Novel Lived
Chapter 383: Persuading Liang Yue
Chapter 383: Persuading Liang Yue
Chapter 383: Persuading Liang Yue
Liang Yue’s eyes reflected a deep sense of gratitude. She had seen Zhang Yi try his best, but the enemy they faced was far too formidable. This wasn’t a problem that could be solved by charging in with a few Superhumans.
Confronting Yangsheng Base directly would mean plunging into a disadvantage. While their defensive position at Cloud Manor was nearly impenetrable, an offensive operation would leave them vulnerable. Zhang Yi had poured nearly all their resources into fortifying the manor.
“You’ve already done everything you could. Thank you for being willing to help,” Liang Yue said with a soft smile. “But this isn’t your battle, and I don’t want to drag everyone down because of me.”
Her smile carried an odd undertone, a quiet determination that immediately put Zhang Yi on edge.
“Liang Yue,” he said cautiously, “what are you planning to do?”
“Just finding peace for my soul,” she replied with a serene expression.
Before anyone could respond, she turned and walked toward her room.
The living room fell into silence. Everyone could sense that something was off about Liang Yue’s mood.
After she left, Zhou Ke’er broke the stillness, her worry evident. “She’s not thinking about going after her students alone, is she?”Zhang Yi frowned, muttering to himself, “Was my performance not convincing enough?”
Fatty Xu sidled up to Zhang Yi with a snicker. “Boss, your acting was top-notch—just a little too fake.”
A dark line seemed to slide down Zhang Yi’s forehead.
“Fake? I once won third prize in the Spring Blossom Kindergarten Drama Contest!”
Fatty Xu sighed exaggeratedly. “Yeah, but hearing such righteous words from you… who would buy it?”
Zhang Yi glanced around at the others, who all nodded silently in agreement.
Throwing up his hands, he sighed. “Fine. At least I tried to show her that I supported her.”
Uncle You chimed in, his tone pragmatic. “It’s not your fault. None of us, except Liang Yue, have any connection to those students.”
“And let’s face it—they’re a lazy bunch. Keeping them around would only be a burden.”
Even Uncle You, one of the kindest members of the group, had little sympathy for the students. Much of this sentiment stemmed from their interactions with Lu Keran and Yang Xinxin, who had endured far more hardship.
Zhang Yi leaned back on the couch, resting his chin on his hands. “In any case, everyone should be prepared. A conflict with Yangsheng Base is likely.”Nôv(el)B\\jnn
“Our defenses are solid, and there’s no need for unnecessary worry. Xiao Honglian’s arrogance earlier showed she has no clear understanding of our strength.”
The group nodded, their tension easing slightly. After successfully repelling West Hill Base and fortifying their defenses, they felt more confident in their ability to hold their ground.
But Lu Keran, glancing in the direction Liang Yue had gone, voiced her concern. “What about Ms. Liang? What if she does something reckless?”
Zhang Yi looked at her and Yang Xinxin. “You two should go talk to her. Try to dissuade her from doing anything rash.”
Lu Keran sighed. “We’ll try, but Ms. Liang can be incredibly stubborn. Once she sets her mind on something, even nine oxen couldn’t pull her back.”
“Just do your best,” Zhang Yi replied.
With a resigned nod, Lu Keran pushed Yang Xinxin in her wheelchair toward Liang Yue’s room.
Liang Yue returned to her room and picked up a Tang Sword from the weapon rack. Since Zhang Yi had confiscated her Loong Roar Sword, she had stopped asking for its return. This Tang Sword, acquired at West Hill Base, was a fine replacement.
Standing by the window, she unsheathed the blade and began to methodically wipe it with a white cloth.
Knock, knock.
The sound of knocking interrupted her thoughts.
The door was ajar, and when she turned, she saw Lu Keran and Yang Xinxin at the threshold, their faces filled with concern.
“Ms. Liang, are you alright?” Yang Xinxin asked.
“Yes, you seem… off. We’re really worried,” Lu Keran added.
Liang Yue sighed deeply. “I’m fine. I’ve just realized what I need to do.”
Yang Xinxin’s expression darkened. “You’re planning to rescue them on your own, aren’t you?”
Liang Yue’s calm demeanor only heightened Yang Xinxin’s anxiety.
“Ms. Liang, Yangsheng Base is massive! You can’t possibly save them alone—you’ll only get yourself killed!” Lu Keran exclaimed.
Liang Yue smiled bitterly, gazing at the ceiling. “I know. But this is something only I can do.”
“But Zhang Yi promised to help! Why not wait for his plan?” Lu Keran pleaded.
Hearing this, Liang Yue chuckled softly and walked over to the two girls, gently touching their faces.
“Don’t think your teacher is a fool,” she said kindly. “I’m grateful for everything Zhang Yi has done, but I know him. A man as cautious as him would never truly risk everything for me.”
Lu Keran’s expression grew awkward. Clearly, Liang Yue had seen through Zhang Yi’s act.
Still, Liang Yue continued, her tone light. “Even so, I’m touched that he pretended to care. At least it shows I matter to him, even just a little.”
Yang Xinxin’s eyes glimmered with a strange light. “But even if that’s true, you’re still going to throw your life away?”
Liang Yue closed her eyes, exhaling slowly. “You might think I’m foolish, but I can’t just stand by and let them die. If I do nothing, I’ll spend the rest of my life drowning in guilt. That kind of torment is worse than death.”
“So, I’d rather seek redemption, even if it costs me my life, than live as a coward.”
Her heartfelt words left Lu Keran speechless. She understood Liang Yue’s character all too well.
Liang Yue’s gaze softened as she gently stroked their faces. “I’m just glad you two are safe. At least my efforts haven’t been in vain.”
“Stay with Zhang Yi. He might seem cold, but he genuinely cares for you. With him, you’ll survive this harsh world.”
Liang Yue turned to pick up the Tang Sword, her expression resolute.
Just as she prepared to leave, Yang Xinxin suddenly lowered her head, her voice trembling.
“No… it’s not like that.”
Liang Yue froze mid-step.
“Xinxin, what do you mean?” she asked, puzzled.
Yang Xinxin raised her tear-streaked face, looking pitifully at Liang Yue.
“If you leave, Ms. Liang, Keran and I might not survive either.”
“What?” Liang Yue’s protective instincts kicked in. “What’s going on? Tell me!”
Tears streaming, Yang Xinxin whimpered, “Zhang Yi gave us a task: to make sure you stay. He values you deeply, Ms. Liang. If we fail, even if he doesn’t punish us, we’ll lose our place here.”
“If you’re leaving, take us with you. At least we can die together.”
Yang Xinxin’s pitiful words and tears made Liang Yue’s heart ache.
“You mean… Zhang Yi…?” Liang Yue stammered, overwhelmed.
Her face turned a deep shade of red at the revelation of Zhang Yi’s feelings.
She tried to suppress her emotions in front of her students, but her thoughts were in disarray.
Although she didn’t want to admit it outright, Liang Yue couldn’t deny the joy blooming in her chest.
For a woman who had kept her heart locked away for 27 years, this realization was like the first stirrings of spring after a long winter.
Her once-quiet heart had started to tremble, and now it couldn’t stop.
Author's Note