Chapter 133 [VIP] The Lifesaver (20)

Chapter 133 [VIP] The Lifesaver (20)

Upon hearing Jin Yanli's words, Xiao Feihuo now felt a hint of gratitude toward his former rival.

With impatience, he rushed into the estate and immediately headed for the room where Yan Yan lay unconscious. Upon pushing open the door, his eyes fell upon the scattered black tresses on the sickbed.

In but a glance, it stirred an indescribable ache in Xiao Feihao's chest, nearly overwhelming him with the urge to shed tears.

She lay delicately in bed, her eyes barely closed. In just two short days, she had visibly withered, her chin now sharp, and her complexion unnaturally pale. Unresponsive and unconscious, she lay peacefully still.

For a fleeting moment, he even harbored the illusion that the person in bed had left him.

Xiao Feihao involuntarily took a few steps forward, almost losing his balance. His eyes reddened slightly, and before he knew it, he found himself kneeling by the bed. He then gently grasped her soft hand, calling her name with a mixture of longing and heartache.

"Yan Yan, I'm here..."

He spoke in a hushed and raspy tone, infused with a hint of choked remorse, as if fearful of disturbing her yet equally afraid that she might slumber on, never to awaken.

Xiao Feihao gently clasped her hand, placing it against his cheek. He yearned to caress her face but, upon seeing the messy scratches on his fingers, he hesitated subconsciously. Then, he reached out to gently remove the strand of hair sticking to her cheek. "I've come to apologize to you. I'm sorry..."

Tears involuntarily trickled down Xiao Feihuo's cheeks as he pressed his face against her hand, his voice becoming increasingly choked and hoarse, "Didn't you call out my name? I'm here, I came to see you, Yan Yan..."

"It was all my fault, it was my mistake that led to your current state, causing you so much suffering."

"I was too wicked. I truly deserve death for deceiving you with such matters for so long. Please wake up, hit me, scold me, teach me a lesson, would you?"

"I genuinely know my wrongs, Yan Yan. It's I who has wronged you. Please wake up and look at me, just once..."

Xiao Feihuo kept apologizing and pleading, his voice filled with pain and regret. He wished he were the one enduring this torment, yet why wasn't he the one to bear it?

Xiao Feihao's tears flowed silently as he held her hand, kneeling by the bedside, continuously confessing his remorse. His gaze was filled with affection as he gazed at Nanyan's sleeping face, unwilling to miss any of her reactions.

Time seemed to have passed indefinitely. Xiao Feihao's throat had become hoarse and sore from the silence, while his knees, numb from kneeling on the ground, had lost all sensation.

In his daze, he sensed a faint tremor in the fingers clasped within his palm.

Startled, Xiao Feihao instinctively lifted his head.

The person on the bed appeared to be sleeping restlessly, her brows slightly furrowed, and her eyelashes fluttering gently. Xiao Feihao softly called out to her a few more times. After a while, she finally opened her eyes slowly.

As consciousness returned, Nan Yan's first sensation was an overwhelming bitterness in her mouth, a tormenting taste that seemed to have seeped into every corner of her being. She wondered how many bitter potions the male lead had forced upon her during her unconscious state, causing this lingering bitterness that now throbbed in her temples.

Nan Yan coughed softly, feeling the harsh dryness and astringency in her throat. Instinctively, she called out, "Water..."

Her voice was barely audible, so faint that it seemed as if she might slip back into unconsciousness at any moment.

Yet, the person standing guard by the bedside rushed out upon hearing her weak plea. His footsteps were so hurried that he almost forgot his legs were still numb; he stumbled a few steps, nearly colliding with the furniture before regaining his balance.

"Alright, alright, you want water, right? It's coming, just hold on," he said, hastily pouring a cup of warm tea from a table in the outer room. Swiftly, he returned, cradling the teacup in one hand while gently lifting the person lying in bed, supporting her against his shoulder.

"Come, Yan Yan, have some water."

He held the teacup to her lips, watching as she sipped gently. His heart seemed to melt into a pool of warmth. Only now did he finally exhale in relief; she had finally awoken.

When Nan Yan finished her cup of tea, the person supporting her immediately whispered, "Is that enough? Would you like more? You've been in a deep sleep for two whole days and had a fever for a while. It's normal to feel thirsty. Should I get you another cup?"

The bitterness in Nan Yan's mouth faded, and her parched throat soothed after drinking the tea. Thus, she promptly changed her demeanor.

