Xia Zhijin was trailing shyly behind Li Yuan as they wandered around when she suddenly heard him ask a question with deep meaning. Her heart leaped into her throat, and she didn't know how to respond.
Did she really hate Li Yuan? Perhaps not. After all, Li Yuan wasn't ugly; on the contrary, he was tall, handsome, and stylish. Although he was sometimes overbearing, at other times he could be quite gentle. He had gone out of his way to do all these things for her, taking great care to protect her self-esteem... If only he weren't so touchy-feely and could be a little gentler, then things would be perfect.
Li Yuan could see the hesitation and indecision in Xia Zhijin's eyes, as well as the complex feelings she had for him. With a self-deprecating, bitter smile, he said, "If you hate me, you have every right to. After all, I'm the one who forced my way into your peaceful life."
