Chapter 152: Misunderstandings, Unresolved
Ye Tianqing furrowed his brows, his voice calm but firm. "Tell me what happened."
Liang Xiaoluo lowered her head, her fingers curling into fists. The words were trapped in her throat, heavy and suffocating.
Before she could muster the courage to speak, Xiluo stepped between them, his protective stance sharp and unyielding. "Perhaps you should ask your brother instead of her," Xiluo said, his tone dripping with disdain.
Ye Tianqing's eyes flickered with a hint of guilt. "I'm sorry. We've hurt you both."
Xiluo scoffed, his lips twisting into a bitter smile. "Save your apologies. They're worthless." Without waiting for a response, he grabbed Xiaoluo's hand and led her away.
As they walked along a quiet pathway, Xiluo's grip remained steady. His silence was both a shield and a burden.
"Xiluo," Liang Xiaoluo called softly.
"Yes?" he replied, his voice softer now.
"Am I foolish? I came here knowing full well that I wouldn't get the answers I wanted." She let out a bitter laugh, her voice tinged with self-mockery. "I should have known better than to expect anything from him."
Xiluo glanced at her but said nothing for a moment. Then, quietly, he responded, "No, you're not foolish."
Her laughter grew louder, the bitterness spilling over. The sound was hollow, a defense against the pain gnawing at her.
Their footsteps echoed in the empty street until the hum of a car broke the stillness. A black sedan pulled up beside them, the window rolling down to reveal Yan Ruoxi.
Ruoxi stepped out, leaving her mother, Hualin, in the car. "Mom, wait for me. I need a word with Xiaoluo."
Hualin nodded, though her gaze lingered on the trio. Ruoxi walked briskly toward Xiaoluo, her expression conflicted.
"I need to speak with her," Ruoxi said, her voice tinged with urgency. She reached for Xiaoluo's hand, but Xiluo blocked her.
"Don't," Xiluo said, his voice cold. "Haven't you hurt her enough already?"
Ruoxi's face twisted in anguish. "Please, Xiluo. Just one moment. I promise, I mean no harm."
Xiluo hesitated. For a brief second, he saw sincerity in her eyes. Reluctantly, he stepped aside but kept a watchful gaze.
Ruoxi took Xiaoluo's hand and led her a short distance away. Her grip was gentle but insistent.
"Xiaoluo, do you still hate me?" Ruoxi asked, her voice trembling.
Xiaoluo met her gaze, her expression calm yet distant. "What's the point of hatred? It's exhausting."
Ruoxi flinched. Her lips parted, but no words came out. After a moment, she spoke again. "Don't forgive me, Xiaoluo. I don't deserve it. What I did to you... I'll pay for it."
"Stop," Xiaoluo interrupted, pulling her hand away. "What's done is done. You need to move on, Ruoxi. We all do."
Ruoxi's eyes glistened with unshed tears. She stepped closer, pulling Xiaoluo into an embrace. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Xiaoluo, listen to me. Protect yourself. Be careful of Hualin."
Xiaoluo stiffened, her mind spinning. "Hualin?" she repeated, her voice barely audible.
"Yes," Ruoxi murmured. "She's dangerous."
Before Xiaoluo could respond, Ruoxi released her and walked back toward the car. She cast one last glance over her shoulder, her face etched with regret.
As Ruoxi got into the car, Hualin's sharp gaze scanned her daughter's face. "What took so long?" she asked, her tone laced with suspicion.
Ruoxi forced a smile. "I was comforting her, that's all. It's a pity she and Tianlin couldn't work out."
Hualin narrowed her eyes but said nothing. Her instincts told her something was off, but Ruoxi's facade was flawless.
"Let's go," Hualin said, her voice clipped.
As the car sped away, Xiaoluo stood rooted to the spot, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion. Ruoxi's warning echoed in her mind, its meaning unclear but deeply unsettling.
"Xiaoluo, what did she say to you?" Xiluo asked as he approached her.
Xiaoluo shook her head. "Nothing important."
"Are you sure?" Xiluo pressed, his brow furrowing.
"Yes," she said firmly, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her unease. "Let's go."
Xiluo didn't push further. He could see the turmoil in her eyes but knew better than to force her hand.
As they reached the bus stop, Xiaoluo turned to Xiluo, her expression resolute. "Thank you for everything, Xiluo. But I need to go back to my family now."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Xiluo asked, concern evident in his voice.
"I've been away too long," she replied. "They need me. And I need them."
Xiluo hesitated, his instincts screaming at him to stay by her side. But the determination in her eyes left him no room to argue.
"All right," he said reluctantly. "But promise me you'll call if you need anything."
Xiaoluo nodded. "I will. Thank you."
As the bus pulled up, Xiluo impulsively climbed on board with her, earning a confused look from the driver.
"Sir, you need to pay," the driver said, eyeing Xiluo's wallet.
Xiluo fumbled, pulling out a hundred-dollar bill. The driver sighed. "No change. Coins only."
Xiaoluo chuckled softly and handed over the fare. "You've never taken a bus before, have you?"
Xiluo grinned sheepishly. "First time for everything."
As the bus rumbled to life, Xiaoluo leaned back in her seat, a small smile playing on her lips. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, she felt a flicker of warmth. Perhaps, amidst the chaos, there was still hope.