I Know I Was Wrong

Fang Zhou’s forgiveness gave Chu Xinran great confidence.

Her eyes brightened, staring intently at him, softly asking, “You don’t blame me?”

Chu Xinran had prepared for blame, but Fang Zhou hadn’t uttered a harsh word, showing her care instead.

This made her feel guilty, yet she believed he had feelings for her; otherwise, he wouldn’t be so forgiving.

Fang Zhou paused, then slowly shook his head, softly saying, “I don’t blame you.”

Blame me; it’s all my fault.

His mood was low, his eyes like dull gems, even Chu Xinran noticed something was off.

She grasped his hand, hurriedly explaining, “I didn’t mean to do it. I was really upset and thought about ending it all, but I wanted to try again.”

As she spoke, tears began to fall.

Tears like pearls slipped from her eyes, like broken strings.

Her pure, lovely face with tearful eyes made one think, ‘How could anyone make such a pretty girl cry?’

‘If she’s crying, it must be someone else’s fault.’

Chu Xinran’s tears tugged at Fang Zhou’s heart.

When she cried, he panicked.

But he felt she wasn’t as innocent as she seemed, so he didn’t immediately comfort her as before.

He withdrew his hand, calmly saying, “I said I don’t blame you, don’t cry.”

His tone was as if saying ‘the weather’s nice,’ not truly forgiving her.

Calmness often hides turbulent emotions.

Now Chu Xinran was truly anxious.

Her tears seemed endless, staining her clothes with dark marks.

She clutched his sleeve, speaking with a sob.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done it. I promise I won’t again, please don’t ignore me.”

She’d never seen Fang Zhou so detached, as if nothing mattered, disconnected from the world.

Fang Zhou glanced at her, softly saying, “I’m not ignoring you.”

Chu Xinran shook her head, crying, looking pitiful.

“No, you’re about to ignore me.”

She’d never felt such a strong premonition, that Fang Zhou was on the brink of breaking.

Fang Zhou didn’t respond, just watched her, seemingly agreeing.

Chu Xinran, like a wounded deer, suddenly threw herself into his warm embrace.

She hugged him tightly, as if trying to merge with him.

Tears flowed like a flood, soaking his chest.

“Brother Fang Zhou, I really know I was wrong! I did such a foolish thing because I love you! This love is deeply rooted in my heart, I can’t escape it. Please, forgive me this once!”

She sobbed, voice filled with regret and pleading.

Fang Zhou felt the warmth of her soft body.

Her silky hair brushed his face, bringing a floral scent, like spring blossoms.

The scent seemed magical, intoxicating.

Like its owner, it tried to leave a deep impression on Fang Zhou.

Time passed, the air seemed to freeze.

Finally, after a long wait, Chu Xinran heard a soft sigh.

A strong hand gently patted her back, comforting.

“Okay.”

He said one word, but its weight was greater than his previous sentences.

Chu Xinran’s heart settled.

She smiled, about to speak, when Fang Zhou made a request.

“But I want to leave here, can you help me?”

Her smile froze, her ‘great’ swallowed.

‘Leave’ triggered her rebellious nerve, changing her demeanor.

“No, you can’t leave.”

She saw leaving the highlands as leaving her.

It was similar; if Fang Zhou escaped, he’d never look back, like leaving.

Fang Zhou frowned, tone serious.

“Qiao Sisi restricts my freedom, won’t let me call my sister. Do you want to be her accomplice?”

Accomplice.

Chu Xinran’s face paled, thinking: He hasn’t forgiven me.

His promise was just to comfort.

She avoided his gaze, softly saying, “If you’re free, you won’t stay with us.”

So, she’d rather he not forgive her, for fleeting happiness.

She had nothing left to lose, willing to pay any price for this last hope.

Fang Zhou opened his mouth to argue, but noticed his handcuffs had moved to the bedpost.

“You…”

As he wondered, Chu Xinran kissed him, silencing him.

Her hands roamed, igniting sparks.

Fang Zhou sensed trouble; was Chu Xinran getting forceful too?