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At that moment, Xiao Ziyu was left speechless by his response.
She had grown up alongside him.
He had been her fourth brother’s study companion, and she had known him since childhood. Back then, she had heard countless praises about Qi Ying—the unparalleled prodigy of the Qi family—but hadn’t paid much attention to them. However, the first time she saw him in the imperial study, she was instantly captivated. He had walked behind her fourth brother, his handsome phoenix-like eyes slightly lowered. When she called out loudly to her brother, he glanced at her briefly. From that moment on, she had never been able to escape the pull of those eyes.
Since then, she had always stayed close to him. Every time she claimed to visit her fourth brother, her real intention was to see him.
She had loved him ever since she was a little girl, and she had never hidden her feelings for him. By now, it was common knowledge throughout Jiankang. She knew people whispered behind her back, calling her shameless and self-degrading. But she didn’t care what others thought—she only cared about his opinion. All she wanted was to be with him forever.
Though most of the noblewomen in Jiankang admired him, none dared to express their affection openly because everyone believed that one day she, Sixth Princess Xiao Ziyu, would become his wife. Though circumstances currently prevented their marriage, she already considered him her husband-to-be, the person closest to her heart. Yet now, he told her that this was his personal matter and that she should not interfere.
Xiao Ziyu struggled to hold back her emotions but ultimately failed. Her anger flared as she exclaimed, “How can this just be your own business? It’s my business too! Everyone in Jiankang knows we’re meant to marry someday. How can you keep a young girl in your residence and expect me not to intervene?”
The moment the words left her mouth, Xiao Ziyu regretted them.
She knew Qi Ying had always been noncommittal about their marriage. Her fourth brother had even warned her that Qi Ying saw her as a sister and had no intention of marrying her. Now, by bringing up their supposed engagement, she knew he wouldn’t take her seriously. Moreover, she realized her tone was inappropriate. Though Qi Ying rarely yielded to either persuasion or force, softness was more effective than confrontation. Her harsh words would only push him further away.
But once spoken, words could not be taken back. Fearing he might grow angrier, she rushed to mend the situation. Seeing his gaze turn colder, her heart sank, and she hurriedly spoke before he could say anything hurtful: “…I don’t have to interfere if you don’t want me to. It’s just… you know how I am. I can’t keep things bottled up inside. Today, when I learned Fu Rong deceived me, I was already so angry and upset. Then I heard about this Fang Yun…”
“I can’t stay indifferent. I really… I really like you too much.”
Her fourth brother had once mocked her, saying she possessed a seductive fox-like appearance but lacked the cunning expected of such a persona. If only she could learn to manipulate and play coy, she might win over Qi Jingchen—or at least gain more of his affection.
But she simply couldn’t. Whenever she saw him, she lost all reason and could only circle around him like a devoted puppy.
She had no choice.
In truth, Xiao Ziheng was wrong. Qi Ying tolerated Xiao Ziyu precisely because of her straightforward nature. Had the Sixth Princess followed her brother’s advice and resorted to scheming, it would have backfired.
Now, Xiao Ziyu’s heartfelt confession left Qi Ying unable to maintain his cold demeanor. Though he had no intention of marrying her, he couldn’t afford to alienate her completely. She was a princess he had watched grow up, and as long as she didn’t overstep boundaries, he had no wish to make things difficult for her.
Unwilling to dwell further on the matter, he sighed and said, “Today’s flower-viewing gathering still has many events underway. I must return. If Your Highness wishes to continue enjoying the festivities, please join me. Otherwise, feel free to return to the palace.”
Xiao Ziyu detected his subtle dismissal and felt a pang of sadness. However, seeing that he hadn’t completely shut her out, she felt somewhat reassured.
After a moment’s thought, she nodded and said softly, “Alright, go ahead and attend to your duties…”
Pausing, she asked hesitantly, “…Could you send her away?”
Qi Ying looked at her, his brows furrowing again. His reply remained unchanged: “I’ve already said—it’s impossible.”
Xiao Ziyu lowered her head, torn between anger and sorrow. In the end, her heartache overwhelmed all other emotions, and tears welled up in her eyes. Sobbing, she said, “Jingchen Gege, I know you may not like me as much yet… but could you at least not like anyone else? I… I really can’t bear it…”
Her tears tugged at Qi Ying’s heartstrings, though he couldn’t fully understand her despair. Frowning deeply, he said helplessly, “What are you thinking, Your Highness? She’s just a child. Where does romantic involvement come into this?”
