525: Chapter 525 Acceptance

Just then, two soft footsteps sounded from outside the courtyard gate, breaking the silence of the residence.

Wan Xiangyu's heart tightened. She quickly stood up and looked up.

Situ Jun was carrying an exquisite food box, walking with a composed pace.

Beside him followed a woman dressed in white. She had a slender figure and peerless beauty; her eyes were gentle, and her temperament was as elegant as an immortal's. Her entire being radiated a friendly and warm aura that made people feel an immediate sense of goodwill.

The moment she saw the woman clearly, Madam Xiangyu's heart sank. Her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively stood up, her expression uneasy and flustered.

This must be one of Situ Jun's Dao Companions.

Sure enough, Su Yunniang's gaze fell gently on Wan Xiangyu. There wasn't a hint of hostility or jealousy; instead, she wore a kind smile.

Before coming, Situ Jun had truthfully told her about his past with Wan Xiangyu. Knowing that she had saved Situ Jun's life regardless of her own reputation, Su Yunniang had already come to view her as a sister.

She stepped forward with a smile:

"This must be Madam Xiangyu, right? I am Su Yunniang, Situ Jun's Dao Companion. If not for you risking yourself to save him that day, my husband might not have escaped disaster. Yunniang is here to thank you for saving his life."

Madam Xiangyu quickly composed herself and replied softly:

"Madam Su is too kind. What happened that day was merely a matter of chance; it doesn't warrant such thanks."

Su Yunniang affectionately pulled her hand to sit down, her tone sincere:

"You protected him with your reputation and saved him in a time of crisis; we hold this kindness deep in our hearts. My husband has told me everything about you. It's a good thing that you want to settle in the Northern Border, but it's inconvenient to be alone outside. The City Lord's Estate has many courtyards, and they're just sitting empty. Why not stay in the estate? That way, we can look out for one another."

"This..."

Wan Xiangyu couldn't help but feel a stir in her heart. She instinctively looked up at Situ Jun beside them, her eyes full of hesitation.

She longed to stay by his side, yet she feared her humble status. Staying in the estate might cause him trouble or make his other Dao Companions dissatisfied.

Situ Jun saw through her hesitation and spoke up immediately:

"Yunniang is absolutely right. You are alone, and many things will be inconvenient. For now, stay in the estate. If you find it uncomfortable later, I will select a fine residence in the city for you. It's settled. You've had a long journey; eat some warm food and get some rest. Yunniang and I won't disturb you further."

Su Yunniang nodded with a smile and gave Wan Xiangyu a few more gentle instructions before turning to leave with Situ Jun.

Wan Xiangyu stood there, watching the two of them walk away together. They looked so well-matched and harmonious that a sense of loss spread through her heart like a rising tide.

She and he were, after all, from two different worlds.

She didn't know if this affection buried deep in her heart was right or wrong.

She feared her unrequited love would ultimately be nothing but a mirage—the falling flower having feelings while the flowing water remains indifferent.

But her heart, which had long ago been stirred by him, was already beyond her control. How could it be easily calmed?

...

Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.

News of the Black Tiger Gang being wiped out reached Northern Border City.

Madam Xiangyu stood by the Spiritual Orchids in the courtyard. Hearing the news brought by the servants, warmth surged in her heart, and she was filled with emotion.

At dusk, as the sun set, the golden afterglow filled the courtyard, coating everything in a gentle, warm light.

After handling the affairs of the spring plowing in the Northern Border, Situ Jun walked slowly and alone to the North Courtyard.

His black robes still carried the fresh scent of the green grass from the outskirts. He had shed his daytime majesty, appearing a bit more grounded.

"The Black Tiger Gang has been eliminated. I didn't push the Wang family too hard; I maintained some restraint."

He spoke with a gentle voice, his gaze falling on her with an inseparable complexity of emotion.

Wan Xiangyu looked up at him.

The setting sun outlined his tall silhouette. The lines of his profile were soft, and the usual coldness in his eyes was gone, replaced only by tenderness.

Her heart trembled slightly. Her fingertips instinctively gripped the corner of her clothes as she said softly:

"Thank you, City Lord Situ. The great kindness has been repaid. I will move out of the City Lord's Estate tomorrow to live on my own, so as not to disturb the City Lord and the madams any further."

She didn't want to be trapped in this hopeless affection anymore, watching him be affectionate with others only to increase her own sorrow.

"There is no need to rush."

Situ Jun stepped forward slowly. His gaze fell on the stray hairs blown messy by the evening breeze; the strands clung to her fair cheeks, looking so delicate it made one's heart ache.

In that moment, the impulse in his heart overrode all logic. As if possessed, he reached out and gently tucked the stray hair behind her ear.

His fingertips inadvertently brushed against her soft earlobe, and a warm sensation spread instantly.

Madam Xiangyu froze as if struck by an electric current. Her cheeks flushed crimson instantly, and she hurriedly lowered her head, not daring to meet his eyes.

