After everything was over, Nan Zhiyun lay on the ground, limp like a puddle of mud... tears streamed down her face, but Yu Jingchen would never pity her.
Yu Jingchen didn't stay that day; he left after it was over. When Qian Xia came in, she saw Nan Zhiyun and cried with heartache, unable to stop her tears.
She and the palace maids helped Nan Zhiyun onto the bed. Nan Zhiyun stared blankly ahead the entire time, her eyes empty and lifeless, having lost all will to live.
So Nan Zhiyun was afraid, and it was understandable that she was afraid. Apart from that one time, there had been others since then. Although not in the same way, each instance was brutal.
Nan Zhiyun already had a trauma, but later, Yu Jingchen showed no mercy in such matters and never considered her feelings.
He would always simply and roughly cast her aside, treating her as an outlet for his own needs.
Therefore... Nan Zhiyun was afraid and apprehensive now. Recalling these memories, her body turned cold, and she trembled violently.
It wasn't just Nan Zhiyun; even Yu Jingchen felt lingering fear whenever he thought of what had happened before. How had he brought himself to be so cruel to a young girl then?
Yu Jingchen felt a sharp pang in his heart. He sighed and held Nan Zhiyun in his arms.
"I'm sorry..." Yu Jingchen's eyes also reddened slightly. He was truly sorry. Even if these three words were useless, they were what he owed Nan Zhiyun.
The harm that hadn't yet occurred because of his rebirth was his guilt. Now, the harm that had already been done was his regret.
Yu Jingchen didn't know how many times Nan Zhiyun had cried because of him. He had previously thought he wouldn't let her shed tears again, but how could he mend the damage already done? The more Yu Jingchen thought about it, the more self-reproach he felt, his heartache beyond words. He didn't know how to make amends.
"Be good, I'm sorry, it's all my fault, I was bad, don't cry anymore, can we stop? Don't be afraid anymore, it was my fault that I scared you, don't be afraid..." Yu Jingchen comforted her in a gentle voice.
"It hurts, it hurts so much," Nan Zhiyun cried out in pain. She had always been the most afraid of pain. But the pain she experienced seemed to be more severe than that of ordinary people.
Hearing Nan Zhiyun cry out in pain, Yu Jingchen felt his heart being squeezed. Nan Zhiyun had done nothing wrong from beginning to end, so why should she endure so much punishment and suffering? It was all his fault. He hadn't just made a mistake; he had made a terrible one.
How could she understand these things? She was clearly still so young, yet she was treated so cruelly and heartlessly. He had truly hurt her.
Because of Yu Jingchen's gentle voice now, Nan Zhiyun felt even more wronged and fearful. Perhaps it was still fear, and she cried. Yu Jingchen gently stroked her back without disturbing her. Nan Zhiyun cried for a long time, eventually sobbing so hard she couldn't catch her breath.
Yu Jingchen had no choice but to sit up slightly, leaning against the backrest, and then he pulled the little girl into his arms and wrapped her tightly in a blanket.
He held Nan Zhiyun, letting her lean against his chest, then picked up a handkerchief from the side, his movements becoming even more gentle. "Don't cry anymore, alright? Your eyes are swollen again. It's New Year's Day today, don't cry," Yu Jingchen comforted her softly, then patiently soothed her, his hand still patting her body.
After several more minutes, Nan Zhiyun's emotions slowly stabilized. Yu Jingchen dared not provoke her, so he continued to hold her quietly, not speaking.
After a long while, seeing that the little person in his arms had gradually calmed down, Yu Jingchen ventured to say, "How about we rest for today?"
Nan Zhiyun shook her head but clung to Yu Jingchen's waist, unwilling to let go. Yu Jingchen had no choice but to indulge her.
"What does Yun'er want to do now?" Yu Jingchen asked her.
Nan Zhiyun shook her head again, her expression vacant.
Yu Jingchen was a little worried. He lowered his head slightly. "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Nan Zhiyun remained silent.
Yu Jingchen grew anxious. "I'll call for the imperial physician to examine you, okay?" He was afraid that Nan Zhiyun might experience some negative developments.
But Nan Zhiyun refused. "No..." Nan Zhiyun's voice was very soft, filled with a crying tone and a hint of childish sweetness.
"It's okay if you don't want to call the imperial physician, but Yun'er, tell me, what's wrong now? Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?" Yu Jingchen was very patient.
"It hurts..." Nan Zhiyun buried her face in Yu Jingchen's chest and cried out in pain, saying it just hurt a lot.
"Where does it hurt? Can you tell me? Can I take a look?" Yu Jingchen was seeking her permission. He was frightened.
"No, I can't..." Nan Zhiyun seemed very averse to this question, very resistant.
Yu Jingchen's brow furrowed deeply. Nan Zhiyun's current state was not right. (There are still many issues between them that need to be resolved slowly, so I hope everyone can be a little more patient. Don't rush.)
Also, the current plot is special. There will definitely be more later, but... let's have a small interlude, a private scene.
Yu Jingchen: I want to eat meat.
Nan Zhiyun: Didn't you already eat?
Yu Jingchen: They can't see it.
Nan Zhiyun: Tell them how long you've been eating.
Yu Jingchen: ... Eight hundred fifty-eight million, two hundred eighty-six thousand, four hundred twenty-eight seconds!!!!!!!!