Chapter Twenty-Three: The Farewell Beneath the Falling Snow
What no one noticed that day — was that Gu Yue, despite her cold and expressionless demeanor, was hiding a strange feeling deep within her heart.
Whenever she stood near Su Ling Tian, she felt a faint disturbance — a mysterious warmth that shook her icy calm.
She too was affected by the "aura of attraction toward the opposite sex" that surrounded Su Ling Tian, just like every girl who came close to him.
But her strong will and innate composure lessened its influence, leaving behind only a faint spark — a subtle, inexplicable pull she couldn't deny, no matter how hard she tried.
As for Su Mi, she began to feel jealousy stirring within her — though she didn't understand why.
She couldn't quite explain it, but Gu Yue's closeness to Su Ling Tian unsettled her deeply.
Ever since that silver-haired girl appeared, it felt as though his attention had shifted toward her… and that alone was enough to ignite a small flame inside Su Mi's young heart.
And so, the threads of a complicated bond began to weave themselves between Su Ling Tian, Su Mi, and Gu Yue — a mysterious connection subtly shaped by that unseen aura of attraction… working quietly, slowly, but steadily.
The years passed swiftly — more than three years vanished like a fleeting breath.
During that time, Gu Yue lived within the Su Family estate, and her relationship with both Su Ling Tian and Su Mi gradually deepened — a quiet mix of rivalry and friendship, carrying within it something greater than words could express.
One day, snow fell softly, blanketing the ground in a thin, pure white layer.
The air was cold, but it couldn't compare to the chill that swept through Gu Yue's heart as she prepared to leave.
Before the grand gate of the Su Family, Gu Yue stood in her blue robe embroidered with snow patterns, her silver hair swaying gently in the winter wind.
Outside, the Gu Family carriage awaited her, ready to take her back to her distant homeland.
Standing before her was twelve-year-old Su Ling Tian — his face calm as always, though his gaze followed her quietly, tinged with faint melancholy.
Beside him stood ten-year-old Su Mi, clutching the edge of his robe tightly, staring at Gu Yue with eyes that mixed sorrow and jealousy.
Gu Yue turned to face them, lifting her chin with feigned pride and speaking sharply,Hmph! Don't think I'll miss you! I'm returning to the Gu Family to become stronger.
And when I come back… I'll be far stronger than you, Su Ling Tian! So don't you dare forget me!
Su Ling Tian smiled faintly and replied in his calm, steady voice,I won't forget you, Gu Yue… after all, you're my little fiancée.
Gu Yue froze in place, her face flickering with confusion before she quickly turned away, trying to hide the redness rising in her cheeks.
Her heart pounded violently, yet she forced herself to act indifferent, muttering inwardly,(Idiot… how can he say that so easily?)
Meanwhile, Su Mi bit her lip hard and spoke coldly,Is that so? Fine then — come back whenever you want, but don't think you can take Su Ling Tian away from me that easily!
Gu Yue shot her a quiet, challenging glare and said softly, her tone like frozen steel,We'll see about that…
She turned and began walking toward the carriage with steady steps — but at the very last moment, as though her heart moved before her mind, she suddenly turned back and approached Su Ling Tian.
In that fleeting instant, she reached out and took his hand — for only a single second — before letting go as if nothing had happened.
A small smile curved on her lips as she spoke loudly, her voice carrying through the falling snow,Remember my words, you idiot! When I return… I'll make you regret not asking me to stay!
Su Ling Tian spoke in a calm, quiet voice.
So… you're leaving today?
Gu Yue scoffed lightly, trying to hide the hesitation flickering in her eyes.
Hah! Did you expect me to stay here forever?
Then she quickly turned her face away, concealing the faint redness that touched her cheeks.
Noticing that, Su Ling Tian raised an eyebrow, his tone calm but tinged with mild curiosity.
Really?
Gu Yue immediately replied, her voice sounding more defensive than confident.
I've been here for quite a while already! It's only natural for me to return to my family!
Su Mi frowned slightly and took a small step forward. Her voice came out soft and sorrowful.But… we were always together, weren't we?
Gu Yue threw her a quick sideways glance before turning her gaze away almost instantly — as if afraid someone might read what lay hidden in her eyes.
"Hah! So what?! she said, forcing a haughty tone. It's not like I'll miss you or anything!
Yet, despite her sharp words, there was a faint tremor in her voice — as if she were trying harder to convince herself than the others.
