Brother-in-law: C10

10: Extra 1: Ximen Rongruo

This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

He looked down at me pitifully, then after a while, he did capture my lips in a gentle kiss. But he still pushed me away. He pushed me aside firmly and spoke these words: “You give it to the person who loves you the most.”

_{I was still young back then, still eager to become the most famous swordsman in the world. So I said to him upon meeting that my deepest dеsire was to become the pride of my Ximen Sect.}I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.

I was still young back then, still eager to become the most famous swordsman in the world. So I said to him upon meeting that my deepest dеsire was to become the pride of my Ximen Sect.

_{Despite coming to the Ximen Sect as a wanderer, he rode in with an air no different than a king’s. So that frail outer shell of mine, despite being nothing but unyielding underneath, was conquered by him in that singular moment.}His tongue penеtrated my mouth, stirring places that had never been touched, leaving me in a trembling, excited, and dizzying state.

Despite coming to the Ximen Sect as a wanderer, he rode in with an air no different than a king’s. So that frail outer shell of mine, despite being nothing but unyielding underneath, was conquered by him in that singular moment.

That man’s expression became unseemly in a flash, and right then I felt a chill stab my heart. It was a faint feeling at the time, one that whispered that man may care about that savage child called Yan Ran more than I had thought.

_{Sometimes, watching him fool around with Yan Ran made me, the only son of House Ximen, feel just a bit envious.}“Perhaps the wind. Or perhaps some wild little beast,” he replied with a shrug. “Who knows? My preferences have always been strange.”

Sometimes, watching him fool around with Yan Ran made me, the only son of House Ximen, feel just a bit envious.

_{My heart was shattered. But I could not believe he was not attracted to me at all. So I tried to seduce him. Yet, again, he refused.}
Of course, many would disagree with such a cowardly statement.

My heart was shattered. But I could not believe he was not attracted to me at all. So I tried to seduce him. Yet, again, he refused.

_{{But I wanted to give it to the person I loved the most!}}I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.

But I wanted to give it to the person I loved the most!

_{It was true I was at the age to be married, but the financial issues of the Ximen Sect being dire placed my house in urgent need of wealth.}
I was the only son of the House Ximen—one of the five great houses—as well as a man known for his handsome looks. I was a man incredibly talented in the art of the sword who also had a beauty for a wife and a most clever son.

It was true I was at the age to be married, but the financial issues of the Ximen Sect being dire placed my house in urgent need of wealth.

_{Of course, I understood. But I was still unwilling to accept.}I stammered in response. I was unable to express my dеsire. I could not dare tell him that I wanted to kiss him.

Of course, I understood. But I was still unwilling to accept.

_{My heart was shattered. But I could not believe he was not attracted to me at all. So I tried to seduce him. Yet, again, he refused.}I was the only son of the House Ximen—one of the five great houses—as well as a man known for his handsome looks. I was a man incredibly talented in the art of the sword who also had a beauty for a wife and a most clever son.

My heart was shattered. But I could not believe he was not attracted to me at all. So I tried to seduce him. Yet, again, he refused.

_{But I am nonetheless a failure—I was destined to be as such—and it all began from the very first moment I had laid upon him.}He smiled when I declared this, replying by saying he liked children with ambition.

But I am nonetheless a failure—I was destined to be as such—and it all began from the very first moment I had laid upon him.

_{He looked down at me pitifully, then after a while, he did capture my lips in a gentle kiss. But he still pushed me away. He pushed me aside firmly and spoke these words: “You give it to the person who loves you the most.”}As long as he liked it, I was willing to do whatever it took.

_{I stammered in response. I was unable to express my dеsire. I could not dare tell him that I wanted to kiss him.}
In the eyes of anyone looking in, my life could be regarded as perfect.

I stammered in response. I was unable to express my dеsire. I could not dare tell him that I wanted to kiss him.

_{“Is that not how it’s done?” I remember replying while looking up at him meekly. I tried my best with my expressions because I wanted to look pitiful in his eyes.}“Rongruo,” he said to me, “in my eyes, you are just as I was in my youth. Isn’t it strange to want to sleep with yourself? You have a bright future ahead of you.”

“Is that not how it’s done?” I remember replying while looking up at him meekly. I tried my best with my expressions because I wanted to look pitiful in his eyes.

_{I was awkwardly mad at my father, so I ran straight to find Fang Shixiu. All my hopes were placed on him, and I had finally worked up the courage to say I love you.}I am a failure.

I was awkwardly mad at my father, so I ran straight to find Fang Shixiu. All my hopes were placed on him, and I had finally worked up the courage to say I love you.

_{On my own wedding night, I drank myself into a stupor and practically discarded my bride in our bridal chamber, then bid my time in the study with Fang Shixiu. After bursting into tears, my drunken self started tearing at his clothes. I begged him to hold me. I pleaded with him to take my innocence before that woman could defile it. I imported him to hold me, even just once.}This harsh truth crushed my heart.

On my own wedding night, I drank myself into a stupor and practically discarded my bride in our bridal chamber, then bid my time in the study with Fang Shixiu. After bursting into tears, my drunken self started tearing at his clothes. I begged him to hold me. I pleaded with him to take my innocence before that woman could defile it. I imported him to hold me, even just once.

_{As a result, he agreed to the bet which stated I did not have to be wed so long as I won the sword that rules the world.}I soon realised that wild child was like a kitten, and much like a cat that was ignored by its owner, it kicked up a fuss to gain attention. Then it would meow a little when it feigned obedience.

As a result, he agreed to the bet which stated I did not have to be wed so long as I won the sword that rules the world.

_{Indeed, I was a noble and the son of House Ximen; I knew it was unbecoming of me to argue with an uncultured child. But that uncultured child had not an ounce of fear in him. He cared nothing for Fang Shixiu’s rules and somehow possessed the ability to drive that ever-restrained man to anger.}
But I am nonetheless a failure—I was destined to be as such—and it all began from the very first moment I had laid upon him.

Indeed, I was a noble and the son of House Ximen; I knew it was unbecoming of me to argue with an uncultured child. But that uncultured child had not an ounce of fear in him. He cared nothing for Fang Shixiu’s rules and somehow possessed the ability to drive that ever-restrained man to anger.

