As Yang Ruxin’s heart settled, an inexplicable flutter arose within her. How could she not love this man?
"Ayao, as long as you still acknowledge me as your elder brother, then you must trust her as completely and wholeheartedly as you trust me. Understand?" Gu Qingheng’s voice resonated again, "She is equivalent to me." In fact, he had been doubtful from the beginning, but whether it was Yang Ruxin or Yang Dani, what did it matter if they were the ones he cared for? Why bother making everything so clear? Of course, what he refused to admit was his greater fear: if one day the truths he asked for turned out to be unexpected and led to consequences he couldn’t accept—for instance, if the real Yang Dani returned, what would he do then? Therefore, as long as Xinxin was by his side now, he had no desire to know the truth and wouldn’t allow anyone around him to seek out this so-called truth either.
He admitted that he was cowardly on this matter, but he couldn’t help it—he could not live without that woman in his life anymore.
Gu Yao swallowed, and after a long time, he finally exhaled as if he had relaxed, then he nodded, "I understand, big brother. I will never bring up this matter again."
Gu Qingheng smiled and extended his hand.
Gu Yao hurriedly grasped the offered hand.
"Thank you, Ayao," Gu Qingheng said with sincerity.
Gu Yao’s nose tingled slightly.
Outside the door, Yang Ruxin’s heart was a maelstrom of emotions.
At that moment, she really wanted to go in and embrace that man, but she refrained. She didn’t want the two inside to know she had overheard their conversation—for Gu Qingheng’s peace of mind, and to spare Gu Yao any embarrassment.
This might be the destiny she had clung to for two lifetimes, the reason she had traveled through a thousand years to meet him; her life was worthwhile because of him. With that, she turned and quietly left.
It wasn’t that she didn’t want to tell him the truth, but now was not the time. At least until he could no longer see her, she didn’t want to say anything. It was like an online romance from her previous life: the other person is always imagined to be perfect across the screen, but the reality of meeting often leads to disappointment. Hence the phrase "dying when exposed to light." Although not entirely fitting for her relationship with Gu Qingheng, there was some truth in it. Since Gu Qingheng couldn’t see her, he might idealize her in his mind, and she didn’t want him to be disappointed when they finally came face to face.
Of course, she was confident that Gu Qingheng wasn’t superficial, focusing only on appearances, but still, she didn’t want any unforeseen incidents to occur between them, which was also why she had agreed to a one-year term with him.
Now, turning our attention back to Yang Ruyu—after receiving an implication from Qi Jingrong, the joyful Miss Ruyu pondered anxiously for two days, and finally decided to go see Qi Kang. She resolved to give it her all; Qi Kang, after all, was no ordinary man. Even if she couldn’t be his wife, being a concubine of higher status would be better than being a humble wife. Moreover, she was confident in her beauty and skills to win over this man.
However, Yang Baihe treated her like she was at her side as a maid, making it impossible for her to leave. Not to mention, the two of them were living at the Tian Family’s home.
In the end, Yang Ruyu managed to leave by claiming she needed to visit her father. Everyone was aware of Yang Baichuan’s injury—it wouldn’t be proper to deny a daughter the chance to perform her filial duties.