Hu Liena lowered her head and walked to the bedside. Under Bibi Dong's soothing guidance, she sat down on the bed.
Bibi Dong took her hand and asked softly, "Nana, do you still like Xiaoyu?"
Hu Liena shook her head sharply. "No, no. Junior Brother... the person he likes is Teacher. I won't entertain such improper thoughts."
"But your eyes tell Teacher that you still can't let him go," Bibi Dong said.
Hu Liena fell silent, merely lowering her head. Her pretty face was flushed red, looking terribly bashful.
Bibi Dong sighed softly. "Although Teacher is much older than you, Teacher is also a woman, and women always yearn for love. Nana... I'm sorry. Teacher has been very selfish."
Hu Liena's eyes reddened with tears as she stammered, "N-No, it's not Teacher's fault. I'm the one who wasn't capable enough to make Junior Brother like me. I... I already said that I would bless you two. Teacher, please... please don't worry too much about my feelings."
Bibi Dong pulled her into an embrace and said softly, "Good child, Teacher knows you've always been obedient. Teacher was wrong in the past. Teacher shouldn't have forced you to do things you didn't like. Once the Heaven Dou Empire and Star Luo Empire are destroyed, if you don't want to be emperor, then don't be."
Leaning against Bibi Dong's embrace, Hu Liena replied, "No, I want to be emperor. I want to protect the Spirit Hall Empire properly for Teacher. If Teacher ever wants to come back one day, at least there will still be a home here."
Bibi Dong's heart ached. She truly regretted it. What a wonderful child—she had wronged her.
If she had not had such a terrible teacher, this child surely could have had a happy childhood.
She had