_{Not one sliver of his heart felt any kind of passionate love for me.}But in what seemed like an instant, he pulled away from me and turned towards the door. Through a crack, a figure could be seen; it was none other than that uncultured child.

Not one sliver of his heart felt any kind of passionate love for me.

_{As long as he liked it, I was willing to do whatever it took.}Of course, many would disagree with such a cowardly statement.

As long as he liked it, I was willing to do whatever it took.

_{Once, in my dressing room, I had worked up the nerve to boldly lay a kiss on that man. I stole that kiss like a thief. It was nothing but a quick peck, yet my heart still skipped several beats. It left every last bit of my form radiating with warmth.}Not one sliver of his heart felt any kind of passionate love for me.

Once, in my dressing room, I had worked up the nerve to boldly lay a kiss on that man. I stole that kiss like a thief. It was nothing but a quick peck, yet my heart still skipped several beats. It left every last bit of my form radiating with warmth.

_{But I am nonetheless a failure—I was destined to be as such—and it all began from the very first moment I had laid upon him.}I stammered in response. I was unable to express my dеsire. I could not dare tell him that I wanted to kiss him.

But I am nonetheless a failure—I was destined to be as such—and it all began from the very first moment I had laid upon him.

_{As for that man, he was somewhat taken aback, but then he hugged me and asked what was wrong.}
I was fifteen when I first met him, and he was twenty-three. He smiled at me, and from then on, I had lost my mind.

As for that man, he was somewhat taken aback, but then he hugged me and asked what was wrong.

_{I was saddened.}I was fifteen when I first met him, and he was twenty-three. He smiled at me, and from then on, I had lost my mind.

I was saddened.

_{My sect still came out victorious, but joy was the last thing I felt.}He smiled when I declared this, replying by saying he liked children with ambition.

My sect still came out victorious, but joy was the last thing I felt.

_{As for that man, he was somewhat taken aback, but then he hugged me and asked what was wrong.}My sect still came out victorious, but joy was the last thing I felt.

As for that man, he was somewhat taken aback, but then he hugged me and asked what was wrong.

_{I was still young back then, still eager to become the most famous swordsman in the world. So I said to him upon meeting that my deepest dеsire was to become the pride of my Ximen Sect.}
That noble and elegant man donned in white possessed a remarkable sense of grace, but it was his eyes that held a certain kind of strength—the kind to seem as though he alone was the master of his fate.

I was still young back then, still eager to become the most famous swordsman in the world. So I said to him upon meeting that my deepest dеsire was to become the pride of my Ximen Sect.

_{I was saddened.}I was the only son of the House Ximen—one of the five great houses—as well as a man known for his handsome looks. I was a man incredibly talented in the art of the sword who also had a beauty for a wife and a most clever son.

I was saddened.

_{What a cunning little rascal he was! And good heavens did I envy him!}I was awkwardly mad at my father, so I ran straight to find Fang Shixiu. All my hopes were placed on him, and I had finally worked up the courage to say I love you.

What a cunning little rascal he was! And good heavens did I envy him!

After he left—and after I followed him sometime later to return his torn robe—I waited at his door, and I heard him for that entire night. I heard him and that little beast as they embraced each other. I finally understood; I was simply not the one he wanted after all.

_{“Rongruo,” he said to me, “in my eyes, you are just as I was in my youth. Isn’t it strange to want to sleep with yourself? You have a bright future ahead of you.”}
Despite coming to the Ximen Sect as a wanderer, he rode in with an air no different than a king’s. So that frail outer shell of mine, despite being nothing but unyielding underneath, was conquered by him in that singular moment.

“Rongruo,” he said to me, “in my eyes, you are just as I was in my youth. Isn’t it strange to want to sleep with yourself? You have a bright future ahead of you.”

_{He chucked at my hesitance, called me a little fool, and said that wasn’t how it was done.}But, sadly, it was the only thing I dеsired.

He chucked at my hesitance, called me a little fool, and said that wasn’t how it was done.

_{Sometimes, watching him fool around with Yan Ran made me, the only son of House Ximen, feel just a bit envious.}He chucked at my hesitance, called me a little fool, and said that wasn’t how it was done.

Sometimes, watching him fool around with Yan Ran made me, the only son of House Ximen, feel just a bit envious.

_{I was well aware that once he refused anything, there was not a thing on this earth another person could do to compel him.}N/A

I was well aware that once he refused anything, there was not a thing on this earth another person could do to compel him.

_{Despite coming to the Ximen Sect as a wanderer, he rode in with an air no different than a king’s. So that frail outer shell of mine, despite being nothing but unyielding underneath, was conquered by him in that singular moment.}I soon realised that wild child was like a kitten, and much like a cat that was ignored by its owner, it kicked up a fuss to gain attention. Then it would meow a little when it feigned obedience.

_{This harsh truth crushed my heart.}
Falling in love was quite a simple thing after all, especially falling for someone at first sight.

This harsh truth crushed my heart.

_{{But I wanted to give it to the person I loved the most!}}N/A

But I wanted to give it to the person I loved the most!

_{That man’s expression became unseemly in a flash, and right then I felt a chill stab my heart. It was a faint feeling at the time, one that whispered that man may care about that savage child called Yan Ran more than I had thought.}This harsh truth crushed my heart.

_{But, sadly, it was the only thing I dеsired.}While he trained me, we rarely spoke a word. He was considerate of me. He taught me swordsmanship devotedly. But there was always a distance between us—one kept in place by him. It was this damn small distance that had always hindered my love.

But, sadly, it was the only thing I dеsired.

_{Hearing this, I forced myself to ask, “Is there anyone you love?”}
I was still young back then, still eager to become the most famous swordsman in the world. So I said to him upon meeting that my deepest dеsire was to become the pride of my Ximen Sect.

Hearing this, I forced myself to ask, “Is there anyone you love?”

_{I stammered in response. I was unable to express my dеsire. I could not dare tell him that I wanted to kiss him.}There was no way out anymore.

I stammered in response. I was unable to express my dеsire. I could not dare tell him that I wanted to kiss him.

_{He looked down at me pitifully, then after a while, he did capture my lips in a gentle kiss. But he still pushed me away. He pushed me aside firmly and spoke these words: “You give it to the person who loves you the most.”}But in what seemed like an instant, he pulled away from me and turned towards the door. Through a crack, a figure could be seen; it was none other than that uncultured child.

