Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 37

37: Revelation

Jiang Ci had always enjoyed visiting temples. In her previous life, she had often burned incense and prayed to the gods, the kind of young person who would kneel for hours in both the Wealth and Love temples.

Unfortunately, neither wealth nor love had come her way before she passed away.

Now, having transmigrated to this world, Jiang Ci was eager to visit a temple. So when Pei Shiyuan suggested it, she agreed without hesitation.

They chose a clear, sunny autumn day for the trip. The last time they had gone out was to a small grove outside the capital, where they had simply grilled some food. Of course, that outing had mainly been an excuse to intercept some assassins, with the picnic as a cover.

This time was different. It was purely for leisure, and they traveled much farther. The mood was also different.

Jiang Ci treated it like a school outing, bringing a pile of snacks and munching on them as soon as she got into the carriage. Watching the scenery outside, she alternated between cracking sunflower seeds and eating fruit, occasionally chatting with Xi Lingxue and Jin Yu. Her mouth never stopped moving.

Pei Shiyuan had never seen such a brazen demon. Hearing about the temple visit, Jiang Ci showed no sign of nervousness, her composure truly impressive.

The carriage stopped halfway up the mountain, and they had to climb the rest of the way on foot.

Jiang Ci started to feel tired halfway up, panting heavily. “I think Zhang Chengji isn’t cutting it…”

After changing the prescription, her gland still showed no improvement. She was now certain that her physical stamina had significantly declined. Without exaggeration, it might be on par with that of a middle-ranking official.

Pei Shiyuan glanced at her with disdain. “I think it’s you who’s not cutting it. You’ve been eating the whole way and still feel tired. Lingxue, a Kunjun, hasn’t said a word.”

Xi Lingxue looked away, saying only, “Let’s rest here for a while and have some water.”

Jiang Ci found a spot to sit down, sweating profusely.

Seeing how weak she really was, Pei Shiyuan guessed that her gland must be severely damaged. “Why don’t you go see a wandering doctor? Have you heard of the Xiaoyao Sect?”

Jiang Ci shook her head. She was well-informed about court affairs but knew little about martial sects. The original book hadn’t mentioned them.

Pei Shiyuan explained, “Disciples of the Xiaoyao Sect are skilled in medicine, able to cure diseases with a single dose, no less effective than the divine doctor Zhang.”

Jiang Ci became interested. “That impressive?”

“Of course,” Pei Shiyuan said. “The only downside is that they’re too elusive, hard to find.”

“…” Jiang Ci was speechless. “Then why bring it up?”

“Forget it,” Xi Lingxue murmured, staring at the ground. “Rather than looking for a Xiaoyao disciple, it’s better to have Zhang take another look… After all, he’s been treating you for a long time and knows your condition best.”

That made sense, but Jiang Ci still felt she should try a different doctor.

Her gland couldn’t stay damaged forever. Every time Xi Lingxue went through her heat cycle, she had to rely on medicine to get through it. Jiang Ci couldn’t even provide a temporary mark, let alone release pheromones to soothe her.

Although Gao Yi’s pheromones were unpleasant, they were better than nothing!

Wasn’t this like forcing someone into a living widowhood?

But Xi Lingxue never complained, and Jiang Ci felt truly guilty.

Once things settled down, Jiang Ci planned to ask Huang Fu for help in finding a better doctor than Zhang Chengji. After all, someone more skilled than Zhang wouldn’t be easy to find.

…

After a short rest, they continued their climb.

Despite leaving the city early in the morning, they didn’t reach Shenwu Temple until nearly noon.

The temple wasn’t large, perched atop the mountain. Looking out, the misty surroundings gave the mountain an aura of mystery.

Since transmigrating, Jiang Ci hadn’t had many chances to go out. Though the climb was tiring, her mood was still quite good. Without being asked, she volunteered to fetch incense.

Xi Lingxue watched her silently, bouncing around, clearly in high spirits.

If someone called her a demon, no one would believe it. Only those who interacted with her frequently might sense something amiss.

Pei Shiyuan remained silent. “I feel this place can’t suppress her. The higher the virtue, the higher the demon.”

Based on her understanding of Gao Yi, she firmly believed that Gao Yi had been possessed. There was no doubt about it.

A moment later, Jiang Ci returned with the incense, and they began touring the temple, bowing before each Buddha statue they encountered.

