113 Fierce Outburst

The words of Mu Wanying echoed incessantly in Yun Xueyan’s ears, over and over again. She had forgiven Duan Nanyu and given him a chance—so who would give her one?

Her child, the pain she endured, all the responsibility was laid squarely on Duan Nanyu.

What he had done for Yun Qixiao, the way he risked his life to earn her forgiveness—he had made an effort.

Her chest ached with a dull, stinging pain. Closing her eyes, she rubbed her throbbing temples, wavering in turmoil. Hatred sustained her resentment toward him, but it was nothing more than self-inflicted torment. She simply could not let go.

When she opened her eyes, she saw Duan Nanyu enter, still dressed in his dark robes that made him appear cold and distant.

She sat upright, gazing silently at the man before her. Suddenly, so many words crowded her mind, yet they all choked in her throat; not a single one could she utter.

Standing there, Duan Nanyu’s dark eyes flickered with a trace of joy. Today, he had not seen the deliberate coldness in Yun Xueyan’s gaze.

Could it mean there was still hope for them?

The thought barely surfaced before being ruthlessly dismissed, leaving no trace behind. He feared she might suddenly change again, catching him unprepared.

“Yan’er…” His voice was hoarse as he took a few steps to her side, stopping to gently brush a trembling hand through the strands of her dark hair. The jagged scar pained Duan Nanyu’s heart sharply—how deeply had the hateful looks he once cast upon her wounded her?

“What should I do?”

“Why did you let Mu Wanying leave?” She avoided his question, deliberately shifting the topic.

She didn’t even know how to handle herself, so how could she answer him?

“Because I only want you. Everyone else will leave this place. When Yun Xiyin’s child is born, she will be sent back to the Grand Tutor’s residence,” he answered truthfully.

Tensing up, tears welled at the corners of Yun Xueyan’s eyes. Her hands swiftly encircled Duan Nanyu’s waist, burying her face in his chest as she sobbed hysterically, as if to release every ounce of the pain and sorrow bottled deep within her.

It seemed Duan Nanyu was the outlet for her anguish. Trembling violently, she no longer cared about anything else. All she wanted was to cry freely, regardless of who stood before her. She needed to let her pain pour out completely.

Otherwise, she felt as if she might die from it.

Without warning, she was pulled into an embrace. Her sobs seeped deeply into his heart, bitter waves crashing relentlessly, making his own heart ache in response.

“Nanyu.” The faint, trembling voice broke through her sobs, making Duan Nanyu’s body shudder violently. The hands that had hovered uncertainly in midair finally settled calmly around her.

“I’m sorry, Yan’er. It’s my fault. I keep hurting you again and again. It won’t happen anymore. Truly, it won’t.” He tightened his hold on her, sharing in the pain—his heart breaking painfully.

In all his years, this was the first time he had tasted such gut-wrenching agony. If he couldn’t face it now, he would regret it for a lifetime.

From now on, through life and death, he would stay by her side. As long as she lived, he would live; if she died, he would accompany her—never letting her be alone again.

“Yan’er, from now on, I will be by your side. I won’t ever let you be lonely again.” His deep eyes lost their harshness as they gazed into the distance, hopeful to walk with her forever.

“Mm.” She nodded, no longer crying out loud. Tears quietly streamed down her cheeks as she pressed her face against Duan Nanyu’s robe, dampened by her tears, and smiled.

A word to the readers:

There will be an extra update today.