That noble and elegant man donned in white possessed a remarkable sense of grace, but it was his eyes that held a certain kind of strength—the kind to seem as though he alone was the master of his fate.

_{After he left—and after I followed him sometime later to return his torn robe—I waited at his door, and I heard him for that entire night. I heard him and that little beast as they embraced each other. I finally understood; I was simply not the one he wanted after all.}
He smiled when I declared this, replying by saying he liked children with ambition.

_{Sometimes, watching him fool around with Yan Ran made me, the only son of House Ximen, feel just a bit envious.}As time went on, that man made the distance between us even wider than before.

Sometimes, watching him fool around with Yan Ran made me, the only son of House Ximen, feel just a bit envious.

_{I stammered in response. I was unable to express my dеsire. I could not dare tell him that I wanted to kiss him.}On my own wedding night, I drank myself into a stupor and practically discarded my bride in our bridal chamber, then bid my time in the study with Fang Shixiu. After bursting into tears, my drunken self started tearing at his clothes. I begged him to hold me. I pleaded with him to take my innocence before that woman could defile it. I imported him to hold me, even just once.

I stammered in response. I was unable to express my dеsire. I could not dare tell him that I wanted to kiss him.

_{Sometimes, watching him fool around with Yan Ran made me, the only son of House Ximen, feel just a bit envious.}Falling in love was quite a simple thing after all, especially falling for someone at first sight.

Sometimes, watching him fool around with Yan Ran made me, the only son of House Ximen, feel just a bit envious.

_{My sect still came out victorious, but joy was the last thing I felt.}My sect still came out victorious, but joy was the last thing I felt.

My sect still came out victorious, but joy was the last thing I felt.

_{Closing my eyes, my tears fell hаrder. I wept for that cruel man who had dashed my last hope.}
While he trained me, we rarely spoke a word. He was considerate of me. He taught me swordsmanship devotedly. But there was always a distance between us—one kept in place by him. It was this damn small distance that had always hindered my love.

Closing my eyes, my tears fell hаrder. I wept for that cruel man who had dashed my last hope.

_{As he said, he could give me anything, so long as it was not his love.}10: Extra 1: Ximen Rongruo

As he said, he could give me anything, so long as it was not his love.

_{“Is that not how it’s done?” I remember replying while looking up at him meekly. I tried my best with my expressions because I wanted to look pitiful in his eyes.}
I was well aware that once he refused anything, there was not a thing on this earth another person could do to compel him.

“Is that not how it’s done?” I remember replying while looking up at him meekly. I tried my best with my expressions because I wanted to look pitiful in his eyes.

_{This harsh truth crushed my heart.}Despite coming to the Ximen Sect as a wanderer, he rode in with an air no different than a king’s. So that frail outer shell of mine, despite being nothing but unyielding underneath, was conquered by him in that singular moment.

This harsh truth crushed my heart.

_{But, sadly, it was the only thing I dеsired.}“Perhaps the wind. Or perhaps some wild little beast,” he replied with a shrug. “Who knows? My preferences have always been strange.”

But, sadly, it was the only thing I dеsired.

_{I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.}But, sadly, it was the only thing I dеsired.

I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.

_{Falling in love was quite a simple thing after all, especially falling for someone at first sight.}I stammered in response. I was unable to express my dеsire. I could not dare tell him that I wanted to kiss him.

Falling in love was quite a simple thing after all, especially falling for someone at first sight.

_{Afterwards, my father decided to force my marriage.}
I was saddened.

Afterwards, my father decided to force my marriage.

_{“But I don’t want to get married!” The young me lamented.}Hearing this, I forced myself to ask, “Is there anyone you love?”

“But I don’t want to get married!” The young me lamented.

_{He smiled when I declared this, replying by saying he liked children with ambition.}I lost the competition hosted at my very own sect.

He smiled when I declared this, replying by saying he liked children with ambition.

_{In the eyes of anyone looking in, my life could be regarded as perfect.}
This harsh truth crushed my heart.

In the eyes of anyone looking in, my life could be regarded as perfect.

_{Afterwards, my father decided to force my marriage.}Sometimes, watching him fool around with Yan Ran made me, the only son of House Ximen, feel just a bit envious.

Afterwards, my father decided to force my marriage.

_{He chucked at my hesitance, called me a little fool, and said that wasn’t how it was done.}My heart was shattered. But I could not believe he was not attracted to me at all. So I tried to seduce him. Yet, again, he refused.

He chucked at my hesitance, called me a little fool, and said that wasn’t how it was done.

_{But I wanted to give it to the person I loved the most!}
Sometimes, watching him fool around with Yan Ran made me, the only son of House Ximen, feel just a bit envious.

But I wanted to give it to the person I loved the most!

_N/AAfterwards, my father decided to force my marriage.

N/A

_N/A
Indeed, I was a noble and the son of House Ximen; I knew it was unbecoming of me to argue with an uncultured child. But that uncultured child had not an ounce of fear in him. He cared nothing for Fang Shixiu’s rules and somehow possessed the ability to drive that ever-restrained man to anger.

N/A

_{I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.}He smiled when I declared this, replying by saying he liked children with ambition.

I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.

_{His tongue penеtrated my mouth, stirring places that had never been touched, leaving me in a trembling, excited, and dizzying state.}I was awkwardly mad at my father, so I ran straight to find Fang Shixiu. All my hopes were placed on him, and I had finally worked up the courage to say I love you.

His tongue penеtrated my mouth, stirring places that had never been touched, leaving me in a trembling, excited, and dizzying state.

_{Falling in love was quite a simple thing after all, especially falling for someone at first sight.}Sometimes, watching him fool around with Yan Ran made me, the only son of House Ximen, feel just a bit envious.

Falling in love was quite a simple thing after all, especially falling for someone at first sight.

_{But I am nonetheless a failure—I was destined to be as such—and it all began from the very first moment I had laid upon him.}
I soon realised that wild child was like a kitten, and much like a cat that was ignored by its owner, it kicked up a fuss to gain attention. Then it would meow a little when it feigned obedience.

But I am nonetheless a failure—I was destined to be as such—and it all began from the very first moment I had laid upon him.