The lingering warmth on her ear, carrying his unique aura of spiritual power, made her heart beat like a drum and her breathing turn rapid.

Situ Jun also realized his loss of composure. His fingertips paused, and he quickly withdrew his hand, a hint of fluster rising in his heart.

He shouldn't have been so intimate. The accident of that day should have ended there.

But every time he saw her weak and enduring appearance, he couldn't control his desire to get closer, to protect her.

The atmosphere in the courtyard suddenly became ambiguous and awkward, with only the faint fragrance of the Spiritual Orchids quietly lingering.

"I..."

Situ Jun's Adam's apple bobbed as he tried to speak to break the awkwardness.

But before the words could leave his mouth, they were interrupted by Wan Xiangyu's suddenly raised gaze.

A thin layer of watery light shimmered in her eyes, reflecting the sunset sky. They were filled with grievance, reluctance, and a long-suppressed longing and unease.

"City Lord Situ,"

Her voice trembled slightly, yet every word was clear:

"In the secret chamber that day, what you did to me... was it truly just because you were poisoned, without even a hint of genuine feeling?"

Those words exploded in Situ Jun's heart like a clap of thunder.

He looked at the expectation and nervousness in her eyes, opened his mouth, and for a moment was speechless.

The scenes from that day surfaced clearly in his mind once again.

The heat brought by the toxin, her soft body, their intertwined breathing, and that bone-deep compatibility—it was all too real to deny. His feelings for her had never been just gratitude and guilt.

Seeing him remain silent, the light in Wan Xiangyu's eyes dimmed bit by bit. A self-deprecating smile touched the corners of her mouth, her eyes full of disappointment:

"I was being presumptuous. The City Lord need not take it to heart. I will leave tomorrow. From now on, I will never again disturb the lives of you and the madams."

She finished speaking and turned, wanting to flee this embarrassing situation.

But her wrist was suddenly gripped tightly by a warm and powerful hand.

Situ Jun's strength wasn't great, but it carried a firm resolve that wouldn't allow her to break free. The warmth from his palm seeped through her clothing, making her soul tremble.

"That's not it."

Situ Jun's voice was hoarse, carrying emotions he had suppressed for a long time:

"Regarding that day... it wasn't that I had no feelings for you at all."

That short sentence was like a stone cast into a lake, sending ripples through Wan Xiangyu's heart.

She spun around, looking at him in disbelief, tears shimmering in her eyes:

"You... what did you say?"

Situ Jun looked into her tearful eyes, and all the struggle and concern in his heart vanished in an instant.

He knew he was passionate and already had several Dao Companions; he shouldn't have fallen for her.

But emotions are never under one's control. From the moment she risked herself to save him, from the moment she traveled thousands of miles to find him, from the moment the hidden loss and insecurity in her eyes met his gaze, he knew he had already fallen for her.

He took a step forward and gently pulled her into his arms.

This time, there was no poison forcing them, no external pressure—only a heart full of uncontrollable stirrings and treasure.

His embrace was warm and broad, filled with far more tenderness and care than that day.

"I said, my heart has been moved; I have feelings for you."

Situ Jun lowered his head, his voice hoarse but incredibly firm, as he spoke slowly into her ear:

"From the moment you helped me neutralize the poison in the secret chamber, from the moment you came all this way to find me, from the moment I saw the grievance and insecurity hidden in your eyes... my feelings for you have long been more than just gratitude and guilt. It is a sincere affection, a desire to protect you for the rest of my life."

Madam Xiangyu leaned against his chest, listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat and his deep confession. All the long-accumulated grievance, unease, and anxiety finally burst through the dam.

Tears fell silently, wetting his robes and leaving a damp patch.

She reached up and hugged his waist tightly, burying her face deep in his chest, craving this long-awaited warmth and affection.

"Situ Jun..."

This was the first time since coming to Northern Border City that she had called him by his name, shedding all distance and politeness, her voice full of love.

Situ Jun's body shook slightly. He then tightened his arms, holding her even closer. He lowered his head and kissed the top of her head gently, his heart full of pity:

"I'm sorry for making you suffer so much grievance."

It was his momentary loss of reason that had ruined her originally stable life, forcing her to bear such torment and moral burden.

He knew Wan Xiangyu was of pure status and that he already had Dao Companions, yet he still couldn't control his heart's desire to be near her and protect her.

The person in his arms trembled slightly. Her tears soaked his robes and warmed his heart.

Situ Jun lowered his head slightly, gazing at her reddened eyes and wet eyelashes. Love surged in his heart, no longer possible to suppress.

He slowly leaned down and gently kissed her lips.

This kiss lacked the urgency and heat of that day. There was only a tender lingering, like a flowing spiritual spring, wrapping around each other and melting away the year's worth of longing, endurance, and affection.

The evening breeze brushed past, the Spiritual Orchids wafted their fragrance, and under the setting sun, the embracing figures were frozen into a most gentle painting.