Still sniffling, Xiao Ziyu was startled by his words. She looked up at him, seeing sincerity in his expression, and began to believe him. Still cautious, she asked through her tears, “You… you’re telling the truth?”
Qi Ying sighed and replied, “Of course.”
With that, Xiao Ziyu’s tears turned to laughter.
She was always like this—easily moved to extremes by his words. A single kind remark from him could bring her immense joy.
She trusted him. Her Jingchen Gege was a gentleman; he wouldn’t lie about such matters.
Feeling reassured, Xiao Ziyu wiped her tears and asked, “Then… until when will you keep her here? She’s still a child now, but what about later? What happens when she grows up?”
This question caught Qi Ying off guard.
He had never considered Shen Xiqing’s future or what he would do with her once she grew up. Startled by the query, he found himself momentarily lost in thought.
However, he couldn’t remain silent in front of Xiao Ziyu. After a brief pause, he answered, “When she grows up, she’ll naturally leave.”
A gentle breeze swept through, carrying the fragrance of blossoms.
Amidst the flowers, no one noticed another figure who had quietly come and gone.
Back in the garden, the flower-viewing gathering continued. Despite the earlier commotion caused by Sixth Princess Xiao Ziyu and Fu Rong, the event resumed its usual splendor. For scholars, the qu shui liu shang was a rare opportunity to showcase their talents and climb the ladder of success. They couldn’t afford to miss it. Thus, after a brief disruption, the gathering carried on. Men of literary talent gathered by the stream, composing poetry, drinking wine, and engaging in spirited discussions—a quintessential scene of Jiangzuo elegance.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Fu Rong managed to slip away from prying eyes. She wandered to a secluded corner of the mountain, finding a quiet cherry tree where she sat alone, hugging her knees.
Being publicly slapped by the Sixth Princess and having her feelings exposed would have been unbearable for any noblewoman. Some might have considered becoming a nun or even taking their own lives, while others would surely have cried their hearts out.
But Fu Rong was different.
Not only did she harbor no thoughts of renouncing the world or ending her life, but she also shed no tears. Sitting beneath the cherry tree, she wasn’t consumed by melancholy but instead calmly reflected on what to do next.
She now understood that Qi Ying had no interest in her. She couldn’t cling to him any longer; she needed to plan for her own future. Although today’s incident might allow her to claim she was wrongfully accused by Xiao Ziyu, her reputation had still suffered.
As a noblewoman, her chastity was her lifeline. Once tarnished, how could she secure a suitable marriage?
Lost in thought, Fu Rong suddenly heard a man’s voice laugh, “I wondered where you’d disappeared to. So you’ve come here to hide and enjoy some peace?”
Turning toward the sound, she saw a man step out from behind a rock. His flirtatious peach-blossom eyes were even more striking than the surrounding flowers, and his smile exuded a mischievous charm.
It was Fourth Prince Xiao Ziheng.
Though his sister had slapped her earlier, Fu Rong showed no resentment. She smiled naturally and prepared to stand and bow to him.
Xiao Ziheng disliked formalities and waved her off as he approached. “No need, no need. Stay seated.”
He joined her under the tree, sitting beside her.
Fu Rong complied, remaining seated as instructed. Turning to him, she asked, “Why are you here, Your Highness? I thought the qu shui liu shang was in full swing. Aren’t you joining them?”
Leaning casually against the tree, Xiao Ziheng stretched his legs out and grinned. “Poetry and scholarly debates aren’t my forte. If it were just about drinking, I’d be there.”
Fu Rong covered her mouth and chuckled softly, saying nothing.
Xiao Ziheng glanced at her, his eyes filled with curiosity and amusement. After studying her for a moment, he remarked, “You’re quite interesting. Even after what happened, you’re not upset and can still sit here calmly?”
Fu Rong met his gaze, sensing the dismissive undertone in his teasing. As the brother of the person who had struck her, his words bordered on offensive.
Suppressing her discomfort, she responded calmly, “I thought Your Highness came to apologize on behalf of the princess.”
Xiao Ziheng laughed and shook his head. “She’s grown up now. She’ll take responsibility for her actions. Why should I apologize on her behalf?”
