In her previous life, she had been subject to these feelings and suffered all her life.
But the gods were kind enough to give her a second chance, and now she knew that Li Haoran was not her real father.
And strangely, after she found out that they had no real relations, the pain of being hurt by one’s own family ceased to exist for her.
This is what human beings are like – most of the pain that people feel stem from preconceived opinions.
Yet now, Li Beinian could clearly feel that her detached attitude was hurting Nico.
She felt extremely guilty and the feeling was difficult to ignore.
Li Beinian looked at Nico and continued, “Later on, I broke away from that family. Besides Grandpa, I have nothing to do with the rest of the Li family.”
Nico understood. “You’re right. Only those who treat you well are family, people who mistreat you are not worthy of being called that.”
Li Beinian couldn’t help but smile at his biased comment. “Ummm.”
Nico looked at Li Beinian, his eyes bright and alert. He opened his mouth but hesitated before saying, “Beinian, Bei Xiaonian was the love of my life. Although we were never married, we truly loved each other. So… I love you too. Beinian, I’m your father, you do know that, right?”
Nico spoke very slowly.
It was as if every word had been carefully weighed and thought through.
Mu Xichen could feel Li Beinian’s posture stiffen for a moment.
He gave her a sidelong glance. Her expression was unchanged as she stared at Nico.
Similarly, Nico looked back at Li Beinian intently, as though afraid of missing the slightest expression on her face.
Will’s eyes turned bloodshot and misty, and he looked genuinely happy.
He was genuinely happy for them.
Mu Xichen held Li Beinian’s hand tightly, giving her the silent support and comfort she needed.
Nico could not tell the emotions underneath Li Beinian’s expression.
She seemed to be struggling, but also a little sad and at the same time, pleasantly surprised.
He closely studied these expressions on her face without relaxing.
Nico had never been this nervous or this scared.
Even those years ago when he confessed his love to Bei Xiaonian, he didn’t feel like this.
Would she admit what she knew?
Would she acknowledge him?
Nico didn’t know, but he desperately wanted an answer.
Gradually, Li Beinian’s eyes turned even redder.
Her body stiffened slightly and she tightened her grip around Mu Xichen’s hand.
Her eyes glistened with unformed tears as she turned to look at Mu Xichen. After a long time, she sniffed and said, “I know.”
Nico thought he’d be relieved to hear that answer, but he wasn’t.
He felt as though his entire heart was under the control of her emotions.
Nico wanted to speak, but no words came.
“Have some water,” Mu Xichen suddenly said. “It’s getting cold.”
At these words, Nico suddenly looked away. He picked up the glass of water in front of him and took a big gulp.
The water was neither too hot nor cold, it was just nice.
The atmosphere was tense. Will took out his handkerchief and gently wiped away the water droplets that had accidentally rolled down his chin. He whispered into Nico’s ear, “Miss Beinian doesn’t seem to want to go back to England with you.”
Nico immediately said, “I don’t need you to come to England with me.”
His response was quick and loud.
Because of Will’s words, Nico now seemed to realize the reason for Li Beinian’s hesitation. He continued, “If you want freedom, I will not restrict you. However, you’re my daughter. May I give you fatherly love?”