Chapter 59

Chapter 59

"When will you be leaving?"

Lu Nian lay on top of him and said, "The evening after tomorrow."

"I have already arranged it with Ya Yuan."

That night, Su Qingyou and Zhao Tingyuan will be attending a high-end banquet in Ancheng, hosted by the Su family. As the host's daughter, Su Qingyou is orchestrating the event, and Zhao Tingyuan will be attending too, hence, naturally, they won't be at the Zhao residence.

It's the best opportunity to get Zhao Yayuan out.

Therefore, after weighing options for several days, all three of them unanimously agreed that this was the most opportune moment.

He didn't ask any further, seemingly taking it as given. She pursed her lips and smiled, "Wait for my return."

"I have something to discuss with you." Lu Nian said, leaning down to gently graze his beautiful lips.

......

Time flew swiftly. The evening of the 23rd was when they planned to take Zhao Yayuan out, but there were some preparations to be done on the 22nd.

Being childhood friends, that day, was also when Qiu Li saw Zhao Yayuan face-to-face, witnessing his dreadful state. As a result, Qiu Li had been exceptionally unsettled these few days, pacing back and forth in the room. His usually calm demeanor was now tainted with a rare hint of restlessness.

Lu Nian reassured Qiu Li, saying, "Xiao Qiu, there's no need to panic."

Now, there's roughly two years before the time in the original plot when Zhao Yayuan was truly imprisoned. Su Qingyou's foundation isn't stable yet, and Zhao Quan hasn't passed away. If not for Zhao Yayuan's current frail health condition, everything is yet to reach the worst stage.

"Today, we need to accomplish something important," Lu Nian declared.

"There's a crucial person," Lu Nian uttered softly, "if we can get in touch with him, everything will be much easier."

Zhao Quan, the real decision-maker in the Zhao family at the moment, Zhao Yayuan's grandfather.

He is not at the Zhao residence right now, but vacationing in a coastal town near Ancheng. He was in high spirits recently, having been revered by Su Qingyou and Zhao Tingyuan, and recently welcomed a great-grandson.

He is unaware of Zhao Yayuan's current health condition, assuming it to be a minor surgery.

"But we can't reach him," Qiu Li stated.

They had exchanged phones the last time, leaving Lu Nian's phone with Zhao Yayuan when they took him out. Zhao Yayuan's phone contained Zhao Quan's contact number.

However, they couldn't get through, no matter what.

"I suspect some tampering has been done."

"We can't get through on our phones either." He sounded somewhat dejected.

"It seems like permissions have been set," Lu Nian suggested, "only people on a whitelist can reach him, but Yayuan's phone seems to have been compromised."

"I have found someone who can solve this."

Lu Nian was waiting for someone.

Soon, there was a knock at the door. A young man with a baby-faced appearance entered, carrying a backpack. He paused momentarily upon seeing Qiu Li. Lu Nian introduced, "He's a friend of Ya Yuan."

"Oh." Fang Deng sat down at the table, "Hurry up, show me the phone you were talking about."

Lu Nian handed him the phone.

Fang Deng concentrated intently while working; both Lu Nian and Qiu Li quietly waited.

"It's a remote control software, fairly well programmed," Fang Deng said after a while, "However, it can be sorted. Give me forty minutes and it'll be okay."

Lu Nian quickly agreed, pulling Qiu Li to the adjacent room to provide Fang Deng with a quiet working environment.

"Can it really work?" Qiu Li still had some doubts.

Lu Nian had great faith in Fang Deng, "If he says it can be done, then it certainly can be done."

The tense nerves of Qiu Li finally relaxed slightly, "Nian Nian, where did you meet such a competent person?"

Lu Nian replied, "He is my senior from university."

She added, "Also a friend who Qin Si has known for a long time."

Absolutely trustworthy.

"Then, won't he find out?" Hearing this name, Qiu Li hesitated to ask.

Qiu Li believed in Qin Si's affection for Lu Nian, but it was no secret that he was a ruthless and scheming individual. As for Zhao Yayuan, they had no rapport, even being rivals in love. How could they expect his assistance?

A vague worry began to nestle in his heart, fearing Qin Si might do something to the now frail Zhao Yayuan.

"He won't," Lu Nian assured.

