NCCnovel Chapter 298 Remembering the Past
Chapter 298 Remembering the Past
Those sweet memories had now become sharp blades, piercing her heart again and again. Was she going to tell Chen Zigui that she approached the emperor simply to exploit his power? How cold and heartless that sounded, how chilling. She seemed to have foreseen the look of disbelief and shock in Chen Zigui's eyes, followed by the deep despair that followed. Those sweet memories of Linkang City, after she had spoken these words, would become such an ironic contrast, such a heavy burden.
She wanted to tell him that her flirtation with the emperor was merely a way to protect herself and him. Deep down, the only person she truly loved was him, Chen Zigui. But such an explanation, in the current situation, seemed so pale and false. Her intimate interactions with the emperor, the rewards, the garden tours, the poetry exchanges—every detail was so vivid in her mind. How could she simply dismiss it as a mere act? Furthermore, what were all those days and nights of sincere affection they had shared in Linkang City?
She was afraid, afraid that her explanation would not only fail to clear up the misunderstanding, but would only deepen Chen Zigui's pain. She was afraid to see the light in his eyes completely extinguished, afraid to see his heart shatter into pieces that could never be put back together. She was also afraid that those beautiful memories would become sharp blades that tortured them both, sinking them deeper and deeper into the abyss of pain.
This fear left her feeling like she was nailed to the spot, unable to move. She watched helplessly as a flash of disappointment crossed Chen Zigui's eyes, a disappointment like a sharp knife piercing her heart. Then, a trace of pain spread across his eyes, drowning her like a tide, nearly suffocating her. Perhaps, the moment he turned, he recalled every moment they had spent in Linkang City, those sweet memories now only adding to the heartbreak.
Chen Zigui took a deep breath, as if to absorb all the sadness and disappointment into his lungs, and then slowly exhaled, as if to expel all the hope and love. He suppressed the grief in his heart, said nothing more, did not even look at her, and turned away resolutely.
The afterglow of the setting sun cast a long shadow on him, making his back look particularly lonely and desolate. That back, like an ink painting, was filled with sadness and desolation, and it was deeply imprinted in Cen Jiexiao's mind, lingering.
As Cen Jiexiao watched his retreating figure, her heart ached like a knife, the pain unbearable. She knew she had hurt Chen Zigui deeply, deeply. She wanted so badly to run after him, hug him tightly, and explain everything to him. But her legs felt heavy as if they were filled with lead, and she couldn't move a step. She was afraid, afraid that her explanation would only make Chen Zigui even more miserable and despairing.
Those wonderful memories in Linkan City have now turned into unspeakable bitterness for her.
"Dean..." A soft voice, trembling with a hint of worry, came from behind Cen Jiexiao. It was Yu Lan's voice, and it contained deep concern and heartache for her. Cen Jiexiao slowly turned around, wearily withdrawing her gaze from the direction where Chen Zigui had disappeared. She saw Yu Lan and Xiao Man standing not far away, their faces filled with anxiety, their eyes filled with concern, like two bright lights, illuminating her heart, which was now shrouded in a haze. Chen Zigui's back still lingered in her mind, and the lonely and desolate image pierced her heart like a needle.
Yu Lan's hands were tightly clasped together, her knuckles turning slightly white from the force. She looked at Cen Jiexiao worriedly, her lips trembling slightly, but she seemed to be hesitant to speak.
Xiaoman looked anxious. She quickly walked to Cen Jiexiao, gently took her hand, and asked with concern: "Dean, are you okay? You don't look well." Her voice was full of worry, like a warm current, slowly flowing into Cen Jiexiao's cold heart.
Cen Jiexiao forced a smile, gently shook her head, and said, "I'm fine, just a little tired." She tried to appear relaxed, but she couldn't hide the exhaustion and desolation in her eyes. Deep down, she was overwhelmed by a profound sense of powerlessness. On one side was the emperor's favor, and on the other, her beloved's misunderstanding. She felt like a trapped animal, caught between a rock and a hard place. At this moment, she wished she had the power to turn the tide, to spare Chen Zigui's heartbreak while preserving herself and the academy.
Yu Lan and Xiao Man exchanged a glance, both seeing through Cen Jie Xiao's disguise. They knew that Cen Jie Xiao must have something on her mind, but she just didn't want to say it. They looked at her distressedly, their hearts filled with worry, especially when they saw the pain that flashed across Cen Jie Xiao's eyes, which made them even more uneasy.
Yu Lan walked to Cen Jiexiao, gently held her hand, and said softly: "Dean, if you have anything on your mind, you can tell us, we will all be with you. Don't carry it alone, okay?" Her voice was gentle and firm, like a clear spring, nourishing Cen Jiexiao's dry heart.
Xiaoman also echoed: "Yes, teacher, we are the most loyal and reliable people around you. You can tell us anything. We are your students and your friends. We will always support you." Her tone was sincere and firm, like a reassurance, which made Cen Jiexiao feel a little comforted.
Seeing their concerned eyes, Cen Jiexiao felt a warm surge of emotion. She knew they truly cared for her and wanted her best. Under their caring gazes, her once tightly closed heart gradually opened. Looking at their sincere faces, Cen Jiexiao knew she could no longer endure this torment alone. She needed to talk, she needed help.
"Actually..." Cen Jiexiao hesitated for a moment, but finally decided to tell them about her predicament.
"I don't know what to do. I don't want to deceive Brother Chen, nor do I want to offend the emperor at this time. I... I feel like I'm stuck between two huge rocks and I could be crushed into powder at any time." Her voice was low and weak, like a wisp of smoke, slowly dissipating in the air.
She took a deep breath and continued, "Now is a critical period of the development of the college. I can't let my personal affairs affect the future of the college, but..." She didn't continue, but the pain in her eyes said it all.
Yu Lan and Xiao Man fell silent after hearing Cen Jie Xiao's words. They knew that Cen Jie Xiao's situation was indeed difficult, caught between the emperor and her beloved, feeling torn between the two. They also understood that in this sensitive period, any wrong step could lead to irreversible consequences.
Xiaoman broke the silence. She thought seriously for a while, then said, "Teacher, I think we should first find out how sincere the emperor and Lord Chen are towards you. If they really love you, they will definitely consider you and will not make things difficult for you." Her tone was firm and decisive, like a bright light, illuminating the road ahead.