Chapter 23: Something Has Happened to My Brother-Rebelou-se contra ele(Sonho de ossos em uma noite)

"Miss Wan, you cannot go in there."

Luo Xue moved to intercept Lin Xihe, but was halted by Yi Lanshu, who gripped her arm. "Let her go."

"But Lord Yu Tingye gave specific instructions..."

Yi Lanshu winked at her. "He gave me instructions just now as well—to let Wanwan see him."

"But..."

"There are no 'buts'." Yi Lanshu pulled Luo Xue closer, his voice softening. "Trust me, Luo Xue."

Luo Xue pushed him away. "Stay away from me."

Yi Lanshu chuckled. "Could it be that Luo Xue is shy?"

Luo Xue couldn't be bothered to entertain him.

Lin Xihe had accidentally overheard the words Yu Tingye spoke to the hooded man as she burst into the room. She froze in her tracks, her heart filled with trepidation; she felt as though she had heard something she was never meant to hear.

After the hooded man departed, Lin Xihe remained standing where she was, uncertain whether to advance or retreat.

When she finally gathered her resolve and walked over, the chair was empty.

"Yu Tingye."

Lin Xihe called out, but no one answered.

She searched the entire study, yet there was no sign of him.

Yu Tingye did not want to see her.

Lin Xihe stood there, dazed for a moment, before turning and walking away quickly.

Upon returning to her bedchamber, Lin Xihe felt completely listless, sleeping through the days and nights.

"Miss, you have been asleep for three days straight. Haven't you slept enough?" A-Jiu was deeply worried. Could something be wrong with her mistress?

Lin Xihe remained in a hazy, lethargic state until a sudden clap of thunder that night jolted her awake.

"Ye!"

She cried out in her dream and bolted upright, scanning her surroundings.

She then pressed a hand to her forehead. It was only a dream.

Just a dream.

Time passed, and eventually, a frantic knocking echoed at the door.

A-Jiu, stirred from her slumber, went to open it.

As soon as the door opened, Tang Xin'er rushed in. "Sister-in-law, my brother is in trouble. Luo Xue said only you can save him. Please, go and see him quickly. Brother is in such agony. He has wounded himself beyond recognition."

As Tang Xin'er spoke, her eyes brimmed with tears.

Lin Xihe, having already guessed what was happening, didn't even stop to put on a coat before she climbed out of bed and left.

When Lin Xihe arrived, she found Yu Tingye bound to a bed. His arms and body were covered in deep, blood-soaked claw marks.

Luo Xue said, "I had no choice. If I don't bind him, he will keep harming himself."

Lin Xihe nodded. "You may all leave. Leave him to me."

Luo Xue led Tang Xin'er out and closed the door behind them.

Unable to mask the heartache she felt, Lin Xihe quickly untied the ropes binding Yu Tingye and called to him softly, "Ye."

Pain flooded Yu Tingye’s eyes, yet he clung to a shred of reason. "Get out!"

This time, Lin Xihe ignored his command. She embraced him and kissed him...

Yu Tingye struggled, trying to push her away, only to find his body incapable of refusing her.

Unknowingly, an hour passed.

The two on the bed finally fell still.

Lin Xihe nestled in Yu Tingye's arms, her hand draped across his waist. She felt as though she were doomed, for her heart and soul were entirely consumed by him.

Yu Tingye was calm, saying nothing at all.

They lay there together for a long time.

"Ye," Lin Xihe whispered, breaking the silence.

Yu Tingye turned his head slightly to look at her, but remained silent, a gaze that made Lin Xihe’s skin crawl. Her long, curled lashes fluttered before she lowered her eyes, as if she had committed some grave offense.

"Wanwan."

"Yes?" Lin Xihe did not expect him to address her, and she quickly lifted her head to meet his gaze.

"Why must you torment me like this?"

Yu Tingye asked the question with chilling calm, leaving Lin Xihe with no answer.