Chapter Fifty-Seven: She Really Lost Him
Everything went awry from his plans. The woman was about to marry someone else. He came out of the palace and met Mu Cenlin, learning that they would be getting married in a few days.
Mu Yuan felt a surge of immense disappointment rising within him as he watched Li Bao'er. He was unwilling to accept it! It was he who had pushed Li Bao'er into the arms of his cold-hearted imperial brother.
After finishing her business, Li Bao'er turned to leave, only to notice Mu Yuan staring blankly at her from the doorway.
A flicker of surprise flashed across her eyes, as if she had seen something that shouldn't be there, before she regained her composure, even with a hint of aloofness, and nodded slightly: "Third Prince."
There was no usual joy or excitement, no careful flattery, only calm and politeness, which seemed no warmer than when they treated Manager Qian earlier.
The address "Third Prince" made Mu Yuan's heart clench. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found his throat dry and unable to utter a single word.
A profound sense of loss and an offended anger instantly gripped him.
He was unwilling! He was unwilling that the woman who had once loved him so deeply was about to marry his cold-blooded imperial brother! What he was even more unwilling to accept was that she seemed to genuinely not care at all? And was even showing such a strange and dazzling side of herself?
A mix of emotions churned and fermented in his chest, but when they finally burst out, they turned into a completely different kind of mockery that even he hadn't anticipated.
Mu Yuan forced a gentle smile, but there was no smile in his eyes: "Heh, I never knew that Miss Li had such a clever mind and such powerful methods."
He took a step closer, trying to regain his former sense of superior control, his tone flippant: "What? Could it be that you've really given up on me? Is it because you felt there was no hope of marrying me, so you settled for my good brother? Did you think that by climbing the social ladder of the Prince Jing's mansion, you could enjoy wealth and honor?"
His voice was low, but carried a deeper malice: "Li Bao'er, do you know what kind of person my second brother is? Cold-blooded, ruthless, cruel, and violent. He has killed more people than you have ever seen! Do you think being the Princess Consort of Jing is so easy? Don't end up not even knowing how you died!"
As he spoke, he subconsciously reached out and tried to grab her wrist.
Just before his fingers were about to touch her sleeve, Li Bao'er subtly took a half-step back, perfectly avoiding his touch.
She raised her eyes, her gaze clear and sharp, which sent a chill down Mu Yuan's spine.
"Your Highness, please be careful with your words." Her voice was calm and unwavering. "His Majesty's bestowal of this marriage is an honor for both the Li family and the Prince Jing's residence. Your Highness's criticism of Prince Jing and questioning of the imperial decree are inappropriate."
Li Bao'er paused, then looked at him again with undeniable displeasure: "Furthermore, I remember telling Your Highness long ago that my heart is now set on Prince Jing, and it comes from the bottom of my heart. If Your Highness continues to spread rumors about my husband, don't blame Bao'er, as your brother and sister-in-law, for teaching you a lesson."
Mu Yuan was enraged by her businesslike and lecturing tone, and his regret and disappointment were instantly overwhelmed by resentment and a desire to conquer.
He almost sneered without thinking: "Brother and sister-in-law? Fine, what a brother and sister-in-law!! Li Bao'er, why do you need to put on airs in front of me?"
Mu Yuan's tone carried a condescending temptation, as if he were bestowing upon her a tremendous favor: "Li Bao'er, I'm giving you one last chance. You just need to beg me as before."
"As long as you beg me, saying you regret it and don't want to marry him... I'll go to the palace right now and beg my father! Even if it angers him, I'll get you here! What do you say?"
Mu Yuan stared intently into her eyes, hoping to see a hint of wavering, a hint of longing, or even a trace of grievance.
However, no.
001 was completely stunned. [Is this man really that confident? Who gave him the nerve?]
If he weren't an important NPC, I wouldn't have been able to continue watching.
Li Bao'er chimed in, "It's good that you know. I've suffered for over a decade; you should think carefully about how to make it up to me."
After saying that, she disconnected her consciousness. Looking at the face in front of her that bore a slight resemblance to Mu Cenlin, Li Bao'er could only sigh inwardly. The contrast between the two brothers was truly enormous.
They were worlds apart, she realized it long ago, so she had doubted the world's judgment in choosing the male lead more than once, after all, the difference was too great...
Therefore, only hardworking oxen and horses from the 21st century can have the awareness that money is hard to earn and life is tough to endure in order to complete the task.
Li Bao'er's eyes remained calm, and even after he finished speaking, the corners of her lips curved upwards very slightly.
"I appreciate Your Highness's kindness." She gave a slight curtsy, her manners impeccable, yet each word fell like a sharp, icy pearl. "However, my mind is made up, and I cannot afford to be frivolous. I am about to be married, and it is inconvenient for me to have too much contact with men outside my marriage. Farewell."
Mu Yuan could no longer hold back. He stepped forward and grabbed her wrist. "Bao'er! Tell me why? Is it because I couldn't help you find that person? Or is it because Mu Cenlin now holds immense power in the court?!" He almost roared.
"We've been childhood sweethearts, and you've loved me for so many years, how can you just break it off like that!" Mu Yuan was about to say something when Li Bao'er suddenly shook off his hand.
"Mu Yuan, what right do you have to question me? Haven't I done enough for you over the years?" Li Bao'er no longer concealed her disgust, and her tone became firm.
"If you could remember that we were childhood sweethearts, you wouldn't keep putting me in danger!"
"And I would never take advantage of my past feelings for you!"
"Now I've just seen myself clearly, and I'm tired of following behind you. What exactly are you resentful about?"
"You're just driven by possessiveness. If you don't actually like me, stop acting like this disgusting person I just dumped. We all know you've never truly liked anyone..."
After saying that, she didn't look at his instantly ashen face, turned around, took the hand of the maid, and boarded the carriage without hesitation.
The carriage curtain fell, completely blocking Mu Yuan's view, and also seemingly completely severing the connection between him and Li Bao'er, who had once been infatuated with him.
Mu Yuan stood frozen in place, watching her carriage drive away, feeling a burning sensation on his face, as if he had been slapped in the face by an invisible hand.
Her last look and that word "outsider" terrified him more than any vicious words.
It seems he has truly lost her completely.
On Chang'an Avenue, the autumn wind scattered fallen leaves, and beneath the fluttering robes, clenched fists could be vaguely seen, accompanied by a murmured, "Who says I never liked you?"
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