Chapter 160: Seeking Fairness

Mu Qingshi first tested the temperature, and finding it just right, she put the cup down and said, "The temperature is just right. Have a little bit first."

Bai Fanhao nodded, picked up the cup, and drank it sip by sip while gathering his thoughts for what he wanted to say shortly.

After half the cup was gone, Bai Fanhao felt a bit more comfortable. He slowly set the cup down, looked at Mu Qingshi with her lowered gaze, and said, "Mumu, it has been a long time—or perhaps we have never—sat down and talked as calmly as this before, has it?"

Indeed. In their memories, ever since they met a year ago, they had been bickering from the very first encounter. Like fighting cocks, they would fight the moment they saw each other, battling until they were battered and bruised every single time.

This truly was the first time they had sat and talked so peacefully. Mu Qingshi nodded in agreement.

Bai Fanhao gave a faint smile and continued, "I don't know when I started to fall for you. Perhaps it was when I heard your name and inexplicably agreed, or perhaps it was that very first time I saw you.

I never imagined things would spiral beyond my control. It was my fault that Wang Feiyan came to make trouble for you time and time again, and it was even more my fault that she harbored resentment and plotted against you.

I didn't expect her to go mad with a knife. I could only follow my heart and do what was within my power."

Bai Fanhao's words made Mu Qingshi's already sore eyes turn red. She asked with a sob, "Your injuries... I really..."

Seeing Mu Qingshi looking so heartbroken, Bai Fanhao shook his head and said, "Mumu, I am truly fine."

"But I don't know what to do to repay..." Mu Qingshi did not know how to express herself, and the more she tried, the more tangled her words became.

Hearing this, Bai Fanhao's expression stiffened. He felt deeply hurt and said somewhat angrily, "Mumu, when I said those words today, I didn't want your repayment, do you understand? I just wanted to tell you that in my heart, you are more important than my own life. Do you understand that?"

Bai Fanhao spoke with agitation. He did not know what he was in Mu Qingshi's eyes, or how she regarded him. He had only wanted to convey her status in his heart, yet it was interpreted in such a way.

Was he really viewed as such an unscrupulous person?

Mu Qingshi knew her words had been inappropriate just now, but that was genuinely not what she meant. Yet, seeing Bai Fanhao so agitated made her anxious. Seeing the wounded look in his eyes made her even more anxious, and above all, filled her with heartache.

"Cough, cough, cough..." Bai Fanhao covered his chest and coughed violently. His already pale face now appeared almost translucent, and his lips had turned white.

"Fanhao, Fanhao, please don't be angry. I really didn't mean it that way. I just felt that you were injured while I wasn't by your side, and that feeling was awful. I wasn't saying you wanted to use this to coerce me. Fanhao, please believe me, okay?" Mu Qingshi did not know how to explain herself anymore. The more she talked, the messier it got, until she was just babbling incoherently.

Bai Fanhao gradually stopped coughing and took a few deep breaths. Feeling the pain in his chest subside, he slightly opened his mouth and said, "Mumu, I don't need your answer right now. We both need time to sort out our thoughts and emotions."

What was going on? Mu Qingshi was about to ask when Bai Fanhao interrupted her: "Mumu, I'm leaving tomorrow. I just wanted to see you and tell you that I want to be treated fairly by you. I don't want you to be with me out of pity or sympathy. Do you understand?"

Mu Qingshi nodded, but her tears continued to fall uncontrollably...