As Xiao Feihe finished speaking, the person leaning on him tensed up, as if just realizing who he was, or perhaps recalling the events of that day.

Her eyelashes fluttered gently, and slowly, she shifted her body away, refusing to lean on him anymore.

Xiao Feihao's gaze instantly lost its luster.

Nan Yan turned her face slightly, lips pressed together. Closing her eyes briefly, she reopened them, revealing a hint of mocking amusement on her pale countenance. With a hoarse voice, she inquired, "Didn't I tell you what you're here for? Don't come looking for me ever again. Don't make me despise you more and more."

Even her words carried a sense of weakness and frailty.

The rosy color that had just returned to her lips faded once more upon waking up to see him, leaving them pale.

Xiao Feihao remained silent, his gaze resting on her delicate brows and eyes. Upon noticing the subtle disdain in her expression, his chest fluttered with unease.

He opened his mouth, recalling his past actions. His fingers curled involuntarily, and with great effort, he said, "I... I wanted to see you..."

It was always more challenging to face someone in a coma than a conscious person, especially when confronted with their disdainful gaze. Xiao Feihao had never felt so intolerant of a person's look before; it was as if he were suffocating.

Upon hearing this, Nanyan's eyes glistened slightly with moisture. However, she scoffed coldly, "Well, you've seen me now. You can leave."

Her rejection was ruthless and absolute.

Xiao Feihao's breath hitched for an instant. Staring at the person before him, a wave of intense distress surged in his chest. Although he had somewhat anticipated this outcome, Xiao Feihao was still unwilling to give up just like that.

He took a deep breath and gently clasped her hand, pressing it against his chest. "I'm sorry, I really know I was wrong. I deceived and hurt you, but my feelings for you are genuine. I sincerely like you, Yan Yan. Can you please give me another chance? Forgive me, won't you?"

South Yan couldn't bear to hear any more. She forcefully broke free from his grasp and turned her tearful gaze upon him. "Forgive you? How am I supposed to forgive you?"

"Is it because you fell for me that you think all your deceits can be overlooked?"

Tears rolled down South Yan's cheeks. Her dark eyes locked onto his. "But what if you hadn't fallen for me? Have you ever considered that if things had unfolded differently, if you didn't have feelings for me, what would the aftermath of your deception have been? Have you thought about that possibility?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Feihao was suddenly struck with a moment of astonishment. An odd thought crept into his mind.

How could he... not like her?

No, it couldn't be. That outcome was impossible.

The baffling possibility sent a chill down his spine, yet, for some inexplicable reason, his subconscious was imagining what he would do if he hadn't fallen in love with her.

He might have played with her emotions, abruptly withdrawing from her life at the peak of her anticipation and joy, leaving her alone to confront the gossip and rumors...

Such an outcome... No, it couldn't be!

Xiao Feihao's breath hitched for a moment, and his eyes instantly reddened. An unprecedented pain flashed in his gaze, almost making him unable to resist the urge to scream out his agony.

It couldn't be; he wouldn't do such a thing to her!

He liked her—how could he possibly do something so cruel to her?

No matter how hard he tried to refute it, there was still that nagging thought in his heart. If there were such a possibility, if he truly hadn't fallen for Yan Yan, the harm he would have inflicted on her would be a hundredfold worse than what it is now.

At the mere thought of this possibility, Xiao Feihao's face turned ashen. The pain in his chest seemed to intensify, causing cold sweat to bead on his forehead. At that moment, he was inexplicably grateful that he loved her and that he hadn't subjected her to such repulsive acts.

Nan Yan paused, tears sliding down her cheeks. Then, she continued,

"Have you ever considered how desperate and shattered I would be, or to what depths I would plummet? Why can you so effortlessly ask for my forgiveness? What do you even see me as? Just a toy for you to manipulate at will?"

Her scorching tears fell onto his fingers, burning them to the point that his hand involuntarily released her grip. He instinctively protested,

"No, no, it's not like that..."

"Yanyan, I would never do that to you."

Xiao Feihuo's tears also welled up instantly. His expression turned anxious as he reached out with trembling fingers to grasp her hand, his lips quivering. "Trust me, I wouldn't do that to you. I genuinely like you, Yanyan. I know you're still angry, and I understand your hatred towards my deception..."

