Qiqi's heart fluttered with panic. Thinking the scoundrel was about to force himself on her again, she lowered her head defensively. But Hu Xiaotian made no further move. He simply held her quietly. Neither spoke; each could clearly hear the other's heartbeat and breathing.
Suddenly, Qiqi felt a warmth she had not known in a long time, accompanied by a pang of sorrow.
Hu Xiaotian's gentle voice sounded beside her ear. "I know it must have been hard, holding on all by yourself these past years. From now on, I'll help you shoulder it."
Qiqi knew perfectly well that his words were insincere, yet tears still welled in her eyes. The bastard had found her weakness and was saying this deliberately. Suddenly, she raised her head and kissed his lips of her own accord. Just as Hu Xiaotian was about to respond, she bit down hard, splitting his lip and drawing blood.
Just then, Quan Dean's concerned voice came from outside. "Your Highness..." Worry filled his voice, but he did not dare enter without permission.
Only then did Qiqi release Hu Xiaotian. "I'm fine!" she said calmly.
The candle was relit, casting their silhouettes onto the latticed window. Seeing the considerable distance between the two figures, Quan Dean felt somewhat reassured.
Qiqi's lips were stained with blood, all of it Hu Xiaotian's. Her delicate tongue licked the blood from her lips. It tasted salty and astringent.
Hu Xiaotian's mouth was also covered in blood, though it was all his own. The bleeding had not stopped. Yet the scoundrel wore a smile, as though nothing had happened.
Qiqi took out a silk handkerchief and wiped the blood from the corners of her mouth. Then she walked over to Hu Xiaotian and pressed it against his lips. His eyes rested calmly on