“Since Princess Zhao Yue is so kind as to offer help, of course I’ll gratefully accept and occasionally give something in return.” His expression became frivolous and sinister. “Although Jiang Yun Qiao isn’t my type, if she wants me, I’m happy to accept and give her some sweetness.”
“You… are truly shameless,” I said, feeling full of anger. “Yun Qiao has loved you for ten years! How can you bear to use her?”
“I wondered why she always tried to get close to me,” he laughed carelessly. “We’re just mutually beneficial – she wants me, I want her power. What’s there to be heartless about? Besides, I’ve tasted true love once before.”
I was speechless, stammering: “Even if we schemed against you, you lost your position and were exiled – weren’t we also separated from our loved ones?”
He suddenly stared at me, eyes narrowing. “Indeed. Our grievances are now hard to settle. So let’s see who has better skills, who can laugh last.”
“So you won’t give up,” I sighed. “I only feel sorry for Yun Qiao.”
“Instead of worrying about others, you should worry about yourself,” he curved his lips. “How was this trial? Not easy, right?”
I clenched my teeth.
“It was you—”
“It was me who gave her such a good idea, pity you still escaped,” he suddenly gripped my wrist tightly. “But as long as I’m here, you’ll never have peace. I’ll not only turn Jiang Yun Qiao against you but help her ascend the throne. By then… you and An Jin will be nothing more than ants in my hand.”
Xia Zhiyuan looked at me carelessly, appearing triumphant.
I forcefully pulled my painfully gripped arm away and quickly slapped him. His head turned to one side, hand covering his cheek, his expression stiff.
“You’re only relying on Yun Qiao’s infatuation!” I sneered. “Do you think this infatuation can last? Once this phase passes, she’ll definitely wake up and will no longer let you use her.”
His face darkened momentarily, then he forced a smile: “Is that so? I hope you and An Jin get to see that day. As for this slap—” he touched his face, eyes full of hatred, “I’ll add it to the account you owe me.”