"You can hit me, kill me, or punish me in any way you see fit. Just don't dwell on those painful memories. As long as it eases your suffering, I'll do anything for you?"

Nan Yan's fingers curled inward, and she forcefully pulled her hand from his grasp. Raising her gaze, she met his slightly reddened eyes and impulsively blurted out, "Would it be alright if I wished for your death?"

Xiao Feihuo's face turned slightly pale.

After a long moment of stunned silence, he couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. Then, he reached out to pull her tightly into his embrace, his tone turning unusually earnest. "I'm willing to do anything you ask me to."

"But I can't die just yet..."

A wistful look appeared in Xiao Feihe's eyes.

He was reluctant to simply hand her over to someone else, to leave this world with regrets, never to see her again, never to hear her laughter or that bold and spoiled voice calling his name. He was deeply unwilling to part with all that.

Nan Yan seemed taken aback by his seriousness, remaining in his arms for a while before she finally reacted, pushing him away forcefully. Turning her face away, she spoke coldly,

"Scram, and don't touch me!"

Perhaps expecting this reaction, Xiao Feihao appeared more composed than anticipated. With a tinge of reluctance, he released her. Seeing Yanyan's cold demeanor and her pale lips, he chuckled softly before whispering, "You've just woken up and must be hungry. Should I go prepare something for you in the kitchen?"

Nan Yan bit her lip, casting him a glance from the corner of her eye. She thought to herself, 'Hurry up then! Don't you know I've been lying in bed for two days? If you don't bring me something delicious soon, I might faint from hunger again.'

Despite her disdainful expression, she turned away, not sparing him a glance, and coldly said, "Leave. I won't eat anything you make."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Feihao didn't get angry. Instead, a hint of a smile appeared on his face. He promptly rolled up his sleeves, lifted the curtain, and headed towards the kitchen.

Xiao Feihao was indeed swift. In the blink of an eye, he returned with several light side dishes and a steaming bowl of white porridge. Worried that she might find her taste buds dull, he had even prepared a few hawthorn pills to stimulate her appetite.

"Yanyan, I've prepared some..."

Unfortunately, just as he reached the door, he heard voices coming from inside. Before he could finish his sentence, he entered the room to witness an intimate and affectionate scene between the two occupants.

"Start with the soup. You've been asleep for two days, so your stomach is empty. For now, you can't handle fatty foods. I asked the kitchen to prepare this porridge especially for you."

"Here, drink slowly. Don't choke."

Jin Yanli sat by the bedside, attentively and gently feeding her soup. He watched as Nan Yan leaned against the bed frame, sipping delicately, her cheeks flushed slightly from the warmth of the broth, looking much more lively.

He occasionally wiped the corners of her mouth, and Nan Yan's face reflected deep emotion.

Observing their intimate connection, Xiao Feihe suddenly felt like an outsider, as if he could no longer intrude upon their bond. This strange feeling of unease and anxiety took hold of him.

Xiao Feihe was aware that she was still angry with him. It was all his fault; he deserved to be in this situation.

Unconsciously, he stepped forward with the tray, but a fleeting glance from Nan Yan made him halt in his tracks. The distance in her eyes was so obvious, as if even another look from him would be burdensome. Despite Xiao Feihe's tolerance, he now found it hard to catch his breath.

His fingers unconsciously clenched the plate.

How on earth... could he gain her forgiveness?

He took a deep breath, forcing all discomfort deep into his heart, then approached her with utmost diligence and care. "Yanyan, do you want anything else?"

He flashed her an ingratiating smile.

South Yan didn't even lift her eyelids. "Are you trying to stuff me to death?"

Xiao Feihe's expression froze, and he hastily put down what he was holding. He hurriedly explained, "How could that be? I didn't mean it that way. It's fine if you don't want to eat it. I'll make something else for you in the future, okay?"

Nan Yan, however, turned her face away, not wanting to give him any attention.

The one who didn't receive a response appeared rather flustered. Xiao Feihe stepped back uneasily and sat down on a nearby seat, though his gaze stubbornly refused to shift, fixated on the two of them as if punishing himself or unable to let go.

Jin Yanli never expected that one day he would feel happy and content because she had intentionally used him.

He knew that she was doing it on purpose, trying to provoke Xiao Feihe so that she would allow him to get slightly closer to her. Yet, even with this kind of manipulation, he felt content.

