Miraculously, the hurried footsteps stopped, as if hearing her call, now uncertain and confused, slowly returning.
“Xueman?”
The voice was soft yet powerful.
“I’m here.” Her voice was still hoarse.
“Xueman.” His repeated call made her realize he hadn’t heard her response.
“I’m here.” She responded with all her might but received only his call in return.
Hope slowly died as darkness enveloped her, gradually devouring her light. She no longer struggled, letting herself sink into the shadows.
With a “bang,” the door opened. The man burst into her world, bringing light that drove away all the gloom.
“Xueman.”
His warmth embraced her, and her tears flowed uncontrollably. She felt like a boat finally finding its harbor, no longer drifting aimlessly.
With this sense of security, she stopped resisting the loss of consciousness, knowing he had come to protect her.
He noticed her furrowed brow, restless eyes beneath her eyelids, and the scabbed wound at the corner of her mouth. Even in sleep, her bruised hand clutched him tightly, stirring guilt in his heart.
He reached out to smooth her brow but feared waking her. Instead, he leaned down and gently kissed the crease between her brows, causing her to awaken.
[Not Wanting to Say I Love You: Chapter 59 Let’s Get Married]
“Ah—” Ou Xueman instinctively swung her hand at the suddenly appearing figure before her, a reflexive act of self-protection.
Di Xihuang slightly turned his face to avoid her swing. After the momentum dissipated, he caught her hand and pulled her into his embrace. Leaning down by her ear, he soothed, “Xueman, don’t be afraid. You’re safe. I’m here. I won’t let you fall into danger again.” As she began to calm down, he continued to whisper, “You’re back by my side. Can you feel me? Breathe slowly, don’t be scared…”
His words gradually soothed her fear. She started to feel his warmth, driving away her coldness. When her heart was no longer panicked and her breathing stabilized, her vision blurred with tears, distorting the scene but leaving his faint scent clear.
A droplet slid down her cheek. Her eyes regained clarity. His soft hair was gently blown by her breath, his handsome face pressed against hers, his breath lingering by her ear, and his palm gently caressing her back, providing warmth. She instinctively hugged him back.
They embraced softly. Suddenly realizing she was crying, he felt her tears soak his collar.
He gently pushed her back, noticing her once-bright eyes now completely red, with tears glistening pitifully. Each blink sent clear droplets sliding down her dampened eyelashes, making her look heartbreakingly fragile.
His fingers wiped away countless tear tracks. “I’m sorry, I didn’t protect you well.” His words only made her tears flow more intensely. In desperation, he gently kissed away her falling tears.
She closed her eyes, letting his soft, gentle lips move across her eyes and cheeks, as her tears unknowingly stopped, replaced by a warm intimacy.
His kiss traced from her closed eyes to her delicate nose, light as a dragonfly touching water. But as it hovered near her red lips, he hesitated.
She slightly opened her eyes, seeing both worry and suppressed desire in his gaze.
Perhaps his warmth made her lose herself, perhaps his gentleness confused her, or perhaps his rescue touched her. Whatever the reason, she found the courage to kiss him, ignoring the deeper answer in her heart.
Between their lips, countless soft threads of emotion overflowed, entangling like a web of feelings, binding them tightly together, no longer distant.
His kiss was gentle, like a soft breeze, carrying fresh breath and tenderness, stirring something in her heart.
Following that breeze came a rain-like moisture, wetting him and soaking her, gradually forming a gentle stream.
As his arms tightened, the kiss grew passionate, plundering her territory, forcing open her pearly teeth and seeking the hidden lilac within. The lingering passion kept them tightly embraced, with her listening to his heartbeat and him inhaling the fresh scent of her hair.
His breath swept across her ear, his low yet sincere voice saying, “Xueman… let’s get married.”
A thunderous roar erupted in her mind, leaving her stunned as he lifted her head. When their eyes met, she saw fear in his. Yes, he was afraid—afraid of her rejection, of being denied, of losing her. He knew that proposing at this moment was untimely, yet he couldn’t suppress the impulse.
“Xueman, perhaps in your eyes I’m not a suitable husband,” he said, anxious to express his hidden feelings. “I’ve had a failed marriage and can’t prove I can make you happy.” He let out a deep sigh, “But I truly want to spend my life with you.”
Even if it means breaking my vow to protect Tong Yixuan, I want to divorce her and give you a legitimate status by my side. During these two days you were missing, I felt like a soulless shell, desperately wanting to find you. Losing you made the entire world turn gray.
From beginning to end, she remained silent, listening to his confession, allowing each word to strike her defenses.
“Xueman, I know my words may not seem credible, but can you give me a chance? A chance to prove myself? Let me… love you.”
Love!? The sensation of the word left Ou Xueman dizzy, slowly sliding into his embrace. Even eight years ago, when he married Tong Yixuan for revenge against the Tong family, he had never mentioned love.
She had sensed his past scorn for love, but now he was expressing his feelings, hoping she would notice. Startled by his sudden affection, she shook her head, creating distance to escape the chaos in her heart and avoid his wounded eyes.
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.”
