Suddenly, a figure approached me, his white hair gleaming under the light, and a smirk playing on his face. As he walked toward me, I could feel his presence, commanding and imposing. Wei Xiaotian immediately stepped in, placing a hand on my waist protectively. He smiled as he addressed the approaching figure, "Lingfu."
I blinked, bowing slightly out of respect. "Lingfu," I greeted, my voice steady despite the tension rising in the air.
The man's smirk deepened as he examined me. "So, you finally came back, didn't leave my son at all. How cruel of you," he said with a sarcastic chuckle.
Wei Xiaotian's tone immediately turned serious as he responded, "Lingfu, that's not the time. He just woke up."
Lingfu scoffed, not backing down. "What did I say? I can't even say that?" He sneered, his gaze flicking back to me. "He made you suffer, didn't he? You should have died back then." His words hung in the air, heavy with resentment and an edge of bitterness.
I stood still, but a faint smile curled at the corner of my lips as I spoke, trying to lighten the tension. "Lingfu, I know I made Wei suffer because of my actions, but don't worry. It won't go in vain." I met his gaze, trying to convey sincerity in my words
Lingfu's expression shifted, his smile faltering as his tone darkened. "You better not let it. Last time, my son almost died because of your carelessness. If things had gone differently, you would have died then, and I would have been justified."
I looked down, feeling a pang of disappointment, my thoughts clouded with frustration. What did this bastard do? I thought bitterly. I could feel the weight of Lingfu's words pressing on me, but I refused to let them break me.
I would repay Wei in every way I could. Whatever happened between us, I would make sure to show him that my gratitude was endless.
As Linfu continued to speak, throwing more subtle insults my way, I could feel Wei's anger rising. He opened his mouth, about to defend me, but I quickly shook my head, signaling him to stop.
Wei hesitated, his eyes narrowing, but he said nothing more.. I could tell he was holding back—holding his temper in check for my sake.
Wei Xiaotian stood in the corner of the grand hall, his gaze fixed on Yu Hengtian, who stood before Lingfu with his head lowered. His mind raced back to a time long ago, to an accident that had nearly shattered everything. It was the same situation then—Lingfu's sharp tongue, his biting words aimed at Yu, just as they were now. But back then, Yu Hengtian had been different. He'd fought back, retorted with fire, his confidence unwavering despite the insults. He'd never allowed anyone, not even Lingfu, to diminish him.
Wei's heart tightened as he recalled that moment—Yu had stood tall, defiant, unbroken. He had argued, confronted, and held his ground. No matter how cruel the words, Yu had fought with the strength of his spirit, never bowing to anyone.
But now… now, Wei watched in silence, his hand clenched at his side as Yu Hengtian, once the fiery force that had burned through any obstacle, now stood defeated, looking down in disappointment. He hadn't said a word in response to Lingfu's insults. No fire, no fight. Only quiet resignation.
He stepped forward, his voice calm but with an edge of concern. "Yu, look at me."
Yu Hengtian slowly lifted his head, but there was no fire in his gaze—only a quiet, distant sadness. Wei could feel the weight of his silence, and it unsettled him more than any confrontation could.
Wei Xiaotian felt his heart tighten as Yu Hengtian's tears fell, his usual strength slipping away. He cupped Yu's face gently, his thumb brushing over his damp cheeks as he searched his eyes for any hint of the fire that once burned there. "What's wrong, Yu Hengtian?" he asked, his voice low and full of concern.
Yu didn't answer immediately, and then, as though something inside him broke, he hid his face in Wei's embrace. The weight of all the memories, all the pain and hurt he had buried deep within himself,all zhen wu step mother memories resurfaced when he hard lingfu insulting him like that
Wei's hand instinctively moved to Yu's back, holding him close, offering the comfort and protection he needed.
"I don't know why... but I just feel like crying," Yu's voice trembled as he spoke, his words muffled against Wei's chest. "Tell your Lingfu to stop being so mean."
Wei's heart ached at the vulnerability in Yu's voice, and he held him tighter, his warmth surrounding him. "No one will insult you, Yu," Wei whispered, his words firm and unwavering. "Not now, not ever."
With one last gentle pat on Yu's back, Wei stood up straight and addressed the room. His voice rang clear, filled with authority. "The celebration is dismissed."
A shocked silence spread through the hall as everyone turned to look at him. But it was Lingfu, standing across the room, who spoke up, his voice cold with disapproval. "Wei Xiaotian, is this how you treat your guests?"
Wei turned his gaze to Lingfu, his expression still calm, but there was a fierce determination in his eyes. "I treat my guests with respect," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "But I will not stand by and allow anyone to treat Yu Hengtian with disrespect."
Wei Xiaotian stood tall, his presence commanding the room. His gaze swept across the hall, his voice calm yet firm. "You all may go back to your assigned rooms. We will see you at dinner. For now, everyone is dismissed."
A heavy silence followed, and slowly, one by one, the gathered guests began to bow and leave, retreating to their rooms in an orderly fashion. But wei Lingfu, clearly agitated, stormed out with a swift, angry motion.
Wei's eyes followed him for a moment, the weight of the situation still hanging between them. He then turned his attention back to Yu Hengtian, his expression softening as he gently held him. "Come, let's return to our room. You've had enough for today."
As they walked away from the grand hall, Wei's hand rested protectively on Yu's back, guiding him through the now-empty corridors.