Jiang Wumei’s calm and objective analysis struck Xiao Tong like a dull blade, slicing repeatedly into his flesh. During those days when his soul had inhabited the white tiger, he had seen Jiang Wumei with her guard down. He knew that in all of Dasheng, only the one called Xu Junjun could truly bring her genuine joy. As for himself, in her heart, he was likely nothing more than a ruler she was forced to appease.
Staring into Jiang Wumei’s calm, rational eyes, Xiao Tong felt a profound bitterness. Since returning to his own body, he had been trying to reshape his image in Niaoniao’s eyes. Even after learning the truth—that she would rather have faked her own death to escape him—he had not dared to harbor even the slightest grudge. He was afraid; he was terrified that his anger and resentment would only push her further away. Even when his heart felt as though it were being devoured by turbulent emotions, the moment he stood before her, he would suppress all his anger, leaving only an abundance of caution and tenderness. He had once thought that as long as he remained persistent, he would eventually be able to win her heart back. But now, it seemed it had all been a delusion.
Enduring the dull ache in his chest, Xiao Tong kissed Jiang Wumei on the cheek, his voice husky: "Niaoniao, can you look at me?"
Chapter 284