Yan Ningke's expression did not change. He let him grip him painfully and raised his eyes to meet his turbulent gaze.
"Maybe it wasn't just him."
Shao Yang had still been very young when it happened back then. There was no way he could have orchestrated it alone; at least someone else had been involved.
The only question was how many members of the Shao family had taken part.
Shao Ke's hand trembled slightly as he lit his cigarette. Yan Ningke took the lighter from him and caught his hand, watching his Adam's apple bob repeatedly as he restrained his emotions.
Yan Ningke brushed his thumb over the back of his hand, his gentle voice carrying a soothing strength. "Gege, they were the ones truly behind it. You were a victim too. We'll find them, kill them all, and avenge your parents!"
So please stop blaming yourself, okay?
That hypocrite Shao Yang had exploited Shao Ke's weakness, twisting the truth and constantly telling him that he had caused both his parents' deaths, until Shao Ke broke down completely and jumped to his death.
Shao Yang was the one who deserved retribution!
Yan Ningke was serious when he said he would kill them all. He did not sound as though he was joking, and that actually steadied Shao Ke a little.
It was insane, but he saw nothing wrong with it.
But why do you understand it all so thoroughly?
Through the long silence, Yan Ningke stayed quietly and steadfastly by his side, their clasped hands feeling each other's warmth.
When he finished his cigarette, Shao Ke pulled him into his arms with frightening force. "A Ning, will you leave?"
Yan Ningke's arms stiffened around him. His breath caught slightly, and his entire body went rigid.
Although he had never concealed