The wind stirred, and since morning, Feng Qishi had been pondering whether his words to Mu Anxiao had been too harsh. Now, he realized he was wrong. Mu Anxiao’s approach to him was truly resolute; she was even willing to disregard her own life. Seeing her like this, Feng Qishi felt a pang of heartache. “I’m not leaving,” he said softly, rising and sitting by her bedside, reaching out to support her arm.
Following Feng Qishi’s action, Mu Anxiao let out a muffled sob.
Feng Qishi was startled. “You… you’re crying.”
“I… I don’t want to live anymore,” Mu Anxiao said between sobs.
Seeing this, Feng Qishi leaned forward, his gaze fixed on Mu Anxiao’s profile, filled with guilt. “Mu傻子, is this because of me, or…”
“It’s not because of you. I’m just tired, this time,” Mu Anxiao said. Wiping away her snot and tears in one swift motion, she turned to meet Feng Qishi’s eyes. “I really don’t want to owe you anymore.” After speaking, her eyes lost their usual sparkle.
Feng Qishi never expected this situation to be the last straw that would break her. He blinked, suddenly at a loss for words of comfort. But… if they remained in this stalemate, it would only strengthen her resolve to ‘seek death.’ So, he swallowed and finally spoke, “Are you blaming me?”
“No,” Mu Anxiao replied with unexpected compliance.
Feng Qishi’s eyes darkened. “Mu傻子, I’m sorry, I…”
“You have nothing to apologize for. Everything is my own doing. If I had been rational and hadn't trusted Ouyang Ye so much, none of this would have happened. Feng Qishi,” Mu Anxiao decided she wouldn’t evade anymore and needed to clarify things, “I love you, truly. I know sometimes my words hurt you, but… I’ve explained. What I said to Ouyang Ye wasn’t my true feelings. I never wanted… wanted you to marry any woman, including Gu Yan. Since you’ve taken it to heart now, there’s nothing more for me to say. I wish you…”
“Don’t say it,” Feng Qishi interrupted softly.
Mu Anxiao paused upon hearing this, then continued, “I was going to say, I wish you happiness. Don’t worry, I won’t give up on myself now. After you get married, I’ll leave. Then…”
“I said, don’t say it anymore,” Feng Qishi couldn’t bear to hear more.
Instead, Mu Anxiao parted her lips and smiled at Feng Qishi. “I know, you definitely…”
“I said, stop talking,” Feng Qishi roared, then directly leaned down and kissed her.
The next second… the air froze.
Mu Anxiao’s eyes widened at the instant Feng Qishi made such a bold move. However… it was Feng Qishi’s kiss that awakened her. Memories flooded back, recalling the hardships she had endured along the way, recalling Feng Qishi’s plea in the mortal world for her to take him away, and… all the near-death experiences she had gone through over the years. She also remembered… what she had said to Feng Qishi before her last death. As these memories surfaced, for the umpteenth time, she grasped the meaning of being alive.
Looking at Feng Qishi up close, she no longer wanted to die.
Just then, Feng Qishi also pulled away. “If you talk nonsense again, don’t blame me for being harsh.” His gaze was firm as he reached out to wipe the tears from the corners of Mu Anxiao’s eyes.
Following this, Mu Anxiao stared at Feng Qishi’s face for a few seconds and said softly, “I have a way.”
“What?” Feng Qishi was taken aback.
A slight curve formed on Mu Anxiao’s lips. “I said, I have a way.” She said this, forcing herself to sit up.
Feng Qishi saw this and quickly said, “Your injuries…”
“I still trust Jia quite a bit,” Mu Anxiao said, managing to sit up.
Seeing Mu Anxiao like this, Feng Qishi was at a loss. “What way do you have?” he returned to the main topic.
Mu Anxiao smiled faintly and beckoned. “Bring your face closer.”
At this, Feng Qishi frowned and asked, “What do you want to do? Hit me? Or maybe…” He narrowed his eyes, recalling how Mu Anxiao always rinsed her mouth after he kissed her, and it dawned on him. “Or maybe you want me to get you water to rinse your mouth? Don’t tell me you’re that disgusted by me.” Saying this, he prepared to get up.
Then, Mu Anxiao said, somewhat annoyed, “I told you to bring your face closer, so bring it closer. Why so much nonsense?” As she spoke, she furrowed her brow.
Feng Qishi dared not make further guesses. “Then what do you want to do?” he asked, still obediently leaning his face towards Mu Anxiao.
Seeing Feng Qishi’s cautious obedience, Mu Anxiao couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m not going to do anything to you, look at you.” Saying this, she also brought her face closer to Feng Qishi’s.
Feng Qishi started in surprise. “What are you doing?” He met Mu Anxiao’s eyes tightly.
“Don’t be nervous. If you get nervous, I get nervous too,” Mu Anxiao said, and suddenly reached out to steady Feng Qishi’s shoulder.
Feng Qishi was stunned.
Following this, Mu Anxiao looked at Feng Qishi’s completely startled expression caused by her action and smiled. “Feng Qishi, I’ve decided on something,” she said with a look of sincerity.
“You’ve decided… what?” Feng Qishi felt inexplicably nervous.
“I’ve decided…” Mu Anxiao spoke, pursed her lips into a smile, raised her hand to cup his face, and became serious. “Marry me.”
“What?” Feng Qishi had never imagined such words would come from Mu Anxiao’s mouth. Hearing this now… he was stunned.
Mu Anxiao looked at Feng Qishi’s sudden stunned expression, the corner of her mouth curled up, and she took her hand away. “I only say good things once.” After speaking, she turned sideways, propped up a pillow, and leaned against it.
“…” Feng Qishi blinked his eyes and couldn’t help but recall Mu Anxiao’s words from a moment ago, then smiled. “You’re telling the truth.”
“Ouyang Ye’s painstaking efforts and his elaborate plans for all these mess indicate that he doesn’t know I like you, but he fears that I do. So, he wants to quickly get you married to a demoness to prevent future trouble. However, I’m sure he never imagined I’d want to marry you. To be honest,” Mu Anxiao said, crossing her arms in front of her, “those demonesses lingering around you were indeed quite annoying. As long as I have the title of wife with you, I’ll also have some peace. Most importantly, someone will help me earn money. Why wouldn’t I?”
“You’re marrying me just for my money,” Feng Qishi said calmly.
Mu Anxiao frowned. “You speak so nastily. If you don’t want to marry me, then fine. At worst, I’ll go with Ouyang Ye…”
“Who says I don’t want to marry you? I was just joking. After we get married, I’ll definitely give you all the money I earn, and then you can rest.”
“Rest what rest? You know how many enemies I have. Then, we’ll still be partners,” Mu Anxiao said, sighing as she thought of those demon souls.
“Let’s not think about that for now. We still need to make a plan,” Feng Qishi said, taking Mu Anxiao’s arm, preparing to tend to her injuries.