Ji Xichan heard Pei Yuhang approaching from behind. Her beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, and her heart, which had been pounding wildly, miraculously began to calm.
Her lips parted, and her voice, though soft, carried an imperceptible tremor.
"Pei Sword Immortal, do you hate me?"
'Hate you?'
Pei Yuhang's brow furrowed slightly. He didn't seem to understand why Ji Xichan had suddenly brought this up.
But he could hear the undercurrent of sorrow beneath her calm tone, so he answered her.
"Ji Xichan… You've done some despicable things to me in the past. But sometimes I wonder, were you always so malicious, or was I the one who made you that way?
If my very existence drove you to madness…
Then my answer is this: I once hated you, but now, more than anything, I feel sorry for you. I hope you can break free of my influence… and go back to being your true self."
Pei Yuhang lowered his gaze, his eyes filled with pity as he looked at Ji Xichan's trembling shoulders.
"And so?"
