"I don't want to meddle in what's between you and Achen. I like you because he likes you, but after all, he is my son. I've seen the hardships he has endured for you, and they are etched in my heart. As a mother, it pains me. Do you understand me, Yinyin?"
Mrs. Nan tightened her hold on Qin Yin's hand, her gaze fixed firmly on her.
Qin Yin pursed her lips, nodded, but felt an overwhelming sadness. After a long while, she slowly began to speak, her voice slightly strained, "Mom, I won't let Nan Sichen suffer anymore in the future, truly. Please believe me."
"Yinyin, do you love Achen?" Mrs. Nan suddenly asked.
Qin Yin nodded, "I love him, mom, I love Nan Sichen more than I love myself. Please don't believe the rumors outside. There's nothing between Jun Nian and me anymore, we did date before but that's all in the past. Since I've been with Nan Sichen, I have loved him."
"Mom believes you, but Yinyin, loving each other doesn't necessarily mean you must be together, right?"