"Because Yayuan doesn't want it, we won't seek his help in this matter," Lu Nian looked into his eyes, "But, he isn't someone who would kick a man when he's down."

Qiu Li fell silent, "I'm sorry."

Lu Nian gently stroked his hair, "Xiao Qiu, don't worry too much, everything will be alright."

Qiu Li, who was usually calm and rational, perhaps had been overly worried since the day he saw Zhao Yayuan's sickly state, and was now somewhat losing his composure.

"Alright, it's done," Fang Deng called from the living room, "You can call now. Who wants to make the call?"

Zhao Quan was vacationing abroad.

Suddenly, he received a call. Seeing that it was from Zhao Yayuan, he felt a twinge of happiness; it had been quite some time since he saw his grandson. Zhao Yayuan, a wild spirit, seldom called unless necessary. Surprisingly, he took the initiative this time.

However, when he answered, he was greeted by a gentle and clear female voice, "Hello..."

Naturally, Zhao Quan recognized her, knowing she was Zhao Yayuan's former fiancée from the Lu family. His tone was not too friendly, "Where is Yayuan? Why is his phone with you?"

Lu Nian realized that her words might not convince Zhao Quan, so without further ado, she sent over the photo that Qiu Li had taken that day.

The photo of Zhao Yayuan lying on the hospital bed showed him looking exceptionally pale and weak.

"Grandpa Zhao, Yayuan is not in good health at the moment. He wishes to recuperate in Nanqiao for a while, but it seems that your family is somewhat reluctant to let him go," Lu Nian said. "However, it would be better to respect Yayuan's wishes in this situation. If you are not tied up with work, perhaps you could come back to visit him?"

...

After a conversation, Lu Nian hung up the phone, "He agreed."

Qiu Li hurriedly asked, "When did he say he would come back?"

"He is still somewhat skeptical," Lu Nian remarked, "But he promised to return. We will proceed as planned. If someone really tries to stop us, he will have to believe us then."

She wasn't the type to meddle in such affairs, but she had no choice at this juncture. She hadn't anticipated the progression of events to be this rapid.

Therefore, without hesitation, she was determined to take Zhao Yayuan out of the Zhao residence.

On the evening of the 2nd, the Su family's dinner party was in full swing, and the car and plane tickets to Nanqiao had already been arranged.

Lu Nian and Qiu Li set out to pick up Zhao Yayuan.

They had previously installed a tracking software on the phone they gave to Zhao Yayuan. Now, seeing that he was still at the Zhao residence, Lu Nian secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed the plot was unfolding correctly; they hadn't decided to detain Zhao Yayuan in the mountains at this point.

They were simply trying to control him while he was weakened, gradually diminishing his influence.

Qiu Li remarked, "It won't be that smooth."

As expected, besides Zhao Yayuan, there were people remaining in the mansion, including the butler who had answered Lu Nian's call before, "I'm sorry, both the master and mistress are not available tonight. We are not receiving guests."

He spoke with courteous restraint.

"Yayuan wants to come out on his own," Lu Nian asserted, "Are you planning to forcibly prevent him from leaving?"

She immediately dialed Zhao Yayuan's number, giving Qiu Li a meaningful look, which he understood perfectly.

"Let them in," came his voice, sounding quite weak, yet still discernible.

The butler pretended not to have heard anything, "I apologize, but the young master is unwell. The master and mistress have instructed us not to indulge his whims."

"Master and mistress?" Lu Nian queried, "Haven't they gone abroad?"

The butler replied, "Mr. Yuan and Mrs. Qingyou instructed so."

Lu Nian's lips tightened, "On what grounds are they preventing Yayuan from leaving?"

The butler was losing patience, "You can ask them yourself."

He seemed prepared for a prolonged standoff with Lu Nian, his attitude becoming increasingly poor.

After a stalemate lasting roughly half an hour, Lu Nian and Qiu Li finally gave up trying to persuade him and prepared to leave.

The butler rubbed his temples, feeling somewhat annoyed.

They finally left.

As he was about to step inside to rest, a flustered maid rushed over, "What is that over there?"

On the winding and extended mountain road, headlights suddenly illuminated.

The butler hastily ran outside.

Leading the convoy was a black stretch Lincoln. The old master stepped out, brushing aside the support of two bodyguards beside him, his eyes filled with rage, "Wherever my grandson wishes to go, he shall go. The heavens haven't fallen, and this old body of mine hasn't given out yet."

