After the Affectionate Second Male Lead Reincarnated

14

After hearing their footsteps fade away, I finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Although Court Lady Cui didn't speak, she knew a lot of information within the palace, and my words should have convinced her.

The house was in ruins, and I used the broken furniture to cut the ropes on my hands.

The rough hemp rope cut into my wrists, leaving them bloody and raw, but I couldn't worry about that-I had to save Song Yan Yu.

Once free, I quickly untied Song Yan Yu. "Luo Yu, believe me, I never..."

"You never had feelings for Pei Du, I know."

It had always been Pei Du's one-sided affection, I understood that clearly.

I met Song Yan Yu's surprised gaze and said, "I said that just now to save you. I don't care who Pei Du has in his heart."

Song Yan Yu breathed a sigh of relief at my words. "That's good. When they get tired late at night and their guard is down, we'll escape."

I nodded. "Before that, switch clothes with me." I began to undress.

Song Yan Yu seemed to understand my plan and shook her head vehemently.

"Luo Yu, we should leave together. What you're planning is too dangerous!"

"You want to make Court Lady Cui believe that Xiao Yan and Pei Du care most about me, then wear my clothes to divert their attention. Doing this could get you killed!"

She tried to grab my hand but retracted, worried about my injuries.

"It's better than us both dying. You leave first and then have Pei Du come to rescue me. That way, we both live."

"Luo Yu, Pei Du does care about you. You don't have to do so much for me..." Song Yan Yu persisted.

"Yan Yu," I took her hand, "I've told you, Pei Du's feelings don't matter to me. I care about you. I came here to save you. Do you remember when you fell into the water at the age of twelve? Someone saved you and spared you from embarrassment. And the sachet-you think it was coincidence the herbs inside repelled snakes and insects? And the year you and Xiao Yan got lost in the snow mountains and patrol soldiers conveniently found your dropped items-do you really believe it was just luck?"

I told Song Yan Yu everything I had done for her over the years. After hearing it, she was unable to recover from the shock for a long time.

"It was you all along?"

"Yes, it was me. The real Jiang Luo Yu died long ago. I came here specifically to save you. If you die, everything I've done will be for nothing."

"But I can't just watch you die. You've done so much for me. Can't it be my turn this time?"

Song Yan Yu shook her head, tears streaming down her face.

"Silly girl, if I die, I'll just return to where I belong. As long as you survive, I can go home."

I gently wiped her tears.

"Really?"

"Really. I'll even be able to see how many brothers and sisters you and Xiao Yan give Zhen'er in that world."

"Luo Yu, no... What should I call you now?"

"My name is Zhuang Qing."

Unlike when Pei Du asked, I genuinely wanted to tell Yan Yu my name.

In this world, Jiang Huai Zhi protected me because I was in Jiang Luo Yu's body, carrying the Jiang family's blood.

Pei Du married me because he believed I was the evil Jiang Luo Yu from the previous life.

Only Song Yan Yu cared about me for who I truly was.

"Zhuang Qing, thank you." Song Yan Yu hugged me.

"Alright, let's switch clothes and get you out of here. Otherwise, there won't be any hugs in the future."