The days that followed were agonizing for Xiao Mei. The once warm camaraderie of the Crimson Shadows felt cold and distant. She spent her nights nursing her wounds, both physical and emotional, while her heart wrestled with the reality of General Liang's harsh words.
Lin Feng remained by her side, determined to protect her and uncover the truth. "Xiao Mei, I'll do everything I can to keep you safe. We can't let the Emperor win. We have to find out what he's planning."
But Xiao Mei was lost in her thoughts, struggling to reconcile her feelings for Liang with the betrayal she felt. "I don't know if I can trust him anymore, Lin Feng. He's chosen to side with the Emperor over me."
"Don't lose faith in him just yet," Lin Feng urged gently. "He might still come around. But we need to be ready. If the Emperor is targeting you, we need to find a way to protect you without betraying the trust of the Crimson Shadows."
As the tension within the group festered, Xiao Mei found herself caught in the middle, her heart torn between her loyalty to General Liang and her growing connection with Lin Feng. She could feel the love and admiration Lin Feng held for her, but she couldn't shake the memories of her bond with Liang.