Lin Zhi held the child and cried, attracting many curious glances from those around them. Seeing him looking at her with tearful eyes, as if he had a thousand words to say and ask, Jiang Chuting said, "We'll talk about it when we get back."
Compared to Lin Zhi, his reaction was far too calm and composed, as if it were nothing serious at all.
This made Lin Zhi feel very uneasy, and she nervously carried Xing'er back to the inn with him.
The two sat down at the table, and Lin Zhixian spoke first.
"Chu Ting, I'm sorry."
Xing'er was exhausted, so she nestled in Lin Zhi's arms and fell asleep. Tears still clung to her face, and she spoke in a low voice, "I really deserve to die. I didn't know anything back then, and I even insulted you. I was such a bastard. Although an apology is useless, I still have to say, I'm really sorry..."
Jiang Chuting slowly took a sip of tea. She still vividly remembered how heartbroken she had been back then, and now, hearing him solemnly apologize for it, she couldn't describe the feeling in her heart. She simply said, "It's been a long time, there's no need to mention it again."
The more he acted this way, the more flustered Lin Zhi became: "I was so jealous back then that my mind was clouded, which is why I said those things to you. How could I possibly let you be a traitor..." Lin Zhi suddenly couldn't continue, because the more he spoke, the more he felt that he was making a shameless excuse.
He stopped and found Jiang Chuting watching him quietly. Lin Zhi choked up for a moment before looking back at him and saying in a hoarse voice, "From beginning to end, all I want is to marry you, and you will be the only one for me in my life. I admit that I was immature in my relationship before, and I always trusted others and made a lot of mistakes... But as long as you are willing to give me a chance, I swear I will never do it again."
Jiang Chuting withdrew her gaze, gently placed the teacup back on the table, and remained silent.
Lin Zhi certainly didn't expect him to make a statement. After a long silence, she cautiously asked, "Chu Ting, that drug... why did you get infected before?"
Jiang Chuting's eyes flickered slightly. She raised her eyelids to look at him and asked, "Do you really want to know?"
Lin Zhi nodded vigorously. He wanted to know if it was directly related to his grandmother and mother again.
Since that's the case, then so be it. Jiang Chuting recounted in a straightforward manner the story of how Lin Xuan had caught him and forced him to take medicine when he was looking for him.
Even though he was prepared, Lin Zhi was still shocked. It turned out that Chu Ting had gone through all this because of him...
He and Jiang Chuting had investigated the drug trial together, and he knew better than anyone that the drug was unstable and could easily cause strange illnesses or even death.
If Chu Ting had been less lucky, he would have died back then.
When Lin Zhiyi thought of this possibility, it felt as if her heart had been crushed in an instant, and her face became even paler than before: "How could this be?"
Only then did he realize the true meaning behind Chu Ting's words, "I searched for him for a long time," when he first met Chu Ting after growing up.
How much more suffering did Chu Ting endure because of him, in places he couldn't see?
As for him, all he does is act willfully and recklessly, and what he does most to Chu Ting is ridicule and humiliation...
What gives him the courage to keep bothering Chu Ting now?
Lin Zhi's mind was in turmoil. He felt utterly wicked and his expression became somewhat dazed. What was hateful was that he couldn't leave Chu Ting anymore and would continue to be entangled with her for the rest of his life.
Jiang Chuting asked, "Who did you run into when you went out just now?"
The things the Lin family did have not yet been made public. Lin Zhi must have met with someone to learn the truth about the drug trials and thus guess Xing'er's background.
Seeing the momentary panic in Lin Zhi's eyes, Jiang Chuting observed his reaction and already knew what was going on.
Lin Xi.
Lin Zhi nervously admitted, "I just went to see my mother for the last time."
It really was her.
After a pause, Lin Zhi hesitated and said, "Chu Ting, you..."
He hesitated, but Jiang Chuting understood what he meant. Lin Zhi was worried that he would arrest Lin Xi.
The situation is special now, and he needs to stay with the people around him, so he won't take action himself.
“There are pursuers everywhere. If I don’t make a move, what do you think her chances of escaping are?”
"We have to give it a try, otherwise, we'll really only have one way out: death."