_{His tongue penеtrated my mouth, stirring places that had never been touched, leaving me in a trembling, excited, and dizzying state.}I soon realised that wild child was like a kitten, and much like a cat that was ignored by its owner, it kicked up a fuss to gain attention. Then it would meow a little when it feigned obedience.

His tongue penеtrated my mouth, stirring places that had never been touched, leaving me in a trembling, excited, and dizzying state.

_{All because I had to get married.}“Rongruo,” he said to me, “in my eyes, you are just as I was in my youth. Isn’t it strange to want to sleep with yourself? You have a bright future ahead of you.”

All because I had to get married.

I was the only son of the House Ximen—one of the five great houses—as well as a man known for his handsome looks. I was a man incredibly talented in the art of the sword who also had a beauty for a wife and a most clever son.

_{As a result, he agreed to the bet which stated I did not have to be wed so long as I won the sword that rules the world.}His tongue penеtrated my mouth, stirring places that had never been touched, leaving me in a trembling, excited, and dizzying state.

As a result, he agreed to the bet which stated I did not have to be wed so long as I won the sword that rules the world.

_{But in what seemed like an instant, he pulled away from me and turned towards the door. Through a crack, a figure could be seen; it was none other than that uncultured child.}It was true I was at the age to be married, but the financial issues of the Ximen Sect being dire placed my house in urgent need of wealth.

But in what seemed like an instant, he pulled away from me and turned towards the door. Through a crack, a figure could be seen; it was none other than that uncultured child.

_N/AAll because I had to get married.

N/A

_{I was fifteen when I first met him, and he was twenty-three. He smiled at me, and from then on, I had lost my mind.}But I wanted to give it to the person I loved the most!

I was fifteen when I first met him, and he was twenty-three. He smiled at me, and from then on, I had lost my mind.

_{I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.}Indeed, I was a noble and the son of House Ximen; I knew it was unbecoming of me to argue with an uncultured child. But that uncultured child had not an ounce of fear in him. He cared nothing for Fang Shixiu’s rules and somehow possessed the ability to drive that ever-restrained man to anger.

I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.

_{That noble and elegant man donned in white possessed a remarkable sense of grace, but it was his eyes that held a certain kind of strength—the kind to seem as though he alone was the master of his fate.}
Once, in my dressing room, I had worked up the nerve to boldly lay a kiss on that man. I stole that kiss like a thief. It was nothing but a quick peck, yet my heart still skipped several beats. It left every last bit of my form radiating with warmth.

_{As time went on, that man made the distance between us even wider than before.}On my own wedding night, I drank myself into a stupor and practically discarded my bride in our bridal chamber, then bid my time in the study with Fang Shixiu. After bursting into tears, my drunken self started tearing at his clothes. I begged him to hold me. I pleaded with him to take my innocence before that woman could defile it. I imported him to hold me, even just once.

As time went on, that man made the distance between us even wider than before.

_{I stammered in response. I was unable to express my dеsire. I could not dare tell him that I wanted to kiss him.}But I am nonetheless a failure—I was destined to be as such—and it all began from the very first moment I had laid upon him.

I stammered in response. I was unable to express my dеsire. I could not dare tell him that I wanted to kiss him.

_{“Is that not how it’s done?” I remember replying while looking up at him meekly. I tried my best with my expressions because I wanted to look pitiful in his eyes.}Closing my eyes, my tears fell hаrder. I wept for that cruel man who had dashed my last hope.

“Is that not how it’s done?” I remember replying while looking up at him meekly. I tried my best with my expressions because I wanted to look pitiful in his eyes.

_{But I am nonetheless a failure—I was destined to be as such—and it all began from the very first moment I had laid upon him.}Not one sliver of his heart felt any kind of passionate love for me.

But I am nonetheless a failure—I was destined to be as such—and it all began from the very first moment I had laid upon him.

_{As time went on, that man made the distance between us even wider than before.}
As for that man, he was somewhat taken aback, but then he hugged me and asked what was wrong.

As time went on, that man made the distance between us even wider than before.

_{Despite coming to the Ximen Sect as a wanderer, he rode in with an air no different than a king’s. So that frail outer shell of mine, despite being nothing but unyielding underneath, was conquered by him in that singular moment.}“Is that not how it’s done?” I remember replying while looking up at him meekly. I tried my best with my expressions because I wanted to look pitiful in his eyes.

_{I soon realised that wild child was like a kitten, and much like a cat that was ignored by its owner, it kicked up a fuss to gain attention. Then it would meow a little when it feigned obedience.}
I stammered in response. I was unable to express my dеsire. I could not dare tell him that I wanted to kiss him.

I soon realised that wild child was like a kitten, and much like a cat that was ignored by its owner, it kicked up a fuss to gain attention. Then it would meow a little when it feigned obedience.

_{This harsh truth crushed my heart.}But I wanted to give it to the person I loved the most!

This harsh truth crushed my heart.

_{All because I had to get married.}Sometimes, watching him fool around with Yan Ran made me, the only son of House Ximen, feel just a bit envious.

All because I had to get married.

_{But that man only remained silent for a while, then bluntly stated he did not love me. He said he would do anything I requested of him, except for just this one.}As time went on, that man made the distance between us even wider than before.

But that man only remained silent for a while, then bluntly stated he did not love me. He said he would do anything I requested of him, except for just this one.

_{Afterwards, my father decided to force my marriage.}But I am nonetheless a failure—I was destined to be as such—and it all began from the very first moment I had laid upon him.

Afterwards, my father decided to force my marriage.

_{I was still young back then, still eager to become the most famous swordsman in the world. So I said to him upon meeting that my deepest dеsire was to become the pride of my Ximen Sect.}“Is that not how it’s done?” I remember replying while looking up at him meekly. I tried my best with my expressions because I wanted to look pitiful in his eyes.

I was still young back then, still eager to become the most famous swordsman in the world. So I said to him upon meeting that my deepest dеsire was to become the pride of my Ximen Sect.

_N/AHis tongue penеtrated my mouth, stirring places that had never been touched, leaving me in a trembling, excited, and dizzying state.

N/A

_{His tongue penеtrated my mouth, stirring places that had never been touched, leaving me in a trembling, excited, and dizzying state.}Of course, I understood. But I was still unwilling to accept.

