Willing to Be for Her - Chapter 6

“You’re giving it to me?” Luo Xuan’s gaze was vacant, a pang of emptiness striking her heart.

“Yes, it’s just a small trinket,” Ning Yiqing replied, his composure flawless.

On the way to the medical laboratory, Qin Shiyi kept peeking at Ning Yiqing, who sat with his eyes half-closed. No matter how hard she stared, she couldn’t detect the slightest hint of anything amiss on his cold, refined face.

“If you’re bored, why not review these drug research documents?” Ning Yiqing handed Qin Shiyi a thick stack of papers from the car seat.

“No way! Just looking at these makes my head ache. Do you think everyone’s like you?” Qin Shiyi leaned her head against her hand, flashing a coquettish smile. “Yi Qing, did you really buy that tiger wood carving?”

Ning Yiqing fidgeted awkwardly with the snow-blue prayer beads on his wrist, his eyelids lifting slightly to reveal Qin Shiyi’s teasing grin. He gave a curt “Hmm.”

“You’re not lying, are you?” Qin Shiyi shook her head, sensing something was off. “Your zodiac sign is the tiger, so buying a tiger pendant seems logical. But you’re not the type to browse those kinds of shops. And with your photographic memory, how could you possibly forget something like that?”

*Something’s wrong. Something’s definitely wrong.*

Ignoring Qin Shiyi’s rambling, Ning Yiqing turned away, his gaze softening momentarily before quickly reverting to its usual composure. He lowered his head and began reviewing the documents.

Three days later, after finishing her graduation thesis, Luo Xuan arrived at her workshop at exactly 3 PM. To call it a workshop would be an understatement; it was more accurately described as her secret hideout.

The space was only twenty square meters.

The gold-and-crimson floor was intricately carved with patterns of falling leaves and blooming flowers, creating the illusion of stepping into an autumn forest. The surrounding walls were painted with a vast blue ocean, its waves surging and crashing, sending up milky-white mist.

Within the mist danced faint golden specks, like fireflies or starlight.

When the old fan in the corner whirred to life, it truly felt as though one had traversed a dense forest to reach a beautiful island.

This was the scene that greeted Chi Li when she brought the young woman who claimed to be a collector.

Luo Xuan’s high ponytail swayed, wisps of hair curling against her forehead, catching the afternoon sunlight and turning them a pale gold. Her eyes were downcast, giving her a somewhat listless air.

Chi Li found this odd. Luo Xuan’s melancholy seemed to have started three days ago—how could it linger for so long?

However, with a guest present, she couldn’t ask directly. Instead, she introduced the two with forced enthusiasm.

“Luo Xuanxuan, this is Xia Zhiwan, the collector who loves your work so much,” Chi Li said, standing between them and patting Luo Xuan’s shoulder. “Sister Xia, this is Luo Xuan. Don’t let her looks fool you—her talent is top-notch, and she’s the kindest person I know. She’s been my idol since I was little!”

Hearing this, Luo Xuan frowned slightly, her delicate brows furrowing. Her lips, as tender as morning dew, curved into a modest smile. “Chi Li, you’re exaggerating,” she murmured.

She turned to Xia Zhiwan, offering a slightly awkward greeting. “Miss Xia Zhiwan, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Luo Xuan.”

Xia Zhiwan smiled warmly, her eyes shimmering like dew-kissed leaves, radiating a warmth that seemed to seep into one’s heart. When she noticed Luo Xuan’s heterochromatic eyes—one green, one gold—a flicker of curiosity crossed her gaze.

“I think Chi Li is right, Luo Xuan. You truly are remarkably talented,” Xia Zhiwan said, her gaze sweeping across the room, which felt like a dream-weaving chamber. She didn’t hold back her praise.

In her eyes, Luo Xuan’s work defied convention. It wasn’t limited to traditional wood carvings of flowers, birds, insects, or fish; instead, it incorporated modernistic elements, emphasizing self-expression.

“This piece…” Xia Zhiwan strolled to the center of the room and pointed to a sculpture on a shelf. The distorted figure resembled a small person being torn apart by countless vines, yet possessed a strange, unsettling beauty. “What is it called?”

“Its name is *Born of Shadow*,” Luo Xuan said, surprised by Xia Zhiwan’s taste. She hadn’t expected her to be drawn to this particular wood carving.