Even if Lin Xi is bad, she is still Lin Zhi's mother, so it's not surprising that he would think this way. Jiang Chuting did not comment further.
"Chu Ting, there's something I need to tell you..."
"What's up?"
"I originally wanted to bring my father's ashes back for burial, but Hong Yufei said they were missing..." Lin Zhi knew that Chu Ting would definitely go looking for his father's coffin, so after hesitating for a long time, he decided to tell him.
Jiang Chuting's expression changed: "Gone? Why are they gone?"
When his father's name was mentioned, Chu Ting was indeed particularly concerned. Swallowing the bitterness in his throat, Lin Zhi said, "I don't know the specifics either."
Jiang Chuting paused for a moment, composed herself, and stopped asking questions. Her gaze was fixed on a certain spot, and she seemed lost in thought.
Lin Zhi held Xing'er beside him and stared at him without blinking. The more she looked, the more her heart ached.
Lin Zhi soon discovered that after recognizing Xing'er, apart from Xing'er changing how she addressed him, there was absolutely no difference from before.
Jiang Chuting didn't mention setting off, and spent several days meeting with Lu Zhao to drink tea, chat, play chess, and stroll around, completely ignoring him.
Lu Zhao clearly didn't like him, and Lin Zhi could sense it.
Lu Zhao was completely different when facing Jiang Chuting and when facing him. Moreover, he was indifferent to Xing'er, but his attitude towards Wei Jia was acceptable.
Lin Zhi thought and thought and there was only one possibility: that Lu Zhao had feelings for Chu Ting.
Because of this person, Lin Zhi tossed and turned almost every night, suffering endless torment, yet he was helpless. Everything he was experiencing now was retribution for what he had done to him.
That day, Jiang Chuting went to Jinse Villa to play chess with Lu Zhao, while Yuan Sang and Yuan Xia served him. Lin Zhi played with Xing'er in the neighboring courtyard.
He was in so much pain, but he could only glance at that direction with a sour look from time to time, not daring to say anything.
As Lu Zhao played the chess piece, his sleeve slipped down, and Jiang Chuting saw the bright red string on his wrist again.
Yuan Sang noticed his gaze and smiled as she said to him, "The red thread our master wears is called the 'Old Man Under the Moon' (Yue Lao), but we usually call it the 'marriage rope.' In our hometown, the Old Man Under the Moon would put this on them during the wedding ceremony."
"The red thread of fate from the Old Man Under the Moon?" Jiang Chuting repeated softly, then smiled knowingly as she thought of something and asked, "Is the Old Man Under the Moon really real?"
Yuan Sang said, "Of course not, he's just an ordinary old man, just saying a few words to express his blessings."
"Then Brother Lu, you..." Lu Zhao has it on his hand, does that mean he's married?
Lu Zhao understood and immediately said, "No." He quickly added, "I'm not married, I'm just wearing it casually."
Yuan Sang joked, "Yeah, just wear it casually, in case you meet someone you like and tie them up with the marriage rope and go straight to the wedding ceremony."
Jiang Chuting couldn't help but chuckle.
Lu Zhao stared at him with his dark eyes and said gently, "What are you laughing at?"
Jiang Chuting placed a piece, his expression clearly recalling the past, and said with a faint smile, "I was just thinking of a friend. He once said that he believed there was a real matchmaker in this world, and that he would find the matchmaker and use a red thread to tie him and the person he loved together for all eternity. He was always very willing to believe in these things."
The chess piece that Lu Zhao had just picked up suddenly fell back into the chess box.
Jiang Chuting's clear eyes gazed at his face, momentarily lost in thought: "Actually, you really resemble my friend. If I hadn't killed him with my own hands..."
At this point, Jiang Chuting stopped herself in time.
Lu Zhao's eyelashes fluttered several times as she stared at him in a daze.
Yuan Sang asked curiously, "Really? What kind of friend is it? Can you bring him over so I can see if they look that similar?"
Jiang Chuting forced a smile and said, "They're too far away; we can't get in touch with them anymore."
Yuan Sang had no suspicions and could only say, "That's such a pity."
In the evening, the group left, and Lu Zhao and Yuan Xia talked alone in the room.