His authority built over decades in the Zhao family naturally couldn't be compared to the inexperienced Zhao Tingyuan and the incoming bride Su Qingyou.

The butler was immediately rooted to the spot.

Lu Nian and Qiu Li silently followed behind Zhao Quan.

The butler, looking rather downcast, was supervised by several bodyguards. The young maid stealthily dialed Su Qingyou's number, hurriedly uttering a few phrases in a trembling voice before hanging up directly. The remaining members of the Zhao household were summoned to assemble in the dining room, bracing for Zhao Quan's fury.

Thankfully, Zhao Yayuan seemed to be slightly better than before, albeit still pallid and haggard.

"Yayuan, what will you do?" Qiu Li asked, "Will you still leave?"

Now that Zhao Quan has returned, he should be able to offer temporary protection, and the medical resources in Ancheng were decent.

Fearful of him changing his mind, Lu Nian insisted, "No, Yayuan, you must leave. Nanqiao is just a temporary stop; afterwards, you can go anywhere you wish, even return to Haicheng."

Zhao Quan was clearly nearing his end and wouldn't be able to protect him much longer. Furthermore, once Zhao Tingyuan and Su Qingyou returned, the situation might take an unpredictable turn. The best course of action was to leave this place of conflict promptly.

Initially gazing at Lu Nian, Zhao Yayuan averted his eyes, his voice feeble, "I'll go to Nanqiao."

Lu Nian finally breathed a sigh of relief, "We have already arranged a car."

Everything was proceeding as initially planned.

She was covered in sweat, "Grandpa Zhao should be able to handle the upcoming matters. No one should be pursuing us for the time being."

The goal was to let him witness all of this, in addition to the recording Qiu Li had taken earlier.

Zhao Quan was not foolish; in the aftermath, Su Qingyou and Zhao Tingyuan would likely have a lot to explain.

Zhao Yayuan had fallen asleep, Qiu Li looked indescribably exhausted, but a faint smile finally appeared on his face, "Yes."

They had taken a gamble, and finally, there was a return.

The airplane quietly traversed the night sky.

At the Su family dinner, Su Qingyou wore a perfect smile, responding courteously. She glanced at her phone and apologized, "Excuse me, I need to take this call."

After the call, her complexion gradually darkened, the previous smile vanished without a trace.

After attending to a few guests, Zhao Tingyuan returned to the inner room, anxiously asking Su Qingyou, "What happened?"

"Xiao Qin informed me that your grandfather has returned," she said, "Zhao Yayuan has left."

"What do we do now?" Zhao Tingyuan was in a frenzy, "It's fine that he left, but now that grandfather knows, how should we proceed? He has always favored Yayuan."

"Call Lu Zhihong to go to Nan Qiao as well," Su Qingyou's face was solemn, her mind working rapidly, "Inform him that both his son and daughter have gone there."

"What use would it be if Lu Zhihong goes there?"

A hint of displeasure finally crossed Su Qingyou's face as she coldly scoffed, "At least it will bring them some discomfort."

She had always considered Lu Nian to be useless, incapable of accomplishing anything. Unexpectedly, there seemed to be no movements from Qin Si's side this time, and she herself had somehow managed to find Zhao Quan so decisively.

"They didn't go to the hospital; they left," Su Qingyou mentioned, "Given Zhao Yayuan's condition, I thought their first reaction would be to head to the hospital."

Zhao Tingyuan was panicking, "What should we do now?"

Su Qingyou did not respond.

"Your grandfather is now suspicious of you," Su Qingyou pointed out, "The more urgent matter now is to explain things to him clearly."

"We still have Xiuyi at the moment," she mentioned.

"How is Lu Zhihong handling the matters at Lu's?"

Su Qingyou finally frowned with dissatisfaction, "That useless Lu Zhihong stands no chance against him."

The only person she didn't want to provoke was Qin Si. It seems that expecting Lu Zhihong to confront him was utterly futile. What she looked forward to now was for Lu Zhihong to locate Lu Nian and Qiuli, and expose the previous incidents.

Given Lu Nian's temperament, if she breaks down and perhaps attempts suicide or something, it's expected that Qin Si would lose his mind too. Then, victory would be achieved without a battle.

