Ye Qichi’s words were laced with cold irony, clearly showing his disdain for Xiao Jinxing.
Xiao Jinxing just watched her, watched her appear much weaker than he had imagined.
During his vigil at the Imperial Palace these past days, he had always thought that Ye Qichi might have recovered. He remembered her strong ability to heal herself, but now, really seeing her weakened state, it seemed he had overestimated Ye Qichi.
Or rather, this time her injuries were truly too severe.
So severe that she kept failing to recuperate.
Waves of emotion stirred in Xiao Jinxing’s heart.
In the Imperial Palace these past days, this was always the case.
Every time he thought of Ye Qichi, a sense of guilt would well up inside him.
He silently adjusted his own emotions.
Without receiving a response from Xiao Jinxing, Ye Qichi spoke again with sarcasm, "This concubine won’t die just yet, disappointing the Prince."
"Do you hate me?" Xiao Jinxing abruptly asked.
She was somewhat surprised by Xiao Jinxing’s sudden question.
She really didn’t think that Xiao Jinxing’s visit today was well-intentioned.
Even a flicker of thought passed through her mind that Xiao Jinxing came to silence her permanently.
That perhaps he and Bai Mowan had plotted together, thinking her existence might affect their grand plans, it would be convenient to get rid of her.
Upon reflection, she found it unlikely.
If Xiao Jinxing really wanted to kill her, he wouldn’t have brought her back here.
She did not believe that Xiao Jinxing had any good intentions.
When she heard Xiao Jinxing’s words, her response was devoid of any emotion, quite indifferent, "What’s there to hate?"
Xiao Jinxing’s eyes showed a slight movement.
"From your perspective, you chose to abandon me to save yourself and Bai Mowan, that’s worth hating." Ye Qichi spoke clearly.
In that day’s situation.
If Xiao Jinxing had stayed, he might have died.
If Bai Mowan had stayed, she might have died as well.
Xiao Jinxing was right, if she had stayed, her chances of survival were higher.
She wasn’t trying to absolve Xiao Jinxing of blame, she just felt that for someone merely connected by interests, what he did was not unacceptable; after all, in the face of interests, everyone chooses the method that benefits them the most.
She didn’t hate Xiao Jinxing.
But in her heart, having her own scales was enough.
Xiao Jinxing’s gaze was firm, intently watching Ye Qichi.
Ye Qichi’s nonchalant words, however, made him feel very repressed.
A repression that couldn’t be voiced nor vented.
At that moment, he even had a fleeting wish that she hated him.
To hate him, at least meant she still held expectations for him.
If not, did it truly mean she was thoroughly disappointed in him?!
Until now, he would not deceive himself into thinking that Ye Qichi’s love for him was so deep that she had no bottom line, that even after the way he treated her, she could be utterly indifferent. Ye Qichi was never that kind of person.
Her lack of hatred for him now.
Was truly just indifference after losing hope.
Xiao Jinxing’s Adam’s apple moved slightly.
As if his emotions were also in turmoil.
Ye Qichi seemed to perceive the emotional fluctuations in Xiao Jinxing.
This man who was always inscrutable in front of others, at this moment, was clearly different from before.
He said, "Do you need me to explain?"
What’s gotten into Xiao Jinxing tonight?!
To offer her a kind-hearted explanation.
For leaving her behind that day, even the most indifferent person feels a shred of guilt.
Think about it, any normal person would feel somewhat guilty for abandoning someone who fought to save them.
That Xiao Jinxing would have such a common human emotion towards her.
Ye Qichi laughed again, "No need."
The smile of release was not because of forgiveness towards him, but because she really felt it was unimportant.
Xiao Jinxing just watched her.
Ye Qichi said, "An explanation is just an excuse, an excuse for oneself to feel better, that’s all."
Xiao Jinxing pursed his lips.
He was somewhat embarrassed by Ye Qichi’s indifferent words.
Indeed, he wanted to feel better about himself.
While keeping vigil for the Crown Prince in the Imperial Palace, his mind was constantly on how to make amends to Ye Qichi.
How to make amends to her and then be able to face himself.
"The Crown Prince has passed away," Xiao Jinxing said.
Of course, Ye Qichi knew this after so many days.
The reason Xiao Jinxing hadn’t come back was that he was called to keep a vigil.
She had also heard that Xiao Jinsen had been detained.
She didn’t imagine Xiao Jinsen would truly be executed this time, but Xiao Jinsen’s misfortune now, could be seen as a lesson, dampening his zeal!