Chapter 124: A Blessing
As Liang Xiaoluo held the medicine firmly in her hands, she shot Ye Tianlin a resolute look. "Enough joking around. Take your medicine first."
Ye Tianlin sighed dramatically, his lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Fine, I'll take it. But after that, we finish what we started."
Liang Xiaoluo's stern glare didn't falter, so Ye Tianlin grabbed the medicine and swallowed it in one swift motion—no water needed.
"There, happy now?" he teased, leaning closer. "So… can we continue?"
Despite her embarrassment, Liang Xiaoluo had grown accustomed to Ye Tianlin's relentless energy. His youthful vigor was as endearing as it was exhausting. Yet, this time was different. After only a short while, Ye Tianlin suddenly stopped. His expression shifted into one of apology. "Xiaoluo, I'm sorry… I think I'm too tired."
Startled, Liang Xiaoluo blinked, then chuckled lightly. She tapped his forehead gently. "You're finally admitting it, huh? I told you—pushing yourself too hard isn't good for you. Listen to your body for once."
Ye Tianlin's pride flared up. "Who said I'm tired? I'm fine—"
"Enough!" Liang Xiaoluo interrupted, smiling knowingly. "Take some time to rest. When you're ready, I'll… be here."
Her words, spoken with both care and mischief, made Ye Tianlin's eyes light up. "Do you mean it?" he asked eagerly.
With her face flushed, Liang Xiaoluo nodded. "Now go to sleep," she insisted.
But as the silence settled, Liang Xiaoluo broached a delicate subject. "Ye Tianlin, what if we moved back to your family's house?"
Ye Tianlin's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a guarded expression. "Did that old man put you up to this?" he asked sharply.
Liang Xiaoluo shook her head. "No, this is my idea. I think… it's the right thing to do."
"Why?" His voice softened but remained cautious.
She hesitated before answering, her eyes filled with earnestness. "Because if your grandfather never accepts me, I'll never feel at peace. I need his blessing, Tianlin, for us to truly be happy."
Her words struck a chord. For the first time, Ye Tianlin saw how much she cared—not just for him, but for the harmony of their shared life. He laughed softly, shaking his head. "You're too good, you know that?"
"Why are you laughing?" she asked, frustrated.
He pulled her into his arms, his voice low and warm. "Because I'll do it. For you. We'll move back, and I'll make sure that old man gives us his blessing."
"Really?" Her eyes lit up with hope.
"Do I look like I'm joking?" he replied with mock annoyance.
Her joyous laughter was all the answer he needed. She hugged him tightly, her heart swelling with affection.
"We'll face everything together," he promised, stroking her hair. "Nothing will stand in our way."
That evening, they packed a few belongings and headed back to the Ye family estate. As the car approached the grand gates, Ye Tianlin noticed a car parked off to the side. His eyes narrowed.
"Xiaoluo, go inside first. I'll catch up in a bit."
"But—" She hesitated, her fingers gripping his hand tightly.
He gave her a reassuring smile. "Trust me. I'll be right behind you."
Reluctantly, Liang Xiaoluo nodded. As the car drove into the estate, she glanced back at him, her heart heavy with worry. But she told herself to trust him, to believe in their bond.
Outside, Ye Tianlin approached the parked car. The figure who emerged made his face harden instantly. "Gu Lingzi," he said coldly. "What are you doing here?"
Gu Lingzi stepped out, her eyes swollen from crying. "Tianlin… I need to talk to you."
He crossed his arms, his expression unyielding. "Make it quick."
"I… I can't bear this anymore," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. "I'll do anything. I'll even give up everything to be with you. Just don't leave me."
Her desperate plea only deepened his disdain. "I've told you before, Gu Lingzi. I'll never want you. Even if Xiaoluo didn't exist, it wouldn't be you."
Her face twisted with anger and heartbreak. "Then I'll tell her," she snapped. "I'll tell Liang Xiaoluo everything—about you and Hua Lin!"
Her words made him freeze. She had struck a nerve, and she knew it.
"You wouldn't dare," he growled, his voice low and dangerous.
She smirked through her tears, sensing her leverage. "Oh, but I would. If I can't have you, I'll make sure she doesn't either."
For a moment, silence hung heavy between them. Then, with a calmness that sent shivers down her spine, Ye Tianlin said, "Do what you want, Gu Lingzi. It won't change anything."
But as he walked away, his heart was heavy. His darkest fears—those secrets he had buried—were now poised to resurface, threatening the fragile happiness he had found with Liang Xiaoluo.