The old cypress had a broad, straight trunk, and its lush, heavy crown hovered here like a cloud, complementing the wooden house. It had stood there for more than twenty years.
Looking at the old cypress that had watched her grow up, Mitchelson flushed slightly, overwhelmed by mixed emotions. She could not help saying, "Hey, do you remember this tree? When we first talked here in secret, it was only three or four meters tall."
Zeng Mu thought for a moment, then nodded.
"Then... do you remember your promise?" she asked again.
"My younger brother is fairly good-looking. His temperament is a little strange, but he should be dependable," he said.
"Don't mention him to me!" Her voice rose sharply, firm and resolute.
"All right, I won't mention him. Let's keep talking about the two of us."
At those words, Mitchelson's face immediately relaxed. She thought she would finally hear the words she had waited so many years for. Instead, he said something that shattered her.
"I'm sorry. Arthur can marry you, but I can't."
"No! That can't be!" Her eyes widened, and she clutched her head with both hands. "I must have misheard. There must be something wrong with my ears. Otherwise, how could I have heard you say something like that?!"
"I'm sorry. I know this hurts you, but could you please hear me out?" As Zeng Mu spoke, he glanced from side to side. Once he had checked that no one was approaching, he lowered his head close to her face and said, "I'm not Arthur."
"Madness. But which of us has gone mad-you or me?" She slowly lowered her hands and stared straight at him.
"I know no one would believe this, so you're the first person I've told. But I can tell you with absolute