eeing such a different Miao Zifu, Yun Bixue believed that her humanity hadn't been completely wiped away. "I have yet to find him, but I found traces of his whereabouts. However, I will only trade his information with the truth."
The reason she'd sought out these clues was to leave Miao Zifu with no choice but to cooperate. She could then coax the truth out of her and stop An Yexuan from targeting the Yun family. Although it might have been late, knowing the truth tonight was also a conclusion in itself.
Miao Zifu lowered her head and looked at her current state. Sneering at herself, she said, "Okay, I'll tell you. The fire was set off by Chu Fei'er herself and I was only implicated. I could only call you over and push all the blame on to you. As for Chu Fei'er, I'm not sure what happened to her. She might even be alive, but I'd prefer if An Yexuan believed that she's dead..."
When Yun Bixue left the prison, her mood felt particularly heavy. Looking up, she saw that the sky was gray, as if it was going to rain. It reflected how complicated her mind felt.
Yun Bixue was walking with her head hanging low when someone grabbed her arm unexpectedly. That person's palm emitted warmth, and it sent a shiver through her. As she looked back, she saw An Yexuan, looking elegant and cool. It was as though time had reversed. The first time they'd met was under the cherry blossom tree in the campus. The weather back then was similarly gloomy, but it couldn't conceal the blaze in each others' eyes.
The cold winds blasted, and a bolt of lightning flashed across the sky soon after. Yun Bixue snapped out of her daze and arched her lips. "Did you hear everything?" She felt that there were no such coincidences in this world. She had come to visit Miao Zifu, and so did An Yexuan.
An Yexuan nodded, and the light in his eyes flickered. They still looked as serene as before, but instead of the past coldness, it now carried a trace of warmth.
Yun Bixue only felt exhaustion. After going in circles for so long, he finally knew the truth, although it hadn't been as light-hearted as she expected. "Since you already know, our grudges with each other can be written off once and for all. Chu Fei'er might not be dead; the An family is wealthy and powerful, so you should be able to find her." However, the Yun family business had gone bust because of him, and that couldn't be erased so easily.
An Yexuan stared after Yun Bixue who walked away under the rain, and a storm churned up in his heart. It seemed like he was only able to view her back every time and she appeared to have lost a lot of weight since their university days. She had also grown to be quieter.
He suddenly snapped back from his daze and ran in the rain. Pulling back Yun Bixue's arm, he said, "I'm sorry!"
Yun Bixue's body stiffened, and she shuddered. Stunned, she turned back. This man had always been proud, when had he ever apologized to anyone? Did he just say that he was sorry? "Are you apologizing to me?"
An Yexuan tightly pursed his thin lips and nodded.
Yun Bixue took in a deep breath and said, "An Yexuan, I accept your apology. Yes, it was only natural that you misunderstood me and attacked my family." Closing her eyes, she struggled to pry away An Yexuan's arm and then left.
An Yexuan silently looked at Yun Bixue in the rain as his heart abruptly tightened. It was as if something was slipping out of his life. He had the urge to chase after her and make her stay, but thinking of Chu Fei'er, he stopped in his tracks.
At this moment, An Yexuan had yet to realize that he had missed his chance.
The rain continued pelting down, and Yun Bixue wandered aimlessly in the rain. Perhaps this would make her feel better. The truth had been hovering in their hearts for so many years, nagging at them all. It was now time to leave everything behind.
The joyous time of her university days began with An Yexuan and also ended with An Yexuan. The past scenes replayed one by one in her head. Although she was drenched, it was as if she didn't feel the cold.
"Yun Bixue!" A familiar voice suddenly called out her name. The voice seemingly sounded angry from concern. She turned around slowly, and upon seeing that person, she flashed a wide smile.