Chu Yao broke free from Li Qin's grasp. Without another word, she shot her a cold glance and turned toward Lu Xize.
Li Qin hastily tried to follow, but Lu Xize's icy stare stopped her in her tracks. For a moment, she didn't dare grab Chu Yao again.
Watching Chu Yao walk toward him, Lu Xize reached out and pulled her into his arms. His gaze shifted from Li Qin, its earlier coldness replaced by a look of heartache as he gazed at Chu Yao. "Home?"
"Yes, home."
Chu Yao looked pale, and her smile was strained. After all, Li Qin was her mother. Even if she hated the woman and had resolved to stop caring whether she lived or died, she felt no triumphant pleasure in her heart.
Chu Yao's heart was heavy, and it remained that way the entire trip back to the Imperial City.
That night, Lu Xize came and lay down after his shower. Chu Yao rolled over and burrowed into his embrace. Lu Xize naturally pulled her closer, resting his chin on her forehead.
