Chapter Thirty-Three: Pleas for Mercy, A Distant Chance at Survival

“My goodness, this story is truly astonishing!” Xiao Yin exclaimed, startled, then stared blankly at Meng Youyuan.

“If you don’t speak, no one will think you’re mute!” Lan Wu snapped, annoyed at Xiao Yin’s outburst.

“You all find this shocking, don’t you? Then think about whether I could possibly bear it!” The old director, abandoning his usual gentle demeanor, continued hysterically, “Do you have any idea how much pain I’ve suffered? My wife was driven to death, and the daughter I painstakingly raised ended up with the man who killed her mother, bearing his child! Can you imagine how conflicted I feel every day when I see this child? She is both my granddaughter by blood and the daughter of my wife’s murderer. I want to fulfill my duty as an elder and cherish her, but every time I think of her origin, I can barely restrain myself from ending her life! Just now, you all stood there, righteous and condemning me. Well, tell me, what am I supposed to do?” the old director roared, questioning everyone.

“Then tell me, what have I done wrong? I was merely an innocent victim caught between you all. Why must I bear the weight of these sins? Why must my blood be used to purify all this evil? I tell you, I won’t let you manipulate me as you please. Since you never intended for me to survive from the start, my future is not yours to control!” Meng Youyuan shouted angrily at the old director, as if she wanted to pour out all the grievances she had suffered in her life.

“Yes, why must a pitiable girl be made to bear the hatred of the previous generation? Master, don’t you think you’re being selfish? It’s true, they made you suffer unimaginable pain, but you cannot pass that pain onto Yuanyuan! She was born into your feud, but that’s not her fault, nor is it something she could choose or control. Not only have you failed to love this granddaughter with a tragic background, you want to deprive her of her right to live. Don’t you realize how excessive you’re being? From beginning to end, you’re not the only victim—even Yuanyuan is one. The wounds she carries run deeper than yours!” Lan Bingxian spoke up for his junior sister, and though he could not determine the culprit behind the tragedy, he knew none of it was caused by Yuanyuan. She was the most wounded and innocent of all.

“Though I am an outsider and should not offer opinions here, don’t forget your master once instructed you to nurture and care for her. Are you really willing to carry the reputation of betraying your master and ancestors? Is it worth it to defy your master’s command?” Yu Shang had originally intended to stay out of it, but after hearing the entire story, he felt that fate had been deeply unfair to Meng Youyuan—granting her life, yet making her path so arduous, giving her kin only to force her to destroy herself through familial ties. He could no longer sit idly by, unwilling to witness such a tragedy unfold. Though the old director truly hated her, Yu Shang could see that beneath the hatred lay love. This tender sapling of affection had not yet blossomed, but he believed that, after a few trials, this kinship would inevitably emerge. If the old director were to kill his own granddaughter today, Yu Shang was certain he would not find peace or let go of his hatred; instead, it would only bring him more remorse and guilt. Whatever happens, family remains family—a fact that cannot be changed. In truth, they were luckier than most, for their loved ones were still by their side. No matter whether their relationships were good or bad, at least they had someone left. Some longed desperately to cherish this bond, only to realize it was too late.

“It’s not just about personal grievances; this also concerns the safety of all living beings. As everyone knows, the Demon Tribe is ruthless, murderous, and if their kind are allowed to survive among us, should their race take root here, the consequences would be unimaginable. You all saw her unleash her demonic nature just now, nearly killing my disciple. How can I let such a threat remain and endanger the safety of my Orchid Academy?” The old director insisted on eliminating Meng Youyuan, this pitiable girl.

“That’s easily resolved. Surely, before inviting us to the academy, you investigated us thoroughly. In Youming City, we are powerful enough to shelter anyone, and none would dare defy the king. If we take her back and train her well, she won’t cause any trouble, wouldn’t you agree, Brother Leng?” Yu Xiaoran said confidently, turning to Leng Huaiyi for confirmation. After all, only Leng Huaiyi had the authority to bring people in and out of Youming City at will, let alone take someone in. Such a major decision would require his approval before reporting to the king, and since it was he who brought them back to Youming City years ago, it likely wouldn’t be a problem now.

“Yes, Master, rather than letting her fend for herself outside, why stain your own hands with innocent blood?” Leng Huaiyi spoke in a way quite unlike his usual character, but on reflection, he was indeed adept at understanding others’ minds. With a single sentence, he freed Meng Youyuan from her suffering, saved her life, and offered his master an escape from a moral dilemma—a win-win solution.

“Very well, do as you wish. However, let me warn you: after the competition, take her away immediately. If I see her again afterwards, whatever happens will be beyond your control!” The old director said coldly, then turned and left, his figure seeming unusually fragile and lonely.