For two entire days, he cared for her and coaxed her relentlessly, but no matter how much he cajoled, the unconscious woman refused to awaken. Yet, the moment Xiao Feihao arrived, she would stir, no matter how enraged she was.

From that instant, he knew he had utterly lost – she didn't love him anymore at all.

But what could he do? He had brought this upon himself. As long as she allowed him near, permitted him to stay by her side and guard her, he was willing to wait, however long it took, until the day she softened towards him.

After consuming a small bowl of congee, Nanyan's spirits revived somewhat. However, after lying in bed for two days, her entire body felt weak. She wanted to get up and stroll around, but Jin Yanli prevented her.

He argued that her illness hadn't fully subsided, and being exposed to the wind outside would likely cause a relapse. If she felt unwell, he suggested she let a maid massage her or, if she preferred, he could lend a hand himself.

Nanyan rejected the man's attempt to take advantage, turning her head to admire the fine weather outside. How could such warm sunshine cause a chill?

Yet, the man was stubborn, and despite Nanyan's efforts to reshape his obstinacy, when it came to matters of the body, she couldn't sway him. His refusal was absolute, leaving her with nothing but a longing gaze.

Perhaps due to being ill for two days, his eyes, as they stared at her, were now dewy and pitiful, tugging at Jing Yanli's heartstrings. After a bout of internal struggle, he finally gave in reluctantly.

Jing Yanli sighed, feeling utterly powerless before this person. "If you really must get up, it's not entirely impossible, but only within the courtyard, alright?"

Nanyan immediately nodded in agreement.

Thus, Jin Yanli's protective measures were meticulous. A thick cloak enveloped the person entirely, leaving only their head exposed. Satisfied after feeling the warmth of the person's palm, he then led them to the courtyard.

Throughout the entire scene, Xiao Feihe stood by, watching silently. He opened his mouth, but found himself unable to utter a single word.

He wanted to lend a hand, but as soon as he reached out, he was met with Nanyan's cold gaze, freezing him in place.

Despite the bright sunshine outside, he felt an inexplicable chill sweeping through his heart, growing colder by the moment until his limbs turned stiff. Wanting to follow but afraid of her disdain, he obstinately stared at the pair.

In the corner of her eye, Nanyan noticed Xiao Feihe standing rigidly not far behind her. Well, can't handle this already? That won't do; there's more to come.

Jin Yanli led her into the courtyard.

Nan Yan's brow was slightly furrowed. Seeing that the person behind her had not followed, she seemed somewhat concerned, her gaze occasionally drifting back, revealing a subtle hint of frustration on her face.

Taking a step forward, whether intentionally or unintentionally, she seemed to twist her ankle, nearly toppling forward. Fortunately, Jin Yanli beside her reacted swiftly, catching her in his arms. He then held her fingers and asked, "Why are you so distracted? Didn't you say you wanted to take a walk? Almost tripping after just a few steps; it would be better if I carried you."

As he finished speaking, Nan Yan caught sight of the fluttering corner of a garment behind the door with the corner of her eye. Before the person in his arms could release her, she suddenly leaned in and gently kissed the corner of his lips, like a dragonfly skimming across the water, retreating instantly.

Just as she was about to withdraw from his embrace, she was abruptly held by the waist. Jin Yanli's breath hitched, pressing firmly against the small of her back with his palm.

Nanyan was caught off guard, crashing her entire body against his chest. However, she knew she had acted improperly, so she lowered her head and dared not meet anyone's gaze.

Jin Yanli's expression was a tangled mix of emotions, veiled in mystery.

He took a deep breath before pressing her against the tree trunk with his hand. His long fingers suddenly clasped her chin, lifting it as he spoke, "This won't do. Your kiss was too superficial; he'll know you did it on purpose."

The person in front of him kept their eyes lowered, remaining silent.

Jin Yanli continued, "Are you trying to make him angry, to cause him pain, to make him regret? But this is too light, insufficient. How could it have the desired effect so easily? Let me help you, alright?"

South Yan stared at him, dazed.

Without waiting for a reaction from those below, he immediately kissed her passionately. In that instant, Jin Yanli's chest felt as if it was filled with an ache and a swelling sensation. The more he liked her, the more painful it was. He hadn't seen her like this in a long time. The person in his arms was obedient, initially showing some resistance, but she didn't struggle until the very end.

