With her long eyelashes fluttering, Cui Xiaoxin said without even raising her head, "Auntie, what made you think of him? He and I were merely classmates."
"You don't even dare look me in the eye. Are you afraid I'll see through your lies?" A smile appeared at the corner of Cui Xinci's lips. "Xiao Xin, I know his name is Li Mu Yang. I know he was admitted to Starry Sky Academy. I know he's outstanding. I know he has many qualities you like. But, Xiao Xin, I heard he's a dragon."
"I don't care whether he's a real dragon or a fake one. As long as the royal families of the Nine Nations have pinned the label of dragonkind on him, he'll never be able to wash away that disgrace for the rest of his life. Shenzhou is vast, but where could he possibly find a place to live? If you choose him, you'll be walking a road filled with danger. No, it'll be a journey to your death."
"Xiao Xin, if you chose any other man—the men of Tiandu City, any one of them—as long as you said you liked him and refused to give him up, I would tell you to pursue him. I'd help you escape the marriage. Whatever happened, your auntie would bear it for you. But if it's that Li Mu Yang... no. I don't care what anyone else thinks. I won't agree."
"Auntie..." Cui Xiaoxin took a sip of hot tea from her cup. Letting the bitter tea churn over her tongue, she struggled to suppress the vexation in her heart and said softly, "I understand. I won't make you worry."
"That's good." Cui Xinci looked into Cui Xiaoxin's eyes. "Xiao Xin, are you really all right?"
Cui Xiaoxin raised her head and