I stood there for a long time, a wave of discomfort and fear washing over me.
Discomfort because I felt so small and powerless.
Fear because of that familiar, hateful feeling... just like before.
Once again, they had me cornered.
Once again, I was forced into a position where I couldn't resist.
I chuckled inwardly.
Could it be… that I would continue to endure like last time?
Last time, I endured.
I remember the outcome very clearly.
Tragic.
Pitiful.
Pushed back to square one, losing everything I once had.
This time, however, it's different.
I've met people who truly love me. Suddenly, images flashed through my mind: the image of Wu Shen with his warm smile and gentle, reassuring voice, and the image of my parents—though they weren't mine, they were always so kind to me.
There are things to lose... and things to protect.
If I continue to bow my head, continue to be afraid like this…
then sooner or later, everything I have will vanish, leaving nothing behind…
I clenched my fists.
My heart gradually calmed down.
Then I made a decision.
The next day.
I stood before Jing Yuan's room.
I didn't knock.
I just pushed the door open.
Jing Yuan was inside. He looked up when he saw me, his gaze lingering for a moment, then quickly returning to his usual cold expression as he spoke indifferently:
"Young master, what brings you to see me?"
His voice was calm, as if nothing had happened yesterday.
I took a deep breath and stepped inside.
"Yes."
My voice wasn't loud, but it was clear.
Kình Uyên leaned against the table, arms crossed, his eyes fixed on me as if waiting for me to speak... Kình Uyên's gaze made me uncomfortable... it was irritating.
I looked straight at him and spoke in a resolute voice:
"The things you said yesterday,"
I said slowly, "I already have an answer..."
Kình Uyên's lips curved slightly, his deep, penetrating eyes fixed on me as he said:
"Young master should think carefully... I don't need you to answer immediately..."
"No need."
I interrupted him.
Kình Uyên's expression changed briefly, very quickly.
Seeing this, I tried to control my trembling and finished speaking:
"I…I came here to tell you," I continued, my heart pounding, a little shaky,
"I…I won't listen to you anymore…"
He looked at me in silence. No interruption. No anger.
That silence made the atmosphere even heavier.
I looked at Kình Uyên and saw a hint of fear on his face…but he forced a weak smile and spoke the words he had kept hidden for so long:
"Do you think I'll be afraid?"
"I hate the way you look at me."
"I hate the way you force me to do what you want without caring about my feelings…"
I paused for a second, my eyes welling up with tears. I clenched my fists, trying to control the surging emotions, and said directly:
"I hate you."
The space fell silent.
Kình Uyên looked at me, his gaze a little deeper, but still cold. I no longer paid attention to Jing Yuan, turning around and walking towards the door.
"And from now on," I said, without looking back,
"I don't need you to serve me anymore."
My hand rested on the doorknob.
"If you have anything to say, say it."
The door opened.
Just as I stepped out, a soft chuckle echoed from behind me.
Not loud.
Not violent.
Just a low, deep laugh, clearly tinged with amusement.
"Excellent."
Jing Yuan's voice echoed slowly in the empty room:
"Finally, something interesting."