Xia Zhiwan was about to ask more when she saw Luo Xuan walk from the chair by the window to stand before *Born of Shadow*. With a practiced motion, she pulled out an ordinary lighter, flicked it on, and ignited the carving.

Bright yellow flames instantly engulfed the wood, surging like molten lava toward its destruction.

Only then did Xia Zhiwan realize that the black portions of the carving were likely coal dust. The dust clung to the fire-retardant-treated wood, now burning silently in Luo Xuan’s hand, illuminating the girl’s pale face, tinged with a sickly pallor and self-loathing.

As the flames consumed the carving, the vines entwined around the figure reverted to their original, resplendent crimson-gold, revealing their true form.

Though the figure lacked facial features, its twisted, beautiful posture conveyed rage, pain, and a frenzied madness.

Staring at the elegant yet unsettling vines, Xia Zhiwan fixed her gaze on Luo Xuan and asked softly, “Is the way to break free from these shackles to be reborn in fire?”

Gently blowing away the ashes from the carving, Luo Xuan smiled, her eyes half-lowered. “They can’t be broken, but that doesn’t stop the heart from yearning for sunlight.”

Xia Zhiwan was struck by the wave of world-weariness and confusion that washed over Luo Xuan in that moment, leaving her stunned for a long time.

“Ahem, can you two stop speaking in riddles? You’re just bullying me, the one with no artistic sense,” Chi Li interrupted, walking toward another door in the cabin. “There are more works inside. Sister Xia, you can come…”

“The interior is temporarily closed,” Luo Xuan said, her gaze drifting away as she stopped Chi Li from opening the door. That door was meant to be opened only for Ning Yiqing.

Even though Ning Yiqing hadn’t arrived as promised, that door would remain waiting for her alone.

But it had been three days since they last communicated, and Luo Xuan hesitated to keep texting Ning Yiqing, worried about disturbing her.

Yesterday, she had even secretly returned to the villa, hoping to run into Ning Yiqing.

But her hopes remained unfulfilled.

As Xia Zhiwan’s gaze fell on the wooden sculpture Luo Xuan had just put back, she suddenly noticed the vines symbolizing shackles. They seemed to grow from within the tiny figure itself, explaining why they couldn’t be destroyed.

Sensing Luo Xuan’s growing distraction, Chi Li approached her and whispered, “Luo Xuanxuan, what’s wrong? You seem off. Are you hiding something from me?”

Caught off guard by her only friend noticing her strange behavior, Luo Xuan felt awkward. She was someone who preferred to keep her thoughts bottled up.

For the past three days, Luo Xuan’s mind had been replaying Ning Yiqing’s words: “I don’t remember what the little tiger wood carving looked like.”

Her heart pounded like a drum as she watched the woman’s serene expression, as if she truly had no recollection.

Since then, Luo Xuan had felt utterly empty, listless.

Yet each night, the warm cup of mint tea before bed drew her back into a blind infatuation with that moonlight-soft tenderness.

“I don’t know how to say this,” Luo Xuan began, but Xia Zhiwan interrupted her, turning back with a bright smile that revealed a fox-like cunning.

“You two young ladies, would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner?”

“Wouldn’t that be too much trouble? We…”

“Luo Xuan, do you really not remember me?” Xia Zhiwan asked, feigning hurt with a generous air.

Chi Li froze on the spot, thinking that Luo Xuan, with her awkward social skills, was probably about to crash.

“Sister Xia, you and Luo Xuan know each other? What a coincidence!”

Casting a reproachful glance at Luo Xuan, Xia Zhiwan chuckled softly. “When Luo Xuan was six, she and her mother moved next door to my house. We played together for a year.”

“So you’re her neighbor sister! Luo Xuan, quickly say hello to Sister Zhiwan,” Chi Li urged, nudging her friend forward. After all, given Luo Xuan’s reclusive nature, having another friend could only be a good thing.

Deep within her mind, memories stirred slowly. Luo Xuan hesitated before stepping forward, vaguely recalling a lively and cheerful neighbor sister from her childhood.

“Sister Zhiwan, it’s been a long time,” Luo Xuan said, her tone stiff and polite.