Yuan Xia had just received the news that Lin Xi had managed to escape Jiaxing City despite being surrounded by numerous soldiers.
"My Lord, now that we know Lin Xi's location, why didn't we report it to the authorities and have them arrest her? Now that she's escaped, what if she gets away again...My Lord?"
Lu Zhao was preoccupied. Yuan Xia called him a few times before he looked up and said apologetically, "I was a little distracted. Sorry, please continue."
Yuanxia knew he hadn't listened to her earlier, so she asked again.
Lu Zhaoshou tapped his long fingers twice on the armrest of his wheelchair and said slowly, "She can't escape, don't worry."
"Well, that's good." Yuan Xia also believed that evil would be punished.
Yuan Xia thought for a moment, then asked directly, "Your Excellency, do you like Young Master Jiang?"
He had never seen the Lord show such special attention to anyone before. A few days ago, Yuan Sang was so shocked when he saw the Lord smile at Young Master Jiang that his eyes almost popped out of their sockets. So he could smile!
He and Yuan Sang had discussed it privately and agreed that the Venerable One was in love with her.
The position of the lord on Penglai Island is chosen by Heaven. The lord does not have to leave offspring, and as long as the feelings are beautiful and sincere, they will be blessed by the islanders. So it is okay for him to like men.
In addition, both of them had a very good impression of Jiang Chuting and were very supportive of this matter.
Lu Zhao remained silent for a moment, neither responding nor denying.
Yuan Xia suggested, "I think Young Master Jiang treats you very well. Why don't we go and test the waters for you?"
Most of the people on their island are very straightforward; they like what they like and dislike what they dislike. Unlike when he went to the outside world, he realized that people can be so indirect and subtle, leaving him puzzled.
Lu Zhao lowered his eyes, his gaze filled with a dark and gloomy atmosphere, and said softly, "No need... things are not as simple as you think."
Since he had already said that, Yuan Xia couldn't say anything more, so he could only scratch his head and leave.
...
That night, Xing'er, who had been perfectly fine, suddenly developed a high fever, became listless, and vomited everything she ate.
This was the first time he had been sick since he was born. He was feeling unwell and was whimpering and fussing. After the doctor got some medicine and fed it to him, Jiang Chuting and Lin Zhi took turns holding and comforting him for a long time until he finally fell into a deep sleep.
Lin Zhi insisted on staying and guarding the place with Jiang Chuting, and Jiang Chuting acquiesced.
The two took turns changing the cold compress towels for Xing'er. When Xing'er started sweating, Jiang Chuting prepared to pick him up to take a bath, but Lin Zhi had already prepared the hot water and took the baby from him, saying, "I'll do it, you rest for a while."
After taking a bath, her fever subsided a little, and Xing'er felt much better, hugging Lin Zhi's neck and laughing from time to time.
Jiang Chuting fed Xing'er some more white porridge, and after jumping and playing for a while, his fever returned. He felt weak and lay back on the bed listlessly, his big eyes wide open and motionless, a stark contrast to his lively demeanor just moments before.
When Jiang Chuting turned his head, he saw that Lin Zhixin's eyes were red with heartache, and he was trying his best to hold back the tears that were about to fall. He was also gently kneading Xing'er's little hand, as if he felt that doing so would make him feel better.
Xing'er breathed out warm air and called out, "Daddy."
Lin Zhi immediately leaned closer and asked softly, "Are you feeling very unwell?"
Xing'er's nose turned red, and she hummed in agreement with a sob in her voice, reaching out her hand to Lin Zhi.
Lin Zhi, with tears in his eyes, picked him up, patted his shoulder, and paced around the room, gently coaxing him, "Good boy, Xing'er, Daddy will fuss over you and you won't feel uncomfortable anymore."
Xing'er nuzzled his face and nestled softly against his shoulder.
Watching this scene, Jiang Chuting's heart was suddenly and violently tugged, feeling a mix of pain, soreness, and swelling. This sudden and unstoppable surge made it impossible for him to remain calm.
Jiang Chuting never questioned Lin Zhi's feelings for Xing'er or his attitude of admitting his mistakes.