“Besides,” he added, glancing at Fu Rong with a sly gleam in his eye, “she might not have wronged you at all, right?”
Though her expression remained composed, Fu Rong’s eyes betrayed a flicker of coldness. She realized the Fourth Prince had come to vent his sister’s frustrations, perhaps feeling her slap wasn’t harsh enough and wanting to add insult to injury.
Xiao Ziheng noticed the chill in her eyes and raised an eyebrow, smiling provocatively. “Don’t misunderstand me. I mean no harm—I’m merely curious.”
Fu Rong regarded him silently and asked, “What exactly are you curious about, Your Highness?”
He smirked, tilting his head. “I’m curious why all of you seem to fancy Jingchen.”
Though he smiled, his eyes held no warmth. Fu Rong raised an eyebrow, surprised by his question.
Qi Ying had been Xiao Ziheng’s study companion since childhood, and she had always assumed their relationship was close. Yet his current demeanor suggested otherwise.
Hiding her suspicion, Fu Rong smiled faintly and replied, “Master Qi is peerless. How could any maiden resist being drawn to him?”
Xiao Ziheng gazed at her, noting the clarity in her eyes despite her words. Unlike his sister, whose mention of Qi Ying always sparked fervor, Fu Rong’s composure intrigued him. Chuckling, he said, “Fu Rong, I’ve always known you’re different from the others.”
His eyes sparkled with an unusual excitement, as if he had stumbled upon something fascinating. This only deepened Fu Rong’s unease.
She didn’t understand what he meant, but the gleam in his eyes sent a chill down her spine.
People often dismissed Xiao Ziheng as dissolute, overshadowed by his illustrious maternal family and trailing far behind Third Prince Xiao Zihuan. Yet the look in his eyes now filled Fu Rong with doubt.
Before she could delve deeper, Xiao Ziheng stood up. His face was shadowed as he looked down at her.
He said, “Fu Rong, you’re a smart woman. When you figure it out, remember to come find me.”
With that, he turned and disappeared behind the rocks as abruptly as he had appeared.
Fu Rong sat motionless, staring at the spot where he had vanished.
—Figure it out? Figure out what?
She fell silent, her expression flickering with uncertainty.
________________________________________
Author’s Note: And so concludes the chapter on the flower-viewing gathering. Wenwen has two more chapters to grow up, and the upcoming chapters are relatively shorter, focusing more on the romance. Additionally, I’d like to share a few thoughts: This chapter introduced many characters and hinted at some developments. Readers interested in guessing the plot’s direction are welcome to do so!
From the start, I sensed this story would be heavy and challenging to write, but actually penning it has proven even more difficult than I imagined. With numerous characters and intricate relationships, each character’s trajectory offers multiple possibilities. I constantly worry about losing coherence and diminishing the appeal of the characters I love. All I can do is hope it doesn’t happen…
Moreover, this story is undeniably slow-burn. Even I was shocked when I realized we’re over 200,000 words in and the romance hasn’t even started yet! Isn’t that infuriating? Honestly, I also want them to dive straight into a sweet romance—why bother with all the buildup? Can’t we just skip ahead a few years and get to the good stuff? But then I realized doing so would betray the depth of their connection. Their bond transcends mere romance—it’s more akin to a profound entanglement. Even I, the author, struggle to define it. Several times, I considered skipping ahead but ultimately decided against it. Instead, I chose to write scenes that might not appeal to all readers, striving to build a world where my beloved characters can thrive and shine. In the process, the pacing became slower…
To make matters worse, this novel isn’t just slow—it’s heavy! Even I feel a bit weighed down while writing, so I can only imagine how taxing it must be for readers. I completely empathize with this feeling. The story offers little security and lacks almost every element that makes fiction enjoyable. Writing and reading it can both feel like wading through thick mud. Let me clarify: I didn’t set out to write something heavy just for the sake of it. What moves me is the way these two characters navigate their burdensome circumstances with such delicate care. That sweetness draws me in and keeps me writing, no matter how heavy or difficult it gets. So what if it’s heavy? So what if it’s hard? I love them so much that even if the entire world’s suffering descended upon me, I’d still seek them out.
Roughly speaking, that’s the essence of this story. (By the way, Book Three will be lighter and sweeter—I’ve been enjoying writing it lately!)
So, thank you endlessly to everyone following this story, especially those who leave reviews and support me.