This was the only strategy she could think of now.

Meanwhile,

Minghong reported, "Young boss, Nian Nian has boarded the plane, everything is smooth."

He was aware of the situation in the Zhao family from Minghong's reports. Understanding that the Zhao brothers were having a significant disagreement recently, he hadn't invested much attention in it. He wasn't very interested in others' familial disputes, focusing only on the collusion between Zhao Tingyuan and Lu Zhihong to manipulate affairs in the Lu family.

It seemed Su Qingyou and Zhao Tingyuan were somewhat wary of him too, never taking action against him, except for the poorly executed moves by Lu Zhihong.

However, now that Lu Nian was involved, he naturally became more attentive.

"Hmm," he said, "We should get moving too."

This was a series of relentless pursuits, with Lu Zhihong chasing after Lu Nian and Qiuli, aiming to have Qiuli recognize her ancestral roots, while he was intent on protecting Lu Nian and confronting Lu Zhihong.

At the same time, Lu Zhihong was rushing to Nan Qiao with that verification document in his hand.

The probability of paternity is greater than 99.99%.

Qiu Li is actually Lu Zuo, the child whom he had long believed had perished in the deep mountains of Nanqiao.

Zhao Yayuan has always had a frail constitution. After undergoing surgery, his recovery has been poor, further exacerbated by an unexplained weakening condition.

Lu Nian said, "Xiaoqiu, given Yayuan's current condition, he cannot stay in Nanqiao for too long. The medical facilities here are simply inadequate. My suggestion is to first take him to Nanbin or Haicheng, find someone trustworthy to conduct a comprehensive examination. Afterwards, if he needs further recuperation, we can return to Nanqiao."

This place is merely a temporary refuge.

After all, both Qiu Li and Zhao Yayuan grew up here. The townsfolk are acquainted with them, making this the safest location for the time being.

Qiu Li nodded, "Mmm."

Zhao Yayuan was still sleeping silently inside the room. However, it was apparent that his condition had improved compared to before.

Perhaps it's because he has returned to a familiar environment.

Lu Nian said, "Xiaoqiu, you should take Yayuan to a hospital in Nanbin tomorrow."

"What about you?" asked Qiu Li.

Lu Nian replied, "I will stay here for a while to monitor the situation on your behalf. In a few days, I will return to Ancheng. Afterwards, I will come to visit you both."

"Besides, I am in touch with Fang Deng," Lu Nian winked, "Don't worry, this is my responsibility now. If anything happens to me, my boyfriend will definitely come looking for me."

Qiu Li finally nodded in agreement.

It seemed Zhao Yayuan inside the room had awoken. The two entered to check on him.

His voice was somewhat hoarse as he looked at Lu Nian and said, "Thank you."

"There's no need to thank me," Lu Nian said with a hint of bitterness in her heart.

They were once such good friends, with Zhao Yayuan having helped her tremendously in the past. Now, it had come to the point where thanks were necessary.

Qiu Li was taking care of Zhao Yayuan.

Lu Nian had booked tickets for their departure tomorrow.

She was ready to head out, planning to purchase some essential supplies from the supermarket.

Everything was going smoothly, and Zhao Yayuan seemed to have regained a considerable amount of strength. Lu Nian felt almost drained. After seeing them off from Nanqiao, the sun was setting towards the west. These past couple of days, her nerves had been extremely tense. Although she felt somewhat relaxed now, everything seemed tasteless, no matter what she ate.

She planned to return to Ancheng early to be with Qin Si.

She only planned to stay here for one more night.

In the evening, someone knocked on the door. Lu Nian found it strange. Qiulan had moved out long ago, and the courtyard had been vacant ever since, a fact known to the neighbors. Could it be that Zhao Yayuan and the others had forgotten something and returned to retrieve it?

Lu Nian slightly ajar the courtyard door, peered outside, and instantly froze on the spot.

She had not anticipated at all that the person standing before her would be Lu Zhihong.

"Where is Qiuli?" Only seeing her, Lu Zhihong looked around the courtyard with urgency.

"Not here," Lu Nian responded calmly, "He has left."

"Left?" Lu Zhihong's chest heaved with emotion, "Do you even know who he is? You just let him leave?"

Lu Nian remained silent.