His tongue penеtrated my mouth, stirring places that had never been touched, leaving me in a trembling, excited, and dizzying state.

_{Once, in my dressing room, I had worked up the nerve to boldly lay a kiss on that man. I stole that kiss like a thief. It was nothing but a quick peck, yet my heart still skipped several beats. It left every last bit of my form radiating with warmth.}In the eyes of anyone looking in, my life could be regarded as perfect.

_{But, sadly, it was the only thing I dеsired.}
“Is that not how it’s done?” I remember replying while looking up at him meekly. I tried my best with my expressions because I wanted to look pitiful in his eyes.

But, sadly, it was the only thing I dеsired.

_{As he said, he could give me anything, so long as it was not his love.}After he left—and after I followed him sometime later to return his torn robe—I waited at his door, and I heard him for that entire night. I heard him and that little beast as they embraced each other. I finally understood; I was simply not the one he wanted after all.

As he said, he could give me anything, so long as it was not his love.

_{As for that man, he was somewhat taken aback, but then he hugged me and asked what was wrong.}That man’s expression became unseemly in a flash, and right then I felt a chill stab my heart. It was a faint feeling at the time, one that whispered that man may care about that savage child called Yan Ran more than I had thought.

As for that man, he was somewhat taken aback, but then he hugged me and asked what was wrong.

_{He chucked at my hesitance, called me a little fool, and said that wasn’t how it was done.}
Yet he laughed—that same carefree chuckle as he replied, “No, you little fool.” before wrapping his arms around my waist. Then, with his head lowered, he pressed his lips onto my own.

He chucked at my hesitance, called me a little fool, and said that wasn’t how it was done.

_{Falling in love was quite a simple thing after all, especially falling for someone at first sight.}What a cunning little rascal he was! And good heavens did I envy him!

Falling in love was quite a simple thing after all, especially falling for someone at first sight.

_{After he left—and after I followed him sometime later to return his torn robe—I waited at his door, and I heard him for that entire night. I heard him and that little beast as they embraced each other. I finally understood; I was simply not the one he wanted after all.}He smiled when I declared this, replying by saying he liked children with ambition.

_{But in what seemed like an instant, he pulled away from me and turned towards the door. Through a crack, a figure could be seen; it was none other than that uncultured child.}
His tongue penеtrated my mouth, stirring places that had never been touched, leaving me in a trembling, excited, and dizzying state.

But in what seemed like an instant, he pulled away from me and turned towards the door. Through a crack, a figure could be seen; it was none other than that uncultured child.

_{I was fifteen when I first met him, and he was twenty-three. He smiled at me, and from then on, I had lost my mind.}As time went on, that man made the distance between us even wider than before.

I was fifteen when I first met him, and he was twenty-three. He smiled at me, and from then on, I had lost my mind.

_{All because I had to get married.}Of course, many would disagree with such a cowardly statement.

All because I had to get married.

_N/ADespite coming to the Ximen Sect as a wanderer, he rode in with an air no different than a king’s. So that frail outer shell of mine, despite being nothing but unyielding underneath, was conquered by him in that singular moment.

N/A

_{Closing my eyes, my tears fell hаrder. I wept for that cruel man who had dashed my last hope.}He looked down at me pitifully, then after a while, he did capture my lips in a gentle kiss. But he still pushed me away. He pushed me aside firmly and spoke these words: “You give it to the person who loves you the most.”

Closing my eyes, my tears fell hаrder. I wept for that cruel man who had dashed my last hope.

_{As a result, he agreed to the bet which stated I did not have to be wed so long as I won the sword that rules the world.}
But in what seemed like an instant, he pulled away from me and turned towards the door. Through a crack, a figure could be seen; it was none other than that uncultured child.

As a result, he agreed to the bet which stated I did not have to be wed so long as I won the sword that rules the world.

_{I was well aware that once he refused anything, there was not a thing on this earth another person could do to compel him.}As for that man, he was somewhat taken aback, but then he hugged me and asked what was wrong.

I was well aware that once he refused anything, there was not a thing on this earth another person could do to compel him.

_{His tongue penеtrated my mouth, stirring places that had never been touched, leaving me in a trembling, excited, and dizzying state.}On my own wedding night, I drank myself into a stupor and practically discarded my bride in our bridal chamber, then bid my time in the study with Fang Shixiu. After bursting into tears, my drunken self started tearing at his clothes. I begged him to hold me. I pleaded with him to take my innocence before that woman could defile it. I imported him to hold me, even just once.

His tongue penеtrated my mouth, stirring places that had never been touched, leaving me in a trembling, excited, and dizzying state.

_{I was awkwardly mad at my father, so I ran straight to find Fang Shixiu. All my hopes were placed on him, and I had finally worked up the courage to say I love you.}
That man’s expression became unseemly in a flash, and right then I felt a chill stab my heart. It was a faint feeling at the time, one that whispered that man may care about that savage child called Yan Ran more than I had thought.

I was awkwardly mad at my father, so I ran straight to find Fang Shixiu. All my hopes were placed on him, and I had finally worked up the courage to say I love you.

_{Once, in my dressing room, I had worked up the nerve to boldly lay a kiss on that man. I stole that kiss like a thief. It was nothing but a quick peck, yet my heart still skipped several beats. It left every last bit of my form radiating with warmth.}As a result, he agreed to the bet which stated I did not have to be wed so long as I won the sword that rules the world.

_{I was saddened.}That noble and elegant man donned in white possessed a remarkable sense of grace, but it was his eyes that held a certain kind of strength—the kind to seem as though he alone was the master of his fate.

I was saddened.

_{But I am nonetheless a failure—I was destined to be as such—and it all began from the very first moment I had laid upon him.}There was no way out anymore.

But I am nonetheless a failure—I was destined to be as such—and it all began from the very first moment I had laid upon him.

_N/A
As time went on, that man made the distance between us even wider than before.

N/A

_{I am a failure.}I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.

I am a failure.

_{But that man only remained silent for a while, then bluntly stated he did not love me. He said he would do anything I requested of him, except for just this one.}
Afterwards, my father decided to force my marriage.

But that man only remained silent for a while, then bluntly stated he did not love me. He said he would do anything I requested of him, except for just this one.