Chapter 70: The Flower-Viewing Gathering (6)
At that moment, Xiao Ziyu was left speechless by his response.
She had grown up alongside him.
He had been her fourth brother’s study companion, and she had known him since childhood. Back then, she had heard countless praises about Qi Ying—the unparalleled prodigy of the Qi family—but hadn’t paid much attention to them. However, the first time she saw him in the imperial study, she was instantly captivated. He had walked behind her fourth brother, his handsome phoenix-like eyes slightly lowered. When she called out loudly to her brother, he glanced at her briefly. From that moment on, she had never been able to escape the pull of those eyes.
Since then, she had always stayed close to him. Every time she claimed to visit her fourth brother, her real intention was to see him.
She had loved him ever since she was a little girl, and she had never hidden her feelings for him. By now, it was common knowledge throughout Jiankang. She knew people whispered behind her back, calling her shameless and self-degrading. But she didn’t care what others thought—she only cared about his opinion. All she wanted was to be with him forever.
Though most of the noblewomen in Jiankang admired him, none dared to express their affection openly because everyone believed that one day she, Sixth Princess Xiao Ziyu, would become his wife. Though circumstances currently prevented their marriage, she already considered him her husband-to-be, the person closest to her heart. Yet now, he told her that this was his personal matter and that she should not interfere.
Xiao Ziyu struggled to hold back her emotions but ultimately failed. Her anger flared as she exclaimed, “How can this just be your own business? It’s my business too! Everyone in Jiankang knows we’re meant to marry someday. How can you keep a young girl in your residence and expect me not to intervene?”
The moment the words left her mouth, Xiao Ziyu regretted them.
She knew Qi Ying had always been noncommittal about their marriage. Her fourth brother had even warned her that Qi Ying saw her as a sister and had no intention of marrying her. Now, by bringing up their supposed engagement, she knew he wouldn’t take her seriously. Moreover, she realized her tone was inappropriate. Though Qi Ying rarely yielded to either persuasion or force, softness was more effective than confrontation. Her harsh words would only push him further away.
But once spoken, words could not be taken back. Fearing he might grow angrier, she rushed to mend the situation. Seeing his gaze turn colder, her heart sank, and she hurriedly spoke before he could say anything hurtful: “…I don’t have to interfere if you don’t want me to. It’s just… you know how I am. I can’t keep things bottled up inside. Today, when I learned Fu Rong deceived me, I was already so angry and upset. Then I heard about this Fang Yun…”
“I can’t stay indifferent. I really… I really like you too much.”
Her fourth brother had once mocked her, saying she possessed a seductive fox-like appearance but lacked the cunning expected of such a persona. If only she could learn to manipulate and play coy, she might win over Qi Jingchen—or at least gain more of his affection.
But she simply couldn’t. Whenever she saw him, she lost all reason and could only circle around him like a devoted puppy.
She had no choice.
In truth, Xiao Ziheng was wrong. Qi Ying tolerated Xiao Ziyu precisely because of her straightforward nature. Had the Sixth Princess followed her brother’s advice and resorted to scheming, it would have backfired.
Now, Xiao Ziyu’s heartfelt confession left Qi Ying unable to maintain his cold demeanor. Though he had no intention of marrying her, he couldn’t afford to alienate her completely. She was a princess he had watched grow up, and as long as she didn’t overstep boundaries, he had no wish to make things difficult for her.
Unwilling to dwell further on the matter, he sighed and said, “Today’s flower-viewing gathering still has many events underway. I must return. If Your Highness wishes to continue enjoying the festivities, please join me. Otherwise, feel free to return to the palace.”
Xiao Ziyu detected his subtle dismissal and felt a pang of sadness. However, seeing that he hadn’t completely shut her out, she felt somewhat reassured.
After a moment’s thought, she nodded and said softly, “Alright, go ahead and attend to your duties…”
Pausing, she asked hesitantly, “…Could you send her away?”
Qi Ying looked at her, his brows furrowing again. His reply remained unchanged: “I’ve already said—it’s impossible.”
Xiao Ziyu lowered her head, torn between anger and sorrow. In the end, her heartache overwhelmed all other emotions, and tears welled up in her eyes. Sobbing, she said, “Jingchen Gege, I know you may not like me as much yet… but could you at least not like anyone else? I… I really can’t bear it…”
Her tears tugged at Qi Ying’s heartstrings, though he couldn’t fully understand her despair. Frowning deeply, he said helplessly, “What are you thinking, Your Highness? She’s just a child. Where does romantic involvement come into this?”
