When Rong Xi noticed everyone staring at her with pity, her cheeks turned red. She forced out a small laugh, though her voice trembled.
"D-don't look at me like that. I really am happy. Honestly, my life here is far better than what I had in that world. Even if I was nothing more than an experiment, I—"
"Don't say that!" Yan Rouxi cut her off sharply. Her tone was protective, almost like a sister scolding. "We're all glad you're here, Rong Xi, but you mustn't talk about yourself that way. And for what? For that tyrant's twisted games?"
Rong Xi lowered her gaze, her fingers tightening in her lap. "I know what the Emperor did was wrong. He treated my life like a toy, using me for his own purpose. I won't say his actions were right."
"But… I am grateful I was given the chance to live in this world. At least here, I found happiness."
Her eyes flickered toward Xia Yuqing, searching for support. "What do you think, Xia Yuqing?"
