Chapter 1022: Childhood Sweethearts

Chapter 1022: Chapter 1022: Childhood Sweethearts

Han Jing didn’t rush him, and after a long while, when Han Jing thought he wouldn’t raise his head, he finally lifted it and looked at Han Jing, but it was a long time before he uttered a sound: "Who are you?"

He was still immersed in the moment when Zhu’er suddenly had an attack and fell in front of him, losing her breath. It happened too quickly, so fast that he had no time to react; everything just transpired like that.

She died.

His Zhu’er died.

He always, even now, cannot believe this fact.

That beautiful, cute, and slightly righteous girl, his most cherished person, just died like that.

He was two years older than her; when he first saw her, she was only seven, and he was nine.

On the street, she was sitting in a luxurious carriage, pulling aside the curtain of the window, curiously and cautiously peeking outside, while he had just left the school, standing by the roadside with books in his arms, and his gaze unintentionally met hers.

He didn’t know how to describe the shock he felt at that moment; it was as if he had seen the most beautiful scene in the world. That scene etched itself into his heart, becoming eternal in an instant.

Later, he finally learned who she was; she came to the school for classes but couldn’t attend them with the others. Instead, she was taught separately in a room by a dedicated tutor.

While other children played in the yard, she would lean at the window, quietly watching but never coming out or joining them.

He finally summoned the courage to approach her and speak to her, and that’s how they came to know each other.

He became her only friend, and she became his only beloved.

The most beautiful thing in this world must be that fleeting moment when you are so sure of your feelings for someone, and then for the rest of your life, through thick and thin, never parting.

He knew she was the Island Master’s daughter, the Miss of Xia Gui Island, and that she had a severe heart condition, unable to withstand shocks or engage in strenuous activities. Her life was as precious as a shimmering glass bead, ready to shatter at the slightest mishap.

Yet he was happy to stay by her side, telling her interesting stories, watching her innocent smile, carefully protecting her fragile emotions; he was content as he had been from the start.

He was also aware that his status wasn’t a match for hers, so not only did he study hard to learn things she liked to make her happy and have common topics and interests, but he also, as a scholar fond of poetry and essays, hired a master to instruct him in cultivation. Although he wasn’t very talented in martial arts, he thought that if he tried hard enough, one day he could protect her.

He was always striving to be closer to her, to care for her forever, and always be with her.

Nine years, they knew each other for nine years, from childhood friends to mutual understanding, pouring out their hearts to making vows of eternity. Together they envisioned a beautiful future, believing all obstacles would be overcome with their courage in time.

As long as they loved each other deeply, there was no obstacle they couldn’t overcome.

But...

Everything, everything stopped suddenly.

Just a minor thing, he didn’t do well, and was thinking about how to make her happy when he returned. He didn’t even know what happened next; he only remembered that after she rushed out, he went looking for her, and then—