RITM - 62

Chapter 62: The Twenty-sided Mirrors – Blooming (1)

A month passed, and the winter break ended just as students returned to school. The weather had warmed slightly, but the shocking news of Mrs. Xie’s suicide after colluding with criminals still lingered in the air. Barely into the new year, another scandal erupted: Su Jiannian was arrested by the police for drug use. Too cowardly to face the public, he issued a hasty apology and announced his indefinite withdrawal from Gongzhou’s music scene before fleeing to the United States to pursue his career. 

Huang Xiaonan, meanwhile, had vanished without a trace. However, He Yingze’s investigation revealed that the man who appeared that day was merely a decoy Huang had sent to test the waters. Huang himself had never returned to Gongzhou, instead remaining abroad. Reports indicated he had been spotted in Rome a month prior. This revelation dealt a significant blow to He Yingze, reinforcing the reality that Huang was even more formidable than rumored. He decided not to make any bold moves in the short term, focusing instead on regrouping and biding his time to exact revenge for his father’s death. 

Of all those involved, Luo Wei found herself the most bewildered in the aftermath of that life-and-death struggle. He Yingze had said something strange to her that day: “From the very beginning, I knew this would be the outcome. That’s why I warned you long ago not to get close to me.” Later, puzzled, she asked him what he meant by “outcome.” 

“I will kill Huang Xiaonan sooner or later,” he replied. 

“So what?” 

“Zhou Jinru’s death is, in part, because of me.” 

“So what?” 

“You can hate me, but I’ll still do it.” 

“Wait, why would I hate you?” Seeing He Yingze frown in confusion, she tilted her head, equally perplexed. “Are you trying to say that since they’re my biological parents, I should care?” 

“Isn’t that obvious?”

“The woman who killed my parents—I don’t even know that scar-faced man. Why should I care? Oh wait, I do care—because my parents were killed because of them.” 

He remained silent for a long time before finally saying, “I understand,” and sent her home without further explanation. She was utterly baffled. Then, she suddenly remembered a conversation they’d had long ago about avenging a father’s death and tragic heroines. Could it be that He Yingze’s distant attitude toward her all this time had been because of this? Did he know that those two villains were her biological parents and that she would eventually become his enemy? She sent him a message: “I really don’t care. You don’t need to distance yourself from me because of them. Even if they hadn’t framed my parents, they’re far worse than strangers. They never treated me as their daughter—they’re more despicable than strangers, okay?” 

He replied with just one word: “Alright.” 

“Alright?” What did he mean by “alright”? Was he agreeing that they were more despicable than strangers, or was he saying her words made sense? 

She had originally thought that his rushing to save her meant he still had feelings for her—or at the very least, that they could remain friends. But when she later reached out to thank him for saving her life or invited him to dinner, he simply replied, “No need,” or “Busy, maybe next time.” Throughout February, he didn’t contact her once. By early March, she found herself sinking into the familiar pain of heartbreak, often embarrassed by her own misplaced affection to the point of wanting to dig a hole and bury herself like a groundhog. But then, unexpectedly, he called. 

“Come to Zhen Ji Castle.” He hung up immediately after speaking. 

At the VIP table in the afternoon tea restaurant of Zhen Ji Castle, a foreign waiter in a bow tie served two plates of pastries. Luo Wei glanced at He Yingze across the table, noticing that aside from checking his watch occasionally, he showed no interest in talking to her. Trying not to feel awkward, she sipped her Thai coconut water and focused on eating the desserts. Looking around at the crystal furniture and glass windows, she felt as though her heart had turned into fragile glass—transparent and easily shattered. When the distant clock tower struck three, He Yingze stood up, looking past her. 

She set down her fork and turned to see what had caught his attention. At the entrance of the restaurant, a middle-aged couple was registering at the front desk. For a moment, she wasn’t sure if she was dreaming or had been transported to a magical world. Her feet felt rooted to the spot as she abruptly stood up but remained frozen until they approached closer. When she finally recognized them as her parents, a surge of warmth flooded her chest. The couple smiled and waved at her. Without caring about the setting, she ran over and threw her arms around them, tears finally spilling forth in torrents. 

“Thank goodness, Sister Xia! Brother Xiong! You’re safe, you’re safe…” She didn’t ask any questions, only cried uncontrollably. 

“Oh dear, our little baby! How can you still be so attached to your mother at this age? So clingy!” Her mother laughed like a blossoming flower, youthful despite her years. “Dad and Mom are fine. We worried you unnecessarily.” 

Luo Wei was used to being affectionate with her parents and couldn’t bring herself to express how close she had come to despair. She anxiously pinched their arms, afraid they might have lost even an ounce of weight. Though they weren’t her biological parents, their love and sacrifices made their bond all the more precious. Wrapped in their embrace and comfort, she cried for a long time. No one mentioned her biological parents, and no one hinted at any intention to distance themselves. After a while, her father patted her shoulder. “Wei’er, stop clinging to us for now. Be polite and thank Xiao He. If it weren’t for him, these old bones of ours would’ve been done for long ago.” 

Only then did Luo Wei snap back to reality. She turned to look at He Yingze standing behind her. He had remained silent the entire time, quietly observing their reunion. Wiping away some tears, she scratched her head sheepishly, like a reluctant student thanking a teacher. “Thank you, Xiao Ying… But I’m confused. What exactly happened?” 

