A Mess

When Hesta's emotions began to churn, Yu Xuekun thoughtfully looked away, so as not to further wound the young woman who was already angry from shame with her insight.

"Does it matter who I saw in her?" Hesta gritted her teeth. "You don't understand anything at all."

"Who is it that doesn't understand?" Yu Xuekun continued. "Think carefully about how the two of you have been getting along lately. Think about what you were like when she kept avoiding you, and what she was like; then think about what each of you was like when your relationship gradually improved... Do I need to spell it out any more clearly?"

"Then what should I do? Tell me, what should I do? Just watch her go back? Watch her keep being manipulated by the next Mikhailo, or Madam Kaja?"

"First, Eucali hasn't made a decision yet. Second, no matter how foolish or ungrateful she may be, that doesn't mean she has to use her life to fulfill someone else's wishes."

"Whose wishes? What are you trying to say? Are you saying this is all my wish?" Hesta sprang up from the bench, wildly waving her left hand. "Getting her away from that awful home, hoping her life would get better... Are those really nothing more than my own wishes for her life?"

"Could you spare even one second to think about it?" Yu Xuekun raised her voice as well. "When did Eucali ever say she wanted to get away from her family? At least, I've never heard her express anything like that. Ever since leaving Mei County, she's been worrying about her mother, her sister, and her brother. You're the one desperate to see her 'leave.' You're the one desperate to see her 'get better.' And clearly, the two of you have