When Yang Wei reached the door, he swung it open, revealing a room with two beds adorned with silk canopies.
Jin Tianyu, covered in bandages, stood beside the sleeping Huo Zhenwei, gently tending to his hair.
"I'm sorry for everything I've done to you, Zhenwei... you're my friend and yet I... yet I..."
Yang Wei replied, "Maybe try that apology again when Zhenwei's awake."
Startled, Jin Tianyu stood up, realizing Yang Wei's presence. Nervously, he asked, "When... When did you get here?" His hands trembled as fear crept over him.
Yang Wei raised a hand, reassuring him, "Relax. I'm not here to hurt you. I think I've done enough of that. I'm just checking on how you both are doing." Examining Jin Tianyu's still-swollen face which was covered with numerous bandages, Yang Wei added, "Looks like you're not completely healed."
Jin Tianyu, gradually calming down, stuttered, "Y... you came to see me?"
Yang Wei smiled, saying, "It's good to see you're getting better."
Jin Tianyu bowed his head abruptly as he struggled to find the right words.
"I don't know if there are any right words to say in order to apologize for all I've done. I know... I know I can't undo every bad deed I've performed, but for now, all I can really say is that, I'm sorry and I hope you'll accept this apology of mine as a start."
Yang Wei swiftly responded, "Apology accepted. It's all water under the bridge."
Jin Tianyu, surprised by the quick forgiveness, asked, "Are really just going to forgive me like that?! Even after everything I've done, what if I was lying?!"
Yang Wei sighed and shook his head, "You admitted your mistakes and apologized genuinely. Not everyone has the strength to do that. And well if you're lying, I'll blame myself for being too trusting. But I believe you were sincere."
Well, whether you meant it or not doesn't bother me much. I've got your Sapphire Crescent Talisman, and that's a nice boost for my water spirit root cultivation. So, it's a win for me anyway.
Walking over to Jin Tianyu, Yang Wei placed a hand on his head, smiling, "Besides, you didn't really cause me much trouble. *chuckle* You're several centuries too young to be a problem for me."
I can't believe I'm doing this.
He rolled his eyes and said, "You're not entirely at fault."
"I'm not?"
Yang Wei's tone turned a little less dry. "Now, I'm not saying you're entirely a victim, but there's some sense to why you're so lost."
Jin Tianyu tried to stop his constant sobs, but it was futile. He couldn't hold back all the pain he felt. "I understand," he said with a strained voice.
"You changed drastically because you experienced true pain – your home was destroyed, your parents were killed, and then your step-mother disinherited you. It led to feelings of resentment and a need to assert control in a chaotic situation.
You were angry and powerless, and that pushed you to act all aggressive and possessive about women—your own misguided way of coping, a stupid attempt to regain a sense of control and power in a world that seemed to have taken everything from you."
That's what he got from Jin Tianyu's actions and what he heard from both Huo Zhenwei and Huo Yue.
Jin Tianyu's tears streamed down his face, mingling with the mucus that escaped his nostrils. "I... I don't know how to change," he whispered with his cracking voice. "After everything I've done, I'm not even sure if I deserve a second chance. I've killed so many juniors of mine who didn't know better."
Yang Wei gently pushed him away, breaking their hug. Gripping Jin Tianyu's shoulders firmly, he looked into his eyes and said, "You have people who care about you. But you need to stop acting rotten and see yourself beyond the pain. Changing starts with a new perspective. Use a fresh point of view to steer yourself toward a new and improved path.
It might take time, but the journey becomes something you can smile about once you discover that new perspective."
Jin Tianyu sank to his knees, his fingers clawing at the wooden floor as if trying to grasp at redemption. "I've wasted my life hating myself and others," he admitted with a heavy heart. "I really need to change."
As he lifted his head, he saw Yang Wei leaving the room with arms behind his back. Yang Wei paused at the doorway and said, "Get stronger, then reclaim your inheritance..."
Jin Tianyu muttered under his breath. "Thank you... Yang Wei."
That was the first time he'd said the white-haired mage's name.