Qian Renxue's body stiffened slightly.
She did not pull away.
"You don't need to cry over this."
"Then what should I do?"
Qian Renxue lifted her eyes to him.
"Now I know you're my brother."
Qian Chen's hand paused beside her face.
Qian Renxue caught his wrist.
Her palm was warm, yet her fingertips trembled gently.
"Will you still reject me now?"
The courtyard fell silent.
Shui Yue'er widened her eyes.
Ice Empress raised her eyes to Qian Chen.
Snow Empress said nothing.
She simply stood where she was, her gaze resting on Qian Chen and Qian Renxue's clasped hands.
Qian Chen looked at Qian Renxue.
"Yes."
The light in Qian Renxue's eyes gradually dimmed.
Qian Renxue looked at him.
Tears spilled from the corners of her eyes again.
"So, you're willing to acknowledge me as your sister?"
"I always have."
She bit her lip.
"Then will you still walk beside me in the future?"
"Yes."
"Will you still fight shoulder to shoulder with me, just like before?"
"Yes."
"Even though I had feelings for you?"
Qian Chen looked at her.
"That won't change our relationship."
Qian Renxue closed her eyes.
She released Qian Chen's wrist, then reached out and wrapped her arms around his waist.
Her long golden dress draped down along the edge of the stone stool.
She buried her face against Qian Chen's chest, her shoulders rising and falling gently.
Qian Chen did not push her away.
He raised a hand and rested it on Qian Renxue's back.
Through the golden fabric, he slowly patted her back twice.
"Brother."
It was the first time Qian Renxue had called him that.
Qian Chen's hand paused for a moment.
"Mm."
"You must never leave me behind again."
"I won't."
"And you mustn't deliberately avoid me just because I'm your