Su Ling Tian said nothing.
He simply stood there in silence, watching her with calm,understanding eyes.
He knew her well… knew that she was hiding her true feelings behind a mask of cold pride.
As the silence lingered between them, Gu Yue began to fidget, visibly flustered.
Then, with a small stomp of her foot, she burst out impatiently,What?! Do you think I'll cry and cling to you, begging you not to leave me?! I'm not some weak girl! I'm the princess of the Gu Family!
At that, Su Ling Tian finally smiled — a small, serene smile that only made her more nervous without knowing why.
I never said you would," he replied gently.
She froze for a heartbeat, then her face flushed again — this time from anger… or perhaps embarrassment.
"Fine then!" she shouted, waving her hand in frustration. "Just stop looking at me like that!
At that moment, Su Mi, who had been silently watching their exchange, pouted and clung tighter to Su Ling Tian's arm.
Then she said softly, her tone laced with innocent jealousy,Hehe, anyway… we'll be fine without you, right, Su Ling Tian?"
Instantly, Gu Yue spun around, her icy-blue eyes flaring with fiery indignation — as though she'd just been struck.
"What?! What's that supposed to mean?!" she snapped sharply, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt.
"Do you think I'm just a nuisance? Someone you can throw away whenever you want?!
Su Mi only smiled faintly and said nothing, letting Gu Yue's furious words dissolve into the cold air.
Hmph!
Gu Yue turned away with feigned arrogance, trying desperately to reclaim her composure — yet the tight clench of her fists at her sides betrayed her.
It was clear to everyone that she wasn't nearly as cold as she pretended to be…She was just a girl — struggling with all her might to hide a burning heart beneath a mask of ice.
As the guards began loading Gu Yue's luggage into the carriage, she slowly walked toward Su Ling Tian until she stopped right in front of him.
Her gaze was sharp on the surface, yet it couldn't hide the faint hesitation flickering in her eyes.
Then, raising her small fist, she lightly thumped his chest — a childish gesture meant to conceal the turmoil within her heart.
With a voice that tried to sound fierce but wavered slightly, she said,
You… don't you dare forget me, understand?!
Su Ling Tian smiled gently, his tone calm yet firm.
I promise, my fiancée… I won't forget. And you — don't you dare forget me either.
Even if I die, I'll come back just to remind you that I existed.
Gu Yue's face flushed crimson, and she quickly turned away,fidgeting with the edge of her long robe.
Hmph! Don't think I'll miss you or anything like that! she retorted,though her voice trembled faintly.
At that moment, Su Mi stepped forward quietly and reached out,clasping Gu Yue's hand tightly with her small fingers.
Her voice was soft, filled with childish pleading.
Gu Yue… do you really have to leave now? Why don't you stay with us a little longer?
Gu Yue froze for a moment, biting her lip in silence before lifting her head with forced arrogance to mask her unease.
Don't be silly, she said curtly. "I have to return to my family to continue my training. I'm not weak like you two… I have to become stronger!
But despite the pride in her words, her eyes told a different story — one of uncertainty and quiet sadness.
She wasn't confident… and she definitely wasn't happy to leave.
At that moment, Su Ling Tian took a single step forward and gently placed his hand on her shoulder.
He didn't say a word — he simply looked at her, silently, for a long moment that carried a thousand unspoken words.
Then, with a quiet breath, he reached out his arms and embraced her — a sincere, gentle embrace, born from a heart that was feeling the weight of parting for the very first time.
It wasn't a hug of love or romance… but one of farewell — warm and soft, yet carrying a hidden promise deep within it.
Gu Yue stiffened at first, but gradually relaxed.
A strange warmth spread through her chest — a sense of peace and safety she had never felt before.
Slowly, she lifted her hands and returned the hug, whispering in a trembling, barely audible voice,
"…Idiot."
After a brief moment, she stepped back, quickly turning her face away to hide it.
Her voice rose slightly, trying to mask her embarrassment.
Remember what I said! When I come back… I'll be far stronger than you, Su Ling Tian!
Su Ling Tian smiled faintly and replied softly, waving his hand,I'll be waiting for that day, Gu Yue.
Gu Yue leapt into the carriage without looking back — but the faint redness of her ears did not escape anyone's notice.
As the carriage rolled away through the falling snow, her words lingered in the cold air — carrying with them a blend of pride… and quiet longing.
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