Chapter 445: Easing Relations

After learning the truth, it felt as if a thousand-pound boulder was heavily pressing on her heart, leaving a shadow she could not dispel.

She thought back then, if her brother hadn't been so fond of clinging to her, would the tragedy not have happened?

So, after Xiao Lingchao was born, she deliberately kept her distance from him.

When she left Fusang Island at age seven, Xiao Lingchao was only two years old.

Xiao Lingwei calmly finished recounting all of this.

Yuan Yao empathized, reaching out to embrace Xiao Lingwei.

"Second Senior Sister, this isn't your fault. Everything is that evil cultivator's fault."

Xiao Lingwei smiled, "Don't worry, I'm fine now."

Song Yan, Cang Li, and Xue Jin all fell silent, looking at Xiao Lingwei with heartache.

Ying Wuji pursed his lips and said, "Second Senior Sister, don't fear repeating past mistakes; if you continue to distance yourself from Xiao Lingchao, he may be deceived by someone with ill intentions, and you'll regret it."

Xiao Lingwei raised her gaze toward Ying Wuji, "Have you discovered something?"

"Yes." Ying Wuji fell silent for a moment, then nodded under their gaze.

He scanned the surroundings, his expression solemn, "This isn't a good place to talk."

Upon hearing that, they decided to go to a nearby tavern and book a private room.

They talked the whole night.

…

They returned to the Island Lord's Manor at daybreak.

And as soon as Xiao Lingwei returned to the Island Lord's Manor, she headed straight to Xiao Lingchao's residence.

Along the way, the maids and guards all saluted, calling out, "Eldest Miss."

The place where Xiao Lingchao resided was called the West Sang Pavilion.

Outside the West Sang Pavilion, the guards suddenly saw the Eldest Miss appear; they first froze, thinking she was merely passing by.

Unexpectedly, the Eldest Miss headed straight toward their location.

"Eldest Miss!" the guards exclaimed, performing respectful salutations.

Xiao Lingwei gave a slight nod, then stepped forward to enter the West Sang Pavilion.

Seeing this, the Guard Captain exclaimed in surprise, "Eldest Miss, please wait. I'll go announce first."

Upon hearing that, Xiao Lingwei did not make things difficult for them; she stood still and said, "Go ahead and announce."

The Guard Captain gratefully glanced at Xiao Lingwei, then quickly entered the West Sang Pavilion, rushing toward the main house.

"Young Master, the Eldest Miss has arrived! She's waiting outside the pavilion."

Xiao Lingchao had been drinking tea when he suddenly heard this, and he spat it out in surprise.

He also choked.

He patted his chest before catching his breath.

He set down his teacup, abruptly stood up, and stared at the Guard Captain in shock, "What is she doing here?!"

The Guard Captain blinked, shrank his head, "I don't know either."

Xiao Lingchao originally wanted to stride out of the main house, but upon thinking of something, he stopped, gritting his teeth, "Get her out!"

The Guard Captain was stunned, "Young Master, are you sure?"

Xiao Lingchao's face shifted, "Let her go! I don't want to see her!"

"Young Master, you really won't see the Eldest Miss?" the Guard Captain asked cautiously, "Then I'll go report back to the Eldest Miss."

The Guard Captain waited a few seconds; seeing no reaction, he turned to leave.

"Wait!"

Xiao Lingchao's half-face fell into shadow, his youthful handsome features showing a hint of turmoil, "Have her wait in the front hall."

"Yes!" the Guard Captain replied, hurrying to report.

Meanwhile, Xiao Lingchao glanced down and saw his clothes were wet, so he decided to change.

He took a long time to pick out an outfit.

After stepping out of the main house, the surrounding attendants, upon seeing his attire, looked slightly odd.

"Young Master, you're dressed too extravagantly, aren't you?!"

Xiao Lingchao noticed the gazes of those around him, his expression uneasy as he swept his gaze over them.

Everyone lowered their heads.

Inside the front hall.

Xiao Lingwei was already seated, taking the tea offered by the maid, she lightly sipped and then set it down.

Next, she saw a handsome young boy in a dark brocade robe enter from outside; his robe was extremely luxurious and noble, almost entirely covered in gold-embroidered silk.

Xiao Lingchao strode straight into the front hall, not sparing Xiao Lingwei a glance; after sitting down, he coldly said, "What do you want with me?"

Xiao Lingwei remained silent, merely staring at him.

After a somewhat prolonged silence, Xiao Lingchao could no longer hold back; he couldn't help but look at Xiao Lingwei, his tone impatient, "If you have nothing to say, then please leave."

"Xiao Lingchao." Xiao Lingwei suddenly called his full name, her voice slightly soft.

Xiao Lingchao's expression froze slightly.

Then she added, "Sorry, I really was overly cold toward you before."

Upon hearing that, Xiao Lingchao was momentarily unable to react.

And upon meeting Xiao Lingwei's gaze, Xiao Lingchao instinctively wanted to dodge, then said, "What's the use of saying this now?"

Xiao Lingwei suddenly stood up and walked toward him.

Xiao Lingchao instantly grew nervous, his heart pounding like a drum.

A warm hand suddenly rested on top of his head, rubbing it.

Xiao Lingchao froze.

He lifted his head to look at Xiao Lingwei, only to see her smile and say softly, "Will you forgive your sister?"

Xiao Lingchao's lips parted slightly, thinking he was dreaming, for he felt Xiao Lingwei could never be so gentle with him.

"Come back." Seeing him zone out, Xiao Lingwei said helplessly, and reached out to pinch his cheek.

Feeling the touch, Xiao Lingchao snapped back to attention, looking at Xiao Lingwei with astonishment, his heart in turmoil.

"You…"

"Call me sister." Xiao Lingwei said.

Xiao Lingchao gritted his teeth and said quietly, "Do you think I'll forgive you?"

Xiao Lingwei frowned, "Why not forgive?"

Xiao Lingchao fell into silence, lowering his head.

At that moment, Xiao Lingwei patted Xiao Lingchao's shoulder and said as patiently as she could, "I didn't even hit you, so just forgive me."

Xiao Lingchao turned his head away with an awkward expression.

Just like a child throwing a tantrum.

Xiao Lingchao is merely a thirteen-year-old boy, his height still not reaching Xiao Lingwei's shoulders.

Seeing him like that, Xiao Lingwei frowned slightly, her hand itching to hit someone.

She took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Xiao Lingchao, a person should be open and generous."

Hearing her tone that sounded like a reprimand, Xiao Lingchao felt even more wronged in an instant; he rose abruptly, about to leave without a word—

"Xiao Lingchao, I have already apologized to you; since you won't forgive me, then let it be. If you step out of the front hall now, consider our sibling relationship beyond repair. Rest assured, if you encounter any trouble later, you may still come to me for help." Xiao Lingwei's voice sounded in the front hall, neither too loud nor too soft.

Hearing those words, Xiao Lingchao forced himself to stop.

He turned around, his gaze complex as he stared at Xiao Lingwei.

Seeing him look so aggrieved yet trying to hold it in, Xiao Lingwei couldn't help but picture A Jing in her mind, her heart giving a slight tug.

She raised her arms and said to Xiao Lingchao,

"A hug."