Shen Ye’s gaze was fixed intently on Su Li, whose entire being radiated a chilling, icy aura. He could clearly perceive that her emotions had reached a breaking point. In the past, even when she was angry during their arguments, she had never appeared so heart-wrenchingly fragile. He knew this was not the time to debate right from wrong.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Shen Ye strode onto the stage in a few long steps. He opened his arms and pulled Su Li into a tight embrace, cradling her carefully and gently. One hand stroked her back, attempting to soothe her turbulent emotions. He leaned down to her ear, his voice low and thick with guilt. "It’s my fault—it’s all my fault. Please, don’t be sad anymore, okay? I promise you, this will never happen again. Don't be like this; seeing you like this breaks my heart. If you don't like celebrating birthdays, then we won't. We still have countless beautiful days ahead of us in the rest of our lives, many more moments worth cherishing." His words flowed like a gentle stream, trying to comfort her scarred heart.
In Shen Ye’s arms, Su Li gasped for air, trying to calm herself. She had just fallen back into that dark, bottomless abyss. As she closed her eyes and listened to his words, she saw a flicker of light in that pitch-black place. It was the same scene that had appeared in her dreams countless times: it was Shen Ye, holding an umbrella, shielding the only light left in her heart.
Chapter 240