Unlike Luo Xuan’s awkwardness, Xia Zhiwan smiled warmly and cut straight to the chase:

“Let’s catch up later. I drove here, so how about we grab some food now? There’s a new restaurant I went to with my blind date—their sweet shrimp and soufflé are amazing.”

Unable to refuse such enthusiasm, Chi Li pulled Luo Xuan into Xia Zhiwan’s convertible sports car. Chi Li secretly clicked her tongue, impressed by Xia Zhiwan’s apparent wealth and status.

After parking, the trio entered the lavishly decorated restaurant. Black marble floors, cherry wood tables and chairs, fine wines, candlelight, and a seamless blend of piano and cello music filled the air.

Luo Xuan frowned slightly. She never particularly enjoyed such settings—confined spaces crowded with people felt suffocating and stifling.

Still, reuniting with an old friend was definitely worth celebrating.

Since they hadn’t made a reservation, they had to settle for a table in the ground floor lobby. Fortunately, there was still a window seat available.

As they sat by the window, listening to Xia Zhiwan describe the dishes, Luo Xuan gradually drifted into a daze.

She and Ning Yiqing hadn’t been in contact for over 72 hours. Should she text him first?

She knew she projected an image of fearlessness, but deep down, she was terrified of disappointment.

So, inaction might prevent disappointment.

On the restaurant’s second floor, a woman in a black suit, her demeanor aloof and dignified, emerged from a private room, followed by a group of corporate executives who looked both exhausted and forcedly energetic.

Their tense expressions made it seem less like a dinner party and more like a battlefield. Some even glanced at the woman leading the way with a hint of fear.

After exchanging polite formalities with the group and watching them depart one by one, Qin Shiyi finally let out a sigh of relief.

Noticing Ning Yiqing’s serene posture as she lowered her head to twirl her prayer beads, Qin Shiyi murmured:

“These old foxes! They rake in fortunes every day. What’s the big deal about giving up a little profit on drug costs? You’d think we were asking for their lives!”

Ning Yiqing rubbed her temples, her gaze gentle yet icy. “To them, good medicine isn’t a good commodity.”

Qin Shiyi shuddered, pondering her words for a long moment before finally understanding. She quickly changed the subject, saying:

“After thinking it over, I realized with your memory, you couldn’t possibly forget about the wooden carving. You’re definitely lying.”

“You’re so bored,” Ning Yiqing replied. Her pale rose lips, glistening like dew after tea, seemed to beckon pursuit in the dim light.

As they descended the stairs and headed outside, Qin Shiyi yawned and continued:

“You’re such a contradictory person. You clearly like Luo Xuan, so why be so stubborn? Just stop cooperating with the Luo Family—it’s just a bit of money.”

“In business, opportunities are fleeting,” Ning Yiqing said calmly. “I have to be responsible for the group and for everyone who follows me. Besides, there’s no better reason for me to change course right now.”

“Being responsible for your family’s group means sacrificing yourself too? If you’re willing to sacrifice yourself for power, what about Luo Xuan?”

“It’s not that important.”

For the second time that evening, Qin Shiyi was stunned by Ning Yiqing’s words. Just as she was about to retort with “You’re so heartless!” she spotted Luo Xuan sitting in a corner of the restaurant.

“Look, isn’t that Luo Xuan? She’s having dinner with someone else. Humph, Yi Qing, I bet you’ll regret this.”

“Regret what?” Ning Yiqing followed Qin Shiyi’s gaze and saw Luo Xuan with two other women. They were laughing and chatting animatedly, looking perfectly harmonious and happy.

“You don’t even know what you’ll regret? Do you even have a heart?” Qin Shiyi grabbed Ning Yiqing’s arm and pulled her toward Luo Xuan’s table. “Fine, since we’ve run into them, we should at least say hello.”

At the table, a bottle of champagne had already been opened. Xia Zhiwan and Chi Li were deep in conversation when Xia Zhiwan suddenly turned to the quiet, introverted Luo Xuan, a sly fox-like smile spreading across her face.

Just as Qin Shiyi and Ning Yiqing approached the table, they heard Xia Zhiwan’s warm, cheerful voice.

“Luo Xuan, did you know our mothers were college classmates? The funniest part is, they were so old-fashioned back then that they even considered arranging a marriage between us when we were still in the womb!”