Still sniffling, Xiao Ziyu was startled by his words. She looked up at him, seeing sincerity in his expression, and began to believe him. Still cautious, she asked through her tears, “You… you’re telling the truth?”
Qi Ying sighed and replied, “Of course.”
With that, Xiao Ziyu’s tears turned to laughter.
She was always like this—easily moved to extremes by his words. A single kind remark from him could bring her immense joy.
She trusted him. Her Jingchen Gege was a gentleman; he wouldn’t lie about such matters.
Feeling reassured, Xiao Ziyu wiped her tears and asked, “Then… until when will you keep her here? She’s still a child now, but what about later? What happens when she grows up?”
This question caught Qi Ying off guard.
He had never considered Shen Xiqing’s future or what he would do with her once she grew up. Startled by the query, he found himself momentarily lost in thought.
However, he couldn’t remain silent in front of Xiao Ziyu. After a brief pause, he answered, “When she grows up, she’ll naturally leave.”
A gentle breeze swept through, carrying the fragrance of blossoms.
Amidst the flowers, no one noticed another figure who had quietly come and gone.
Back in the garden, the flower-viewing gathering continued. Despite the earlier commotion caused by Sixth Princess Xiao Ziyu and Fu Rong, the event resumed its usual splendor. For scholars, the qu shui liu shang was a rare opportunity to showcase their talents and climb the ladder of success. They couldn’t afford to miss it. Thus, after a brief disruption, the gathering carried on. Men of literary talent gathered by the stream, composing poetry, drinking wine, and engaging in spirited discussions—a quintessential scene of Jiangzuo elegance.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Fu Rong managed to slip away from prying eyes. She wandered to a secluded corner of the mountain, finding a quiet cherry tree where she sat alone, hugging her knees.
Being publicly slapped by the Sixth Princess and having her feelings exposed would have been unbearable for any noblewoman. Some might have considered becoming a nun or even taking their own lives, while others would surely have cried their hearts out.
But Fu Rong was different.
Not only did she harbor no thoughts of renouncing the world or ending her life, but she also shed no tears. Sitting beneath the cherry tree, she wasn’t consumed by melancholy but instead calmly reflected on what to do next.
She now understood that Qi Ying had no interest in her. She couldn’t cling to him any longer; she needed to plan for her own future. Although today’s incident might allow her to claim she was wrongfully accused by Xiao Ziyu, her reputation had still suffered.
As a noblewoman, her chastity was her lifeline. Once tarnished, how could she secure a suitable marriage?
Lost in thought, Fu Rong suddenly heard a man’s voice laugh, “I wondered where you’d disappeared to. So you’ve come here to hide and enjoy some peace?”
Turning toward the sound, she saw a man step out from behind a rock. His flirtatious peach-blossom eyes were even more striking than the surrounding flowers, and his smile exuded a mischievous charm.
It was Fourth Prince Xiao Ziheng.
Though his sister had slapped her earlier, Fu Rong showed no resentment. She smiled naturally and prepared to stand and bow to him.
Xiao Ziheng disliked formalities and waved her off as he approached. “No need, no need. Stay seated.”
He joined her under the tree, sitting beside her.
Fu Rong complied, remaining seated as instructed. Turning to him, she asked, “Why are you here, Your Highness? I thought the qu shui liu shang was in full swing. Aren’t you joining them?”
Leaning casually against the tree, Xiao Ziheng stretched his legs out and grinned. “Poetry and scholarly debates aren’t my forte. If it were just about drinking, I’d be there.”
Fu Rong covered her mouth and chuckled softly, saying nothing.
Xiao Ziheng glanced at her, his eyes filled with curiosity and amusement. After studying her for a moment, he remarked, “You’re quite interesting. Even after what happened, you’re not upset and can still sit here calmly?”
Fu Rong met his gaze, sensing the dismissive undertone in his teasing. As the brother of the person who had struck her, his words bordered on offensive.
Suppressing her discomfort, she responded calmly, “I thought Your Highness came to apologize on behalf of the princess.”
Xiao Ziheng laughed and shook his head. “She’s grown up now. She’ll take responsibility for her actions. Why should I apologize on her behalf?”
