There were also two boxes of simple sushi in the bag, and Dong Qin began to eat them leisurely. After eating two, Cui Yun suddenly beckoned her with a finger, signaling he wanted to speak. As she leaned in, her neck was suddenly pulled into an embrace, and her lips were covered by his. He transferred the candy into her mouth with his tongue, then licked her teeth and tongue, murmuring between their lips, “Feeding me sugar will make me feel better.” After saying this, he rolled the candy back into his mouth, bit it, and swallowed. Dong Qin was somewhat stunned but didn’t refuse, just staring blankly at him while holding her box. Cui Yun sighed, took the sushi box, and began eating voraciously, saying, “Having the will but not the strength is too painful.” Dong Qin had to get the other box of sushi; upon opening it, out rolled some vegetables and pieces of pork. She was stunned. Cui Yun’s voice came from behind, “I don’t know why I bought these; there’s nothing here to cook with… It’s a shame you won’t get to taste my Eastern cuisine.” She paused for a long while, then laughed, feeling somewhat helpless and disappointed. “… It’s okay, there will be other opportunities.” He hugged her waist, “Really? Would you want to?” His voice was filled with suppressed joy, uncertain yet carrying a hint of hopeful sunlight. “I…” she began, but Cui Yun’s fingers stopped her. “I know, no need to say it.” He suddenly hugged her tightly, pressing his face against her back. “Dong Qin, I really envy you and Lu Tuo…” She took a deep breath, unsure of what to say to him. Cui Yun was too adept at changing, never letting anyone see even a glimpse of his true thoughts, which made it easy for people to treat everything he said as false, even if they guessed right, he would pull a face or change his demeanor in the next moment, leaving one in a state of bewildered amusement. He was not someone one could trust with their true feelings; he was too good at protecting himself.
“Dong Qin…” his voice was muffled, as if he was about to fall asleep, “Stay with me, don’t go. Don’t think of Lu Tuo, for these three days, you are mine…” Three days? She didn’t understand and turned to ask, but he had already fallen asleep, still with sushi in his mouth. Could she still think? Could she still reminisce? Probably not. Dong Qin felt engulfed by darkness. If she continued to think, she would go mad. Lu Tuo’s cunning was torturous. Human hearts are too complex; she could never fathom another’s mind. What was love could turn to hate in an instant, what was dislike could suddenly become deep affection. Were people who didn’t know how to scheme not worthy of living in their world? She didn’t know. The dark basement had no light or sound, an environment that easily bred anxiety or drowsiness. Her eyes began to droop, and she leaned against him, falling into a deep sleep. She hoped she wouldn’t dream, to never dream of anything related to the past. She was too tired to be tormented anymore. She didn’t know how long she slept; it was the sound of the basement door being kicked open that woke her. Dong Qin stirred slightly, and Cui Yun immediately pressed her down. “Don’t move.” He listened to the sound carefully, then gave a strange smile. “I should go.” He propped himself up, kissed her lips, “Remember me, don’t forget.” He bit down hard, causing Dong Qin to gasp in pain as blood trickled down her lips. He actually bit her lip! Ignoring the pain, Cui Yun climbed onto a box, smashed the ventilation window with a gun, and climbed out. He turned back with a slight smile, “Remember what I said.” He left her to escape in danger?! Dong Qin stared in disbelief. Even as he disappeared outside, the basement door was kicked open, she was still in a state of shock.
“Cui Yun!” A roar, a familiar voice almost shaking her soul. Dong Qin turned around, as if waking from a dream. The man who rushed in was covered in blood, stopping abruptly in front of her after a few steps. Dong Qin felt her vision blur; blinking did nothing. If this was a dream, it would be the best dream she ever had. The gods above must be watching over her. The man paused, then rushed forward, enveloping her in a tight embrace. “Dong Qin!” he whispered, “You’re okay? Thank goodness…” Dong Qin took a long time to respond, then slowly wrapped her arms around him. The sun, her sun, rose from the depths of the sea, radiating a bloody light. Tuo! Lu Tuo! She screamed his name in her heart, but no sound came out, afraid that opening her mouth would unleash a flood of tears. Lu Tuo lifted her face, kissing her almost frantically, but upon tasting the blood on her lips, he recoiled in shock. “Where’s Cui Yun?!” he demanded, wiping the blood from her lips with his fingers, his eyes turning icy upon seeing the wound. Dong Qin didn’t know whether to shake or nod her head, panting heavily, her emotions too tumultuous to express. Her vision darkened; she felt faint. “Tuo… hold me, don’t let go!” she murmured, falling back, unconscious.