Jiang Ci quietly called out to the system, [Are you there? I want to ask, as a soul transmigrator, does praying here work?]

The system replied, [Probably?]

Jiang Ci: Heh, this “probably” is as unreliable as ever.

Forget it, she thought. Regardless of whose body she was in, sincerity mattered. She would pray earnestly for Xi Lingxue’s career.

Pei Shiyuan kept a close eye on her. After bowing in several halls, Jiang Ci showed no signs of discomfort!

This was no ordinary demon!

…

While exploring, Jiang Ci noticed that the temple sold love locks. She immediately bought one.

Legend had it that love locks were treasures of the Matchmaker, capable of locking two people’s fates together, never to part.

While Xi Lingxue and Jin Yu were still making wishes, Jiang Ci took a small knife and secretly engraved the lock.

She wanted to carve their names—not Gao Yi’s, but her real name.

After finishing, Jiang Ci hung the lock on the guardrail of the walkway, among many others.

In her heart, she prayed that her contract with Xi Lingxue could continue indefinitely. This was her small, selfish wish.

“Hey.”

A hand tapped her shoulder, and Pei Shiyuan’s voice came from behind.

Startled, Jiang Ci turned to block the newly hung lock. “What?”

Pei Shiyuan glanced suspiciously and immediately understood. “You dare make wishes here, demon?”

Jiang Ci coughed awkwardly. “What’s wrong with making wishes? Wait… who are you calling a demon?”

With no one else around, Pei Shiyuan spoke plainly. “You, of course. I know you’re not Gao Yi.”

Previously, Pei Shiyuan had considered various scenarios.

If the demon’s identity was exposed, she might either continue pretending or feign anger and denial, resorting to all sorts of excuses.

But the person before her suddenly grabbed her hand, exclaiming, “Heavens! You figured it out? That’s great!”

“???”

Pei Shiyuan was stunned, pulling her hand back as if shocked. “You… speak properly, don’t touch me!”

Jiang Ci was nearly in tears. She calmed her surging emotions and said, “I really am a demon—no, a soul transmigrator! I told them on the first day I arrived, but no one believed me! That Zhang Chengji even said I was delusional! I’ve been so miserable! It’s been unbearable!”

Pei Shiyuan was dumbfounded. It took her a while to process that “soul transmigration” was likely similar to possession.

Who would have thought that the demon would admit it outright? In fact, she seemed eager to be discovered?!

How bizarre!

“Since you’re not Gao Yi, what about Lingxue—”

“I genuinely like her.” Jiang Ci said earnestly. “I can swear to Buddha here, every word I say is true! If I’m lying, may I be struck by lightning!”

Pei Shiyuan instinctively looked up at the sky—clear and cloudless.

Daring to swear here, she now believed that the demon’s feelings for Xi Lingxue were sincere.

Moreover, based on Pei Shiyuan’s observations over the past days, Xi Lingxue’s complexion had been consistently good, showing no signs of having her vitality drained. This indicated that the demon hadn’t harmed her.

On the contrary, the demon had helped her a great deal.

Frankly, she was far better than the real Gao Yi!

Pei Shiyuan suddenly recalled a saying, “The world has heartless people, but also infatuated demons.” Wasn’t that exactly what this person before her was?

She had once met someone who had been possessed. The original person had been a scoundrel, neglecting and abusing his wife and children. But the ghost that possessed him took care of his family, and they lived a simple, harmonious life.

Thus, the old Taoist priest hadn’t exorcised him.

The ways of heaven are natural, the ways of humans are inaction.

Pei Shiyuan thought that since this demon was so forthright, she might as well let her be, as long as she was sincere and didn’t harm Xi Lingxue.

But the matter of the substitute… Pei Shiyuan felt somewhat guilty and wanted to tell Jiang Ci the truth. After much internal debate, she ultimately held back.

She decided to find an opportunity to ask Xi Lingxue later. It seemed like even she wasn’t entirely clear on the matter.

…

Back at the Marquis’s residence, Jiang Ci took a short nap. After dinner, while Xi Lingxue went to bathe, Jiang Ci went to the study to handle some affairs.

Huang Runfa’s business was doing well, even exceeding her expectations. The four shops combined were making an average monthly profit of five to six hundred taels. But this was far from enough. Manufacturing weapons and training talent required substantial financial support, so Jiang Ci needed to expand her operations further.

