Published: March 8, 2025
“Qianqian, Qianqian... Senior Sister Qianqian...” Chu Yang called out anxiously, looking at Wu Qianqian’s pale face as he checked her injuries. His heart felt as if it had plunged into an endless abyss.
Wu Qianqian's injuries were fatal.
From what Chu Yang currently knew, there was no way to save Wu Qianqian's life.
This realization suddenly tore at Chu Yang's heart, making it feel as if his own life had lost its color.
"You’re safe... that’s good." Wu Qianqian looked weakly at Chu Yang, her voice faint yet filled with a deep sense of comfort.
"I'm fine... you will be fine too..." Chu Yang felt as if his heart was being ripped apart, holding Wu Qianqian tightly. For a moment, he felt his heart tear, then heal, then tear again... Even at this moment, she still found solace... I’m fine?!
"Stop comforting me..." Wu Qianqian's voice was weak and low, lacking strength but brimming with boundless affection. "I can’t be saved... I can feel it... My mother is waiting for me... Chu Yang, I have to go..."
Wu Qianqian said weakly, her eyes glimmering with a dreamlike light.
Chu Yang recalled the dream Wu Qianqian had shared, tears suddenly streaming down his face.
Just a few days ago, she had dreamt of her mother coming to take her away... That dream was ominous, and Chu Yang had sensed it, but he never expected it would converge with reality in such a way...
He used his broken hand to hold Wu Qianqian tightly in his arms, unable to speak through his choked sobs.
He had owed her so much.
For the past few days, every step he took was shadowed by Wu Qianqian’s figure; she had wholeheartedly helped him; she had used all her intelligence, forcing herself to learn things that shouldn’t have been placed on the shoulders of a frail girl, any task, any knowledge...
When they first arrived at Iron Cloud, she would turn pale at the sight of blood; she would tremble at the sight of corpses; yet, to help him, she somehow forced herself to endure all that cruelty.
Every command had come from her; every aftermath, she handled personally. Every single time...
When he left those few days, her heart was shattered, yet she remained strong. She donned her black robe, put on her mask, and took on her responsibilities...
Now, she had come to the Upper Three Days, still wanting to accompany him. Life and death, fighting fiercely.
But he had given her nothing in return.
Not even a promise she longed for.
Even now, she still acted for him. With her frail body, she blocked the fatal blow meant for him. For him. She had given her life.
In the assassination by the Golden Horse Knights Hall, she had wanted to take his place, later, in the decisive battle with the Knights, she still chose to die for him...
And today... she ultimately ended her life in the way she longed for... despite how reluctant she was.
She loved him, he knew that; but she had never said it.
I love you, but this has nothing to do with you.
Wu Qianqian curled up in his embrace, feeling the warmth in Chu Yang’s arms, a satisfied smile gracing her lips as she said softly, “So warm…”
So warm, so reluctant to leave... This is the first time in my life I feel this way in his embrace...
Chu Yang’s tears fell in large drops onto her face.
"I'm going... my mother is waiting for me... I... I’m very happy, you don’t need... to worry about me..." Wu Qianqian lowered her head, her longing gaze fixed on the hem of Chu Yang's black robe, where, in a corner, she had woven a few words with her own hair: Chu Yang, Qianqian likes you.
Suddenly, she felt a pang of bitterness.
In truth, I truly don’t want to leave... him.
“Chu Yang, once I’m gone... you shouldn’t wear... the black robe anymore...” Wu Qianqian said weakly.
Wearing the black robe will remind you of me, thinking of me will hurt you...
Chu Yang didn’t know what to say, holding her tightly, chokingly saying, “Don’t go... You won’t go!”
“In fact, I’m dying like this... I’m very happy... really... this is what I’ve been hoping for... because...” Wu Qianqian managed a difficult smile, trying to lift her gaze with a hint of anticipation. “Chu Yang... back then you said... you owed someone a lifetime... so you needed to repay it... today, if I die... do you... do you... owe me? Will you... repay me in the next life?”