Chapter 1256

“Want to go to Bei Miao with Nangong Xu?” Mu Xiaojiu suddenly asked after what seemed like an eternity.

His voice carried a hoarseness that followed an emotional outburst—indescribable and captivating.

Utterly, devastatingly alluring.

Baili Xia’s heart couldn’t help but tremble violently.

Even she found herself a little contemptible.

Why couldn’t she treat him like any ordinary man, or better yet, act as if he didn’t exist?

It was just a husky voice, yet the irresistible sensuality in it had her thoroughly ensnared.

Baili Xia turned her face away, refusing to look at his back—a back that could effortlessly lead one astray.

She muttered under her breath, striving to keep her voice composed, “I do.”

She thought Uncle would ask why she wanted to go, but Mu Xiaojiu remained silent.

He continued smoking, staring into the distance.

Baili Xia couldn’t help it; her gaze drifted back to his silhouette.

The broad figure, still standing tall and steadfast, like a mighty tree rooted firmly against the heavens.

Yet, the more she looked, the lonelier he seemed.

The heavy air surrounding him compelled her—compelled her to approach, to wrap him gently in her arms, to tell him that even if the whole world abandoned him, she would always stay by his side.

How could a man be so utterly enchanting?

At any moment, regardless of the things he did, as long as he showed even the faintest trace of desolation, a woman’s heart would instantly soften.

Baili Xia forced herself to pull her eyes away from him with difficulty.

She bit her lip and, almost defiantly, asked, “Do you really still want me to be with Brother?”

“Yes.” It was an answer that brooked no argument.

“Give me a reason.”

“Xiaoyao suits you. By his side, you’ll live well.” Was this reason enough?

Baili Xia clenched her fists tightly.

“I don’t have to marry a man from the Mu family.”

“You have no choice.”

“Mu Xiaojiu, what leverage do you think you still have over me now?”

Lord Mu no longer cared about her.

Even if she told him now how she’d been toyed with by her uncle for so long, the old man wouldn’t be heartbroken, nor would he be angry enough to have a heart attack.

Her mother had followed Lu An somewhere untraceable, leaving Mu Xiaojiu with no way to use He Xinjie against her anymore.

What gave him the confidence that she’d still heed him?

Following Brother in the past was simply because their relationship was indeed decent.

But now?

She had neither incentive nor reason to remain in the Mu family and be mocked by him!

“I’ll pay back the money I owe you as soon as possible.” She wasn’t that foolish.

Worst-case scenario, she’d borrow money from someone else.

Return it to him, and be done—all debts settled.

“So, you’re saying you want a clean break with me?” The man stubbed out his cigarette and turned around, his piercingly cold gaze locking onto her.

Baili Xia tried to feign calm, but his gaze still startled her.

She instinctively stepped back two paces, clutching her coat tighter, her fingertips trembling ever so faintly.

No matter what she’d been through, no matter how long they’d been around each other, this man… still frightened her as much as ever.

“I believe that should be my question to you, shouldn’t it?” She chuckled lightly, continuing to mask her unease.

“Wasn’t it you, Mu Xiaojiu, who inexplicably pushed me away back then?”

Yes!

It was his issue!

When things were good, they were extraordinarily good.

But when they went sour, you wouldn’t even get a shred of understanding as to why.

All you could do was stand there, watching helplessly as he cast you aside.

His gaze turned slightly dim.

He spoke with indifference, “You wouldn’t understand.”