The air around seemed to freeze, even the wind stopped breathing, and only the occasional cawing of crows in the distance added to the oppressive and lonely atmosphere.
Li Afu's gaze unconsciously drifted into the distance, to the cobblestone path he and Bai Wei had once walked together, which now felt like the furthest distance in his heart.
“Madam…” he began with difficulty, his voice low and hoarse, “Marriage is a matter of great importance, and one should follow one’s heart. If you still have doubts, you may wish to take more time to consider them, and do not rush into a decision.”
Upon hearing this, Bai Wei's eyes flickered slightly. She really wanted to ask Li Afu what he meant by this. Why was he afraid to admit his identity?
She suddenly remembered the night Li Afu rescued her from the secret room under Li Zan's study; the first thing he called out was, "Bai Wei."
She suddenly remembered that when she was a teenager, she went out to play with Zhang Fang. He was good at ventriloquism and would change the sounds of different birds to amuse her.
But how could she be sure that the Li Afu in front of her was Zhang Fang? The voice was different, the appearance was different, could she rely solely on the handkerchief she had given him in the past?
"Afu, do you know that the most painful thing in this world is to have someone you love, but you can only look at them from afar?" Bai Wei lowered her head, her voice weak from the heavy feeling of powerlessness. Every word she spoke was like a heavy hammer, striking Li Afu's heart.
Li Afu's heart clenched. He desperately wanted to tell Bai Wei that he was Zhang Fang, the man she had been longing for, the one who would go through fire and water for her.
But reality, like a sharp knife, shattered all his courage and hope. He could only suppress his inner pain and continue to stay by her side as a servant.
"Madam, life is short. It is a blessing to meet a good man. But remember, never compromise yourself."
Li Afu's voice trembled slightly.
He wanted to ask the woman before him why, when she had betrayed him, he now seemed to be the one who had wronged her. They had been secretly engaged, but then she married a high-ranking official as his second wife.
Was the status of the Duchess of the Duke's mansion so alluring to her?
Bai Wei nodded gently, her eyes reddening again.
She turned to look at the lone silver crape myrtle tree in the courtyard. The petals were blown away by the wind, just like her mood at that moment, both beautiful and desolate.
"Afu, thank you. I'll think it over carefully." Bai Wei's voice carried a hint of determination, but more so, confusion.
She turned to go back into the house, but after taking a step, she couldn't help but look back at Li Afu, her eyes seeming to ask, "Would you like to be my husband?"
However, Li Afu just stood there silently, without answering or stepping forward.
He knew he couldn't, and dared not.
This love, hidden deep in my heart, can only turn into endless pain and struggle, which I savor alone on countless nights.
As darkness fell and dark clouds gathered, a storm seemed imminent.
Before long, large raindrops began to fall.
Li Afu looked up at the sky, letting the rain soak his clothes.
Perhaps this rain could wash away the dust in his heart and cover the tear stains on his eyes. In this oppressive atmosphere, he could only silently pray that Bai Wei could find true happiness, even if that happiness had nothing to do with him.
Bai Wei returned to the room, sat down absentmindedly, stared at the table full of delicious food, and picked up her chopsticks with difficulty. The foods she used to love tasted like cardboard in her mouth now.
Bai's mother, Chen Yue, looked past Bai Wei at Li Afu standing in the rain and called out to Lian Qiao with concern to bring him an umbrella. Then she glanced at her daughter and muttered to herself, "Both of them are so conflicted."
“Mother, I agree with your suggestion. If there is a suitable young man, I would like to meet him.” Bai Wei put down her chopsticks and said, “I’ve finished eating, Father, Mother, please enjoy your meal.”
"You've only eaten a few bites? Are you full already? Daughter, is something on your mind? Tell your father!" Bai Kang said, about to get up, but was stopped by a look from Shen Yue.
"What do you, a rough old man, know about a girl's thoughts?" Shen Yue scolded playfully. "You've been traveling all day, come and eat!"
"Good! Good! Good! I love listening to Madam the most!" Lian Qiao, who had just delivered the umbrella and run into the house, couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle softly when she saw this scene.
The husband and wife have been married for decades and are still as loving as ever. It's truly enviable!
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