Huang Fu had personally taken people to investigate coastal towns near the capital.

At court, the Emperor was increasingly dissatisfied with the Crown Prince’s performance, and the ministers were also critical. For several days, there had been memorials impeaching the Crown Prince. In contrast, Prince Duan was gradually gaining the upper hand.

After spending some time in the study, Jiang Ci was about to return to rest when a maid suddenly knocked on the door. “Marquis, Lady Qin says she has something important to discuss and requests your presence.”

Jiang Ci was puzzled. What could Yao Qin want with her at this hour?

They hadn’t spoken in a long time.

Jiang Ci knew that Yao Qin had been associating with other Qianjun. The man she had seen at Huang Runfa’s place, dressed in fine clothes, was clearly from a wealthy family.

Jiang Ci didn’t care. If it came to it, they could just divorce.

But why was Yao Qin seeking her out now? Did she also want a divorce?

She decided to go and see. If they could clear the air, it would be better for everyone to go their separate ways without interference.

With that in mind, Jiang Ci opened the door and followed the maid to Yao Qin’s courtyard.

Coincidentally, this scene was witnessed by Nanny Zhang, who happened to be passing by.

…

Jiang Ci had thought Yao Qin had something important to discuss, but as soon as she entered the room, she sensed something was off.

Yao Qin was wearing only a tube top, her ample bosom prominently displayed, with a nearly transparent gauze robe draped over her. Her slender waist and long legs were clearly visible.

Yao Qin leaned softly against the bed, looking pitiful and delicate. In a coquettish voice, she said, “Marquis, it’s been so long since you’ve spoken to me. I didn’t want to disturb you, but this heat cycle has been particularly intense—”

As she spoke, Yao Qin subtly released more pheromones.

This tactic had been suggested by Consort Yao. After taking the medicine, her pheromones would become stronger and more alluring.

Consort Yao had used this method to ensnare the Emperor and give birth to Prince Duan.

Yao Qin wasn’t actually in her heat cycle. She was seducing Gao Yi to secure a child and improve her standing in the Marquis’s residence.

After all, Xi Lingxue hadn’t shown any signs of pregnancy. If Yao Qin could conceive, she would gain the upper hand.

The Qianjun outside were just for fun, their status and position couldn’t compare to Gao Yi’s. Yao Qin understood this well.

The pheromones in the room grew stronger. Yao Qin secretly gloated. If Gao Yi had come, she was already halfway to success. Few Qianjun could resist such temptation.

Tonight, she would surely succeed!

Jiang Ci sniffed the air but didn’t detect any particular fragrance. “I can’t help with your heat cycle. Take some medicine. Is there anything else?”

Yao Qin: “???”

She froze in place. Gao Yi’s reaction was completely unexpected.

Could Gao Yi really resist?

How was that possible?!

Wait, Yao Qin noticed her relaxed demeanor. This wasn’t resistance—it was indifference!

This wasn’t normal!

Seeing Yao Qin remain silent, Jiang Ci turned to leave.

Yao Qin snapped out of her daze and hurriedly said, “Marquis, since you’re here, have some water!”

She nervously handed over a cup, her hands trembling slightly, almost spilling it.

Jiang Ci thought, Is this drugged? Such an obvious ploy, how could I dare drink it?

She replied, “No, you should rest early.”

She had intended to bring up divorce, but Yao Qin’s actions tonight were too confusing. She decided to discuss it another time.

This was no place to linger; complications could arise.

With that, Jiang Ci left without looking back.

Yao Qin stood in place for a long time, utterly bewildered.

Her plan had failed just like that? Gao Yi wasn’t tempted at all?!

She suddenly remembered something Yao Zhi had once mentioned. When Imperial Doctor Xue had visited the residence to check on Gao Yi’s gland injury, Gao Yi had repeatedly avoided the examination.

Yao Qin speculated that perhaps there was some hidden ailment with her glands, hence her reluctance to see a Doctor.

But hadn’t Gao Yi just marked Xi Lingxue? During the palace banquet, she had clearly smelled pheromones on Xi Lingxue…

Wait, the scent could have been fabricated!

Yao Qin was now suspicious. She decided to observe for a few more days before consulting Consort Yao.

…

Xi Lingxue had already changed into her nightclothes, her long, soft black hair cascading down her back. Just her silhouette was enough to evoke pity.

