At the same time, in Fang Yuan's room, the soft glow of moonlight filters through the window, casting a silvery sheen over the siblings lying on the bed. Fang Yuan's voice is warm and soothing as he weaves tales of legendary immortals—their grand feasts, their mythical dishes that shimmer like dreams too beautiful to be real. His words paint vivid pictures, filling the air with wonder and magic. Gu Xianer listens intently, her eyes wide with awe, her excitement bubbling over like an overflowing spring.
Suddenly, Gu Xianer sits up, her face alight with uncontainable enthusiasm. "Brother, are you saying that legendary immortals eat legendary dishes? I want to taste them too!"
Fang Yuan smiles gently, his eyes brimming with affection. "Okay, your brother will bring all those legendary dishes one day and—"
But before he can finish, something shifts. The warmth in his gaze vanishes instantly, replaced by a cold, hollow stare—an abyss devoid of light or mercy. It's as if a horrifying beast has awakened within him, its presence suffocating and primal. Demonic Fang Yuan takes control, his killing intent surging like a tidal wave ready to drown everything in its path. In a flash, his hand shoots toward Gu Xianer's neck, gripping it tightly, as if the nightmare he once feared is coming to life.
All of this happens in less than a millisecond. Before Gu Xianer can even react, Naive Fang Yuan regains control. But this time, he feels the demon that just took over his body. The lingering desire to kill Gu Xianer pulses through him, the vision of her lifeless body flashing before his eyes like a cruel prophecy. His heart pounds with terror, each beat echoing like thunder in his chest. His determination, which had always been unshakable, crumbles under the weight of the horror he's just experienced. It's as if his naive resolve is nothing—utterly insignificant—compared to the overwhelming force of Demonic Fang Yuan's will.
Gu Xianer gasps, her hands clawing desperately at his grip as she struggles to breathe. Her eyes are wide with fear and confusion, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her voice trembles, barely audible as she chokes out, "Brother… what… what are you doing? Please… let go…"
Fang Yuan snaps out of his trance, his eyes widening in sheer horror as he realizes what he's done. He releases her immediately, his hands shaking violently. Gu Xianer collapses onto the bed, coughing and gasping for air, her face pale and her body trembling. She clutches her throat, trying to steady her breathing, her tear-filled eyes locked on him in shock.
Fang Yuan stares at her, his own body trembling with fear and guilt. Tears stream down his face, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He looks utterly terrified—not just for Gu Xianer, but for himself. The fear of losing control, of becoming a monster, of harming the one person he loves most—it's overwhelming. His mind races, consumed by self-loathing and dread. For the first time, he truly understands how fragile his hold on sanity is. The darkness lurking within him feels alive, predatory, waiting to strike again.
Gu Xianer, still catching her breath, looks at him with tear-filled eyes. Her voice shakes, her words barely above a whisper. "Brother… what just happened? Why did you do that? Are you… alright? You scared me."
Fang Yuan can't respond. His mind is a whirlwind of fear and shame. He's horrified by what he almost did, and now he can still feel the demon lurking beneath the surface, ready to take control again. Without thinking, he pulls Gu Xianer into a tight embrace, his arms trembling as he holds her close. He clings to her as if she's the only thing keeping him grounded, the only thing holding back the darkness threatening to consume him.
Gu Xianer hesitates for a moment, startled by his sudden embrace. This isn't normal behavior for Fang Yuan—it's completely unlike him. She's never seen this side of her brother before, and the situation leaves her confused and frightened. But then, slowly, she wraps her arms around him, her touch gentle and reassuring. "Brother, it's okay… I'm here. Don't be afraid. I am here for you."
Fang Yuan doesn't speak. He can't. The words won't come. Instead, he holds her tighter, his tears soaking into her shoulder. In her arms, he finds a fragile comfort—a fleeting moment of peace amidst the storm raging within him. Her presence anchors him, reminding him of who he truly is and why he fights so hard to stay in control.
Eventually, they fall asleep, their bodies curled close together. The silence between them is heavy, but their embrace speaks volumes. It's a profound, wordless communication of love, fear, and the unbreakable bond they share.
This moment is unusual for Fang Yuan. Since Gu Xianer entered adolescence, he's been careful to maintain a certain distance, teaching her boundaries and self-discipline. He's always been mindful of the complexities of growing up—the changes that come with adolescence. He's avoided physical closeness, especially while sleeping, knowing that his young body, driven by natural desires, could do something undesirable which might make him regret his whole life as he genuinely loves Gu Xianer as an elder brother.
But tonight is different. Tonight, Fang Yuan is the one seeking comfort, breaking his own rules. He clings to Gu Xianer, his fear and vulnerability laid bare. It's a rare moment of weakness, and it terrifies him more than anything else. Even during the nine steps, when despair nearly crushed him, he wasn't this afraid. But today, he can clearly feel the darkness within him, taking control of his body. He senses that something is wrong with his soul and memories, though he doesn't yet understand what it is. Now, he's gripped by pure terror.
Fang Yuan's love for Gu Xianer is deep and selfless. It's not about possession or control; it's about preparing her for a life where she can thrive, even in his absence. He's taught her practical skills, life lessons, and the importance of independence. He's taken her to bustling markets, showing her how to navigate the world with confidence and wisdom. Every action, every lesson, is driven by a sincere desire to protect her future.
He knows that life is unpredictable, that tragedy can strike at any moment. Having lost everything in his past life, he's determined to ensure that Gu Xianer can stand strong, no matter what happens. His love is not about binding her to him; it's about empowering her to flourish, even if he's not there to guide her.
"True love isn't about merely binding someone to your presence; it's about empowering them to thrive, even in your absence."
Author's note:
I think my story is a bit overloaded—can you believe we've only covered one day in 36 chapters? Haha, pretty wild, right?