Jin Yanli's breathing was rapid, and a mist seemed to have formed in his eyes. He couldn't describe the feeling in his heart; his pounding heart echoed loudly in his chest. He kissed her fiercely, again and again, tracing the corners of her lips with tender intensity, as if he wished to engulf her entirely. In the end, tears flowed uncontrollably from his eyes.

In his blurred state, he felt utterly pathetic for resorting to such tactics just to be close to her. Yet, he willingly submitted to being used by her.

When they finally separated, Jin Yanli's body was burning hot, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Gasping for air, he lowered his head and gently brushed his lips against the skin behind her ear, whispering hoarsely into her ear.

"Only then will he suffer as I do."

Tears, warm like summer rain, traced her cheeks, cascading down to her neck and dampening the lock of hair that lay against it. Jinyan Li removed the strand with reluctance, his gaze filled with sorrow as he gazed at her.

Meanwhile, Xiao Feihao watched from a distance as the two entwined in an intimate embrace.

In that instant, he froze, and then a torrent of jealousy surged wildly through his mind, almost compelling him to rush forward and violently pull them apart.

The intensity of his agitation was so great that he could feel his blood vessels pulsating fiercely, causing his eyes to redden instantly.

No! Don't treat him like this!

Please, Yanyan, don't do this...

He would rather she hit him, scolded him, or even killed him than endure this outcome. He couldn't bear it; he truly couldn't accept it.

He knew he was wrong. He shouldn't have deceived her, and he definitely shouldn't have had that intimate moment with Li Qingruo at the Li residence. He truly realized his mistake now. Please, don't treat him like this, could you?

Xiao Feihao now also understood how Jin Yanli felt when he saw Nan Yan being kissed in his embrace back then at the manor.

The searing flames of jealousy, resentment, and fury consumed his rationality, leaving him with an uncontrollable urge to rush forward and slay the man who had dared to slight her.

But he couldn't. Xiao Feihao clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his flesh.

Struggling to suppress the emotions on the verge of overwhelming him, the last vestige of reason in his mind whispered that he must never hurt her again, must never make her sad anew.

What was he to do? The sight of her with another man, their intimacy, was driving him to the brink of madness.

He simply could not bear it...

Yan Yan...

South Yan, on the other side, secretly nodded to herself after noticing the favorable outcome of her tactic. She then composed herself and put on an apologetic expression before pushing the man in front of her away, discarding him once she had used him.

"I-I'm sorry... Actually..."

Jin Yanli seemed to have anticipated her response. He reached out to rub her head while forcing a smile through the ache in his chest, "I understand. It was my choice."

Nan Yan pressed her lips together, her fingers unknowingly gripping the fabric of her sleeve tightly. She then looked at him with an embarrassed expression, "I shouldn't have treated you like this. Using you like this, what's the difference between that and him deceiving my feelings?"

"Don't try to comfort me. I'm sorry, Jin Yanli, scold me or even hit me if you want. You've been so kind to me, saving and taking care of me day and night, yet I repay your kindness with cruelty. I truly owe you too much."

Jin Yanli felt that he had utterly fallen for her in this lifetime. Be it genuine affection or manipulation, his life was now intertwined with hers. No matter what, he would stand by her side.

Hearing this, he couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. His finger tenderly brushed against her lips.

There were still traces of his kiss, and just that alone was enough to fill him with contentment.

With such timidity, how can you even mention making him regret and suffer? Are you afraid already? Or is it that you're pained to see him upset?

South Yan turned away, muttering, "I'm not."

Jin Yanli looked at her contradictory behavior and couldn't help feeling a pang of sorrowful bitterness.

Indeed, after repeated confirmations, no matter how unwilling he was, there was no possibility for them in this lifetime.

Unable to resist, Jin Yanli pulled her into his embrace and whispered soothingly, "If you don't care, then let's continue. If I'm not bothered by it, why should you be?"

"Only..."

I miss you so much too. Why would you give him a chance but not forgive me just once? It was me who met you first and fell in love with you initially. I merely made a mistake along the way and unintentionally let go of your hand. How did you end up with someone else? Tell me, does this world truly believe in reincarnation? If there is a next life, could you please give me another chance? Don't be so biased. You know my affection for you isn't any less than his.

Hearing him trail off, Nan Yan inquired,

"What do you mean by 'only'?"

