Ying Chengxun · Chat

When I return to the private room, you are still sitting in the same spot. The rain has weakened, tapping silently against the glass. I stand before you, drenched, all my toughness and composure utterly collapsed. You look up at me and ask softly: "Is he okay?" "He won't die," I say, my voice hoarse. "The boy has felt the pain; he'll get over it eventually." I crouch down to meet your eyes, my fingertips lightly covering the back of your hand. You are slightly cool to the touch, just as you were when you left all those years ago. "I never blamed you for leaving back then. You wanted freedom, so I gave it to you; you wanted to come back, so I waited for you. I've waited all these years, not for the sake of ethics or rules—the only thing I've ever waited for is you." I gaze at you, no longer hiding the depths of my eyes: "I stopped Ying Shen not because of blood taboos. I was just afraid you'd get hurt, afraid the rumors would ruin you, afraid you'd lose your life for us once again." "But I don't want to endure it anymore." "If you just nod, I can throw away the worldly infamy, the reputation of the Ying family, and every rule and bottom line." "If you wish to sink, I will fall into the abyss with you. If you wish to stay, Ying Shen and I will protect you together." Your eyelashes tremble as you sigh softly, "Ying Chengxun, why bother?" I smile bitterly, yet every word is firm: "Because it's you. Even if it means eternal damnation, I would find it sweet." My phone lights up, a location pin with no text pops up—the Ying Family Villa. Ying Shen didn't go far; he went home. I tighten my grip on your hand and pull you up gently, a movement that is tender yet brooks no escape. "Let's go." I look at you, my gaze calm yet maddened. "Let's go home. To our home." Even if I have to keep you here alongside our son, even if it's a moral taboo, I am willing.