“Besides,” he added, glancing at Fu Rong with a sly gleam in his eye, “she might not have wronged you at all, right?”
Though her expression remained composed, Fu Rong’s eyes betrayed a flicker of coldness. She realized the Fourth Prince had come to vent his sister’s frustrations, perhaps feeling her slap wasn’t harsh enough and wanting to add insult to injury.
Xiao Ziheng noticed the chill in her eyes and raised an eyebrow, smiling provocatively. “Don’t misunderstand me. I mean no harm—I’m merely curious.”
Fu Rong regarded him silently and asked, “What exactly are you curious about, Your Highness?”
He smirked, tilting his head. “I’m curious why all of you seem to fancy Jingchen.”
Though he smiled, his eyes held no warmth. Fu Rong raised an eyebrow, surprised by his question.
Qi Ying had been Xiao Ziheng’s study companion since childhood, and she had always assumed their relationship was close. Yet his current demeanor suggested otherwise.
Hiding her suspicion, Fu Rong smiled faintly and replied, “Master Qi is peerless. How could any maiden resist being drawn to him?”
Xiao Ziheng gazed at her, noting the clarity in her eyes despite her words. Unlike his sister, whose mention of Qi Ying always sparked fervor, Fu Rong’s composure intrigued him. Chuckling, he said, “Fu Rong, I’ve always known you’re different from the others.”
His eyes sparkled with an unusual excitement, as if he had stumbled upon something fascinating. This only deepened Fu Rong’s unease.
She didn’t understand what he meant, but the gleam in his eyes sent a chill down her spine.
People often dismissed Xiao Ziheng as dissolute, overshadowed by his illustrious maternal family and trailing far behind Third Prince Xiao Zihuan. Yet the look in his eyes now filled Fu Rong with doubt.
Before she could delve deeper, Xiao Ziheng stood up. His face was shadowed as he looked down at her.
He said, “Fu Rong, you’re a smart woman. When you figure it out, remember to come find me.”
With that, he turned and disappeared behind the rocks as abruptly as he had appeared.
Fu Rong sat motionless, staring at the spot where he had vanished.
—Figure it out? Figure out what?
She fell silent, her expression flickering with uncertainty.
________________________________________
Author’s Note: And so concludes the chapter on the flower-viewing gathering. Wenwen has two more chapters to grow up, and the upcoming chapters are relatively shorter, focusing more on the romance. Additionally, I’d like to share a few thoughts: This chapter introduced many characters and hinted at some developments. Readers interested in guessing the plot’s direction are welcome to do so!
From the start, I sensed this story would be heavy and challenging to write, but actually penning it has proven even more difficult than I imagined. With numerous characters and intricate relationships, each character’s trajectory offers multiple possibilities. I constantly worry about losing coherence and diminishing the appeal of the characters I love. All I can do is hope it doesn’t happen…
Moreover, this story is undeniably slow-burn. Even I was shocked when I realized we’re over 200,000 words in and the romance hasn’t even started yet! Isn’t that infuriating? Honestly, I also want them to dive straight into a sweet romance—why bother with all the buildup? Can’t we just skip ahead a few years and get to the good stuff? But then I realized doing so would betray the depth of their connection. Their bond transcends mere romance—it’s more akin to a profound entanglement. Even I, the author, struggle to define it. Several times, I considered skipping ahead but ultimately decided against it. Instead, I chose to write scenes that might not appeal to all readers, striving to build a world where my beloved characters can thrive and shine. In the process, the pacing became slower…
To make matters worse, this novel isn’t just slow—it’s heavy! Even I feel a bit weighed down while writing, so I can only imagine how taxing it must be for readers. I completely empathize with this feeling. The story offers little security and lacks almost every element that makes fiction enjoyable. Writing and reading it can both feel like wading through thick mud. Let me clarify: I didn’t set out to write something heavy just for the sake of it. What moves me is the way these two characters navigate their burdensome circumstances with such delicate care. That sweetness draws me in and keeps me writing, no matter how heavy or difficult it gets. So what if it’s heavy? So what if it’s hard? I love them so much that even if the entire world’s suffering descended upon me, I’d still seek them out.
Roughly speaking, that’s the essence of this story. (By the way, Book Three will be lighter and sweeter—I’ve been enjoying writing it lately!)
So, thank you endlessly to everyone following this story, especially those who leave reviews and support me.