“All these years, Mrs. Xie forbade us from returning to Gongzhou, especially emphasizing that you shouldn’t come back either. You already know the reason. Before the gas explosion incident, Xiao Ying suspected she might try to silence us permanently, so he arranged for us to be sent to a private island in the Caribbean.” At this point, her mother showed no fear, instead laughing lightly. “But since we didn’t know how long things would take to resolve, and we didn’t want you to worry, your father suggested keeping it a secret. It was also meant to help you grow stronger.” 

Luo Wei gasped. “You kept something like this from me?! Do you have any idea how devastated I was?” 

“We debated for a long time, but look at you now—our daughter has grown so much and become so excellent!” Her father replied without a hint of regret. 

Luo Wei felt an overwhelming urge to faint on the spot. These two always had such unconventional logic. Sent off to a tropical paradise for what must have been the longest, most indulgent honeymoon ever, they returned unscathed, claiming it was all to give her a chance to mature. 

The four of them sat and talked for a long time. She learned that He Yingze had already purchased a new house in Gongzhou for her parents, ready for them to move in whenever they wished. She decided to go home with them and spend more time together. As they left Zhen Ji Castle, surprisingly, He Yingze didn’t send someone to escort them out but personally accompanied them. After her parents got into the car, she hesitated to follow, turning back to look at him with lingering reluctance. “He Yingze...” 

“What is it?” 

Thinking about everything he had done for her recently, she realized he had done all he could. Recalling Ni Lei’s betrayal, she knew he had endured much for her sake. He had helped her through adversity, and he had always been the one who cared for her the most. She liked him so much, and he had done so much for her. In this mutual trust, she felt a strange illusion of finding family. Pulling him to a spot where her parents couldn’t see, she intended to thank him sincerely—but overcome by emotion, she abandoned all restraint and threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly around the waist. Her heart ached faintly. “Xiao Ying, I truly don’t understand what you’re after.” 

“I’m after loving you.” 

She froze, looking up at him in astonishment. “What...” Before she could finish, he had already pushed her against the car door. She tried to look up to see what was happening, but he pinned her wrists to the door. A shadow fell over them as his lips crashed fiercely onto hers.

In an instant, her heart felt like it had leapt out of her chest, and her mind went blank, a vast expanse of white. It wasn’t until his kiss deepened further that she finally realized—this man was He Yingze. 

The man she once thought she’d never have a chance to get close to, the man who had so harshly rejected her, lifting her to heaven only to cast her into hell, actually loved her. 

Was this real? She clung to his collar, trying to confirm his presence. But as soon as she became slightly more assertive, he responded with an even rougher, more suffocating kiss. 

He Yingze, He Yingze… 

Xiao Ying… 

Just thinking his name made her heart feel like it might burst from the overwhelming affection and dependence she felt for him. For the first time, she realized that such a fierce and unrestrained kiss could also be so tender… 

But if they continued like this, her parents would surely see them. 

She shyly pushed against his chest, hurriedly turning her head away and gesturing toward the car behind her. In a nervous whisper, she said, “What are you doing? If they see us, we’re done for.” 

He didn’t respond, but a faint smile flickered in his glacier-like eyes. He tightened his grip on her hand, and when she tried to pull back, blushing, he held on even tighter. Without giving her a chance to resist, he guided her toward the car door. 

She whispered, “I’ll come find you later. Thank you.” 

“Alright.” 

She hugged him tightly once more, brushing away tears that had spilled onto his shirt before quickly slipping into the car. She ruffled her hair awkwardly, trying to compose herself so her parents wouldn’t notice anything unusual. Her mother, laughing until her eyes disappeared, said, “Mom’s always had a good eye for people. When Xiao Ying was younger, I told you how handsome he was, especially his nose. Look at him now—isn’t he the perfect picture of a distinguished man?” Midway through, she heard her father clear his throat in disapproval, skillfully changing the subject. Glancing curiously at the door, she asked, “Baby, why did you leave Xiao Ying outside?” 

“Aren’t we going home now?” 

“You’re coming home with us, but leaving Xiao Ying outside isn’t right. We’re all family now—invite him along.” 

“F-family?” 

“Yes, didn’t you two already get your marriage certificate?” 

Luo Wei felt dizzy. How did her mother know about their marriage certificate? Didn’t she realize it was just a marriage of convenience? Before she could stop her, her mother had already opened the door and called He Yingze into the car. Without hesitation, he got in, closed the door, and sat beside Luo Wei. She awkwardly whispered, “My mom doesn’t know the truth.” 

“What truth?” He Yingze feigned ignorance, acting as if he were an outsider. 

She glared at him, lowering her voice even further. “Our marriage isn’t real.” 

Seeing her furtive expression, he leaned down and whispered teasingly into her ear, “Oh? Which part isn’t real?” 

“It’s just a marriage of convenience, so obviously…” She trailed off, suddenly frozen. 

Which part wasn’t real… The marriage certificate was real. The public announcement was real. Living together was real. Even their day-to-day interactions mirrored those of a married couple. He had just confessed his love to her, and she had long since… She felt her face burning, stammering and unable to speak. He helpfully supplied the missing words: “The last part that isn’t real—we can make it real tonight.” 

Luo Wei’s face turned crimson, her entire body feeling like it was on fire, but with her parents present, she couldn’t react openly. Her father cleared his throat, attempting to regain some authority. “Xiao He, your career is flourishing, but remember not to neglect our daughter. Wei’er is my precious gem.” 

“Dad, I’ll take good care of her.” 

That single word—”Dad”—struck Luo Wei like a bolt of lightning, leaving her stunned. So, she and Xiao Ying were really husband and wife now? Before she could process it, his hand naturally rested on her shoulder, pulling her closer. “Wei’er is the woman I love most in this world. I’ll do everything in my power to make her happy.”