"Had you known all along?" Lu Zhihong was beside himself with rage, "Are you making a fool out of me? Keeping it from me, is that it, huh?"

With downcast eyes, Lu Nian retorted, "What would I know? I've lost my memory, remember? Hasn't father always been aware of that? Wasn't it father's directive that we refrain from discussing anything related to A-Zuo over the years?"

Lu Zhihong was left at a loss for words.

Ignoring her protests, he pushed Lu Nian aside and frantically searched room by room, ultimately finding nothing.

Lu Nian stood in the courtyard, her demeanor serene.

In the distance, the familiar mountains and rivers of Nanqiao loomed, a place reminiscent of a nightmare.

Suddenly, Lu Zhihong seemed to lose his sanity.

He roared, "Do you even know what happened back then? In Nanqiao, both of you were kidnapped. Why were you the only one to return?"

Lu Nian was stunned into silence.

Her lips trembled as she stammered, "Kidnapped? Why has no one ever told me about this?"

"I paid the ransom, they said they would release one of you first. We wanted A-Zuo, but you were the one to come back. What did you do to A-Zuo?" His face contorted with fury, "Do you realize? In the vast mountains of Nanqiao, your little brother was just a small child. How could you heartlessly abandon him?"

"Does he not resent you for that?" Lu Zhihong spat out, "I tell you, he must despise you by now."

Dizzy and disoriented, Lu Nian stood frozen, unable to utter a word.

At last, Lu Zhihong vented the deepest resentments harbored in his heart over the years, speaking fervently with a twisted sense of relief.

"You came back that year, and I said nothing, still raised you properly," Lu Zhihong's face twisted in anger, "I raised you for so many years, only for you to defy me like this? Attempting suicide as a child, refusing to marry when grown-up, never listening to me, and now even aiding your brother in deceiving me?"

Lu Nian felt as if her feet were glued to the ground, her temples throbbing painfully, and fragments of disjointed memories suddenly surged in her mind.

In an instant, she seemed to perceive the original Lu Nian's grievance.

As if responding to some kind of connection, a wave of intense emotion swelled within her.

Tears began rolling down her cheeks, "Dad, am I not your daughter? Why is everything my fault? I don't remember anything, but even if it was as you said, what's wrong with wanting to survive? Do I not deserve to live? Or do you think that as a child back then, I could influence the kidnappers' decisions?"

It seemed like she had finally voiced a sentiment that had been buried deep within her for a long time.

Lu Zhihong had never anticipated that his usually gentle daughter would rebut him in such a manner.

His face contorted grotesquely, "Don't utter another word of denial. Anyway, your brother isn't dead. Later on, just explain everything to him clearly."

"Come with me, we are leaving here immediately." Lu Zhihong said as he grabbed her wrist, "I have prepared everything. We will forsake the company and start anew elsewhere. I will also find your brother, and as a family, we will never be separated again, no matter where we go."

"Go and end things with that Qin fellow."

Lu Nian struggled vehemently, "I won't."

She felt that Lu Zhihong had lost his sanity.

The middle-aged man's eyes were bloodshot, appearing particularly horrifying; his usual gentle demeanor was nowhere to be seen.

Seeing her fierce resistance, Lu Zhihong, in a surge of anger, raised his hand, intending to seize her hair and slap her across the face.

Lu Nian had already closed her eyes, bracing herself for the inevitable.

Being a young woman, she was physically fragile, utterly devoid of any means to fight back.

The courtyard door was pushed open once again. At first glance, Fang Deng was horrified by the scene before him, shouting at the nearby bodyguards, "Quickly, go save her! Have you all malfunctioned?"

Lu Zhihong was swiftly restrained. Lu Nian couldn't stop her tears until she was supported by a pair of slender yet strong hands.

Through her tear-blurred vision, she saw him, which only made her cry even more.

His touch was gentle as he embraced her, advising her to retreat to her room for rest momentarily. An assistant handed over tissues and water, urging her to wipe away her tears.

As Lu Zhihong continued to struggle, the man approached him, his expression cold. "She is my girlfriend now, not your submissive daughter from before. Who gave you the right to speak to her like that?"

His grip was firm and commanding as he hoisted Lu Zhihong up, his demeanor chilling, "It's time to settle the accounts."

