"I’m sorry, but I cannot instantly become this perfectly composed, skillful woman, adept in the kitchen and graceful in the parlor. Nor can I instantly hide all my feelings. I might never master that, even in the future. I’m afraid I’ll only disappoint your expectations..."

"..."

"Someone like me, from a humble background, can’t fake that kind of sophistication. Did you only realize this today? I’m just someone of little consequence who got lucky and was spoiled by your favor. In the past, I relied on my looks and put on airs. Did you only just see through that? This is who I really am! What am I supposed to do if I’ve disappointed you? I don’t know..."

"..."

He glared at her fiercely.

She glared back at him just as fiercely.

Finally, it was time for a reckoning.

"I’m not good enough, so why don’t you find someone who is? If your whole family despises me so much, why are you torturing yourself like this? Is it really worth it? Yes, I can wait for you to take me to the hospital, I can ask you to stay with me, but this time is one thing, what about the next? Can you stay with me forever? What if one day you just vanish? Who would I cry to then?"

"..."

"You demanded that I be self-reliant in everything, but now that I am, you’re not happy. What on earth do I have to do to satisfy you? Do I have to spend twenty-four hours a day trying to read your moods, constantly watching your expression? When you’re happy, should I be at your feet like a fawning puppy, eager to please and amuse you? And when you’re upset, should I just make myself scarce and stay as far away as possible?"

Why should I?

Is it just because I have to marry into a wealthy family? Is it because they’re rich that everyone in your family can criticize and ridicule me without restraint?

Is it because they’re a wealthy family that I have to bow and scrape?

Yes, if you marry into a wealthy family, you have to pay that price. If you don’t have the skill, don’t take on the job.

But, can’t I just *not* marry you?

"You know perfectly well I have countless flaws, so why force yourself like this, putting on such a hypocritical charade? This act of yours is truly disgusting. Do I absolutely have to play along with you? Do I have to transform myself into your ideal woman just to please you? Why should I? If you can’t stand it, then let’s break up! It’s not like I’ll cling to you. I’m done with your games, alright?"

He was incredulous. This woman... she was so unexpectedly fierce. As it was, he was never a match for women in arguments, and for a moment, he was rendered speechless, at a loss for words.

Yan Xixi suddenly shoved him away.

But he yanked her back.

Blazing with fury, she hammered a fist against him. "Let go! What are you holding onto me for? Now you understand the perils of an ill-suited match, don’t you? So why are you still holding onto me? The world is full of beautiful women; it’s not like you can’t find another. Why me? Go find yourself a well-behaved, rule-abiding heiress who will satisfy both you and your entire family! Why are you clinging to a melodramatic woman like me? Are you a glutton for punishment? I’ve sworn never to rely on anyone ever again... Can’t I stop relying on you?"

Before she could finish speaking, he sealed her lips with his own.

He was frantic, holding her tightly, using his lips to staunch the torrent of her fiery words.

Poor Yan Xixi was weak from her illness. After arguing for so long, she was utterly exhausted and lacked the strength to struggle. Tears streamed down her face.

He held her tight and sighed, "Silly girl... you really are a silly girl..."

She buried her face in his chest, crying her heart out.

Countless times she had wanted to cry but couldn’t. Only now, in this moment, could she finally unleash all the resentment pent up in her heart.

He gently patted her back. "Silly girl, I understand. I understand everything... Ah, it’s all my fault... all my fault..."

The moonlight slowly began to recede, and her wailing softened into sobs.

She tried several times to break free from his embrace, but his arms held her too tightly.

He whispered into her ear, his voice infinitely gentle, "You haven’t eaten a thing all day. You must be hungry, right? I’ll make you some porridge."

"I don’t want any."

"You have to eat. You need strength. The porridge I make is delicious. Look, it’s almost dawn. After you eat, I’ll take you to the hospital. I’ll be with you for the next few days; I won’t even go to my meetings."

Is this his attempt to become a doting, irresponsible ruler, neglecting his duties?

She grew angry and pushed him away forcefully, but he just chuckled. "Silly girl, you’re so crafty. It’s clearly your fault—you’re being melodramatic and flying into a rage out of shame—yet you berated me until I was the one to admit defeat. Sigh, what can I say? It’s because I love you, after all."