Her heat cycle was approaching again, and Nanny Zhang had prepared medicine to prevent it.

Xi Lingxue took the bowl, but when she looked up, she saw Nanny Zhang’s troubled expression, clearly preoccupied.

She could tell something was weighing on her mind.

“What’s wrong?” Xi Lingxue asked.

Nanny Zhang hesitated, fidgeting for a while before stammering, “Princess, drinking medicine all the time isn’t good for your health… In my opinion, the Marquis cares for you deeply. You could ask her—”

“Enough.” Xi Lingxue interrupted, guessing what was coming. “She’s too busy. Such trivial matters shouldn’t trouble her.”

Nanny Zhang said, “How is this trivial? And—”

The Marquis isn’t busy; she just went to Yao Qin’s courtyard!

“And what?” Xi Lingxue asked.

“…Nothing.”

Nanny Zhang ultimately didn’t say anything. Such matters would only strain their relationship.

Xi Lingxue didn’t press further. She was also feeling restless.

At the temple, Pei Shiyuan had privately told her that the current “Gao Yi” was indeed not the original person.

[But she truly cares for you. Lingxue, often, demons and ghosts are more sincere than humans.]

[If you’re just using her, that’s too cruel. What exactly are you thinking?]

Pei Shiyuan’s words echoed in her mind, and Xi Lingxue had pondered them for a long time.

She wasn’t sure if her feelings for “Gao Yi” counted as love. If they did, what did that mean for the four years she had waited and searched?

Had she changed her heart…

No, Xi Lingxue immediately dismissed the thought, or rather, she didn’t dare to think further.

Nanny Zhang noticed her furrowed brow, massaging her temples with a headache, and felt a pang of sadness.

How long had this couple been sharing a room, yet there was no marking, no child? What kind of situation was this?

With the Marquis absent, Nanny Zhang felt it necessary to counsel Xi Lingxue properly.

…

Jiang Ci quickly escaped the “lion’s den” Yao Qin’s tactics were too crude, trying to trick her?

Having climbed the mountain earlier in the day, she thought Xi Lingxue must be tired and would want to rest early. Jiang Ci quickened her pace, hardly delaying, and soon returned to the main courtyard.

As she approached the door, she heard voices inside. The cool, clear voice was unmistakably Xi Lingxue’s.

“Nanny Zhang, there’s no need to say more. Our relationship is just an act, there won’t be a child. When the time comes, this arrangement will end.”

Jiang Ci’s heart clenched. Her hand, about to push the door open, froze mid-air, and she stood still outside.

“How could this be…” Nanny Zhang had been counseling her for a while, only to hear such words. “Aren’t you two deeply in love? Was it all a lie?”

“Not entirely,” Xi Lingxue’s voice came after a pause, neither cold nor warm. “She’s good to me, and I’m grateful.”

“…Princess, are you still unable to forget the female knight?”

Female knight?!

Jiang Ci was momentarily stunned. Where had she heard that title before?

She closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose, trying to recall. Fragments of memory flashed through her mind like a revolving lantern.

Female knight, general store, Huang Fu…

Wasn’t that the benefactor Huang Fu had been searching for? Another transmigrator!

What was her connection to Xi Lingxue?!

“I’ve never forgotten her,” Xi Lingxue’s voice was soft. “She promised me… No matter how many years pass, I’ll wait.”

…She’s waiting for her?

Jiang Ci felt as if something had shattered. Her mind went blank for a moment, unable to process. But in an instant, everything connected.

Good-looking, a martial artist, disappeared four years ago…

No wonder Jin Yu had said that digging deeper would only lead to anger.

So that insignificant rival was the female knight.

So Xi Lingxue had always loved her.

Jiang Ci had thought they had broken through all barriers, that there were no more secrets or lies between them.

Only now did she feel a sharp pain in her heart.

Just a while ago, Xi Lingxue had kissed her.

What did that mean?

Friends?

Could friends do that?!

Every intimate moment, every small interaction, flooded Jiang Ci’s mind.

She remembered that spring outing outside the capital, under the moonlight, dancing the waltz with Xi Lingxue.

It felt as if it had just happened yesterday. Every blade of grass, every tree, the way Xi Lingxue had looked at her, the shy expression on her face—it was all vividly imprinted in Jiang Ci’s mind.

