I took a deep breath, gathering my courage before continuing:
"So from now on… you're not allowed to force me to do things I don't like anymore."
Kình Uyên didn't answer immediately.
His gaze was deep and thoughtful, as if he were considering something.
I paused slightly, but continued, my voice softer:
"And you're not allowed… to bite me anymore. It hurts so much."
The air was silent for a few seconds.
Then Kình Uyên nodded slightly:
"Okay."
Just one word.
So brief that it made me pause.
Not a promise.
Neither was it a clear commitment.
I didn't understand why a feeling… something wasn't right, but I couldn't pinpoint it. Finally, I reassured myself… at least he had agreed.
Immediately afterward, Kình Uyên spoke again, this time more gently:
"Then, young master, please don't be angry with me anymore."
I looked at him, hesitated for a moment, then nodded:
"Okay. As long as you don't pressure me… I won't be angry with you."
King Yuan curved his lips into a slight smile.
"That's good then."
From then on, we considered… to be at peace.
After that day, King Yuan really didn't pressure me anymore.
At least… on the surface.
He didn't overstep his boundaries, didn't make threats, and didn't bring up the past. Everything became so calm that I gradually lowered my guard.
The first week, I was still very wary.
Every time we were in the same space, I unconsciously paid attention to his every move, afraid that if I was careless, King Yuan would pull another trick.
But nothing happened.
He acted appropriately, kept a sufficient distance, and even actively avoided touching me. That's what made me start… to doubt myself.
Was I being overly sensitive that day?
By the second week, I stopped looking at him with wary eyes.
Kình Uyên was still there, still quietly appearing every day, but without putting any pressure on me. On the contrary, sometimes he even helped me with small things that I usually forgot about.
He didn't mention his contributions.
He didn't demand anything in return.
I started to get used to his presence.
By the time I realized it, it was the third week.
I discovered… if I didn't see Kình Uyên around, I would feel like something was missing.
That feeling startled me.
Sometime later, I had a fever.
Not severe, but enough to make me feel exhausted.
My parents weren't home.
I had intended to endure it alone, but when I woke up, there was someone by my bedside.
Kình Uyên was sitting there, his hand on my forehead, his voice low:
"Still hot."
I wanted to push his hand away, but I had no strength. He stayed all night.
He didn't say much, didn't do anything excessive. He just quietly changed my towels, reminded me to drink water, and took my temperature on time.
When I was drowsy and about to fall asleep, he said very softly:
"If young master is afraid… I'll be here."
Not "I will be here."
But "if you're afraid."
I didn't answer.
But as the night deepened, I couldn't sleep.
Finally, I stood outside Jing Yuan's room for a long time, hugging my pillow.
So long that my hands started to ache.
I knocked very softly.
There was no answer.
I stood there for a while longer before opening the door.
Jing Yuan was asleep.
I hesitated for a long time, but finally lay down beside him, maintaining a clear distance.
But as soon as my back touched the bed, I realized I felt much more at ease.
I fell asleep without realizing it.
I didn't know that, much later, Jing Yuan opened his eyes.
His gaze was completely alert.
He looked at me sleeping, not touching me immediately. He observed me for a long time, as if confirming something.
Then he gently pulled me closer.
Just right.
Just enough so I wouldn't wake up.
"Sleep well."
From that night on, everything changed.
Not suddenly, but very slowly.
I started seeking out Jing Yuan whenever I needed something.
I started asking for his opinion.
I started getting used to having him around.
By the time I realized… I had relied on him too much, it was already the third month.
Now, I'm sitting opposite Jing Yuan.
The atmosphere is strangely quiet.
I rested my chin on my hand, looked at him for a moment, and then asked:
"Jing Yuan, do you have a story you want to tell me?"
Jing Yuan looked at me, his eyes deep and gentle:
"What does the young master wish to hear?"
His voice was no longer as distant as before.