying to force herself to let go. But, like Wen Shuan, she could not sever her feelings cleanly—why is it that men never seem to be this way? It is always the women who end up hurt. Why?

She desperately wanted to know: are women truly the weaker sex? Coming from the year 2550, she could never believe in such a notion of discrimination.

Yet now, perhaps for the first time, she truly felt her own fragility. She felt as though she could no longer hold on. She had yet to relinquish her feelings for Wen Shuan, and now she was entangled with Xuanyuan Juesi as well. If one day she truly died of heartbreak, she would have only herself to blame. She could not hold anyone else responsible; she would not even have the right to accuse.

“Are you feeling any better?” It was Ye Xuan, entering from outside with a bowl of herbal medicine in his hands.

“A little better.”

“Drink this.” Ye Xuan handed her the bowl. Their hands brushed as she took it, an awkward touch that felt strangely out of place.

But Sinosa had no energy to care about such things anymore.

“Thank you,” Sinosa said, looking at him. There was still someone by her side, caring for her. This feeling was good—a simple kindness that did not ask for love in return. Suddenly, she realized how wonderful it was to have a friend.

“Would you be my friend?” she asked, gazing at him.

“Of course. Why do you ask?” Ye Xuan found her question odd. He noticed her eyes were red, as if she might cry at any moment. Then, suddenly, she hugged him.

“It’s nothing. You’re my first real friend. I’m truly happy.”

He could never have imagined such extremes in Sinosa. At times, she was stronger than any man he had known, yet at others, her femininity showed—vulnerable, in need of protection. No matter which side she showed—

“I’m glad. I’d be honored to be your friend,” he replied, gently returning her embrace. If Xuanyuan Juesi ever learned of this, he would surely kill him, but Ye Xuan did not care at all.

After all, her relationship with Xuanyuan Juesi was falling apart, and that pleased him. Although this was not quite what he had planned, Ye Xuan had always preferred to act on his own whims. His master could do nothing about it—titles were merely a form of respect in his eyes.

He was fundamentally different from Qin Li.

“Thank you.”

Sinosa let him go and looked at Ye Xuan, wiping her tears away, embarrassed by her recent fragility.

All because of that man.

“Are you alright?” He saw how pale she looked.

“I’m fine, really. Everything is alright.” She shook her head at Ye Xuan. Her ability to be strong, to pretend nothing had happened, was formidable.

Page (2/3)

In short, she was a hypocrite.

“Let’s go!”

“Where to?”

“Anywhere, as long as it’s away from here.”

Ye Xuan smiled at her, and for a moment, her smile made him lose himself. This woman was so unique, so different from any he had ever met. Every glance, every smile drew him in.

Perhaps she never realized that what he wanted was much more than mere friendship.

“Away from here? Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. I already have my answer—there’s no reason for me to stay.”

Staying would only make her suffer, and Ye Xuan was left unsure of what to say. He wanted to leave as well, but seeing her sad, he wanted to cheer her up. So he pulled a funny face.

She burst out laughing. “That’s terrible! Don’t make that face!”

His handsome features made the grimace all the more ridiculous.

“Is it really that bad?”

“Of course, it’s awful. You’d better not do that again. Watch me.”

She made a comically adorable face, like a cartoon rabbit.

“Wow, you’re amazing!” Ye Xuan laughed.

“Really?”

“Yes, it’s playful and very cute.”

“I think it’s mainly because I have a pretty face—otherwise I couldn’t pull it off!”

Sinosa laughed with him. Their laughter was genuine, full of joy.

“Alright, you do have a lovely face,” Ye Xuan said with a smile.

“You as well,” Sinosa replied graciously, not knowing Xuanyuan Juesi was watching everything.

“My lord, my lord!”

Blood was already dripping from the prince’s hand, the glass shattered, crimson streaming down—so terrible to behold.

Page (3/3)

His subordinates sensed that something was about to erupt.

“Separate those two. Bring that woman back to me,” he ordered coldly, sparing their lives for now—a rare mercy.

Another subordinate held a wanted poster in his hand.

“Yes, my lord.”

They knew Ye Xuan would be no easy target and sent a team at once.

“What’s happening?” The inn had gone silent, and as the two of them stepped outside, they saw themselves surrounded.

“What do you want?” It was obvious these were Xuanyuan Juesi’s men.

“Ye Xuan, wanted criminal. We are here to arrest you.”

He held up the wanted notice for them to see.

“I’m sorry I deceived you,” Ye Xuan said to her.

“It doesn’t matter. Go, quickly,” she whispered.

She guessed this was Xuanyuan Juesi’s doing. The charge was only assault—nothing too serious. Such conflicts were common in the martial world.

“My lady, please don’t make things difficult. You are free to go, but he is not.”

The man addressed Ye Xuan politely but firmly, their professionalism keen—ensuring no embarrassment to Xuanyuan Juesi.

It was all done with precision.

“If you want to catch me, show me your skills!” Ye Xuan drew his sword at the group.

“Do you really think you can take on more than a hundred men, Master Ye? Don’t make us hurt the lady—it would be troublesome for us.”

Their meaning was clear: they did not mind killing him, but they did not want to hurt her.

“I am not your lady. Your prince himself does not acknowledge it, so why do you insist?” Sinosa did not realize that the men called her “lady” only because the prince himself had recognized her as such.

“Please, my lady, don’t make this harder on us. This man is wanted for injuring over a dozen people.”