_{My heart was shattered. But I could not believe he was not attracted to me at all. So I tried to seduce him. Yet, again, he refused.}Not one sliver of his heart felt any kind of passionate love for me.

My heart was shattered. But I could not believe he was not attracted to me at all. So I tried to seduce him. Yet, again, he refused.

_{I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.}What a cunning little rascal he was! And good heavens did I envy him!

I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.

_{My sect still came out victorious, but joy was the last thing I felt.}In the eyes of anyone looking in, my life could be regarded as perfect.

My sect still came out victorious, but joy was the last thing I felt.

_{Of course, many would disagree with such a cowardly statement.}
It was true I was at the age to be married, but the financial issues of the Ximen Sect being dire placed my house in urgent need of wealth.

Of course, many would disagree with such a cowardly statement.

_N/AI think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.

N/A

_{I was saddened.}
Of course, I understood. But I was still unwilling to accept.

I was saddened.

_{But in what seemed like an instant, he pulled away from me and turned towards the door. Through a crack, a figure could be seen; it was none other than that uncultured child.}Of course, many would disagree with such a cowardly statement.

But in what seemed like an instant, he pulled away from me and turned towards the door. Through a crack, a figure could be seen; it was none other than that uncultured child.

_{I lost the competition hosted at my very own sect.}
I was awkwardly mad at my father, so I ran straight to find Fang Shixiu. All my hopes were placed on him, and I had finally worked up the courage to say I love you.

I lost the competition hosted at my very own sect.

_{“But I don’t want to get married!” The young me lamented.}His tongue penеtrated my mouth, stirring places that had never been touched, leaving me in a trembling, excited, and dizzying state.

“But I don’t want to get married!” The young me lamented.

_{Of course, I understood. But I was still unwilling to accept.}I was saddened.

Of course, I understood. But I was still unwilling to accept.

_{I was still young back then, still eager to become the most famous swordsman in the world. So I said to him upon meeting that my deepest dеsire was to become the pride of my Ximen Sect.}My heart was shattered. But I could not believe he was not attracted to me at all. So I tried to seduce him. Yet, again, he refused.

I was still young back then, still eager to become the most famous swordsman in the world. So I said to him upon meeting that my deepest dеsire was to become the pride of my Ximen Sect.

_{Despite coming to the Ximen Sect as a wanderer, he rode in with an air no different than a king’s. So that frail outer shell of mine, despite being nothing but unyielding underneath, was conquered by him in that singular moment.}As for that man, he was somewhat taken aback, but then he hugged me and asked what was wrong.

_{There was no way out anymore.}I lost the competition hosted at my very own sect.

There was no way out anymore.

_{I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.}
My heart was shattered. But I could not believe he was not attracted to me at all. So I tried to seduce him. Yet, again, he refused.

I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.

_{As for that man, he was somewhat taken aback, but then he hugged me and asked what was wrong.}“Rongruo,” he said to me, “in my eyes, you are just as I was in my youth. Isn’t it strange to want to sleep with yourself? You have a bright future ahead of you.”

As for that man, he was somewhat taken aback, but then he hugged me and asked what was wrong.

_{As for that man, he was somewhat taken aback, but then he hugged me and asked what was wrong.}As for that man, he was somewhat taken aback, but then he hugged me and asked what was wrong.

As for that man, he was somewhat taken aback, but then he hugged me and asked what was wrong.

_{I was fifteen when I first met him, and he was twenty-three. He smiled at me, and from then on, I had lost my mind.}“But I don’t want to get married!” The young me lamented.

I was fifteen when I first met him, and he was twenty-three. He smiled at me, and from then on, I had lost my mind.

_{Of course, I understood. But I was still unwilling to accept.}
“Rongruo,” he said to me, “in my eyes, you are just as I was in my youth. Isn’t it strange to want to sleep with yourself? You have a bright future ahead of you.”

Of course, I understood. But I was still unwilling to accept.

_{Falling in love was quite a simple thing after all, especially falling for someone at first sight.}Yet he laughed—that same carefree chuckle as he replied, “No, you little fool.” before wrapping his arms around my waist. Then, with his head lowered, he pressed his lips onto my own.

Falling in love was quite a simple thing after all, especially falling for someone at first sight.

_{“Is that not how it’s done?” I remember replying while looking up at him meekly. I tried my best with my expressions because I wanted to look pitiful in his eyes.}But I failed.

“Is that not how it’s done?” I remember replying while looking up at him meekly. I tried my best with my expressions because I wanted to look pitiful in his eyes.

_{As long as he liked it, I was willing to do whatever it took.}I am a failure.

As long as he liked it, I was willing to do whatever it took.

_{I am a failure.}
Hearing this, I forced myself to ask, “Is there anyone you love?”

I am a failure.

_{What a cunning little rascal he was! And good heavens did I envy him!}I lost the competition hosted at my very own sect.

What a cunning little rascal he was! And good heavens did I envy him!

_{Of course, I understood. But I was still unwilling to accept.}I was awkwardly mad at my father, so I ran straight to find Fang Shixiu. All my hopes were placed on him, and I had finally worked up the courage to say I love you.

Of course, I understood. But I was still unwilling to accept.

_{I was fifteen when I first met him, and he was twenty-three. He smiled at me, and from then on, I had lost my mind.}
“Perhaps the wind. Or perhaps some wild little beast,” he replied with a shrug. “Who knows? My preferences have always been strange.”

I was fifteen when I first met him, and he was twenty-three. He smiled at me, and from then on, I had lost my mind.

_{{But I wanted to give it to the person I loved the most!}}On my own wedding night, I drank myself into a stupor and practically discarded my bride in our bridal chamber, then bid my time in the study with Fang Shixiu. After bursting into tears, my drunken self started tearing at his clothes. I begged him to hold me. I pleaded with him to take my innocence before that woman could defile it. I imported him to hold me, even just once.

But I wanted to give it to the person I loved the most!

_{Of course, I understood. But I was still unwilling to accept.}That noble and elegant man donned in white possessed a remarkable sense of grace, but it was his eyes that held a certain kind of strength—the kind to seem as though he alone was the master of his fate.

Of course, I understood. But I was still unwilling to accept.

_{He smiled when I declared this, replying by saying he liked children with ambition.}
“But I don’t want to get married!” The young me lamented.

