Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

“I understand, Lui,” she said cautiously in a voice filled with a hint of a grievance. It was only then did Chu Lui realize that he had said some harsh words to her. Out of guilt, he embraced her into his arms.

He knew she had done all these because she was worried about him. He shouldn’t vent his anger on her. He had already mistreated her in so many ways. He couldn’t deny whatever he had done. Once he had saved this child, he would love her with all his heart and remain faithful to her alone.

“I’m sorry,” he apologized. He seemed to be apologizing a lot recently. Other than apologizing, he did not know of any other way to express himself.

“I know. I should be the one to apologize.” Li Manni snuggled into his arms. However, her eyes were clouded by deep sorrow. Did this man love her? Was it simply because she was his responsibility? Or perhaps, he didn’t even know that he had already given his heart away four years ago.

Maybe he still did not understand. However, as a woman and his wife, she had felt it.

This man had not loved her at all.

Even if that was the case, she would not let him go. Never. Her arms went around his waist even tighter. She was too fond of being in his arms so she must protect it with everything she had.

By hook or by crook.

Even if it was hurtful.

Even if it ruined other people’s lives.

Rainy sat on her bed in the hospital. The shoes were on her feet, and she placed them by the side of the bed. Tightly in her arms was Dolly.

Xia Ruoxin squatted in front of her at eye level. The identical eyes of the mother and daughter stared at each other.

“Rainy, have you been misbehaving today? Were you being impolite?” Xia Ruoxin’s eyebrows were knitted together. She was having difficulty breathing as something seemed to be pressing against her chest. The nurse told her she was not sure why. However, the usually obedient and sweet-talking Rainy was being overly quiet when she saw Mr. Chu. The little girl had not said anything throughout their encounter. Xia Ruoxin knew her daughter was not like this. She had always treated everyone with respect.

Rainy started to pout as she swung her legs. She tucked her chin on top of Dolly’s head. This time, she did not reply; and she was unwilling to elaborate.

“Rainy!” Xia Ruoxin raised her voice slightly. She had doted on her child since the girl was born and loved her with everything. She had never beaten her, scolded her, or spoke to her in such a tone. Rainy had never been reprimanded.

Rainy’s eyes reddened. Tears began to fall in rapid succession. She looked pitiful.

“Alright, I won’t speak about it. Not a word. It’s all Mommy fault.” At the sight of her tearful daughter, Xia Ruoxin rushed to embrace her tiny frame. She began patting Rainy on her back.

“My child, do you know? If he doesn’t like you or if he is upset with you, he may not save you. Then, what do you want Mommy to do? What should I do?”

Xia Ruoxin covered her mouth, afraid she would cry out. However, she was really frightened.

Rainy clutched tightly at Xia Ruoxin’s blouse and wiped her tears on her mother’s clothes.

“Mommy, they are bad. They beat you. They are bad people. I don’t like them at all.” She rubbed her face against Xia Ruoxin’s chest, occasionally repeating the phrase ‘bad people’.