Chapter 131: Facing It Calmly (Revised)

In the deep silence of night, all was still. The sky was adorned with twinkling stars, and moonlight poured down gently. The entire villa, devoid of the day's vitality, appeared even more grand and majestic under the cool glow of the moon.

She had finished handling her subordinates' matters and intended to find Lu Yuxiu in the hall, but upon opening the door, she found him waiting right there at the entrance.

Seeing her usually cold expression soften, he asked, "Is it over?"

"Yes, yes. Why are you waiting here? Have you been long?" Lin Xi felt a sense of relief in her heart.

"I wanted to see you sooner." He continued to shower her with sweet words, seemingly having had a good chat with his elder brother.

Feeling at ease, Lin Xi lowered her head and fell silent for a moment, then looked up at him: "Do you want to see my room?"

"Of course." His smile was gentle, his gaze filled with affection; he was curious about the place where she had grown up.

"Come on." She took his hand and led him toward her room.

As he held her hand walking down the corridor, the warmth of his palm transmitted to her, quickening her heartbeat and making her breath a little more rapid. The past no longer felt as daunting.

Lin Xi brought Lu Yuxiu to a small garden behind the villa, where her personal room was located.

The moon was cool, the night silent, and even the breeze was soft, creating an indescribably tranquil atmosphere.

With a click, Lin Xi turned on the light, illuminating the room brightly.

Lu Yuxiu glanced inside and was struck—everything there was medical equipment: hospital bed, instruments, overhead lamps...

A heavy shock struck his heart, and he instinctively looked at her.

Lin Xi smiled softly at him, confirming, "Yes, this is where I used to receive treatment."

Lu Yuxiu recalled what Lin Tianyou had told him: "When Xi first arrived in the country, she remembered nothing and knew no one. I still remember the helpless, broken look in her eyes when she woke up, but I was powerless. She often had unstable emotions, nightmares at night, waking up screaming hysterically with tear-streaked cheeks. For a whole year, she relied on anesthetics and sedatives to get by."

"Now, the anesthetics no longer have any effect on her," he had heard it before but never truly grasped it until now; it felt like a knife piercing his heart.

His beloved had suffered so much in places he never saw.

Without meeting his gaze, Lin Xi walked further in, gently touching the instruments as if reminiscing, speaking softly to herself: "I still remember the anesthetic injections—thick, long needles stabbed into my neck; the ceiling light was so bright I couldn't open my eyes; the machines beeped clearly by my ears; my muscles tensed so tightly I couldn't even cry out in pain. It felt like my blood had frozen, and I could only stare blankly at the light, tears flowing numbly."

A heavy pain flashed in Lu Yuxiu’s eyes, his body trembling as if he shared that suffering.

These memories tormented her, but also stabbed into his heart, tearing him apart.

He knew she had endured much, but never imagined the depth of her agony. He could not fathom how lonely and painful her inner world had been.

His hands clenched into fists, veins bulging.

His treasure had always been strong, kind, and optimistic, always radiant like a little sun among people—yet who would have guessed she had endured such deep wounds?

Noticing his somber mood, Lin Xi tried to lighten the atmosphere by sharing a humorous memory, teasing herself.

"Once, after full anesthesia, I was unconscious, but I kept mumbling about eating candy. Mia later told me this—I have no recollection of it. Isn't that funny?"

"I'm sorry, my love." Lowering his gaze, Lu Yuxiu’s eyes were filled with tenderness. His trembling lips carried profound sorrow, his heart pierced by countless steel needles, bleeding profusely.

Lin Xi was momentarily stunned, thinking he felt guilty. "It's not your fault at all."

"But I hate myself for not finding you sooner," his voice hoarse, yet she understood his words and the guilt behind them.

She shook her head firmly, explaining she hadn’t shared those things to make him feel guilty but to prove she had truly moved on and they could be together happily now.

Taking a deep breath, his burning love erupted at that moment.

His eyes fixed intently on her, his breathing grew rapid, filled with fierce and wild affection.

Suddenly, he bent down and embraced her, pressing her shoulders and turning her around to pin her against the wall. The crisp masculine scent enveloped her as his lips covered hers—red and inviting—with a touch of dominance and roughness, invading her mouth.

"Mm..." Lin Xi’s mind buzzed instantly.

She felt as if her body floated, her mind blank, forgetting everything—even her breath seemed to stop.

He wanted to pour out his love unreservedly, making her feel it too.

His kiss was deep and tender, entwining their tongues with passionate longing. She trembled as she accepted his love; the kiss seemed to consume her, melting her entirely.

Her hands clung tightly to him; she closed her eyes, winding her arms around his neck, tilting her head slightly to offer her lips willingly. She knew he needed her.

Receiving her response, he hesitated to let go, as if no amount of kissing could satisfy him. He lingered, softly sucking and exploring, unaware of time passing. Only when she gasped for air did he release her.

Her cheeks were flushed a gentle pink, her fair skin painted with a delicate blush, and her lips reddened from his kiss.

They gazed at each other for a long time; he smiled and lifted her rosy face, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

This was his treasure; he vowed to protect her, never allowing her to suffer another ounce of grievance. He would be her steadfast support, giving her happiness, safety, and joy.

Tears still shimmered in Lin Xi’s eyes as she buried her head in his embrace, whispering, "Don’t worry. Now that I have you all, I can face everything calmly. I won’t curl up in the darkness anymore, afraid of the coming light."

His fingers quietly traced her spine and waist, listening in silence.

"There’s one more thing I want to ask you. When you knew I was in Solomon, what was your reaction? Were you very upset?" Lin Xi looked up at his jawline, her lips slightly parted.

Lu Yuxiu smiled softly: "At that time, I thought, my treasure is amazing. Besides, the person wanting to bind you isn’t freedom or nature—you should do whatever you love."

A flicker of surprise and joy passed through her big eyes. "Xiu, you’re much more open-minded than my brother! I thought you’d say, like he did, that girls shouldn’t learn to fight so fiercely and that it’s best to stay calm and steady."

He reached out and pinched her cheek gently. "Your brother is just worried about you."

Pouting, Lin Xi glared at him in dissatisfaction, prompting Lu Yuxiu to chuckle softly.

"You’re laughing! You treat me like a child!" she huffed, puffing her cheeks.

He pulled her into his arms and whispered by her ear, "Your expression is so cute, I can’t help but laugh."

Blushing instantly, Lin Xi felt a warm sweetness in her heart. Pretending to be angry, she said, "You’re such a smooth talker!"

Lu Yuxiu brushed her nose playfully and whispered close to her ear, "Whatever you want to do, I’ll support you. I’ll protect you."

A warm current flowed through Lin Xi’s heart, and a smile crept to her lips. She tugged his sleeve: "Come on, I’ll take you to a wonderful place."

"Okay." He would always follow her unconditionally.