"Little Xi," Jian Ci said, his voice breaking, "what did you mean by that?" This was his third time asking the same question and he wouldn't let Yu Xi go until he answered him honestly.
Yu Xi met his gaze, and in those dark eyes he saw hurt, anxiety, and a storm of emotions he couldn't bear to face. He turned his head away, unable to endure it.
But Jian Ci wasn't letting him escape. He pressed Yu Xi's wrists together with one hand, his other hand reaching to pinch Yu Xi's chin, forcing him to look back at him.
"Little Xi," Jian Ci repeated, his voice trembling, "what did you mean?"
Yu Xi clenched his jaw, his chest tight. He had never told anyone this, not even Xiaobao. But now, cornered by Jian Ci's desperation, he let the truth spill out.
"Before you rescued me," Yu Xi whispered, his voice raw, "I was prepared to die that day."
Jian Ci's grip loosened instantly, shock flashing across his face. His eyes widened, his breath caught.
