That period of time kept them on their toes. Every now and then, they would check in on her Imperial brother, afraid that an accident would occur and that they would lose him.
Xi Lin was having a difficult time speaking. Feng Tianlan’s heart also ached when she heard her. “I don’t blame him for marrying Shen Yunya. Only, I don’t want him to be deceived,” Feng Tianlan said.
How could she let Shen Yunya sully and deceive someone as good as Brother Jin?
“I know. However, if word on this matter leaks out, most people won’t understand.” Xi Lin looked at Feng Tianlan. She closed her eyes and continued, saying, “After my Imperial brother was resuscitated, he started drinking heavily again. No matter how much we chided or hit him, no matter how many times we argued with him, he did not listen. Then, Shen Yunya visited my Imperial brother with a bowl in hand. I’m not sure what they spoke about, but after this incident, Imperial brother became a different person.”
In the past, she had viewed that bowl of dumplings as a miracle medicine. Now, she knew that it was the most poisonous drug in the world.
“Subsequently, Shen Yunya went to find the state preceptor. She made a blood sacrifice to the crystal ball and came to know that your spirit had returned with a borrowed body. Only then did Imperial brother pull himself together. But because of this, Imperial brother would discuss everything with Shen Yunya, especially things that had to do with you. His behavior was no longer normal, and you already know everything that happened next,” Xi Lin explained.
Feng Tianlan closed her eyes in exasperation. However, she couldn’t help but say, “Sister Lin, you know that I will never be able to tell him that I’m Dai’er. Furthermore, I will never be able to reciprocate his feelings. In my past life, I loved the wrong person. But in this current life, I already have Mobai. Even if you gave me ten years, I wouldn’t be able to love him. I can’t return his love in this life.”
“Indeed.” Xi Lin chuckled self-deprecatingly. Unable to love in ten years, unable to love in this life. She also had no idea why she was still waiting for that person.
Feng Tianlan detected the bitterness in her voice and stared at her doubtfully. “Sister Lin?”
Xi Lin made a sound of acknowledgment and grinned. “Imperial brother was unable to recognize you because he had already lost his own heart.”
Feng Tianlan’s voice got stuck in her throat. She recalled Luo Yunzhu’s words. After losing her, everyone became a reminder.
But she was unable to bear such deep affection. She had no means of reciprocating it.
Xi Lin noticed that Feng Tianlan’s complexion had become rather grim. Hence, she flashed a faint smile and added, “Don’t take it to heart. Such are feelings. You can’t force them; you can only give a clear rejection. His likes have nothing to do with you.”
“Sister Lin is rather insightful,” Feng Tianlan said as she looked at Li Xin in astonishment. She had never heard about Sister Lin liking anybody. How was she so perceptive on this matter?
Sister Lin sighed. Because of what she had experienced in the past, she hastily straightened up and explained herself when she noticed Feng Tianlan’s astonishment. “Don’t worry. I have no interest in the Demon King.”
When Feng Tianlan saw how flustered she was, she couldn’t help but chuckle. “I got it.”
“Last time, I forgot to give you an explanation. This time, I came specifically to clarify things. Rest assured, I have completely no interest in the Demon King. And I’ll give my promise to you that no matter how much time passes, I will never fight with you over a man. You will forever be my favorite Dai’er,” Xi Lin said.
That day, Xi Lin had forgotten that Dai’er was the Demon King’s fiancée, and she had also forgotten about the rumors that had spread regarding her relationship with the Demon King. Hence, she had failed to clarify things. However, it was imperative to give Dai’er an explanation now in order to prevent their sisterly relationship from souring.
Feng Tianlan raised her brow faintly. She spoke with a slight smile on her face, asking, “Why are you saying this so solemnly?”
“That goes without saying. What would I do if you misunderstood? How could a man compare to our sisterly relationship?” When Sister Lin saw Feng Tianlan smile, she reclined on her chair once more. “He Lian is the Emperor of Xi Yuan Nation. Yesterday, he arrived in Lin’an City. Have you heard about this?”