If he could, Zhao Yang truly wished Lin Xiao would change his target. Ling Xi was not someone who could be toyed with at will.
“Zhang Nu, I know it might be a little late to say this, but I really hope you can talk to Lin Xiao. Even though I haven’t been here long, I can tell that Ling Xi is a pure, lively, and kind girl. She’s not suited for a man as brooding and dark-minded as Lin Xiao. Someone like him doesn’t deserve someone as kind as her.”
Hearing this, Zhang Nu realized Zhao Yang was speaking entirely from Ling Xi’s perspective. But if Zhao Yang knew what Lin Xiao had gone through in the past, would he still speak so confidently?
“Zhao Yang, you have no idea what Lin Xiao has been through, and you can’t just dismiss him like that. Maybe he really is, as you say—brooding and dark-minded, but he would never harm Ling Xi. He already sees her as his only support. If you take away his one light, his only redemption, don’t you think that’s far too cruel?”
But Zhao Yang, after hearing that, didn’t realize just how wrongheaded his own thinking was. All he could sense was how dangerous Lin Xiao was.
If they always considered everything from Lin Xiao’s perspective, then in the end, all of them would owe Lin Xiao.
“Zhang Nu, I understand—maybe Lin Xiao’s past is very pitiful. But that doesn’t give him the right to control Ling Xi. You know what kind of person she is. I truly see her as my little sister. If anyone tries to hurt her, I absolutely won’t allow it.”
Zhang Nu nodded. If Lin Xiao really did harm Ling Xi, he too would never forgive him. Even though he treated Lin Xiao as a brother, Ling Xi as a sister was far more precious.
“Don’t worry. I’ll never allow him to hurt Ling Xi. If he ever tries, I’ll step in.”
Zhao Yang nodded in satisfaction. “Just make sure to call me then. I’ll stand up for Ling Xi, too.”
From this, Zhang Nu knew Zhao Yang had agreed. He thought Ling Xi was quite fortunate—along the way, she had only encountered people who sincerely cared about her.
At that moment, however, Liu Hai was still utterly lost. He didn’t understand what Zhang Nu and Zhao Yang were circling around.
“Can you two not speak in riddles? Be more straightforward. What are you even talking about? I don’t get how Ling Xi and Lin Xiao suddenly got involved. Aren’t they both our good friends, good brothers? Why do you two look like you’re about to fight?”
Zhao Yang and Zhang Nu exchanged glances, feeling Liu Hai really was a bit slow. He hadn’t noticed anything strange between Lin Xiao and Ling Xi. Whether that was good or bad, who could say—but aside from Ling Xi herself, everyone else had already noticed.
“I honestly worry about your emotional intelligence. Can someone like you even find a girlfriend? Forget it. If you don’t understand, don’t ask. You’ll figure it out sooner or later.”
Liu Hai grew angry, glaring at Zhao Yang. He felt Zhao Yang was mocking him, but he had no proof.
“Were you mocking me just now? Tell me—what did you mean by that? How dare you laugh at me?”
Zhao Yang only shrugged carelessly, then swaggered into the inn. Right now, saving Ling Xi was more important—her matter couldn’t be delayed.
Seeing this, Liu Hai hurried after him, determined to get an answer. Zhang Nu followed helplessly behind the two of them.
Still, he thought to himself that life was good. Having four close companions always at his side—helping one another in danger, sometimes bickering and joking around—it made him feel at ease. If he were left alone in silence, he might even feel uncomfortable.
Soon, they arrived at the room where Lin Xiao and Ling Xi were. Ling Xi still hadn’t returned to her human form. Lin Xiao, however, was drenched in sweat, his face pale as if he had spent all his strength.
Zhang Nu rushed forward and quickly helped Lin Xiao to the side.