After their reunion, Lin Zhi kept reflecting and apologizing for all the things that had happened in the past. In fact, he didn't hold some of the things Lin Zhi thought he was in as much of a grudge as he had. After all, he was the one who lied to Lin Zhi first, and he deserved to suffer the consequences.
If Lin Zhijian hadn't crossed his bottom line by insisting on marrying Li Ruoshuang, he wouldn't have left his side so easily, even though he had been treated coldly all along.
Because he loves Lin Zhi.
In the two years since he left, even though he forced himself to forget, and even though he has been ruthlessly pushing Lin Zhi away, he could not deceive himself no matter what.
His feelings for Lin Zhi had never truly ended.
The Lin family is about to be destroyed. Whether Lin Xi escapes or dies, Lin Zhi will have no family left. Instead of running away, he is taking a desperate gamble and staying behind. He will definitely continue to stay by Lin Xi and Xing'er's side, and they will never be driven away or shaken off.
One is clinging, the other is avoiding; are they destined to continue this endless cycle of entanglement and torment?
Xing'er is so dependent on him, will she be willing to be separated from him from time to time in the future?
And most importantly... is it really what I truly desire, that I've always resolutely rejected him and been indifferent to him?
Jiang Chuting took a deep breath, never expecting that just because of what had just happened, her heart, which Lin Zhishi had deliberately kept wrapped in ice, would suddenly begin to waver.
For most of the rest of the night, the two of them changed the child's towels, gave him a bath, and fed him medicine. They didn't stop for a moment until the fever finally subsided and the child fell asleep peacefully.
Jiang Chuting breathed a sigh of relief and lay down on the bed. Lin Zhi didn't intend to go back to her room and pleaded softly with Jiang Chuting, "I'm still a little worried. Can I stay here and watch over things?"
Jiang Chuting glanced at him.
Lin Zhi hurriedly assured him, "Don't worry, I absolutely don't intend to take advantage of you. I'm just worried about Xing'er..."
"Lie down and rest for a while."
Lin Zhi thought she was hallucinating because she was too tired. She stared at Jiang Chuting without blinking and asked uncertainly, "Chuting, did you just speak to me?"
Jiang Chuting said, "I said, you've had a long night, come lie down and rest for a while."
Lin Zhi stood there stunned for a moment before lying down on the outer side of the bed. The bed was spacious, with Xing'er in the middle, but he was still so nervous that he didn't dare to breathe, afraid that the slightest exertion would shatter this beautiful dream.
Although Jiang Chuting was tired, she couldn't sleep, so she closed her eyes to rest.
He could sense that Lin Zhi's eyes were fixed on him the whole time, never looking away for a moment.
After a long while, Jiang Chuting, without opening her eyes, couldn't help but whisper, "Stop looking, go to sleep."
Lin Zhi said softly, "Chu Ting, thank you."
Not understanding why he suddenly thanked her, Jiang Chuting's eyelashes fluttered, and she finally opened her eyes.
The room was dimly lit by candlelight. Xing'er stood between the two, her breathing even. Lin Zhi looked at her and said, "Thank you for giving birth to Xing'er."
Jiang Chuting said, "Xing'er is also my child."
“I know, anyway, thank you, and…” Lin Zhi stared at him intently, her voice hoarse, “I really love you all.”
...
The next day, Xing'er no longer had a fever. Early in the morning, he pestered Lin Zhi to play horse riding. Lin Zhi carried him on his shoulders, making "waa waa waa" sounds as he ran around the house to make him happy.
Jiang Chuting almost unconsciously curved the corners of her mouth, went downstairs with Wei Jia to bring up breakfast, and the four of them ate together.
That day, Jiang Chuting received a letter from Jiang Xian, saying that Pei Jing's illness was almost cured and he was currently in a recuperation period with no further developments. However, Jiang Xian still reminded him to be careful.
After all, it would take time for the letter to be delivered from Jincheng to him, and he couldn't guarantee what might happen during that time.
Jiang Chuting folded the letter, put it back, and his expression turned slightly somber.
After the father and son had finished laughing and joking, they were wiping each other's sweat, one squatting and one standing. Xing'er asked considerately, "Daddy, are you tired?"
"I'm not tired." Lin Zhi stroked his soft black hair and said, "Father would rather be a little tired and you be a little naughty than see you get sick again."
