Qiao Yiyang also looked at him coldly and smiled with a hooked lip,
"Did I say anything about backing out or showing fear? Don’t worry, since I’m bold enough to issue a challenge, I’ll certainly not retreat when it’s time to face it. There must be a showdown between you and me."
Rong Shaoze laughed as well, "That’s exactly what I think. When you lose, don’t feel humiliated."
"Who will win and who will lose is still an unknown," Qiao Yiyang replied, unwilling to show weakness.
Lin Xinlan was speechless. Did they really enjoy fighting that much?
Avoiding a confrontation would be a good thing.
But no, they were eager to fight, almost as if they were afraid the other wouldn’t engage.
However, let them have their rivalry if that’s what they wanted.
After all, it’s not quite manly not to fight.
Walking out of the neighboring house and back into the one where Lin Xinlan was staying, Rong Shaoze pressed her for details about what she and Qiao Yiyang had discussed.
Lin Xinlan smiled mysteriously, "He’s decided to let me go and won’t bother us anymore."
Rong Shaoze made her sit on his lap, wrapped his arms around her waist, and said through gritted teeth,
"That’s not what I’m asking about. Besides, with the way things are now, he’s at my mercy, what power does he have to trouble me! Hmph, don’t be deceived by him. He’s pretending to make amends with you just to save his own life!"
Lin Xinlan nodded, indicating her understanding.
Of course, whether she truly understood was another matter entirely.
Seeing her nonchalant attitude, Rong Shaoze grew agitated, "What? You don’t believe me, but you believe him?"
"No!" Lin Xinlan hurriedly shook her head to show her loyalty.
"I naturally believe you; how could I trust someone else over you? But no matter what his purpose is, the fact that he can let go of me, without having to resort to a fight to the death, that’s a good thing too. Rong Shaoze, it’s better to resolve grievances rather than holding onto them. An endless cycle of vengeance accomplishes nothing. Better to have one fewer enemy and one more friend. Let’s just leave it at that. After all, everyone has lost, no one has gained any advantage, there’s no need to be ruthlessly vindictive."
"You’re such a softie!"
Rong Shaoze pinched her nose, saying derisively.
"You’ve forgotten how he hurt you, and you’re forgiving him so easily. Doesn’t that make you a bit spineless?"
Lin Xinlan pouted and deliberately said, "Yes, I am spineless, I forgive others too easily. Otherwise, how could I have forgiven you so easily in the beginning, even falling in love with you?"
Rong Shaoze felt deflated, his face darkened.
"Are you implying that after you forgive him easily, you might fall in love with him?" he twisted her words on purpose.
Lin Xinlan nodded very seriously, "I might consider it."
"Consider my foot!" the man embraced her fiercely, grinding his teeth in anger, "If you dare change your heart, see how I’ll deal with you!"
Lin Xinlan wrapped her arms around his neck, laughing with a giggle, "Come on, I was joking with you."
"Even joking is not allowed!"
"Don’t ever say that kind of thing again!"
"Understood, understood."
"And don’t become friends with Qiao Yiyang, don’t have any interactions with him!"
"...I’ll think about it."
"Lin Xinlan!" Rong Shaoze held her tightly, fervently sealing her lips, punishing her intensely.
Lin Xinlan was left gasping for breath, her head spinning from his kiss.
"Rong Shaoze... hmm... enough..." she wrapped her arms around his neck, moaning softly.
Far from letting her go, his kisses only deepened.