Pei Jinxiao held Sheng Yunrong in his arms with all his strength, his hands were shaking. Sheng Yunrong felt a strong breath surrounding her, her heartbeat accelerated, and a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. She raised her head slightly and met Pei Jinxiao's deep eyes, revealing a complex emotion.
"Sheng Yunrong, why are you always so stubborn?" Pei Jinxiao asked in a low voice with a hint of helplessness.
Sheng Yunrong struggled slightly, trying to get out of his arms, but Pei Jinxiao held her tightly, making her unable to move. She bit her lower lip and said firmly, "Pei Jinxiao, I know I can't change your mind, but I must stick to my bottom line."
When Pei Jinxiao heard this, a trace of pain flashed in his eyes. He stared at Sheng Yunrong closely, as if trying to find the answer from her eyes.
At this time, the garden of Sheng Mansion was quiet. The moonlight shone on the two people, reflecting the expressions on their faces.
"Sheng Yunrong, do you know? I have been looking for someone who can walk side by side with me, someone who can understand my inner pain." Pei Jinxiao's voice was a little hoarse.
Sheng Yunrong was shocked. She knew the pain in Pei Jinxiao's heart, but she couldn't accept his feelings. She said softly, "Pei Jinxiao, I'm sorry, but I really can't respond to your feelings."
Pei Jinxiao's eyes flashed with disappointment, but he quickly adjusted his mood. He let go of Sheng Yunrong, took a step back, looked at her deeply, and then turned to the other side of the garden.
Sheng Yunrong looked at Pei Jinxiao's back, and a complex emotion surged in her heart. She knew that this relationship could not be turned back, but she could not stop herself from feeling distressed.
At this moment, Sheng Wan'er, the eldest daughter of the Sheng family, came over. She looked at Sheng Yunrong with a hint of worry in her eyes.
"Sister, what happened between you and Pei Jinxiao?" Sheng Wan'er asked with concern.
Sheng Yunrong sighed softly and told Sheng Wan'er what happened. After listening, Sheng Wan'er was silent for a moment, and then said: "Sister, I know your feelings, but Pei Jinxiao is indeed a trustworthy person."
Sheng Yunrong shook her head and smiled bitterly: "Sister, I know he is good, but I really can't accept his feelings. My heart has been given to someone else."
Sheng Wan'er sighed. She knew who Sheng Yunrong had in mind. She patted Sheng Yunrong's shoulder and said, "Sister, it's hard to force feelings. As long as you are happy, I will be relieved."
Sheng Yunrong looked at Sheng Wan'er gratefully and nodded.
Pei Jinxiao looked at Sheng Yunrong, and couldn't help thinking of the hug that night. He coughed lightly, trying to hide his emotions.
"Sheng Yunrong, you look so beautiful tonight." Pei Jinxiao couldn't help but praise.
Sheng Yunrong smiled slightly and said, "Thank you for the compliment, Brother Pei. You are also very handsome."
The atmosphere between the two seemed to ease, but Sheng Yunrong knew in her heart that the rift could not be repaired.
Halfway through the banquet, Sheng Wan'er suddenly suggested playing a game. Everyone responded, and Sheng Yunrong and Pei Jinxiao were forced to join.
In the game, Sheng Yunrong and Pei Jinxiao were assigned to the same group. In the process of completing the game, the two had to cooperate. Pei Jinxiao looked at Sheng Yunrong and couldn't help but think of the past.
"Sheng Yunrong, you know? I really miss the old days." Pei Jinxiao said in a low voice.
Sheng Yunrong smiled gently and responded: "Yes, we were still young and ignorant at that time."
After the game was over, Sheng Yunrong and Pei Jinxiao were both eliminated. They sat aside and watched others continue playing.
"Sheng Yunrong, I want to know, who is the person in your heart?" Pei Jinxiao suddenly asked.
Sheng Yunrong was stunned. She didn't expect Pei Jinxiao to ask her this question at this time. She looked at Pei Jinxiao, was silent for a moment, and then said, "Brother Pei, I'm sorry, I can't tell you."
Pei Jinxiao's eyes flashed with pain, but he quickly regained his composure. He nodded gently and said, "Okay, I respect your choice."
After the banquet, Sheng Yunrong returned to her room. She looked at the moon outside the window and thought of Pei Jinxiao.
The relationship was over, but she couldn't stop herself from feeling heartbroken.
On the other side, Pei Jinxiao was also standing in front of the window, looking at the moon.
Sheng Yunrong's body stiffened slightly, and a hint of panic flashed in her bright eyes, but she quickly tried to calm down and gently pushed Pei Jinxiao away.
"Pei Jinxiao, what are you doing?" Sheng Yunrong's voice trembled slightly, but her eyes were firm.
Pei Jinxiao's eyes flashed with pain. He held Sheng Yunrong's shoulders tightly and said in a low voice: "Yunrong, I...I can't watch you being bullied."
Sheng Yunrong smiled gently, trying to ease the atmosphere: "I know you have always cared about me. But this is the Sheng Mansion, not a place where you can interfere casually."
Pei Jinxiao's expression became complicated. He let go of Sheng Yunrong's shoulders, his eyes revealing endless worry: "But Yunrong, I'm worried about you..."
"Don't worry, I'll be fine." Sheng Yunrong comforted softly, but she felt a little uneasy in her heart.
At this time, the housekeeper of the Sheng Mansion hurried in with a trace of anxiety on his face: "Miss, the old lady wants you to come over."
Sheng Yunrong was slightly stunned. She knew that the situation in Sheng Mansion was becoming increasingly tense. She turned to Pei Jinxiao and said, "I have to go over there. You wait for me here."
Pei Jinxiao nodded and watched Sheng Yunrong leave. Sheng Yunrong walked into the old lady's room and saw her sitting on the bed with a pale face.
"Madam, what's wrong with you?" Sheng Yunrong asked worriedly.
The old lady smiled slightly and motioned for Sheng Yunrong to sit down: "Yunrong, you are old enough, it's time to arrange a marriage for you."
Sheng Yunrong was slightly stunned. She understood what the old lady meant, but she was a little flustered. She knew that this marriage meant more constraints for her.
"Madam, I'm still young and want to stay with you for a few more years." Sheng Yunrong tried to delay time.
The old lady shook her head, her eyes revealing endless love: "Yunrong, I know what you are thinking, but the glory of Sheng Mansion cannot be ruined in your hands. Although Pei Jinxiao is talented, his status is low after all, and he is not suitable to be the son-in-law of our Sheng Mansion."
Sheng Yunrong felt a pang of pain in her heart. The old lady was doing this for her own good, but she couldn't accept this reality.
"Madam, Pei Jinxiao..." Sheng Yunrong wanted to defend Pei Jinxiao, but was interrupted by the old lady.
"Yunrong, I know you have feelings for him, but you have to understand that the interests of the Sheng family are above all else. If you are truly filial to me, then listen to me and sever your relationship with Pei Jinxiao."
Sheng Yunrong's heart felt like it was being cut by a knife. She bit her lips tightly, tears flashing in her eyes. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down.
"Madam, I understand. I will do as you say." Sheng Yunrong's voice was weak but firm.