176 Highest Realm of Heaven (1/2)

A long staredown between them ensued, the atmosphere becoming frigid and unwelcoming. A dreary silence persisted between them, as neither of them wanted to back down. It was not in their nature to give up in the first place, mainly because both Li Chenyang and Li Xueyue were too competitive and stubborn.

”Hand it over.”

”No.”

”Li Xueyue!” he exasperated, finally deciding enough was enough.

Li Chenyang grabbed her by the shoulders, forcing her to crane her neck up to meet his eyes. At this moment, she despised having an average height. He was even taller when they were seated.

At the least, Yu Zhen would support her neck or ease his body down to make her more comfortable. Thinking of his slight smiles and gentle touches, she felt her face flush. Why was she having thoughts about him at a time like this?

”I won't ask again. Give me the ring right now.”

”I don't want to.”

Li Chenyang scowled at her words. It was one of the rare moments she had ever defied him. ”Do you realize how bad it is to walk around wearing this ring when you're not even publicly declared to him? People will talk!”

Li Xueyue shook her head. She couldn't care less about what people thought of her. It wasn't like rumors and gossip could feed her. Her eyes dropped to the floor because she did care about one thing: The Li Family's reputation that she was always careful to not drag down.

”Don't be stubborn. If you want something made with yellow stones like topaz, then I will buy out an entire collection for you!”

”But I only want this ring…” she whispered, her voice cracking towards the end. Li Xueyue didn't mean to get so emotional over this topic, but she couldn't help herself. It was like Li Chenyang said, this could be a promise ring that he would come back to her. A promise that he would patiently wait for her, no matter the weeks, months, and maybe even years that went by.

Promises were nothing but sweet lies.

She used to tell herself that, but for odd reasons, Yu Zhen's promises towards her sounded too truthful for her to not believe him.

Li Xueyue knew she was foolish and this world was too cruel for her, but she did not care.

She only wanted Yu Zhen.

Even if loving him would bring her pain and maybe a disastrous demise in Wuyi, she did not care. If loving him was knocking on death's door, then she'd fling it open and run down the steps leading to the Underworld. If it meant she could have him, then consequences did not matter to her.

”Xueyue,” Li Chenyang tried again, this time, softening his voice.

He could not bear the sight of her trembling lips. She was trying too hard to be strong despite the tears that threatened to spill.

Li Chenyang could tell her lack of sleep was more frequent than usual. Nowadays, she was more erratic and emotional. She seemed physically exhausted with her dropped shoulders and dark circles. She was a Panda in the making.

”Please,” he muttered. ”Give it to me. I only have your best interest at heart. I would never do something that I know would hurt you.”

Li Xueyue believed him. She would always believe her Chen-ge, no matter what kind of man he might become in the future.

Even if he would become a tyrannical Prime Minister, ordering the beheading of anyone who pissed him off, she would still believe the good in him. Not because she was ignorant, but simply because she cherished him too much.

”Please,” she begged, ”I just want to hold onto this ring. I-it's the only thing reassuring me that he'll come back for me.”

”He hasn't left yet. You can request something else to hold onto,” Li Chenyang responded. ”But not this ring. Never this ring.”

”Chen-ge…” she trailed off, ”I do not want anything else but this.”

”Fine then.” Li Chenyang scowled, straightening his back. ”Then give me both his pendant and his hairpin.”

”What? No, I can't!” she breathed out, shocked that he knew about these things.

”I was testing you.” Li Chenyang's face darkened.

Li Xueyue stiffened, her eyes widened in horror. This was the first time she had seen him look at her in such a manner. He was truly furious with her.

”But thank you for telling me how much of a shameless man he is for giving you sentimental gifts. It's either you hand the ring over, or you hand both the pendant and hairpin.”