Scarred Hearts — A Girls' Love Tale - Chapter 60

“Are the Han family picking fights everywhere?” Yan Shuangfei said softly, her expression hard to read. “They’re being a bit too obvious.”

“Is this some kind of hit-and-run attack?” Ying Sha sneered. “Smash the place and then leave without sticking around—Chairman Mao’s tactics suit them well. That Han Yu’s eager to start a fight—is he counting on something or just lost his mind?”

Yan Shuangfei pretended to be serious, resting her chin on her hand and nodded. “There’s about a fifty-fifty chance of both.” Then she added, “Han Yu must have figured we won’t dare move against him right now.”

Ying Sha smiled faintly. “If I were Han Yu, I’d expect the enemy can’t just sit still and will come to investigate. It’s only a matter of time before our secrets get uncovered. But I’m not sure how much I can trust that man’s words.”

“Han Yu’s reckless attack breaks the rules,” Yan Shuangfei said with killing intent in her voice. “If that’s the case, why don’t we strike first?”

Before she could finish, Luo Qinghan’s face darkened. Without hesitation, she said, “No.”

Yan Shuangfei was surprised. Normally, Luo Qinghan wouldn’t interfere with her decisions on matters like this. But this time, her firm refusal made Yan Shuangfei feel a chill down her spine.

Raising an eyebrow, Yan Shuangfei looked at Luo Qinghan expectantly. Luo Qinghan felt a bit awkward under the intense gaze, instinctively tugged at the hem of her shirt, then lifted her chin and met Yan Shuangfei’s eyes.

“That would be too reckless. If you lead people to attack the Han family now, have you thought about the other families’ positions? Not to mention, do you know what cards Han Yu is holding? If he didn’t have some backing, how could he act so boldly? From what I know, Han Yu has always been low-key and careful, very deep and calculating. This loud approach doesn’t suit him. It’s probably more than just trying to lure you out.”

Yan Shuangfei grinned, trying to appease. “I thought about all that too—I’m just anxious. As long as Han Yu is still around, I can’t be at peace.” She sighed lightly. Ying Sha patted her back in sympathy, which made Yan Shuangfei glare at her. This one’s trying to pat her lungs out!

After a moment of silence, Yan Shuangfei nodded slightly, agreeing with Luo Qinghan’s point. The doctor, who had been quietly listening for a while, suddenly looked up and smiled gently at Yan Shuangfei. The smile made Yan Shuangfei shiver and warily glance back.

“Shuang’er,” the doctor said softly, “since you said Han Yu’s hiding something good in Africa, why don’t we go see for ourselves?” Her tone started dreamy but ended filled with excitement for the adventure.

Yan Shuangfei felt sweat breaking out despite the air conditioning—it was already summer. She sat down, head aching, and took a sip of cold water, trying to calm her restless heart. She really didn’t want to go—not just because of worries about the Yan family, but also because going meant separating from Luo Qinghan again.

Ying Sha was indifferent, confident the doctor could take care of herself and didn’t need her worrying. Seeing the doctor so eager, she figured she just wanted to get some fresh air.

Noticing Yan Shuangfei’s hesitation, Luo Qinghan quickly understood what was going on. She gave a helpless half-smile and made a decision.

After a long silence, Yan Shuangfei looked at Luo Qinghan full of apology. Just as she was about to speak, Luo Qinghan cut her off coldly: “I know what you’re thinking, but this time, I’m going with you.”

Yan Shuangfei panicked, stood up shaking her head, and bluntly refused: “No. I don’t agree.” Her stiff tone couldn’t hide her inner worry.

Sunlight suddenly poured through the window, casting bright patches across Yan Shuangfei’s face—half light, half shadow. Her lashes caught golden light as she hid her complicated feelings. Leaning on the table with one hand, seeing Luo Qinghan’s resolute expression, her tone softened to a pleading one. She grabbed Luo Qinghan’s hand, but this time Luo Qinghan’s hand was cold, just like Yan Shuangfei’s usual body temperature.

“It’s too dangerous,” Yan Shuangfei tried to think of reasons, “What about your Luo family? If you leave, who will keep them in line? What if someone takes advantage of your absence to cause trouble?”

Luo Qinghan frowned, letting Yan Shuangfei hold her hand as she sat down. She rubbed her brow hard, as if trying to soothe it.

“My mind’s made up,” Luo Qinghan said softly, leaving no room for argument. “I won’t be a burden to you.” She looked up with confident eyes, her tone sure enough to confuse Yan Shuangfei, who swallowed the words she was about to say.

Ying Sha, arms crossed, watched the scene with interest. The doctor tugged at her and gave her a meaningful look. Ying Sha immediately understood and calmly turned away to follow the doctor back to the room.

“It’s chaotic there,” Yan Shuangfei carefully said.

“I know.”

“There’s religious conflicts, war—everything.”

“I know.”

“And the living conditions are harsh. You might get sick. The place isn’t developed—only basic medical facilities.”

Luo Qinghan tapped her finger sharply on the table. Startled, Yan Shuangfei quickly grabbed her hand and examined it. It was only a little red, so she let out a sigh of relief.

“Yan Shuangfei, are you saying I might die there?” Luo Qinghan’s words were ruthless and direct. “Let me tell you, I’m not as fragile as you think.”

Yan Shuangfei was speechless, head aching, cornered by Luo Qinghan’s fierce gaze with nowhere to hide. She was forced to surrender helplessly.

Shrugging as if defeated, Yan Shuangfei looked miserable. Luo Qinghan found her so pitiful that she reached out to touch her face. Yan Shuangfei was stunned by the sudden gesture and stared at Luo Qinghan without moving. Only when Luo Qinghan started unbuttoning her shirt did she snap out of it.

Luo Qinghan undid the buttons, revealing Yan Shuangfei’s thin, bony frame, marked with fading scars. She kissed her all the way down, leaving new marks.

“Don’t…” Yan Shuangfei pleaded softly.

“Hm?”

“Let’s continue in the room.” Yan Shuangfei gritted her teeth. Knowing she couldn’t escape, she might as well close her eyes and enjoy it.