Because I Cannot Hurt You

Suddenly, Zizi felt herself wrapped in a warm embrace. Yunru gently placed his hand on her head and brushed his fingers through her hair.

When the one you loved and trusted the most shattered your faith, it hurts a lot. It hits your heart as if someone stabbed it mercilessly.

This was the second time after her confession that she had cried so hard. The haughty princess looked weak and helpless at this moment.

"It's okay. Cry all you want. You don't have to hide your tears, Princess."

With his gentle pats, she felt a sense of ease wash over her. She tightly hugged him and buried her face in his chest. "What should I do Yunru…? I want to deny everything b-but I cannot do it, right? I cannot ignore it, right…? I-I am so pathetic. Even though he did such a thing to Caihong, I don't want to hate Grandpa…"

"Then don't," he whispered. "Things are difficult, I understand. Just do what your heart says. Give time. A lot of things have happened tonight and everybody needs time to settle down. You, brother-in-law, sis, Caihong and even Grandpa. If you can't find yourself to hate him, then don't force yourself just because the situation dictates you to. Just let everything, including your feelings, naturally take its way because I am the same, Princess."

Zizi sniffled and slightly crinkled her brows.

"I am disappointed in Grandpa too," his gaze dimmed. "Honestly, I still cannot believe that he could do this. You are right. It's hard to digest that the Grandpa Han that we know would plan to destroy Caihong. But when I saw him standing alone at the hotel's entrance, I couldn't turn my head away and ignore him. I couldn't just leave him like that. And I know sis is the same. Even she would be finding it reluctant to start hating him."

She softly bit her lip. 

"And it's fine, Princess. You don't have to feel guilty about it. Grandpa always had and still has a huge presence in our life. It's difficult to shake that place and discard his importance so easily. Everybody is confused right now. They are furious at him for sure, but at the same time, they are unable to believe it too. Grandpa is a cunning man. But he isn't evil. As for what he did to Caihong, I cannot help but feel that there is something more to it. It's just my instinct."

"W-what more could be there?" She sobbed. "He never liked Caihong for bro."

"I know. But not liking a girl for his grandson wouldn't warrant such an extreme step. He is not like An Meiying. You know his personality. If he doesn't like something, he doesn't hide it and he openly does everything to stop it. To secretly go so far just because he opposed their relationship doesn't make sense. That's why I am saying that just let things be for now. Whatever we might not know now will eventually come to light too. So don't think so much and take one step at a time."

Hearing Yunru's words, she felt as if a huge burden lifted off her chest. All this time, she was feeling torn apart. 

On one side there was Caihong, who Zizi loved as her good friend and as her friend, she was heartbroken and furious to know what happened. 

On the other side, there was Han Huizhong who was the reason behind all this mess. She wanted to hate him but as his granddaughter, she didn't want to.

That made her feel guilty towards Caihong. 

She sniffled and wiped her cheeks. "E-En…"

He smiled. She slightly blushed standing so closer to him.

"Thank you, Yunru."

She sheepishly grinned. "I haven't even started chasing after you, but you are already caring for me so much. 

His brow violently twitched.

"I see a bright future ahead of us."

"Princess, a-are you serious?"

She glared at him. "Of course, I am! I even made a ring and put it on you! How dare you make light of my feelings!?"

"I mean that if I can get some time-"

Zizi looked at him in disdain. "What time? When Xiaosi rejected Shuang, did you give her time to come out of it? Didn't you ask her out too as soon as you saw her crying?"

"..."

Yunru felt as if he was slapped hard on his cheek. At this point, he was in no position to defend himself.

If he could do it, then why couldn't she?

"If I left you alone, then you would definitely just mope around in sadness like a tragic Romeo. This is the time to look at me and fall in love with me too," she stood tall in pride.

He choked.

"Hmph. You might feel that it would be difficult, but it won't be for long! I, Han Zizi, would definitely win your heart one day! I will make you fall so hard for me that you wouldn't be able to think of anybody else but me. By the time our real engagement day comes, we would be both happily exchanging rings."

Yunru didn't know what to think about her confidence. 

Zizi harrumphed. "I am going back to Caihong's side," then she softly smiled, "Thank you for now. I really needed to hear it."

He cleared his throat. "Sure."

Zizi passed by him and walked away. But then she paused and suddenly stopped in her steps. She huddled back and stood in front of him.

He asked, "What?"

Zizi nervously looked left and right and then back at him as she fidgeted with her fingers.

Yunru furrowed his brows. "What are you thinking so hard? Just say it."

"I-I don't want to say anything."

Zizi straightened up. She tiptoed and quickly planted a soft peck on his cheek. "Bye!"

Then with the speed of lightning, she dashed away before he could catch her.

Yunru stood frozen to his place, gazing at the empty space ahead. He slowly raised his hand and cupped his cheek in a stupor where Zizi just kissed. His eyelids rapidly blinked at her figure who was running a marathon as if she was being chased by some goons.

He was in shock for a long time before he finally couldn't help but burst into a smile.

"You act so confident but then you run away with just a peck on my cheek. Really...what should I do with you?"