He smiled when I declared this, replying by saying he liked children with ambition.

_{He smiled when I declared this, replying by saying he liked children with ambition.}I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.

He smiled when I declared this, replying by saying he liked children with ambition.

_{10: Extra 1: Ximen Rongruo}
As a result, he agreed to the bet which stated I did not have to be wed so long as I won the sword that rules the world.

10: Extra 1: Ximen Rongruo

_{I was the only son of the House Ximen—one of the five great houses—as well as a man known for his handsome looks. I was a man incredibly talented in the art of the sword who also had a beauty for a wife and a most clever son.}As a result, he agreed to the bet which stated I did not have to be wed so long as I won the sword that rules the world.

_{Yet he laughed—that same carefree chuckle as he replied, “No, you little fool.” before wrapping his arms around my waist. Then, with his head lowered, he pressed his lips onto my own.}While he trained me, we rarely spoke a word. He was considerate of me. He taught me swordsmanship devotedly. But there was always a distance between us—one kept in place by him. It was this damn small distance that had always hindered my love.

Yet he laughed—that same carefree chuckle as he replied, “No, you little fool.” before wrapping his arms around my waist. Then, with his head lowered, he pressed his lips onto my own.

_{But I failed.}Despite coming to the Ximen Sect as a wanderer, he rode in with an air no different than a king’s. So that frail outer shell of mine, despite being nothing but unyielding underneath, was conquered by him in that singular moment.

But I failed.

_{All because I had to get married.}
But I failed.

All because I had to get married.

_{Afterwards, my father decided to force my marriage.}“But I don’t want to get married!” The young me lamented.

Afterwards, my father decided to force my marriage.

_N/AThis harsh truth crushed my heart.

N/A

_{Falling in love was quite a simple thing after all, especially falling for someone at first sight.}
I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.

Falling in love was quite a simple thing after all, especially falling for someone at first sight.

_{He chucked at my hesitance, called me a little fool, and said that wasn’t how it was done.}Of course, many would disagree with such a cowardly statement.

He chucked at my hesitance, called me a little fool, and said that wasn’t how it was done.

_{But in what seemed like an instant, he pulled away from me and turned towards the door. Through a crack, a figure could be seen; it was none other than that uncultured child.}All because I had to get married.

But in what seemed like an instant, he pulled away from me and turned towards the door. Through a crack, a figure could be seen; it was none other than that uncultured child.

_{“Rongruo,” he said to me, “in my eyes, you are just as I was in my youth. Isn’t it strange to want to sleep with yourself? You have a bright future ahead of you.”}This harsh truth crushed my heart.

“Rongruo,” he said to me, “in my eyes, you are just as I was in my youth. Isn’t it strange to want to sleep with yourself? You have a bright future ahead of you.”

_{“Perhaps the wind. Or perhaps some wild little beast,” he replied with a shrug. “Who knows? My preferences have always been strange.”}
Not one sliver of his heart felt any kind of passionate love for me.

“Perhaps the wind. Or perhaps some wild little beast,” he replied with a shrug. “Who knows? My preferences have always been strange.”

_{“Perhaps the wind. Or perhaps some wild little beast,” he replied with a shrug. “Who knows? My preferences have always been strange.”}Closing my eyes, my tears fell hаrder. I wept for that cruel man who had dashed my last hope.

“Perhaps the wind. Or perhaps some wild little beast,” he replied with a shrug. “Who knows? My preferences have always been strange.”

_{“But I don’t want to get married!” The young me lamented.}This harsh truth crushed my heart.

“But I don’t want to get married!” The young me lamented.

_{As he said, he could give me anything, so long as it was not his love.}
I lost the competition hosted at my very own sect.

As he said, he could give me anything, so long as it was not his love.

_{Hearing this, I forced myself to ask, “Is there anyone you love?”}As time went on, that man made the distance between us even wider than before.

Hearing this, I forced myself to ask, “Is there anyone you love?”

_{Despite coming to the Ximen Sect as a wanderer, he rode in with an air no different than a king’s. So that frail outer shell of mine, despite being nothing but unyielding underneath, was conquered by him in that singular moment.}I was still young back then, still eager to become the most famous swordsman in the world. So I said to him upon meeting that my deepest dеsire was to become the pride of my Ximen Sect.

_{I soon realised that wild child was like a kitten, and much like a cat that was ignored by its owner, it kicked up a fuss to gain attention. Then it would meow a little when it feigned obedience.}Despite coming to the Ximen Sect as a wanderer, he rode in with an air no different than a king’s. So that frail outer shell of mine, despite being nothing but unyielding underneath, was conquered by him in that singular moment.

I soon realised that wild child was like a kitten, and much like a cat that was ignored by its owner, it kicked up a fuss to gain attention. Then it would meow a little when it feigned obedience.

_{There was no way out anymore.}
My sect still came out victorious, but joy was the last thing I felt.

There was no way out anymore.

_{All because I had to get married.}“But I don’t want to get married!” The young me lamented.

All because I had to get married.

_{I was the only son of the House Ximen—one of the five great houses—as well as a man known for his handsome looks. I was a man incredibly talented in the art of the sword who also had a beauty for a wife and a most clever son.}Once, in my dressing room, I had worked up the nerve to boldly lay a kiss on that man. I stole that kiss like a thief. It was nothing but a quick peck, yet my heart still skipped several beats. It left every last bit of my form radiating with warmth.

_{While he trained me, we rarely spoke a word. He was considerate of me. He taught me swordsmanship devotedly. But there was always a distance between us—one kept in place by him. It was this damn small distance that had always hindered my love.}
All because I had to get married.

While he trained me, we rarely spoke a word. He was considerate of me. He taught me swordsmanship devotedly. But there was always a distance between us—one kept in place by him. It was this damn small distance that had always hindered my love.

_{“Rongruo,” he said to me, “in my eyes, you are just as I was in my youth. Isn’t it strange to want to sleep with yourself? You have a bright future ahead of you.”}That noble and elegant man donned in white possessed a remarkable sense of grace, but it was his eyes that held a certain kind of strength—the kind to seem as though he alone was the master of his fate.

“Rongruo,” he said to me, “in my eyes, you are just as I was in my youth. Isn’t it strange to want to sleep with yourself? You have a bright future ahead of you.”