Jin Yanli suddenly sighed deeply. He lifted his face slightly, his smile still present, yet the mist in his eyes grew denser. His tears slipped into his ear as he held her tighter, "It's nothing. I just wish that in the future, you won't be so biased. Do you understand the principle of fairness and sharing love equally?"

He whispered, "You gave him another chance. You'd better do the same for me in my next life."

After a brief pause, he added vindictively, "Otherwise, even if I were to die and turn into a pile of bones, I'd still crawl out of my grave just to haunt you."

"You wouldn't want nightmares at night, would you? It's best to keep this in mind and recite it three times before bed each night, so you won't deny it when I come looking for you."

Nan Yan: "...."

Why did those words sound so creepy?

Nan Yan seemed to grasp his hidden meaning. From that day forward, Jin Yanli's attitude toward her appeared more restrained. However, certain emotions were beyond suppression, especially the loathing in his gaze whenever he looked at Xiao Feihe, which remained as intense as ever.

But no matter how much he despised him, it couldn't alter the fact that Yanyan had set her heart on him.

Observing Yanyan frequently wearing a forlorn and distracted expression, Jin Yanli felt both frustration and compassion stirring within him.

Eventually, he had no choice but to concede defeat first.

Though reluctant to see Xiao Feihao fulfill his desires, he couldn't bear to witness Yan Yan's sorrow again. Her pain would pierce him a hundredfold, for in this world, she was the only one who could make him yield time and again.

Perhaps some people are born to restrain others, and she happened to be his nemesis. Thus, he would rather endure his own suffering than see her shed another tear.

On the fifteenth of November, the weather was pleasant.

Nan Yan had mostly recovered from her ailment.

Jin Yanli suggested that after resting in the manor for so long, it was time to venture out and explore. He'd heard that two new cosmetic shops had opened in the northern market, with exotic goods from overseas. Since she had nothing better to do within the estate, why not join him for a visit?

Nanyan pretended ignorance of his hidden intentions. It had almost been half a month since her recovery, and he seemed eager for her to remain confined within the estate forever. The sudden invitation to venture out must signify some other matter.

She didn't expose his subtle thoughts but instead nodded in agreement, promptly climbing into the carriage.

Jin Yanli watched the carriage disappear into the distance. An impulse surged within him to rush forward and snatch her back, but after a long struggle, he eventually let go, powerless.

He turned and returned to the estate.

Missed opportunities were missed. No amount of effort in this lifetime could make up for it now.

On the other end, Nan Yan waited until the carriage had come to a gentle halt before lifting the curtain. She found Xiao Feihe standing outside, seemingly restless and uneasy.

Indeed, it seemed she hadn't guessed wrong. Jin Yanli wanted to help resolve the misunderstanding between her and Xiao Feihe.

He extended his hand to assist her down from the carriage, but the moment Nan Yan laid eyes on him, her expression changed slightly as she shot him an annoyed glare. "Why are you here? Where's Jin Yanli?"

Xiao Feihe's recent experiences with neglect and disdain had worn away all his temper. Now, he only showed endless caution and unease towards Nan Yan.

Upon hearing her words, a shadow flickered in his eyes, yet he replied honestly, "He had an unexpected matter to attend to and couldn't make it. I'm here to accompany you. If you don't wish to stroll around, I'll take you back right now."

Nanyan's expression remained unperturbed. "When did I say I wasn't going to browse?"

She pursed her lips and, after uttering those words, lifted her dress and stepped down from the carriage.

However, when Xiao Feihao instinctively reached out to support her, she glared at him and coldly said, "Don't touch me, and don't follow me. I don't want to see you right now."

Those words left Xiao Feihao momentarily stunned.

He could tolerate not touching her, but not following her was out of the question. With so many people in the market, if he didn't keep a close eye on her, she might be separated from the crowd in no time. Besides, there were plenty of thieves on the streets; what if she were to be bullied?

Xiao Feihe's expression was somewhat hesitant, but noticing the evident coldness in Yan Yan's gaze, he didn't dare approach too closely.

Eventually, he compromised by keeping a respectful distance, strolling about ten meters behind her while observing her steadily, his eyes never leaving her.

Later on, Xiao Feihe thought to himself that this arrangement wasn't so bad after all. Being able to watch her from afar and see her happy was enough for him.

As they walked, Nanyan came across a stall selling wooden trinkets. The vendor was a middle-aged man with a full beard, wearing a dusty headscarf. Upon seeing customers, he revealed an honest and simple smile, then promptly returned to his work, displaying none of the intimidating demeanor he might have had in the past.

