He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The cold air, which smelled of disinfectant and blood, rushed into his lungs, as if drawing some kind of strength from it.
He looked at Ling Yue and slowly and clearly uttered his final and only instruction:
"As for Chao Zhenshan...look at him."
"Before I...go 'visit' him myself—"
Chao Youye's gaze once again turned to Mu Xinrong who was sleeping in the corner.
Then, he retracted his gaze and looked at Ling Yue. He opened his thin lips and uttered the last four words, like a judgment from the deepest part of hell:
"—let him live."
Live. Live to feel fear, live to wait for judgment, live... to experience what true despair is.
Ling Yue felt a chill running from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. He lowered his head to hide the shock in his eyes.
His voice was extremely solemn. "Yes! I understand! I will ensure that the old man... is safe and sound, awaiting your 'visit'!"
"Are you safe and sound?" The corners of Chao Youye's lips twitched upwards very slightly. It was an arc without any warmth, even with a hint of cruel mockery, so fast that it almost made people think it was an illusion.
"No. As long as... I'm alive."
Ling Yue's heart trembled, and he lowered his head even deeper: "Yes! I understand!"
Chao Youye no longer looked at him, waved her hand tiredly, and signaled him to leave.
All the killing and decisiveness seemed to have exhausted the little strength he had just recovered. His face was paler than before, and there was an unconcealable fatigue and grief between his brows.
Ling Yue bowed silently again, his movements swift and light, just as he had come, and he left the ward quietly, closing the door gently.
The ward regained its semblance of tranquility: sunshine, the fragrance of flowers, the ticking of instruments.
His right hand, placed on the quilt, was still clenched tightly, and his knuckles had lost their color from the force.
However, at this moment, a slight rustling sound came from the corner.
Mu Xinrong turned over in his sleep and lay face up.
He seemed to be sleeping uneasily, his brows slightly furrowed, and his lips unconsciously muttered something unclear in his sleep: "...Chao Youye...don't be afraid..."
This subtle voice, filled with dependence and concern, was like a ray of light cast in the darkness, accurately hitting the softest and hardest corner of Chao Youye's heart.
He suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze instantly locked on the sleeping figure.
The coldness that was swirling in his eyes was replaced by a deeper and more powerful determination.
For this person.
To protect this beam of light, to prevent it from being dimmed or disappearing due to anyone's malice...
He must become a stronger fortress and a sharper blade.
The ward was silent, with only the sunlight flowing silently.
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