[A Quiet Morning, Ye Hann’s Residence]
The early sunlight spilled across the training mats, but Ye Hann sat unmoving—his sword rested by his side, untouched.
His eyes weren’t on the blade.
They were on the past.
Ye Hann (thinking)
“She brought me medicine… defended me in front of her elders… and I—ignored her. I chose Xian Yue's pretty lies over Ruoqi’s quiet truth.”
A bitter taste lingered.
“I can’t undo that. But I can stop it from repeating.”
[Ruoqi's Residence, Later That Day]
Inside a well-kept apartment, Ruoqi stood quietly as her parents argued behind closed doors. Her grandmother rested, unaware of the storm brewing.
Stolen novel; please report.
The Yao Clan
Ruoqi’s Father (behind door)
“We can’t afford to offend them!”
Ruoqi’s Mother
“She doesn’t love him! They just want our influence—”
The door opened.
Ruoqi stood tall.
“I won’t marry someone I don’t respect.”
Before her parents could respond, a knock echoed.
A voice came through—calm, yet cutting.
Ye Hann
“Then don’t.”
[In the Courtyard, Minutes Later]
A sleek black car idled behind Ye Hann as he stood across from Yao Cheng
Yao Cheng sneered.
Yao Cheng
“Who gave you the right to interfere in my engagement?”
Ye Hann
(Stepping forward, coolly)
“The moment she said ‘no’—that was enough.”
The tension crackled. The Yaos moved closer.
Ruoqi came down the stairs, eyes wide.
Ye Hann glanced at her, just once.
“I didn’t protect you when I should have. This time, I will.”
[Ye Hann vs Yao Cheng’s Retainers]
It was over in seconds.
A sweeping movement, a twist of wrist—two men down.
Yao Cheng stepped back, face pale.
Ye Hann didn’t even draw his sword.
“Tell your clan—she’s not a pawn.”
[Rooftop Later That Night]
Ruoqi stood beside Ye Hann, holding a thermos of tea.
Ruoqi
“I don’t need saving, you know.”
Ye Hann
(Smiling faintly)
“I know. But let me repay a few of the debts I left behind.”
Ruoqi looked away, hiding a smile.
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