8 Xue Huan's Hear

Chen Wei was stunned for the sudden burst of Shi Mei. He stepped back, trying not to compare of what also happened to him few years ago. But it flowed in his mind, he was unjustly accused and nobody listened to him. He was a criminal in their Kingdom, no matter how he defended himself, explained that he never did it and plead for his innocence. Everyone was deaf and turned a blind eye to him.

Wen Zexi knew that Chen Wei was reminded of what happened to him.

"Calm down, my lady. You don't need to go this far-"

"Come on, I know you're waiting for this moment. Should I do it by myself?"Shi Mei snapped out boldly.

It was beyond her patience anymore. She also had a problem, stuck here. And she still couldn't believe of what happened to her. Yet now and then, Chen Wei and Xue Huan would confront her.

Xue Hua walked towards Shi Mei, and hand out his sword to her.

"Here."

Gong Yan also stepped forward, aware of the tension around Shi Mei and Xue Huan.

"Why?Are you afraid now?"Xue Huan said with his serious look.

"Stop this."Wen Zexi advanced and stood in between of the two.

"Move."Shi Mei remained still, too ironic for her, she was so brave a while ago yet she could not even speak now.

"Xue Huan."Wen Zexi protested as he stared at Xue Huan. But he moved aside, he knew that Xue Huan had a reason.

"Then should I do you a favor? I can end your life if that is your wish-"Chen Wei knocked the sword.

"Enough. After all, you need her."

"He needs me?What do you mean?" Shi Mei came back to her senses, ignoring her tampered pride.

"You."Xue Huan spoke with vehemence but Chen Wei quickly hid at the back of Gong Yan. Wen Zexi chuckled as he approached the little boy.

"How about a snack, little boy. I mean, Dak-Ho."the little boy bobbed his head and clutched Wen Zexi's clothes.

"Hey, what do you mean by that?"Shi Mei kept asking while they were returning in the residence.

"You might be the remedy of Xue Huan's-Ack!"Xue Huan seized Chen Wei's ear and pulled him away from Shi Mei.

"You're hiding something from me. You couldn't kill me because you need me-"

"I don't need you."

"I hope so but your friend just revealed it."

"You're delusional."

No one noticed it but Gong Yan just curled his lips into a small smile. He watched the three, Chen Wei was now even defending Shi Mei from Xue Huan.

"Look at them."Gong Yan glanced at Wen Zexi.

"Sometimes, bickering is a way to form ties."

Gong Yan agreed as he lowered down his head and looked at the little boy, grabbing also his clothes while beaming.

************************************

Shi Mei watched the sun slowly devoured by the horizon, the mix yellow orange and red was as if brushed on the sky aesthetically. She subconsciously asked herself, when did the last time she saw the setting down of the sun. She recalled how she actally lived her days, leaving her apartment at dawn then she would only return by evening twilight.

She's too occupied to her work, disregarding everything even her family. Her parents disapproved when she decided to move out from their home but she left with no choice because of her schedule. Now that she transported to other dimension, she regretted it. If only she knew then she would spend most of her days with her family. But as what she read in different books, repentance would always be at the end.

"Are you still uncomfortable with us?"Shi Mei gave a sideways glance at Wen Zexi.

"You're already staying with us for five days."Wen Zexi said as he sat down beside Shi Mei.

"That fast yet too long for me."

"Do you miss your family?"Shi Mei curled her lips into faint smile.

"I do."

"Do you wish to return immediately?"Wen Zexi carefully asked and Shi Mei nodded immediately. The two were been quiet for a short period.

"I want to help you but I could not also ignore the threat to Xue Huan."

"I know. Anyway, my family are not here and I don't even have any idea how to return. I'm not even sure if I could go back."

Shi Mei was already comfortable with Wen Zexi, for he's more approachable and rational in thoughts.

"Don't worry, I'll assure you that you will be safe until you return to your residence."Shi Mei nodded as she thought that Wen Zexi would not understand her situation.

"Wen Zexi!"Chen Wei's voice echoed in the yard. Shi Mei and Wen Zexi both jolted upright as they walked quickly towards the backyard. They ran over with Chen Wei, breathing deeply.

"Xue...Huan..."Chen Wei choke but motioning his hand towards the forest. Wen Zexi ran subsequently when he heard it. While Shi Mei only shrugged herself then she turned her back but Chen Wei grabbed her hand and shifted her body towards the direction of the forest.

"You need to come."Shi Mei only let out a small laugh.

"I might only trigger his condition even more if I showed up."Chen Wei shook his head multiple times as he tugged Shi Mei towards the forest.

"I don't have any time with your leader so let go of me-"Shi Mei stopped as she stared at Xue Huan dropped on his left knee while holding his chest.

"What's happening to him?"Shi Mei said casually, unperturbed by the situation. Xue Huan raised his head and looked at Shi Mei, he then felt his heart starting to beat normally.

Wen Zexi checked the pulse of Xue Huan straightaway when he also noticed it. He was in awe as he moved his eyes to Shi Mei. Gong Yan and Chen Wei read Wen Zexi's expression so they darted their eyes also to Shi Mei.

"Why are all looking me like that?"

Xue Huan stood up and walked towards Shi Mei, held her wrist and pulled her towards him.

"Who on earth are you?"