Nanyan spent some time at the stall, eventually selecting a laughing Buddha figurine with a round belly from among the various small wooden deities. A hint of amusement sparkled in her eyes.

"Vendor, how much is this small wooden Buddha?"

The vendor glanced at her briefly before lowering his head, replying honestly, "Not expensive, not expensive. It's ten copper coins each. If Miss truly likes it, I can let it go for seven."

"Just seven copper coins? That's really cheap. Vendor, with such skillful craftsmanship, why are you selling them for so little?"

The vendor immediately broke into a humble smile, wiping his palms. "Miss is jesting. It's merely a means to earn a living, hardly something that can be called good craftsmanship. If you like it, feel free to take it. It's only seven copper coins, not too costly at all."

Nan Yan held the small wooden Buddha in her hand.

Xiao Feihao, trailing behind, maintained a respectful distance while keeping close. Upon hearing the mention of money, he attempted to step forward promptly but was met with a glare from Nan Yan. As a result, he hesitated and remained where he was, not daring to move.

South Yan took out a few copper coins from her purse and handed them to him herself.

As we proceeded further, the crowd grew denser.

Xiao Feihao had also been closely trailing behind. Just as they passed through a congested alleyway, a couple of giggling, playful beggar children suddenly emerged from it, surrounding him on all sides.

The three urchins swirled around Xiao Feihao in circles, jumping and clowning around, persistently begging him for copper coins. It wasn't the first time he had encountered such a situation.

Xiao Feihao's headache intensified from the commotion. With no other choice, he hastily fished a handful of copper coins from his robe and tossed them out. In that brief moment, when he lifted his head again, Nanyan, who was originally just in front of him, had vanished into thin air.

Alarm instantly gripped Xiao Feihao's heart. At first, he suspected Nanyan was playfully teasing him, trying to rouse his anxiety and fear as a form of retaliation. But after scanning the area and failing to spot her anywhere, his panic began to rise.

Seizing a passerby, he asked, "Did you see the young lady over there? She was standing right there, around seventeen or eighteen years old, with bright black eyes."

When the passerby said no, he rushed to inquire the stall owner, pestering them relentlessly despite their annoyance.

"Did you see the young lady who was standing right here just now? She was very pretty, carrying a small wooden Buddha statue."

"She was wearing a deep red dress, her hair styled in an unmarried bun, reaching just up to my chin. Did you catch a glimpse of her?" Xiao Feihao gestured anxiously, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

"You didn't? How could that be? Are you sure you looked closely enough? Think again, she was indeed standing right here, holding a tiny wooden... "

Before he could finish the word "Buddha," Xiao Feihao's entire body jolted, his pupils constricting slightly.

His gaze fell upon the large, pot-bellied Buddha statue on the ground, one arm severed. The mounting frustration and anxiety he had felt earlier now reached its climax.

What on earth happened? What's really going on?

How could the item Yan Yan just bought be lying on the ground?

Xiao Feihe instinctively rushed over to pick up the small wooden Buddha, brushing off the dust. He noticed that the arm had been deliberately broken by hand, not accidentally crushed underfoot.

A sudden surge of immense panic rose from his chest, an unprecedented sense of unease engulfing his heart. His eyes reddened as he scanned every figure in the vicinity, searching for someone who resembled her, but none did. None of them were her.

Had Yan Yan vanished? Or was she abducted?

As Xiao Feihao's tension reached its peak and was on the verge of spiraling out of control, a small beggar suddenly dashed out from the side of the road, handing him a slip of paper before dashing away. Xiao Feihao was unable to chase after the beggar, so he instinctively unfolded the note. It read:

"After noon, come alone to the dilapidated temple in the southwestern outskirts of the city. Have a carriage prepared and bring three thousand taels in silver notes. Otherwise, that woman dies!

Upon reading this, the composed expression on Xiao Feihao's face contorted instantly, a faint hint of malevolence flickering in his eyes.

His palm, clenched with excessive force, accidentally snapped off another arm of the small wooden Buddha statue. The splintered fragments pierced into his flesh, causing blood to drip instantly through his fingers onto the ground.

Xiao Feihao clenched his hand tightly, his gaze clouded with complexity.

Who could it be? Who would seek revenge against her?

If there was any issue, it should be directed at him. Why involve an innocent and defenseless young woman?