Chapter 135: Candor

Chapter 135: Candor

Xiao Hua glanced at the wide-open window and went to close it.

Looking down, she saw a startled face below, which quickly turned into a figure fleeing in panic.

Lin Feng.

Xiao Hua's expression remained calm, showing little emotion. She closed the window and went back to the doorway.

Bai Mu was still standing there. As Xiao Hua approached, he handed her the crystal nucleus Lin Feng had tossed to him.

"Xiao Hua, when do you plan to absorb it?"

Xiao Hua lowered her gaze, thought for a moment, and quickly decided, "Tonight."

She had been stuck at the late stage of level four for a while now. When Lin Feng came over earlier, Xiao Hua could clearly sense that his aura had grown stronger.

No time like the present. Since she wouldn't sleep well tonight anyway, she might as well absorb the crystal nucleus and advance.

"Alright." Bai Mu smiled slightly and added, "I'll stand guard for you, okay?"

Xiao Hua remained silent.

Bai Mu continued, his reasoning sounding quite noble: "Dr. Cao's powers are still affecting you. I can't rest easy."

Xiao Hua lowered her gaze, thought for a moment, then called out, "Brother Bai."

"Yes?"

"You like me, don't you?" Xiao Hua's eyes were calm as she stared directly at Bai Mu.

Bai Mu was momentarily stunned but quickly regained his composure. He met Xiao Hua's gaze and nodded firmly. "Yes."

Just as she thought.

After so many days of reflection, Xiao Hua was no longer surprised. She looked up at the man in front of her and spoke seriously.

"You don't have to be so kind to me. I can't return your feelings."

Xiao Hua's gaze met Bai Mu's, sinking into a deep pool of water that seemed to surround her.

Bai Mu gazed into Xiao Hua's eyes, his smile brighter than ever. "Whether you respond or not is up to you. Whether I care for you or not is up to me. There's no conflict."

Xiao Hua closed her eyes, let out a soft breath, and wanted to say more.

But Bai Mu cut her off.

Bai Mu's voice carried a smile, along with deep tenderness. "You don't need to feel burdened. I'm the one who should feel humble."

Xiao Hua pressed her lips together, momentarily speechless.

Bai Mu reached out and gently tugged at her sleeve, his eyes pleading. "Xiao Hua, don't push me away, okay?"

Xiao Hua raised her hand and rubbed her temples. "Not accepting you but not pushing you away either—it feels like I'm keeping you on the hook."

"Willing to be hooked."

Xiao Hua sighed inwardly, turned around, and pushed open the door to enter.

Bai Mu was still holding her hand, but not tightly; she could easily pull away with a slight tug.

Xiao Hua didn't immediately pull her hand away, and the two of them remained in a standoff.

After about half a minute, Xiao Hua, without turning her head, spoke in a soft, uncertain voice that reached Bai Mu's ears: "Give me some time."

Bai Mu was momentarily stunned as Xiao Hua broke free from his grip and walked into the bedroom, leaving the door open.

Xiao Hua sat down on the sofa and waited for a while. Seeing that Bai Mu still hadn't moved, she glanced over and asked, "Aren't you coming in?"

Bai Mu's steps were unsteady, clearly still reeling from the shock.

Xiao Hua leaned back on the sofa and laughed. Seeing Bai Mu like this, a mischievous thought crossed her mind.

She suppressed her smile and feigned anger, "If you don't agree, then..."

"I agree!" Bai Mu finally caught the meaning behind Xiao Hua's words and quickly crouched beside the sofa, looking up at her with shining eyes.

"Of course I agree. I can wait as long as it takes."

Bai Mu's gaze was too intense, and Xiao Hua averted her eyes slightly, clearing her throat. "I'm going to absorb the crystal nucleus now. Keep watch for me, and if anything goes wrong, stop me immediately."

"Okay." Still dazed from the sudden turn of events, Bai Mu instinctively agreed to Xiao Hua's request.

Half an hour ago, when Xiao Hua was about to close the door and send him away, he felt as if he'd been sentenced to death.

But then the situation took a turn, and the person in front of him told him to wait until she was ready to accept him.

Bai Mu couldn't help but smile, his puppy-dog eyes sparkling as he looked at Xiao Hua.

This was perfect.