He threw a document at Lu Zhihong, which contained detailed information about every individual he had planted in the Lu Corporation, including the secret investments and loans Lu Zhihong had undertaken — not a single detail was omitted.

Lu Zhihong's eyes were nearly popping out in fury, "What is this? Where did you get it?"

The door opened once more, and Xiao Honghe entered, head bowed, followed by Minghong.

Lu Zhihong's lips quivered, "...you?"

Xiao Honghe could not meet his gaze, stuttering, "Boss, I had no choice..."

Every single one of them had been hand-picked by him.

"You betrayed me?" Lu Zhihong roared, "Was it you who informed him of my arrival here?"

"He has clearly lost his mind." Minghong remarked nonchalantly to Fang Deng.

How could it be? For Qin Si, Lu Nian's safety was far more crucial than dealing with small fry like Lu Zhihong. Bringing Xiao Honghe along was merely an attempt to resolve all matters at once.

"Your investment plan has essentially gone bankrupt," the assistant approached, courteous and composed, presenting the documents to him.

With utmost civility, the assistant elaborated, "Due to your previous investment failures and the impending total loss of your principal, your property, which serves as collateral for the bank loan, is about to be seized. Consequently, you no longer have a home in Ancheng. Mr. Qin has arranged for a new residence for you in Haicheng."

"As a requisite condition, you are not to appear before Miss Lu Nian and Mr. Qiu without obtaining her consent."

"Furthermore, considering your current state, it is imperative that you undergo a psychiatric evaluation at the hospital."

Lu Zhihong felt a wave of enervation engulf him, leaving him slumped and powerless.

Minghong shrugged his shoulders, eyeing the man on the ground, "What should we do?"

Qin Si didn't spare him an additional glance, "Have him removed at once."

Without hesitation, several individuals promptly escorted Lu Zhihong out.

Their departure was silent and swift, executed with precision and neatness.

Once again, only the two of them remained in the room.

Inside the room, Lu Nian had heard the commotion outside. Struggling, she propped herself up, "Has he left?"

"Yes, all gone." The man sat down beside her bed.

Her almond-shaped eyes were still wet from crying. He silently wiped away her tears before finally saying, "He won't harass you anymore."

"Why did you come to Nanqiao?" her voice still raspy.

He spoke softly, "I have been investigating Lu Zhihong all along."

Lu Nian's mental state remained extremely fragile. She was in Qiu Li's room, her mind a chaotic whirlpool. Remembering the words Lu Zhihong had spoken earlier, her thoughts suddenly drifted back to many years ago — to Zhao Ya's odd behavior upon their first meeting, and the hesitations and incomplete sentences of many others afterward.

"I want to sleep with you," her eyes tinged with red, "Is that alright?"

She was genuinely scared, unwilling to be alone anymore.

His fingers stiffened momentarily before he responded, "Hmm."

"But I don't want to stay here for the time being," she said, wiping her tears and speaking in a flustered manner, "Can we stay in a hotel outside and leave tomorrow? Is that okay?"

Her mind was truly in turmoil at the moment.

Qin Si initially intended to take her back overnight, but seeing her mentally distressed state, he realized it was not feasible.

Fang Deng and the others had already left — some returning to Ancheng for errands, while others were tasked with 'escorting' Lu Zhihong to Haicheng.

All arrangements had been duly made.

Now, only the two of them remained.

Nanqiao had but one hotel.

It was still the same quaint inn from years ago, overseen by the same pot-bellied proprietor, its rooms still largely barren.

He even remembered them. “Oh, are you here for a honeymoon?” he queried, recalling vividly the beautiful young couple who had visited Nanqiao many years prior.

“Hmm,” he didn’t elaborate further.

Lu Nian held his hand, her eyes still tinged with red, remaining silent.

The conditions here were far from ideal; Nanqiao was underdeveloped, situated in a less desirable locale. But given Lu Nian's insistence, he accompanied her anyway. After all, they had stayed in even worse places before.

The room they stayed in this time seemed quite similar to their previous accommodations, save that it was a double room.

Lu Nian went to take a shower, while he stepped out to purchase new bedding, replacing all the beddings in the room.

She emerged from the bathroom, drying her hair, her eyes still suffused with redness.

She didn't know if the emotional eruption she was experiencing was a residue of feelings harbored by this body or a resonance with her own sentiments.