_{“Perhaps the wind. Or perhaps some wild little beast,” he replied with a shrug. “Who knows? My preferences have always been strange.”}He looked down at me pitifully, then after a while, he did capture my lips in a gentle kiss. But he still pushed me away. He pushed me aside firmly and spoke these words: “You give it to the person who loves you the most.”

“Perhaps the wind. Or perhaps some wild little beast,” he replied with a shrug. “Who knows? My preferences have always been strange.”

_{As long as he liked it, I was willing to do whatever it took.}
There was no way out anymore.

As long as he liked it, I was willing to do whatever it took.

_{I was saddened.}But I wanted to give it to the person I loved the most!

I was saddened.

_{What a cunning little rascal he was! And good heavens did I envy him!}
On my own wedding night, I drank myself into a stupor and practically discarded my bride in our bridal chamber, then bid my time in the study with Fang Shixiu. After bursting into tears, my drunken self started tearing at his clothes. I begged him to hold me. I pleaded with him to take my innocence before that woman could defile it. I imported him to hold me, even just once.

What a cunning little rascal he was! And good heavens did I envy him!

_{But I am nonetheless a failure—I was destined to be as such—and it all began from the very first moment I had laid upon him.}In the eyes of anyone looking in, my life could be regarded as perfect.

But I am nonetheless a failure—I was destined to be as such—and it all began from the very first moment I had laid upon him.

_{I stammered in response. I was unable to express my dеsire. I could not dare tell him that I wanted to kiss him.}Closing my eyes, my tears fell hаrder. I wept for that cruel man who had dashed my last hope.

I stammered in response. I was unable to express my dеsire. I could not dare tell him that I wanted to kiss him.

_{“Perhaps the wind. Or perhaps some wild little beast,” he replied with a shrug. “Who knows? My preferences have always been strange.”}I stammered in response. I was unable to express my dеsire. I could not dare tell him that I wanted to kiss him.

“Perhaps the wind. Or perhaps some wild little beast,” he replied with a shrug. “Who knows? My preferences have always been strange.”

_{“But I don’t want to get married!” The young me lamented.}
He looked down at me pitifully, then after a while, he did capture my lips in a gentle kiss. But he still pushed me away. He pushed me aside firmly and spoke these words: “You give it to the person who loves you the most.”

“But I don’t want to get married!” The young me lamented.

_{It was true I was at the age to be married, but the financial issues of the Ximen Sect being dire placed my house in urgent need of wealth.}But I wanted to give it to the person I loved the most!

It was true I was at the age to be married, but the financial issues of the Ximen Sect being dire placed my house in urgent need of wealth.

_{Once, in my dressing room, I had worked up the nerve to boldly lay a kiss on that man. I stole that kiss like a thief. It was nothing but a quick peck, yet my heart still skipped several beats. It left every last bit of my form radiating with warmth.}
But I wanted to give it to the person I loved the most!

I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.

_{Yet he laughed—that same carefree chuckle as he replied, “No, you little fool.” before wrapping his arms around my waist. Then, with his head lowered, he pressed his lips onto my own.}That man’s expression became unseemly in a flash, and right then I felt a chill stab my heart. It was a faint feeling at the time, one that whispered that man may care about that savage child called Yan Ran more than I had thought.

Yet he laughed—that same carefree chuckle as he replied, “No, you little fool.” before wrapping his arms around my waist. Then, with his head lowered, he pressed his lips onto my own.

_{My sect still came out victorious, but joy was the last thing I felt.}
Closing my eyes, my tears fell hаrder. I wept for that cruel man who had dashed my last hope.

My sect still came out victorious, but joy was the last thing I felt.

_{My sect still came out victorious, but joy was the last thing I felt.}That noble and elegant man donned in white possessed a remarkable sense of grace, but it was his eyes that held a certain kind of strength—the kind to seem as though he alone was the master of his fate.

My sect still came out victorious, but joy was the last thing I felt.

_{But I failed.}
After he left—and after I followed him sometime later to return his torn robe—I waited at his door, and I heard him for that entire night. I heard him and that little beast as they embraced each other. I finally understood; I was simply not the one he wanted after all.

But I failed.

Yet he laughed—that same carefree chuckle as he replied, “No, you little fool.” before wrapping his arms around my waist. Then, with his head lowered, he pressed his lips onto my own.

_{Sometimes, watching him fool around with Yan Ran made me, the only son of House Ximen, feel just a bit envious.}
As he said, he could give me anything, so long as it was not his love.

Sometimes, watching him fool around with Yan Ran made me, the only son of House Ximen, feel just a bit envious.

_{As long as he liked it, I was willing to do whatever it took.}That man’s expression became unseemly in a flash, and right then I felt a chill stab my heart. It was a faint feeling at the time, one that whispered that man may care about that savage child called Yan Ran more than I had thought.

As long as he liked it, I was willing to do whatever it took.

_{Not one sliver of his heart felt any kind of passionate love for me.}
But, sadly, it was the only thing I dеsired.

Not one sliver of his heart felt any kind of passionate love for me.

_{I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.}I was awkwardly mad at my father, so I ran straight to find Fang Shixiu. All my hopes were placed on him, and I had finally worked up the courage to say I love you.

I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.

_{After he left—and after I followed him sometime later to return his torn robe—I waited at his door, and I heard him for that entire night. I heard him and that little beast as they embraced each other. I finally understood; I was simply not the one he wanted after all.}That man’s expression became unseemly in a flash, and right then I felt a chill stab my heart. It was a faint feeling at the time, one that whispered that man may care about that savage child called Yan Ran more than I had thought.

_{I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.}All because I had to get married.

I think he made that bet knowing that even if I bested others, he could still easily defeat me in the end. It was pointless. I had never had a chance at victory.

_{“Perhaps the wind. Or perhaps some wild little beast,” he replied with a shrug. “Who knows? My preferences have always been strange.”}Falling in love was quite a simple thing after all, especially falling for someone at first sight.

“Perhaps the wind. Or perhaps some wild little beast,” he replied with a shrug. “Who knows? My preferences have always been strange.”

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

N/A

Updated every Friday. Raws: Kobo

Advance chapters on ko-fi

Brother-in-law: C10

10: Extra 1: Ximen Rongruo

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