Stubborn Qiao Wei

Qiao Wei came to her senses, and, driven by a sudden surge of courage, pushed Luo Xuan away in front of the astonished eyes of the nobles. She did not lift her gaze to see what emotions simmered in Luo Xuan’s blood-red eyes, nor did she concern herself with Luo Chen’s expression from afar. With her eyelids lowered, she spoke firmly, “But I never said I liked you. I’ve always regarded you as a brother, as a friend. Brother Luo Xuan, you know this.”

Luo Xuan said nothing, only gazing at Qiao Wei, whose head was bowed but whose defiance shone through. The nobles surrounding them were outraged by Qiao Wei’s words; one noble lady looked at her with disdain, her tone brimming with arrogance: “For a weak human to be favored by His Highness is already a privilege, yet you dare utter such disrespect—do you wish for death?”

“You’re the one courting death.” Luo Xuan suddenly fixed his gaze on the girl who had rebuked Qiao Wei, his eyes so red they seemed about to bleed. In an instant, the noble girl was engulfed in flames, unable to even cry out before she was reduced to ashes. The horrific sight left everyone breathless, and the entire hall was plunged into a chilling silence.

An elder strolled over with a smile, as if nothing had happened. “Since this is His Highness’s will, we should not meddle. Your Highness, please quell your anger; let us continue the banquet.”

“The banquet ends here. It’s already very late.” Luo Chen, who had remained silent until now, walked over, his voice thick with annoyance. Luo Xuan, seemingly unfazed, smiled at Qiao Wei and signaled Rheine to escort her away. Then, the two princes departed together from the hall. Rheine took Qiao Wei’s hand and led her out.

“Heh, you’re growing bolder.” Once they had left the hall and the princes had vanished, Rheine suddenly remarked.

“I’m just telling the truth. From the beginning, I liked Luo Chen. Even knowing he only cares for Su Mo, I still like him. I know, all his kindness to me is because I look like Su Mo, but… but I just like him, I can’t like anyone else…” As Qiao Wei spoke, her eyes grew warm; all her grievances and sorrows surged forth.

Rheine reached out and gently patted Qiao Wei’s back, murmuring almost in a dream, “We’re all the same…”

In another shadowy corner, a silver-haired elder, usually so imposing, now wore a humble expression as he reported to a man whose face was half-obscured by a curtain of black hair. A flicker of anticipated emotion flashed in the man’s eerie green eyes, making him appear all the more sinister in the darkness.

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