Suddenly, she felt an ethereal chill enveloping her, as if she was reverting back to the little girl from many years ago.

In this world, there seemed to be no one who truly loved her, only endless control, bondage, and exploitation.

He sat beside her, somewhat stiffly. He wasn't adept at comforting others and felt at a loss as to how to alleviate her distress.

Lu Nian gazed into the distance, hugging her knees, murmuring suddenly, “Xiao Qiu, have you resented me all along?”

"And Ya Yuan too."

Her eyes reddened further. “Daddy probably felt the same.”

Today, she fully realized the true nature of Lu Zhihong. There was no affection or paternal love from him towards her. Despite having played the roles of father and daughter for over a decade, it had come to this.

No one truly loved her.

Seeing her cry like this, he felt his heart softening, dissolving into a bitter ache. In this moment, he would willingly give up his life if it could stop her tears.

...

Her sobs continued, fluctuating in intensity. He was not adept at comforting people, only able to silently wipe away her tears, which seemed to flow endlessly as soon as they were dried.

Discarding the damp cloth, suddenly,

"There's also me."

He held her tight, his forehead pressed against her smooth one, his voice husky, "If you're willing to accept it, I love you."

If those she cared for didn't love her,

At the very least, he did — a love that had endured for many, many years.

Lu Nian sat in his embrace, her sobs gradually subsiding.

His fingers were slender, feeling somewhat cold as they brushed over her feverish cheeks to wipe away her tears; tender and patient, repeating this comforting gesture endlessly.

Her sobbing lessened slightly, yet she suddenly asked,

"I heard from Qiu Li that you liked me since the first time we came to Nanqiao." Tears welled in her eyes as she inquired, "Is it true?"

As he was wiping her tears, his movement suddenly froze for a moment.

He didn't respond for a long time.

Not receiving the answer she hoped for, Lu Nian resumed crying, tears silently rolling down her cheeks. Her apricot eyes were filled with dewy sorrow, and her long eyelashes, dampened by tears, appeared exceptionally dense, adorned with crystalline tear droplets. Her silent weeping seemed especially heart-wrenching.

Her cries, one after another, struck his heart, causing him immense distress, especially despising his current helplessness.

...

"He wasn't wrong," he uttered with a hoarse voice, risking everything, "It was true back then. Is that okay now?"

If confessing this could bring her even a slight relief, then it was worth it.

Lu Nian finally steadied somewhat, her slender shoulders no longer shaking with sobs.

The warmth emanating from the fingertips of the man holding her felt incredibly real, as did the comforting embrace.

He patiently continued to wipe her tears, his mind devoid of any distracting thoughts.

Unexpectedly, she suddenly exerted force, swiftly pinning him beneath her, and kissed him impulsively.

The bed creaked and groaned under them.

"Back then, when I kissed you here, it was just a casual peck," she recalled, her eyes still brimming with tears, "But then, you bit me and it hurt quite a bit."

So it wasn't out of a competitive spirit, but rather affection?

His face flushed profoundly.

After all these years, the bed's quality had deteriorated significantly, creaking with the slightest movement.

He closed his eyes momentarily, murmuring in a muted voice, "People outside can hear."

This inn, even after so many years, seemed to have not changed much, with terribly poor sound insulation, where outside noises could be heard clearly from within.

The beds in the Nanqiao inn were particularly old and narrow, barely accommodating two people.

Lu Nian was exceptionally emotional tonight.

He tried everything to soothe her, allowing her to vent her emotions on him unrestrainedly.

Lu Nian's emotional turbulence finally settled a bit.

A warmth seemed to finally surge within him. Could it be true that he had genuinely harbored affection for her since that time?

Yet, his demeanor was always icy cold, displaying an eternal indifference and aloofness in her presence.

"Why did you treat me like that back then?" She suddenly asked.

He remained silent, "..."

Lu Nian's eyes were cast down, tears threatening to fall again. She kissed and bit him frenziedly, leaving him in an excruciating and indefensible position, at the mercy of her tumultuous emotions.

Until her delicate hands trailed down... he let out a muffled groan, utterly humiliated.

"Why?" Her voice still contained traces of tears.

...

"I am not worthy of you." Gritting his teeth, he finally uttered in a raspy voice.

