Ming Yue rubbed her reddened eyes, walked over to Lin Xi, gently took her still-trembling hand, and pulled the woman whose emotions had spiraled out of control under her deliberate provocation into her embrace, softly comforting her: “Sister Lin, my brother is already dead—so what if you admit it? Even if you don’t, what difference does it make? He can’t hear you anyway.”

“Ming Yue—”

“Sister Lin, I know you came all the way here to open this so-called Huanxi Bookstore specifically for my brother—and for me.”

Lin Xi choked back a sob.

Ming Yue went on: “Over the years, you’ve had a huge influence on Liu Jia. I’ve seen the books she’s been reading; every single one was carefully chosen by you, wasn’t it?”

Lin Xi remained silent—she neither confirmed nor denied it. Nor did she tell Ming Yue that she’d gone even further, that she’d actually tailored many books just for Liu Jia in order to guide both Liu Jia and Liu Lai.

Books she’d personally crafted, personally written, and personally encouraged Liu Jia to buy…

In fact, everything Ming Yue said was true. Over the years, hiding here and using this Huanxi Bookstore as a conduit, she’d subtly but profoundly influenced Liu Jia.

Ming Yue let out a heavy sigh and tightened her grip on Lin Xi’s hand. “The reason Liu Jia has grown up so sensitive and fragile, the way she is today—thanks to Liu Qinxin’s focused, meticulous upbringing—there’s a part of that credit that goes to me, but an even bigger part goes to you.”

Lin Xi raised her hand and gently wiped the moisture from the corner of her eye, then turned her head and softly tugged at the corner of her mouth, revealing a relieved smile.

The person before her really did resemble him so much. So clever!

This must be what they call bloodline, right?

Yet seeing the once utterly innocent and carefree little girl transformed into who she is now filled her with unbearable heartache.

After all, he used to hold her in the palm of his hand, afraid she might break; keep her in his mouth, afraid she might melt—she was the precious little sister he’d doted on and protected with all his heart and soul!

If he were still alive and saw her like this, how heartbroken would he be?

As these thoughts crossed her mind, Lin Xi’s eyes once again welled up uncontrollably, and she raised her hand to gently stroke Ming Yue’s head.

Ming Yue sighed softly again, silently in her heart.

It was only after a long while that she reached out and patted Lin Xi on the shoulder. “Sister Lin, you’ve already done more than enough for us. From now on, please stay out of it. You’ve seen my abilities—I’ll make sure my brother gets justice.”

“Ming Yue!”

“Hurry and leave while they haven’t caught on yet, while they haven’t sniffed out anything here. Get out while you still can—don’t ruin the wonderful life you’ve worked so hard to build just because of us. It’s not worth it.”

“No!”

“Sister Lin, everyone only has one life, and it’s worth cherishing. So remember: you don’t owe us anything. As for my brother, back then when he stepped in to help you without a scratch, it was nothing more than a small, casual gesture. Don’t risk your whole life for him—or for me. It’s not worth it. Not worth it at all!”

Ming Yue slowly raised her hand and placed it gently beside Lin Xi’s cheek, softly wiping away the moisture there. Her touch was incredibly tender.

For a fleeting moment, Lin Xi thought she saw that man again—the towering figure who had reached out and pulled her from the mire, who had given her a ray of light, who had brought her back to life.

Especially those words: “Everyone only has one life, and it’s worth cherishing.”

It was as if a fish swimming through time had darted across the river of history and come right up to Lin Xi.

Back then, when she first met that man, she was being forced to drag those evil people down to hell with her—and that was exactly what he said to her:

“Remember, everyone only has one life, and it’s worth cherishing. You’re still young; don’t waste your life on people or things that aren’t worth it. No matter what happens, no matter how tough it gets, lift your head and look ahead. As long as there’s hope in your heart, there will always be a way forward!”

End of Chapter 84: Counterattack 10