12dz Chapter 280 Lin Qianqian: "I want to live for myself!"
Chapter 280 Lin Qianqian: "I want to live for myself!"
Lin Qianqian and Xiao Die, dressed in guard uniforms, hurried away and disappeared into the bustling street.
The guards' uniforms were rather large, hanging loosely on them, and the hem swayed slightly with their steps.
The heavy bundles around their waists throbbed against their legs with each step, making dull thuds that seemed to remind them of their impending escape.
Xiao Die looked flustered, her eyes filled with unease. She leaned closer to Lin Qianqian and whispered, "Miss, where are we going next?"
Lin Qianqian frowned, her expression grave. Gazing at the crowds coming and going on the street, she felt lost and uncertain about the future. In this vast sea of people, there wasn't a single place that could instantly give her a sense of security. After a long while, she sighed softly, her voice gentle yet resolute: "Let's see! Wherever I go, as long as I escape the Ninth Prince's mansion, that's all that matters."
As she spoke, her gaze swept across the street, trying to find a direction in this unfamiliar and noisy environment.
Xiaodie's eyes widened in shock and worry, her voice trembling involuntarily: "Miss, if the Prince finds out we escaped, he will definitely be angry! He might even issue a warrant for our arrest!" As she spoke, she subconsciously looked around as if the Prince's pursuers were already close at hand.
A faint, bitter smile appeared on Lin Qianqian's face. The light in her eyes dimmed, and her expression was one of almost numb calm.
These past few days have left her physically and mentally exhausted. She no longer has the strength to fear or worry about the potential dangers. She gently shook her head and slowly said, "Xiaodie, I want to leave here! I don't want to stay here anymore. I don't want to drag you down with me. If you won't come with me, then go back now, go back to Wuming's side, and live a good life with him, becoming a loving couple!"
Upon hearing this, Xiaodie's eyes instantly reddened, her face filled with anxiety and grievance. She hurriedly grabbed Lin Qianqian's hand and said, "Miss, what are you saying! Xiaodie has been by your side since childhood. You have been so kind to me, and I have long regarded you as family. Although Xiaodie is already married, in Xiaodie's heart, Miss will always be number one! How could I abandon you and go back to enjoy a life of luxury! No matter how dangerous the road ahead may be, Xiaodie will stay with you, and we will never be apart, even in life and death!"
Her eyes were filled with unwavering determination as she gripped Lin Qianqian's hand tightly, as if conveying her unquestionable resolve.
Upon hearing this, Lin Qianqian's eyes instantly welled up with tears, and her usually resolute gaze softened and became moist.
She tilted her head slightly, trying to hold back her tears, and pursed her lips, her slightly trembling lips betraying the turmoil in her heart.
She slowly reached out and took Xiaodie's hand, her fingers gently stroking the back of Xiaodie's hand, as if confirming the authenticity of this precious affection. A slight smile, tinged with relief and emotion, appeared on her lips as she softly said, "Xiaodie, it's so good to have you here." Her voice held a barely perceptible sob; a thousand words were condensed into these tightly clasped hands and the warmth filling her heart.
As dusk settled, the last rays of the setting sun cast long shadows of the two. Hand in hand, Lin Qianqian and Xiao Die slowly stepped away from this place that was all too familiar to them.
Their silhouettes appeared somewhat frail in the setting sun, yet they exuded a resolute air.
Lin Qianqian looked back towards the direction of the Ninth Prince's Mansion. All the laughter and tears, glory and pain of the past were buried deep in her heart.
Xiao Die beside her held her hand tightly, conveying silent comfort and strength.
The stone path beneath her feet echoed with the sound of parting with every step, and past memories flashed through Lin Qianqian's mind like a revolving lantern.
Those days of constraint and suppressed dreams have all dissipated with these ever-receding steps.
And so, hand in hand, they walked step by step away from the Ninth Prince's Mansion.
The hustle and bustle of the street gradually drowned out their figures. The road ahead was full of unknowns, but as long as they were together, they had the courage to face anything.
As Lin Qianqian walked, she pondered, her resolve growing stronger: "From this moment on, I will live for myself, and I will take control of my life's course. Once, I thought I had found true love, but now I understand that true peace doesn't come from the protection of others, but from inner independence and strength. The road ahead may be full of thorns, perhaps without companionship, perhaps filled with doubt, but so what? Even alone, I will carve out my own path. I will measure the world with my own feet, weave my future with my own hands, and face all unknown storms with courage. I, Lin Qianqian—no, Lin Xiaoqian—will no longer be a parasitic vine clinging to others, but a towering tree capable of facing storms alone."