Back then, she had been so moved. Now, she found it laughable.

She had thought she had already won.

But in the end, what she had mistaken for fondness, for love, had all been nothing more than an act, a disguise.

A sharp pain twisted in her heart. Jiang Ci clutched at her chest, her fingers digging into her clothes as grief and fury burned in her reddened eyes. A mist blurred her vision.

She lowered her gaze to her hands—dark, rough skin, thick calluses from years of training in martial arts. They hardly looked like a woman’s hands.

No, these were not Jiang Ci’s hands. They were Gao Yi’s.

In an instant, sorrow surged like a tide, drowning out her anger.

…Was it because of this identity?

To Xi Lingxue, Gao Yi was both a threat and a powerful ally. That was why she had to pretend, to maximize her own benefits, to ensure her survival.

Jiang Ci realized, utterly defeated, that she couldn’t even blame Xi Lingxue. Just like all the times before, she understood her too well.

The saddest part was that Jiang Ci couldn’t shed the identity of Gao Yi.

Not everyone could accept the idea of “possession” as easily as Pei Shiyuan had. She had tried so hard to explain it before, but the results had always been disappointing.

Changing someone’s mind was too difficult.

Besides, her relationship with Xi Lingxue hadn’t started from zero—it had started in the negatives.

Everything she had done over the past six months had indeed made a difference, but at most, she had only barely managed to bring them back to neutral ground.

That was what hurt the most—not the presence of a romantic rival, but the sheer unfairness of it all.

If only she weren’t Gao Yi…

Maybe Xi Lingxue wouldn’t be so guarded against her. Maybe everything would have been different.

Seeing that her words weren’t helping, Nanny Zhang could only sigh. “Princess, a good partner is hard to come by. You must cherish them… Don’t wait until you’ve lost them to regret it.”

Xi Lingxue’s expression remained indifferent. It was impossible to tell whether she had listened.

Nanny Zhang was just about to leave when she opened the door and found Gao Yi standing outside, eyes red.

Hadn’t she just gone to Lady Qin’s courtyard? How had she come back so soon?!

Nanny Zhang panicked. “Marquis… you, why are you standing outside?”

Xi Lingxue’s pupils contracted. She shot to her feet, her gaze locking onto the doorway. A flicker of panic flashed through her beautiful eyes. “Gao Yi…?”

Jiang Ci’s hands and feet were ice-cold, but she no longer had the energy to care.

“Nanny Zhang, you can rest now.” Jiang Ci’s voice was much calmer than before. “I want to speak with the princess alone.”

“This…”

Nanny Zhang looked at Xi Lingxue, who gave her a subtle nod. Helpless, she withdrew.

Jiang Ci stepped inside and closed the door behind her.

Xi Lingxue kept her eyes on her, searching for any hint of emotion, but found none.

The more unreadable Jiang Ci was, the more uneasy Xi Lingxue felt.

She must have heard everything…

For a moment, Xi Lingxue felt at a loss, yet at the same time, it was as if a burden had been lifted. Perhaps breaking the illusion wasn’t such a bad thing.

What was inevitable would come sooner or later.

Xi Lingxue took a step forward, wanting to reach for her, but Jiang Ci stepped back, avoiding her touch.

Xi Lingxue’s expression stiffened, and when she finally spoke, even she hadn’t realized the trace of disappointment in her voice. “Aren’t you cold?”

“I’m not.” Jiang Ci lifted her gaze. Hidden in her sleeves, her fingers clenched and unclenched before she finally asked, “Do you love her very much?”

In truth, what she really wanted to ask was: “Do I still have a chance?”

Jiang Ci wanted to hear the answer directly from her.

Xi Lingxue bit her lip. “Yes.”

That single word struck Jiang Ci like a hammer to the chest, shattering her last hope.

The black lotus was finally being honest.

Jiang Ci almost wished she would just keep lying to her—hadn’t her acting skills improved so much? Why not keep up the act?

Jiang Ci let out a self-deprecating laugh.

“I’m sorry. Actually, Huang Fu is Nanny Zhang’s daughter, so—”

“Oh, so that’s how it is…” Jiang Ci’s thoughts felt scattered. “So, it wasn’t Huang Fu looking for an old benefactor—it was you looking for her.”

“Mm.”

Jiang Ci suddenly felt like crying. Why did these truths keep coming at her, one after another, with no mercy?

