"You want me to be gentle?"

  Nian Xiaoyuan asked as he fondled her soft peaks. Hong Cha nodded hopefully. She knows he is angry she broke his trust. But, unfortunately for Nian Xiaoyuan, this is not the day for him. He is about to punish her more when Kong shrieks and goes to the windowsill.

  "Big Master, a thief intruded the palace!"

  "Lin Xingjin, hmph." he immediately knew who it was. The blossoming fragrant disappeared when Hong Cha calmed. It affected Nian Xiaoyuan's train of thought. He gave her a longing kiss before getting off the bed.

  "After I kill him, you're next."

  "Nian Xiaoyuan! Wait!" Hong Cha tried to stop him but he already left with Kong. She hurriedly dresses herself with the lightest skirt. Hong Cha took a cloak to cover her from the heavy snow pouring down that night.

  [Host, hurry! The plot is nearing its end!]

  Hong Cha sighed heavily and headed to the empress palace where Zhao Xue resided. The betrayal is meant for today where the villain dies because the female lead killed him. She will not let that happen. Nian Xiaoyuan must survive. If he survives, there is a higher chance she can destroy the plot.

  She soon arrived at the palace. Zhao Xue was knocked on the moon gate as two figures fought to death ahead of her. Hong Cha clicked her tongue. Really? All for Zhao Xue? She forced herself and when Nian Xiaoyuan was pushed near her, Hong Cha quickly shielded him from Lin Xingjin.

  "Prince Brother, stop!" she closed her eyes in fear of getting stabbed. Fortunately, Lin Xingjin paused at the right time. Hong Cha continued to stand in front of Nian Xiaoyuan with her arms spread. Her eyes went watery while emitting grievances. "Prince Brother, don't. Please, I freed you so you can find a new life outside Zhou. Not to stay here and ruin yourself further."

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  "Cha Hua, get out of there. Nian Xiaoyuan took everything from me! My father trusted him but look at what he did! He usurped the throne, executed my relatives, and forced the woman I love!" Lin Xingjin glared at Nian Xiaoyuan who had difficulties in standing up.

  "So you came here to kill him? For revenge?" Hong Cha lowered her arms. She took a step forward and held the sword's blade to bring it down. Her palm bled profusely as Lin Xingjin took her hand and let the sword go.

  "He doesn't love you, Cha Hua. What's the point of defending him?" Lin Xingjin felt a heartache to see her suffer. After all, Hong Cha gave him a chance to live again and risked herself for him. Who will not be moved?

  "But I do love him!" she answered back in frustration. Nian Xiaoyuan froze in his place. He stared at her trembling shoulder. That is when he recalled how she often cries because of him.

  "You also stole everything from me! I have no family left because of you! But did you hear me complain? All for Zhao Xue, Zhao Xue, Zhao Xue! You ruined my life just for her!"

  Lin Xingjin saw how pained she was from her teary eyes. It was like the heavens forsook her and let the cruel world trample on her dreams. He remembered the first day she showed remorse like this. When he broke their engagement. She begged but he didn't listen.

  "You never listen to what I want! I forgot you took my stable life, that you killed my father, that you tried to have a man sully me! Because I want Nian Xiaoyuan to be safe, I want him to be safe. Was it difficult? Lin Xingjin, please, don't hurt him. He's the only person left for me. When I was helpless because of you, he gave me a chance to find my happiness and it was him. I can't afford to lose something precious again. You never know how painful it is because Zhao Xue is always yours. But what about me? I never did anything against the line and only had to wait for the right day but she took it from me!"

  Snow descended like rain droplets as the wind howled. Little white flakes reflected her hazel eyes. Hong Cha picked up the sword and placed it back in his hand. She brought the blade to her neck.

  "If you kill me, will it appease your hatred and let Nian Xiaoyuan go?" her lips quivered and lifted a sorrowful smile.

  "Song Cha Hua! What are you doing?! Are you tired of living?" Nian Xiaoyuan reached out for her but before he could, she spoke again.

  "What is the use of living when I am always tormented by you? Nian Xiaoyuan, ever since you came back, I already fell for you, but why can't you see? That I longed for you every night yet you are with her? I had always lived in unjust. I am tired of this. I am tired of being the second choice.. of Lin Xingjin, of you. I thought we would end up together but Zhao Xue is in your heart. Maybe if I die for your sake, you will never hurt a girl's loving heart again."

  Hong Cha felt the blade making a cut. However, Lin Xingjin took the sword and threw it. He realized he had wronged her many times. Even worse, he was the reason she became desperate, and she was very unwilling to let Nian Xiaoyuan go.

  "Nian Xiaoyuan." Hong Cha was freed from the tension and hugged him. Was it worth it? "Nian Xiaoyuan, will I ever have a chance?"

  "Song Cha Hua, I..." Nian Xiaoyuan was hesitant. He clenched his hand on his chest above his heart. How does he feel? Very painful. For who? For her? Nian Xiaoyuan can't tell. Soon, Hong Cha moved and looked at him. Her gaze is searching desperately for his answer. The pain in his heart further deepened.

  What is wrong with him?