Yan Xuesu and Lan Wu, who had been silent for a while, watched the old director leave. They then helped the dazed and sorrowful Meng Youyuan back to her room. At that moment, Meng Youyuan was so quiet it was frightening—she neither cried nor protested, simply sat on the bed in silence. Though she appeared outwardly calm, Yan Xuesu and Lan Wu knew her heart was shattered, unable even to vent her pain.

“Yuanyuan, don’t be like this. The quieter you are, the more worried we become. Don’t keep it all bottled up—even if you need to vent at us, it’s fine!” Yan Xuesu pleaded, her voice trembling with tears. Meng Youyuan’s current state terrified her; she feared losing this pure and kind-hearted sister.

“Yes, Yuanyuan, please—just say a single word. Honestly, I’m not good at comforting others, but if you want to cry or throw a tantrum, I’ll stay with you. Whatever happens, we won’t let you face your sorrow alone!” As she spoke, Lan Wu hugged Meng Youyuan and began to sob.

“Why is it that even friends I’ve known for only a few days treat me so kindly, yet he—my own grandfather—cannot let go and love me? Why, even knowing it’s not my fault, must all the blame be thrust onto me for me to bear alone? Do you know, since childhood, I’ve wondered why my family abandoned me. Perhaps they lost me by accident, or maybe poverty forced them to leave me here, but whatever the reason, I believed they still loved me. But reality? How laughable. I am nothing but a cursed child whom my own kin cannot wait to rid themselves of; even my parents thought me unnecessary and left me here to fend for myself. Just now, I truly wished my so-called grandfather would kill me with one blow—then it would all be over, and I would no longer suffer.” Meng Youyuan’s tone was chillingly calm, as if recounting a story that had nothing to do with her. Her words sent chills through those who heard them; there was no crying, no rage, only a cold indifference that reached the bone.

“No matter what, you still have us. From now on, we are your only family! Trust us, let us care for you—we’ll never abandon you. Don’t say such foolish things about not wanting to live. Remember, not only must you live, you must live well, so those who wish you dead can see that you are the best, the strongest, and nothing can defeat you!” Suddenly, Yan Xuesu spoke with passion, as if she truly understood Meng Youyuan’s feelings and could empathize with her. It was as though she had suffered similar tragedies herself, and thus knew exactly what someone in this situation needed to hear.

“That’s what I thought, which is why I said those things to him just now. Don’t worry, sisters, I’ve already let it all out; I’m fine now. You’re right—I still have you. I’m not alone. I’ll live for myself and won’t let the past dictate my future. But for now, may I have some time alone? I promise you, tomorrow a brand new me will stand before you!” Meng Youyuan forced a smile as she spoke to them.

“Let’s go, then. She needs some time by herself to reflect. In truth, no matter how many words I say, they cannot compare to her own insights.” Yan Xuesu said to Lan Wu, believing Meng Youyuan would recover, just as she herself once had.

“All right, but if anything happens, call us immediately!” Lan Wu was reluctant to leave Meng Youyuan alone, but unable to persuade her otherwise, she left.

Meng Youyuan nodded and smiled, watching them leave. As they closed the door behind them, tears burst from her eyes, soaking the floor. She hurriedly covered her mouth, afraid her sobs would be heard. Tears flowed from her sorrowful eyes, streaming across her delicate face, evoking pity in anyone who saw her. She kept insisting she was fine, that she didn’t care—but in truth, how could a broken heart be so easily ignored? No matter how calm she appeared, her heart was in turmoil. People are not gods—how could they be indifferent to everything? Even gods cannot be utterly detached, so how could Meng Youyuan, so ordinary, be expected to do so?

Suddenly, the door was gently pushed open. Hearing the sound, Meng Youyuan quickly wiped away her tears and looked up. “Sisters, didn’t I say I just wanted to be alone for a while? Don’t worry, nothing will happen to me.” But when she saw who had entered, her demeanor changed completely, and she continued coldly, “Why are you here? Did you come to witness my misery? Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m doing just fine now!” With that, she turned away, refusing to look at him.

“Please, stop pretending to be strong. Seeing you like this pains me deeply. I only came to check on you, not to laugh at your misfortune,” Yin Boxuan said softly, his voice full of care and concern. It was clear he truly cared for her—even knowing he nearly died at her hands, he still risked coming to see her.

“Thank you for your concern. Now that you’ve seen me, please leave. Honestly, I don’t want to see you anymore!” Meng Youyuan struggled to calm herself, afraid that if she lost control, anger would drive her to attack him again.