Xiao Yan had spent a full ten days refining medicine at Huo Zhen's place. He knew it was time to see Yan Jin again and finalize their alliance.
Xiao Yan had also given the proposed marriage careful thought. He had wrestled with it, but the Flame Clan's intentions were now out in the open.
Xiao Yan was no block of wood. He could feel Huo Zhi's affection for him. But the reasons he could not agree to the marriage weighed even more heavily: his three future wives, his daughter Qing Qing... When he thought of them all, he knew he could never accept.
He knew how deeply Huo Zhi cared for him. That was precisely why he could not bear to fail her.
"Have you truly made up your mind?" Yan Jin asked Xiao Yan, seeking confirmation once more with a grave expression.
"My answer is the same as before. I'm afraid I cannot agree to the marriage."
Yan Jin sighed softly. Though he had expected this answer, he still felt sorry for Huo Zhi.
"If Huo Zhi hadn't come to me herself and asked me not to make things too difficult for you, I would never have relented. Since she has, we needn't speak of it again."
Only then did Xiao Yan learn what had happened behind the scenes. He had never expected Huo Zhi to speak up for him of her own accord. He understood her consideration at once, and guilt rose in his heart. A helpless, bitter smile touched his lips.
Matters of the heart always seemed to be this way. Xiao Yan could think of no solution that would satisfy everyone, yet trying to take care of everyone was more than he could manage.
"You two, come in."
At Yan Jin's words, a boy and