Chapter 315: The Ugly Truth of Emotions

The room was incredibly quiet at that moment; even the cicadas outside seemed to stop their chirping, as if they were listening to Han Xi, the proud daughter of heaven, tell her story. Just speaking these words took an immense amount of effort.

Han Xi leaned back against the chair, needing its support to keep herself from collapsing. For someone as strong-willed as her, showing her vulnerable side to Fang Zhou was like exposing her wounds to an enemy, completely defenseless.

“I asked you to leave earlier so I could talk to my mother alone because I was afraid she might throw things and accidentally hurt you,” Han Xi said softly, her voice like a gentle breeze that could dissipate at any moment.

Her mind replayed memories from her childhood to young adulthood, scenes she had long tried to forget but could now recall with painful clarity.

So many things had happened that Han Xi could easily list the most impactful ones. Maybe it was because she had never truly forgotten them. Instead, the more she cared, the more she tried to deceive herself, thinking that forgetting the past was the best way to move forward. Otherwise, she would never escape her family’s shackles.

Her father was always busy with the family business, leaving only strict teachings and relentless expectations for Han Xi. Her mother, once a free spirit, became a caged bird after an accident that left her unable to walk. Any fleeting moments of maternal love vanished, replaced by resentment towards everyone in the Han family, including Han Xi.

Though her mother rarely caused trouble, she never genuinely cared for the Han family. Despite her harsh words about Fang Zhou, Han Xi could see the satisfaction on her mother’s face. Angering Han Xi’s father brought her mother joy.

This was the dynamic of their family of three.

Fang Zhou was visibly shocked, feeling a tightness in his chest as if something were choking him. His heart ached, a persistent, non-lethal pain that was nonetheless hard to bear.

Putting himself in Han Xi’s shoes, he could understand her transformation. Growing up with parents who only cared about achievements, it was no wonder she had become so strong yet so twisted.

“Fang Zhou, every family has its struggles. I never intended to show you mine, but forgive my pettiness; I wanted you to notice me more,” Han Xi said, her hand still covering her eyes, unable to face Fang Zhou.

Everyone saw her as the perfect CEO, invincible and righteous. But she was just an ordinary woman, yearning for love and affection. Sadly, she had never truly felt what it was like to be doted on.

The oppressive atmosphere hung over them like dark clouds before a heavy storm.

Fang Zhou’s silence made Han Xi’s heart sink further. She let out a self-deprecating laugh, wondering if her emotional display was ineffective.

Just as she was contemplating more drastic measures, a shadow fell over her. Fang Zhou stood before her, gently pulling her hand away to reveal her eyes.

“Han Xi.”

The seriousness in Fang Zhou’s voice caught her attention. She found herself in his warm embrace, his touch gentle as he patted her back like soothing a child. “You must be exhausted all these years. You can lean on my shoulder if you need to.”

His voice, already magnetic, became even more soothing as he spoke softly.

Han Xi was stunned, gazing at Fang Zhou’s profile. It felt like a wound in her heart was being healed by his warmth, pulling her out of the abyss.

“Aren’t you afraid I’m lying to you?” she asked quietly, feeling Fang Zhou’s genuine care.

“What would you gain by lying to me?” Fang Zhou replied, puzzled. In his view, someone of Han Xi’s stature wouldn’t need to fabricate a sad childhood for sympathy. Her emotions seemed genuine.

Han Xi’s voice grew hoarse, “I’m not lying.”

Though she hadn’t lied, she had hoped to use this truth to gain his attention and concern.

“That’s enough then.”

“Han Xi, you don’t have to carry all this burden alone. If something’s bothering you, you can always talk to me. Keeping it bottled up will only make it harder,” Fang Zhou said, trying to comfort her. “You’re just a regular person, not a superhero. Don’t be too hard on yourself.”

Han Xi was very slender; hugging her, he could feel her frail frame, a testament to the toll her work had taken on her. Despite her wealth, she had no real sense of family, which was heartbreaking.

Han Xi quietly wrapped her arms around Fang Zhou, burying herself in his embrace, savoring this rare moment of comfort. Out of his sight, her eyes grew moist, tears threatening to fall.

The woman who was always as cold as moonlight had finally shown her vulnerability, drawing a surge of compassion from Fang Zhou.

tln : finally, now only qin yun left.