He knew she had rejected him from her head-shaking and the shock in her eyes. Although he had prepared himself, his heart was still hurt. A dense sourness and thick bitterness slowly transmitted pain to his sensory nerves.
Her repeated refusal depleted his remaining courage, leaving him discouraged and dejected, making it difficult to gather strength to pursue her again.
Di Xihuang stood and walked to the hospital room window, turning his back to her, not wanting her to see his state. The sunlight outside seemed to stretch between them, enveloping them with its light and warmth.
Perhaps warmed by the sunlight in his cold heart, he found courage again. With a soft voice, he asked her again, “Xueman, I know you’re not entirely indifferent to me, yet you always resist me, as if for no reason.”
He turned around, his eyes dimmed but still sparkling with sincerity. “Xueman, I don’t know if it’s my illusion, but it seems you never give yourself a chance to like or hate me, always drawing lines between us. Why won’t you give yourself a chance? Even a chance to hate me?”
Ou Xueman buried herself deep in the blanket, avoiding Di Xihuang’s words. Their silence was broken by a gentle knock. Not wanting to delve deeper into her thoughts, she hastily responded, “Come in.”
The person who entered was Zeng Min, who appeared timid and terrified, barely able to stand as she leaned against the door. Di Xihuang’s furrowed brows revealed his anger, “What are you doing here?” Zeng Min trembled, wanting to speak but too frightened.
Her weak appearance disgusted Di Xihuang, and he growled, “Get out.”
“Wait,” Ou Xueman interrupted.
Di Xihuang looked at her, “You should know she’s the mastermind behind this.”
Ou Xueman nodded, “I know.” She walked to her bedside, tucked her in, and spoke gently, “Rest well. I’ll handle the rest.” Despite knowing Di Xihuang would seek retribution against Zeng Min’s family, she felt compassion for Zeng Min’s unconditional love for him. “I want to talk to her.”
Di Xihuang looked at her for a moment and casually kissed her forehead, “I’ll be outside.”