She was a heavenly cherished girl, while he was just a destitute young man with no parents, an unlikable personality, nothing to his name, and a bleak future. How could he have possibly confessed then, unable even to show a hint of his emotions?

Lu Nian had never anticipated this reason.

He, who always appeared indifferent and arrogant, harbored such thoughts?

"I've wanted to return all those years," he said, his eyes closed.

For many years, he had thought of her incessantly, unable to restrain the urge to see her, every single day without a break.

But he had no choice. Looking back now, he realized how immature his actions were then. Yet, the impulsive, proud, and insecure youth that made that irrevocable decision could not turn back time.

"How can you not be worthy?" She fell silent for a moment before speaking her heart, "...you have always been far more outstanding than I am."

"I don't know exactly when I started having feelings for you." Her almond eyes brimming with tears, she choked up, looking down at the man beneath her, "But now, I am certain."

"I like you very much," she declared.

Tears still lingered on her eyelashes.

It felt like there was a gaping hole in his heart, an empty void that whistled with the wind, yearning desperately for her affection, craving to be ceaselessly filled.

Hearing her words, he experienced an almost distraught sense of disbelief.

It all seemed too surreal.

He assumed that her mental state was bordering on collapse, hence her irrational utterances, which seemed rather normal under the circumstances.

Perhaps it was for some ulterior motive, or merely a courteous response.

He had always placed himself in a particularly humble position, constantly convincing himself over the years that it was impossible for him to have a place in her heart.

After all these years, he was still no different from the lonely and stubborn little boy who gazed at the moon from the attic when he was in his teens.

The same fears of loss, hesitant to accept her kindness, doubting and being constantly on edge, afraid of gaining and losing.

Lu Nian sniffled, finally holding back her tears, and asked in a soft voice, "Can you repeat what you said earlier?"

To say he loves her.

That he has liked her for a long time.

His cheeks reddened, his lips pursed. Despite several attempts, he couldn't utter a single syllable.

He really was shy, with such thin skin.

Lu Nian thought.

Her heart peculiarly regained its warmth slowly, and the horrifying sense of being suspended that she had felt earlier seemed to slowly return to normal in his arms.

...

The moment she returned to her normal state, she suddenly felt something was off.

"...It's what you really want, isn't it?" She said, her eyes brimming with tears that made her appear exceptionally fragile. Her face was pale, and her still watery, clear apricot eyes seemed clear and beautiful, "I can help you."

The wooden planks beneath them creaked as she moved a little closer.

The corners of his eyes were red, a result of her torment. Her movements were not practiced, but this somewhat clumsy seduction, especially considering it was her, seemed incredibly enticing.

Every sense of his being was under her control, influenced by each of her movements. The proud and handsome dark pupils that were once clear, now harbored an unspeakable craving, unable to voice the shameful request, only silently pleading.

She whispered, "Don't want to make a sound?"

The walls here were too thin, offering nearly non-existent sound insulation, a fact they had realized many years ago.

Not to mention that back then nothing had actually happened, yet when questioned by the landlord, he had remained silent, his ears turning completely red.

"Are you afraid others might hear?" She pressed a little harder.

He gritted his teeth, his long eyelashes trembling, the corners of his eyes turning crimson, nearly unable to suppress a low moan before forcefully holding it back.

Years ago, in this very place, she suddenly recalled a lot - thinking back to the aloof and stubborn young man from years ago, and now, the handsome man in front of her who had been seduced into losing himself.

...

Finally, after everything came to an end.

The unusual sensations in his body had not yet subsided. Recalling the events just moments ago, his ears turned crimson. With his long fingers covering his eyes, he lay silently on the bed for a while.

He got up to clean the scene meticulously, took a quick shower, and gingerly changed the bedding to clean ones.

Lu Nian had been very tired recently, and now that everything had come to an end, she finally fell into a deep, sweet sleep. His ears tinged red as he cleaned her small hands gently, and then, tenderly cradled her in his arms.

...She confessed her affection for him.

Although he was still somewhat reluctant to fully believe it, he etched those words in his heart, mulling over them countless times.

There was agony, yet accompanied by a covert joy.

Seeing that she was indeed asleep, he lowered his gaze, his eyelashes quivering slightly.

Eventually, he leaned in, tentatively touching her cheek with a gentle kiss, cherishing the precious moment.