"I'm all better now."
"Okay, that's good." Lin Zhi kissed him and asked, "Want to play again?"
"I want to go out and play."
Children are children; they won't stay indoors for long. Lin Zhi didn't readily agree, but looked at Jiang Chuting beside her: "Chuting, are you... still going over there today?" Lin Zhi didn't want anyone else around; she just wanted the three of them to go out for a stroll.
"Today..." Jiang Chuting hadn't finished speaking when Wei Jia ran in and told him, "Master, Master, Brother Xiao Yuan and the others are here."
The "Little Yuan Brother" that Wei Jia mentioned was Yuan Sang. Jiang Chuting immediately stood up and walked downstairs.
Lin Zhi's breath caught in his throat, unable to go up or down. He pursed his lips and continued to follow behind Jiang Chuting, holding Xing'er's hand.
As Jiang Chuting turned down the stairs, she saw three people standing in front of and behind the inn's entrance.
Lu Zhao, supported by Yuan Xia, did not sit in a wheelchair. Upon seeing him, a glint of light flashed in his eyes, and a gentle smile appeared on his face. He took two steps forward to greet him.
Jiang Chuting looked him over and chuckled, "Brother Lu, you're feeling better?"
"Hmm." Lu Zhao stared at him intently as he spoke.
Jiang Chuting readily agreed, "That's good."
Yuan Sang said, "He was practicing walking when you weren't around, and he wouldn't stop for a moment before going to sleep. He's only just gotten used to it, and he can't wait to come and find you." He then said quickly, "I really want to tell you, our courtyard is so big, it would be so much better if you could come and stay with us, but you insist on staying at this inn. It's so inconvenient for you to come over."
Lu Zhao glanced sideways, and Yuan Sang quickly shut up.
Jiang Chuting didn't mind at all and invited them inside. Lu Zhao, who was being supported by Yuan Xia, took a few steps, then lost his balance and swayed to the side. Jiang Chuting naturally caught him, saying, "Be careful."
Their eyes met briefly, then they looked away simultaneously and went upstairs together.
Lin Zhi went downstairs and back upstairs repeatedly, seemingly invisible, as if she were air.
Jiang Chuting and Lu Zhao chatted all morning, and after they had lunch together, the two sat down and talked again.
Lin Zhi didn't know how they could have so much to talk about after only knowing each other for a few days.
Xing'er always takes a nap, and after Lin Zhi coaxed him to sleep, she didn't put him on the bed. She silently swung around behind Jiang Chuting twice while holding the child, while Lu Zhao glanced at him out of the corner of his eye with an indifferent expression.
"Chu Ting, the baby isn't fully asleep yet. You can hold him and let him sleep for a while. I have something to do downstairs later."
Jiang Chuting instinctively took Xing'er from him, looked up at him, and as usual reminded him, "Don't go far."
"Okay, I promise I'll be good." Lin Zhi smiled sweetly and gently tidied his hair that had fallen over his shoulder, showing a natural intimacy. She said, "You two chat first, I'll be right back."
"..." Jiang Chuting looked at Lin Zhi striding out of the room, then turned to look at Lu Zhao, whose expression was inscrutable, and said, "I'm sorry you had to see this."
Xing'er calls him "Dad" and Lin Zhi "Dad." Lu Zhao and the others have never asked about it, but they probably have some speculation about his relationship with Lin Zhi.
Lu Zhaodao said, "No."
Jiang Chuting asked, "Where were you?"
"I don't remember."
Jiang Chuting could sense a significant change in his emotions and asked softly, "Brother Lu?"
Lu Zhao silently took two sips of tea, put down the teacup, stood up and said, "I have already troubled you for a long time, so I will take my leave now."
"Are you leaving already?" Jiang Chuting was about to get up to see him off when Lu Zhao gently pressed his hand on his shoulder, his eyes dark but his voice still warm: "No need to see me off, don't wake the child."
Hearing the commotion, Yuanxia rushed in to help him.
Jiang Chuting sat on the stool as instructed and watched them leave. After a moment of quiet contemplation, a sudden intuition struck her, and she felt a sense of unease and uncertainty.
