Chapter 79 - Speaking of Truth

Xun Zichen finished up some work as quickly as he could manage, knowing that Su Xiang was waiting for him at home.

"You seem to be in a good mood," one of his colleagues said.

Xun Zichen couldn't suppress his smile. He usually didn't, but the curl of his lips betrayed him. The last 24 hours were something he didn't imagine, even in his wildest dreams. Su Xiang returned his feelings, something he thought would be impossible.

But it wasn't fair to her, or to Yu Haoran, too, if he didn't solve the issue.

But again, he didn't expect Su Xiang to convey the same feelings he felt. He always thought he was alone in something that is considered taboo to those who don't know their history. He thought marrying Yu Haoran would make him forget about his feelings.

He called Su Xiang to tell her that he would be meeting with Yu Haoran to deliver the news of his decision.

Yu Haoran was to meet him at a quiet, yet public place. She was waiting for him in front of a museum building. They went inside, going for a walk to see the displays. "I'm glad you brought me here, Chen. I didn't think you would have it in you to take me to a place this nice," Yu Haoran said, carrying her purse in her hand.

Xun Zichen smiled bitterly. "Miss Yu," he began, "I need to tell you something that you may not want to hear, but I must tell you this."

Yu Haoran paused, frowning.

She reached out to grab his hand; her eyes turned watery, "Let me tell you something first," she said. "I'm in love with you, Chen."

Her expression appeared to be sad, broken, and sincere. Though Xun Zichen understood he was about to hurt her, it was necessary. He did not love her.

"I'm sorry," he answered softly. "I do not feel the same way. And it's better to end this now, so I don't end up hurting you more than I already did."

Xun Zichen began to walk away when she pulled him towards him. "But I love you!" she said, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Xun Zichen bit his lip. He felt like shit.

"I love someone else," he admitted, "and nothing could change that."

At that moment, her tears dried, her face twisting into a snarl.

"It's that damn Su Xiang!" she accused him.

Xun Zichen's eyes widened, but he closed them promptly. "What does she have to do with this?" he kept up with the pretense.

She pulled out her phone, showing a video of him making out with Su Xiang on the kitchen countertop. And then it cut off.

She recorded them?

Xun Zichen's eyes widened. But he set his jaw, his expression darkening. "What do you think you're doing?" he asked her darkly.

Yu Haoran curled her lips. She approached him closely. "I wonder what your parents will think when I show them this?"

Xun Zichen was breathing heavily, trying to calm his anger. His eyes blazed with fury.

"Are you trying to blackmail me?"

Yu Haoran's smile broadened. "I suppose so," she said. "After all, I wonder what the whole world would think of you two fucking."

"We didn't—" he began.

"Save it," Yu Haoran cut in. "From this video, it looks like you two were about to engage in a particular activity. When people see this, it would surely make the headlines."

Xun Zichen narrowed his eyes. "What do you want?"

"You," she said with a sinister smile.

Xun Zichen exhaled deeply. He rubbed the space between his brows. "I'm not an option, and I don't care what people will think of me," he told her.

Yu Haoran frowned. "That's a shame, Zichen," she said coldly.

Xun Zichen's eyes widened. He then stalked away quickly, wondering how she knew his name. But she caught up to him, cornering him near a pillar, apart from the eyes of others.

"You can't run away, Zichen. I know who you are," she spat.

Xun Zichen clenched his jaw.

"Wait until I tell your uncle that you're alive. It won't be just you, he kills. He will kill your parents and your precious whore," she seethed.

Xun Zichen pulled out a gun from his hidden strap, placing it on her forehead. Yu Haoran did not waver; she only stared at him defiantly, expecting him to be provoked, as if that's what she wanted.

She smiled wickedly. "There you are, Zichen, the Phoenix."

"Who are you?" he asked her.

"I am who I say I am. I am honest, unlike you," Yu Haoran admitted.

"How do you know who I am, and what do you want?"

Yu Haoran's lips curled again. "I want revenge," she began, "the Xun family are responsible for my parent's deaths."

Xun Zichen gritted his teeth. "I am not involved with your personal vendetta, and I am no longer associated with Xun."

Yu Haoran smiled brightly. "Yes, you are, Phoenix. You'll always be a Xun," she told him softly.

"It doesn't matter. I haven't done anything to you. So, please, fuck off," Xun Zichen told her.

"Eh?" she pouted, "But that's no fun. And it ruins my plans. I didn't expect you to fall in love with that Su bitch."

Xun Zichen loaded his gun. "I'm not afraid to blow your brains when you speak of her that way," he said wickedly.

The cruel smile lingered on Yu Haoran's lips. "I don't doubt it."

"Don't let me see you again," Xun Zichen warned. "If you do anything to the Su family, then our blood feud will resume."

Yu Haoran nodded. "I see," she said. "But, unfortunately, I only answer to my boss."

"Who's your boss?" he questioned.

Yu Haoran slipped from his grip. Xun Zichen lowered the gun, hiding it as people walked by.

"You'll find out soon," she told him, and into the shadows, she turned a corner and disappeared.

Xun Zichen felt like punching a wall, but he knew that would do more damage than good. He suspected her part in what happened to Su Xiang's patient. But what angered him was how close he let Yu Haoran be to Su Xiang.

He strapped the gun in the back of his pants. In the car, he put it away carefully in one of his hidden compartments.

When he went into his apartment, it smelled like cooked fish, enticing his hunger. Su Xiang welcomed him with a small smile, and she tip-toed to kiss him on the lips.

"I just finished cooking!" she told him.

He put down his case on the table, discarding his jacket. "Xi," he called out to her.

"Mhm?" she replied.

"There's something I need to tell you."