96 Caught in the Middle (2/2)

”I never take given gifts.” Zong Your proceeded to leave, and when he reached the door, he turned around with a smile on his face. The smile was no different from the light pink cherry blossoms outside the window.

”It will come in handy one day, I suppose.”

Meng Fuyao watched as his silhouette disappeared into a cluster of cherry blossom trees. Not knowing to sigh or escape with her face covered, she bit on her lips while looking at Zhangsun Wuji. Zhan Beiye and Zong Yue had, with their own methods, challenged him, and she did not know how he was feeling.

He did not get angry or anything like that. Only, his face had turned slightly pale, and the expression he had on was complicated. Strange emotions were swimming in his eyes but he never once reciprocated Zhan Beiye's cold gaze.

A long time later he leaned back a little, evidently tired, and spoke in a low voice, ”You're right, Zhan Beiye. I haven't thought it through clearly, and I have no qualms if Fuyao were to blame me for it.

The loneliness in his voice caused Meng Fuyao to tremble, as she recalled the words he had spoken before she woke up. It was something that raised doubt, but it wasn't the time to question him. All she wanted to do was to dig two holes on the ground and keep the two men separated. Otherwise, she would be the victim of the collision between lightning and fire.

Unfortunately, the catastrophe wasn't over.

Zhan Beiye strode over suddenly to shove the pendant into Meng Fuyao's view. ”There's nothing to hide at this point. Let me ask you straight: Do you accept this?”

Meng Fuyao sat motionlessly.

Zhangsun Wuji turned to look at her.

Zhan Beiye seemed not to have the intention to retract his extended hand. He looked at Meng Fuyao with passionate determination.

Meng Fuyao stared at the clear jade, sensing the fire within it. It was a fire that drilled right into her heart, causing her to lose herself. It was an awkward and unbearable moment. She couldn't keep it, but couldn't bear to hurt his pride. After all, it wasn't something a ruthless rejection could simply end. Plus, Zhangsun Wuji was present, and not accepting the pendant might work to a new round of misunderstandings.

Meng Fuyao felt that she could be ruthless when killing people or when taking revenge, but of people were to be kind to her, her good conscience would take over and bind her hands and feet, rendering her helpless.

'Ah, can I faint now? Too fake, isn't it?'

Her pupils darted about as she pondered over it for almost a decade. Finally, she made a choice. 'I'm not going to accept it, and I'm going to make things clear. I'm not accepting anything from anyone!'

The next second she hesitated, thinking about how her action would hurt Zhan Beiye forever. A person like him should be setting his pace and gaze on the Five Region Continent and not on herself.

Meng Fuyao raised her head and bit on her lips. As she was about to speak a hand reached toward her to accept the pendant.

It was Zhangsun Wuji!

Meng Fuyao's head buzzed, and she was instantly confused. ”What do you mean by this?” Zhan Beiye roared.

”Brother Zhan,” Zhangsun Wuji started with a smile. ”Why put her in such a difficult position? Pursuing a lady isn't just about giving and receiving gifts. Just as I'm giving her space, you too should give her the choice and freedom.”

”Have I denied her the freedom?” Zhan Beiye broke into a cold smile. ”Don't sow discord at every chance you get, Zhangsun Wuji. And Fuyao, don't worry about me. I said I'm not going to give up, so I'm not going to disappear even if you reject me.”

”Since you're not going to give up, why this jade?” Zhangsun Wuji smiled. ”I don't mean to sow discord, and me accepting this doesn't represent her intention as well. I'm doing this to tell you that this is a fight between us, and she should remain out of it. What we need to do is not to force her into a decision but let her think about it and make her choice.”

Zhan Beiye kept silent while giving the other man a meaningful look. Meng Fuyao's heart was leaning toward Zhangsun Wuji, but instead of taking the chance to show possessiveness, the latter had actually taken a step back and suggested a fair fight. It was a beautiful move that did not cause her to feel abandoned while helping her out of the difficult situation. At the same time, he had expressed his intention. Meng Fuyao was touched once more.