When she invested in the general store, she had smugly thought she had outmaneuvered Huang Fu. In reality, she had been the one played.

Like a fool, completely in the dark.

But she couldn’t even bring herself to be angry—Xi Lingxue had simply been more cunning, and she had walked into the trap on her own.

Jiang Ci had always believed Xi Lingxue was slowly accepting her, that one day, they would truly become a married couple.

Just today, she had even hung up a lover’s lock…

But tonight, it all turned to dust.

Xi Lingxue loved that woman deeply.

Even after four years of absence, after complete silence, she had never let go.

A deep sense of helplessness washed over Jiang Ci—an overwhelming defeat.

She had given everything, poured her heart and soul into this relationship, only to realize she might not even compare to the tip of another person’s finger.

Feelings couldn’t be forced, no matter how much effort she put in.

“I understand… Don’t worry, I’m not the type to cling desperately.” Jiang Ci held onto the last bit of her dignity, trying not to appear too pathetic, but she couldn’t stop her voice from trembling. She rubbed her eyes. “I—I wish you both happiness.”

Xi Lingxue’s eyes trembled. She had received a blessing, yet she felt no joy—only bitterness. A faint heat welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision.

Jiang Ci’s eyes were rimmed with red, as if she had been wronged, stubborn yet refusing to say more—pitiful, aggrieved, and heartbreakingly beautiful.

Jiang Ci thought, I’m the one who should be feeling wronged. What is she acting like this for?

Afraid that she would soften if she looked any longer, Jiang Ci turned away and forced the words out: “From now on, let’s sleep in separate rooms.”

She didn’t wait for a response—she fled.

Xi Lingxue didn’t chase after her.

Once outside, Jiang Ci’s tears finally spilled over, streaming down her face as she walked.

The cold wind cut against her skin like knives, but instead of pain, it felt oddly satisfying. If only it hurt a little more—maybe it would numb the ache in her heart.

Even the system couldn’t stay silent.

【Host, this isn’t like you at all! Curse at her! Aren’t you the one who doesn’t even fear the emperor? She used you! That black-hearted lotus!】

Jiang Ci wiped her face with her sleeve, her temper flaring at the voice. 【I’d rather curse at you. All you do is talk—no golden fingers, no cheats. What use are you?!】

System: 【Oh, but I am useful. Actually, I came to tell you some good news. As of now, the popularity points have surpassed 10 million, so you can choose to return to your original world ahead of schedule.】

Jiang Ci froze.

The news came so suddenly that she wasn’t prepared at all.

She could go back. Be herself again. Start her life over.

That was good news. After all, how many people were lucky enough to get a second chance after dying?

But Jiang Ci felt no joy.

Going back meant leaving everything behind. The rank of a first-class marquis, the grand estate, the successful business she had built…

None of that really mattered.

The real issue was—if she left, she would never see Xi Lingxue again.

Jiang Ci stopped in her tracks.

The news came too suddenly—she wasn’t prepared at all.

She could go back? Be herself again? Restart her life?!

It was undoubtedly good news. After all, who else would be so lucky to get a second chance after suddenly dying…

But Jiang Ci couldn’t bring herself to feel happy.

Going back meant giving up everything here—her prestigious title as a first-rank military marquis, the grand estate, the business she painstakingly built, Huang Runfa…

None of those really mattered. The most important thing was that if she left, she would never see Xi Lingxue again.

Just thinking about it made her feel suffocated.

It was like someone had been carved into her very bones, her existence branded deep within her heart, making them one. And now, she was being forcibly torn away.

Even if she knew Xi Lingxue didn’t love her, they were connected. And when the time came to separate, every nerve in her body screamed in protest.

Jiang Ci couldn’t help but crouch down, her vision blurring. She breathed hard, as if trying to grasp more oxygen.

【Can I hold onto this option for now? Let me think it over…】

She felt miserable, pained, and so, so unwilling.

She hadn’t even seen her rival in love yet—was she just supposed to leave so pathetically?

That person, someone so unworthy, how could she deserve Xi Lingxue?

Jiang Ci stubbornly clung to the last thread of hope. Or perhaps, she was just giving herself a justifiable reason to stay.

That person had been gone for four years, hadn’t she? Maybe she wouldn’t return at all.

And maybe, given enough time… Xi Lingxue would finally look at her?