Lu Zhao's behavior just now, could it be that he was...? Jiang Chuting closed her eyes, her breathing suddenly becoming erratic.
Lin Zhizheng and Zhao Chengyang were talking quietly on a street corner near the inn. After a short while, they saw Lu Zhao and his group leave. Lin Zhizheng was delighted and took a step to hurry back, but Zhao Chengyang pulled him back.
"I haven't finished speaking yet, why are you running away?" Zhao Chengyang was sweating profusely. "Do you think I'm joking? If this gets out of hand, you absolutely can't escape it. And you still have the mood to leisurely stroll around here? Are you crazy?!"
Lin knew: "Wherever Chuting is, that's where I'll be."
“Your mother has already run away, why didn’t you run away? Even if you didn’t run away, you should at least lay low for a while. It’s strange—” Zhao Chengyang was puzzled: “Master Jiang should know your situation, why didn’t he help you hide your whereabouts? Instead, he’s brazenly staying at an inn, as if he’s waiting for someone to come and arrest you.”
Lin Zhi frowned and said, "He did nothing wrong. Of course he's staying at the inn. I was the one who kept pestering him. Do you expect him to give in to me?"
Zhao Chengyang was speechless for a moment. After thinking for a while, he said, "This doesn't seem like him. Anyway, something is strange about this."
"There's nothing strange about it; it's all my own doing."
"...Lin Zhi is still the same Lin Zhi." Zhao Chengyang was also helpless and earnestly advised, "But think about it, isn't saving your life the most important thing right now? If you lose your life, what will you have to be with Master Jiang? I've arranged a large ship for you. You can temporarily go to another country with them to avoid danger. You'll have plenty of opportunities to meet in the future."
Lin Zhi pulled his hand back, stared at his good friend who was still worried about him even at this moment, suddenly opened his arms and hugged him, pausing for a moment before letting go.
“You know your life is at stake, yet you still come looking for me. Be careful not to get implicated.”
Zhao Chengyang cursed, "Stop talking nonsense, okay?"
Lin Zhi said in a low voice, "You've done enough for me. It's worth it to have you as a friend in this life. Don't worry about anything else from now on."
Zhao Chengyang: "I..."
Suddenly, the sound of orderly and rapidly approaching footsteps rang out from the side. The two turned their heads at the same time. Zhao Chengyang gasped, while Lin Zhi pulled him behind her, clenched his teeth, and looked solemn.
Led by Mo Lin, the Imperial Guards had completely surrounded them, numbering at least a hundred. Even if Chu Ting were here, escaping would be difficult.
The people on the street were frightened by the large commotion, and seeing that they were all soldiers in light armor, they did not push or shove, nor did they dare to scream. Amidst the chaotic footsteps, they all buried their heads and scattered, afraid of being implicated. Not a single person dared to watch the spectacle.
The once noisy street fell silent in an instant, and a chilling atmosphere permeated the air.
Jiang Chuting was watching over Xing'er, lost in thought for a moment. After a while, Lin Zhi still hadn't come up, so he straightened up and frowned.
Jiang Chuting called over Wei Jia, who was engrossed in reading a comic book, and asked him to watch over Xing'er while he went downstairs to find someone.
Before he even stepped out the door, he paused. He found it strange; the inn he was staying at was on the street, and although he had chosen a relatively nice room that wasn't too noisy, he could still faintly hear the shouts and calls of vendors outside.
But at this moment, it was so quiet that it felt like being in a ghost town.
This is completely abnormal.
Jiang Chuting jumped twice, already having a premonition. He turned around and sternly instructed Wei Jia, "Keep an eye on Xing'er. No matter what noise you hear, don't come out."
Wei Jia sensed that his tone was no small matter, so he nodded repeatedly, put the comic book aside, and stood guard by the bed with his arms outstretched in a protective posture.
Jiang Chuting then closed the door and walked down the stairs.
On the first floor of the lobby, the shopkeeper, waiter, and other customers were nowhere to be seen, except for two people standing and sitting at a table.
Standing was Mo Lin, dressed in black and holding a long sword, while the seated man was dressed in brocade robes and a jade crown. His eyes were covered by a white silk cloth, and he exuded an air of arrogance and coldness.
