I envy that man, even now, who still has such a powerful influence. I’m heartbroken that my wholehearted devotion to you still causes you such pain. I’m scared; I’m not even sure if you might impulsively go back to him after being provoked. So, I end up saying hurtful things that I can’t control, and heaven knows how much I regret it when I see you crying. Later, when Dorris called to tell me you had fainted, I was utterly frantic. If anything happened to you because of this, I wouldn’t know what I would do. When I rushed to Tangli, when I saw you lying silently on the bed, when I saw the terrifying wounds on your hands, I truly hated myself for hurting you like this despite loving you so much.
Fu Xiaotang lay in Fang Junxi’s arms, quietly listening to him speak. Her heart felt like dough fermenting in milk, soft, with a sweet and beautiful joy and emotion. But when she heard this, she suddenly looked up in disbelief. Fang Junxi smiled slightly and said, “Surprised? I haven’t solemnly told you this before, so let me say it now.” He paused, one arm holding her, the other gently lifting her chin, sincerely, earnestly, and passionately whispering, “Fu Xiaotang, I love you!”
