A Choice of the Heart

Jinjiang Exclusive First Release 12.

“Don’t let anyone hurt her.” Wen Xiaoran’s voice tightened, his grip unconsciously strengthening, nearly suffocating Yan Yi.

She gently patted his back and eased herself out of his arms. “Your Excellency, there’s no one here. No one is hurting me.”

His awareness gradually returned. Wen Xiaoran’s expression shifted slightly as he stepped back. “Apologies. My headaches flared up suddenly—I overstepped.”

Hearing this, Yan Yi felt a bit guilty but forced herself to remain calm. “Your Excellency, your headaches haven’t appeared for a while. What happened today?”

Wen Xiaoran rubbed his temples. “It’s nothing.”

Uncertain whether the system had erased his memory, Yan Yi cautiously asked, “Your Excellency… those rogue cultivators entering the demon domain—are they seeking dual cultivation?”

He paused and looked at her. “Why ask?”

Yan Yi frowned. “They were too arrogant. Causing trouble openly like that…”

“No need to worry,” Wen Xiaoran reassured her. “I have it under control.”

She let out a breath. “Then… I’ll ask Master another day how to properly use vital essence without harming the recipient.”

“No need.” His gaze dimmed slightly.

Yan Yi pressed on, “Why not? It’s useless to me—if it helps you recover—”

“My vital essence is already recovering. There’s no need.”

Only then did Yan Yi confirm—he truly didn’t remember.

The system had intervened.

“Alright.” She nodded, then asked hesitantly, “When your headache struck… did you see something?”

His expression froze. “Why do you ask?”

“You looked like you were reliving something painful.”

He replied quietly, “Old matters. Not worth mentioning.”

She smiled gently. “If you ever want to talk, I’m here.”

Her words felt like a warm breeze.

Wen Xiaoran reached out and wiped a trace of sweetness from her lips. “You’ve been speaking sweetly today.”

Yan Yi instinctively licked her lips, her tongue brushing his fingers.

“It really is sweet. Want to taste?”

His breath hitched.

Before he could respond, she held the last two candied hawthorns to his lips. “Here, for you.”

He glanced at them, then said calmly, “I don’t like sweets.”

Yan Yi smiled. “They’re sweet and sour—worth trying.”

He misunderstood slightly, clearing his throat. “It’s late. Rest early.”

She quickly finished them and waved. “Good night!”

He added, “Don’t eat sweets at night. Save them for tomorrow.”

“I know!”

She suddenly pushed him toward the door.

Once outside, she stepped forward, stood on her toes—and kissed him lightly.

“It really is sweet, see?”

Before he could react, she had already slipped away.

The warmth lingered.

Wen Xiaoran stood there, watching her disappear into the dusk, a strange warmth filling his chest.

The next morning, just after dawn, Yan Yi slowly woke up.

The little fox slept curled at her feet. She gently stroked its head until it woke.

“Meow—”

“Let’s go see Master today and check your recovery, alright?”

The fox responded softly.

After getting ready, Yan Yi arranged for a carriage.

At Bu Ying Yue’s house—

“Xiao Yi, you’re here!”

“Is your mother still in seclusion?”

“She won’t come out for a while.”

Yan Yi nodded and handed over a food box.

Soon, Bu Shu arrived.

“Master, I have something to ask.”

“I know—you want to check the fox’s condition.”

He examined it carefully.

“The demonic power has recovered to ninety percent. It can already transform.”

He added thoughtfully, “But past trauma slowed recovery.”

He then explained methods of psychological healing and handed her several books.

Yan Yi wrote everything down carefully.

Then she hesitated. “Master… I have another question.”

Bu Shu nodded.

“Has His Excellency’s vital essence recovered?”

He paused. “Why ask?”

“If my pendant can help… I want to give it to him.”

Bu Shu sighed. “This is not something to decide lightly.”

Yan Yi replied firmly, “I’ve lived without it just fine. It’s better used by someone who needs it.”

He asked, “What does His Excellency think?”

“He refused.”

Bu Shu nodded. “Then I cannot act against his will.”

Yan Yi quickly clarified, “I only want to understand the consequences.”

After some thought, he explained everything carefully.

“Remember—don’t force it.”

Yan Yi nodded.

By noon, she returned.

At the entrance, she spotted Ling You in a hurry.

“Is something wrong?”

“It’s confidential.”

She didn’t press further.

“I’ll go check on His Excellency.”

“In the bedchamber.”

At the door, she waited until being called in.

“Your Excellency, are you feeling better?”

He gestured for her to sit.

“You asked about vital essence, didn’t you?”

Yan Yi froze.

Of course he knew.

“Yes,” she admitted. “I was worried about the risks.”

“I told you I don’t need it.”

She sat calmly. “I’m worried about you. There are enemies everywhere—if something happens—”

She stopped abruptly.

“I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just… worried about you.”