He didn't speak, but just sitting there, he exuded an invisible aura of intimidation that chilled people to the bone.
They arrived as expected.
Therefore, she shouldn't have agreed to let Lin Zhi go out in the first place. Jiang Chuting quickly adjusted her breathing and walked towards them.
Blindfolded and unable to see anything, Pei Jing turned his face precisely in his direction, his lips pressed tightly together.
Jiang Chuting lifted his robe and knelt down to pay his respects: "This humble subject greets Your Majesty."
Upon hearing his voice, Pei Jing raised his hand to cover his chest, which was throbbing with intense pain. His expression was already contorted, extremely gloomy and terrifying. He asked, "After leaving me and leaving the palace, how have you been?" His voice was filled with such hatred that it seemed as if Jiang Chuting would kill him with a single stroke if he dared to say "yes."
Jiang Chuting said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Everything is the same as before."
Pei Jing gave a chilling sneer: "No difference? You are no difference, but I am! I urgently need to skin you alive, tear you apart, and drink your blood clean to quell the hatred in my heart!"
Jiang Chuting remained silent.
Pei Jing suddenly stood up, pushed away Mo Lin who was trying to help him, and walked unsteadily to Jiang Chuting while holding onto the table. He reached out and grabbed Jiang Chuting's collar, pulling him up.
The two were extremely close, almost face to face. Although he had deliberately covered his face to hide Jiang Chuting, as soon as he got close to this person and smelled his familiar scent, Pei Jing still couldn't control his surging emotions. Before he could even speak, a sharp pain shot through his body, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood, his pale lips stained with wet red.
Mo Lin was shocked: "Your Majesty!"
He tried to help Pei Jing away, but Pei Jing pushed him away again: "Get out of my way!"
Mo Lin withdrew his hand, looking worried.
Jiang Chuting quickly helped him sit back in his chair, trying to move away from him, but Pei Jing gripped her wrist tightly: "Do you think I'm some kind of bodhisattva who would let you be with another man? Let me tell you, I can't! I just arrested him, and I'm going to torture him to death with my own hands, and then tear him apart!"
Pei Jing mostly spoke harshly to him, but not to Lin Zhi, especially now. He meant what he said. Jiang Chuting felt a chill run down his spine and said with difficulty, "Your Majesty, please release Lin Zhi."
"You still dare to plead for me?!"
Jiang Chuting pleaded, her eyes red-rimmed, "He's innocent about the Lin family's drug testing. He really didn't know anything, and he hasn't taken any lives. Please let him go."
"Impossible." Pei Jing's breath was clearly growing weaker due to the effects of the Love Flower, but every word he uttered was uttered through gritted teeth, filled with hatred: "I said before that I would find a reason that would leave you speechless to kill him. Now I'm telling you again, I can kill him even without any reason! Even if you hate me, what can you do to me?"
"His Majesty!"
"Stop talking, nothing you say will change anything, he must die." Pei Jing's tone was cold and left no room for negotiation.
After he finished speaking, he coughed again, and as he coughed, blood came out again.
Jiang Chuting murmured, "Xiao Jiu, don't force me..."
Blood dripped from Pei Jing's chin as he growled hoarsely, "You forced me to this! If you don't love me, then hate me, hate me to the core, and never forget me for all eternity!"
Mo Lin could no longer bear it: "Your Majesty, you really can't talk to him anymore. Please leave with me immediately."
Jiang Chuting stood still for a moment, then knelt down again with a thud, and presented the blue ring-shaped jade pendant that she had carried with her ever since she left the palace.
He said in a low voice, "This jade pendant was a gift from His Majesty on the day Xing'er was born. Does His Majesty still remember what he swore to me at that time?"
Pei Jing, blindfolded and unable to see, was instantly enraged when the jade pendant was shoved into his hand: "I promised you I would spare your life, but it's not his! You can forget about it..."
Jiang Chuting interrupted, "Lin Zhi is my life."
Pei Jing's body stiffened and he remained motionless.
Jiang Chuting knelt with her back straight, her eyes reddening as she looked at him and said clearly, word by word, "I hope Your Majesty will keep your promise and not go back on your word, and will definitely spare him."
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