Marked the Protagonist A (Translated)

Chapter 84: Dense Beauty and Decay

Chapter 84: Dense Beauty and Decay

His gaze swept over Ji Zhiqing, who lay on the ground. She had been casually discarded there by Cheng Xing, her bright features mostly obscured by scattered hair. Only her red dress remained as dazzling as ever, but it was already soaked through with even redder blood, forming a large puddle beneath her.

She resembled a brilliantly blooming flower, ultimately scattered by the wind, petals falling to the ground.

This was his half-sister; their brows bore a faint resemblance. Ji Chenxi approached and crouched down to close her unwilling eyes.

"Your Highness, are you feeling compassion?" Cheng Xing asked softly.

Ji Chenxi only did that one act of closing her eyes, and after finishing, he stood up.

If we talk about the bond of blood, there was absolutely none between him and Ji Zhiqing. They were familiar strangers, having known each other for years due to their shared lineage and occasionally seeing one another. Still, regardless of everything, she was his sister. If she were to die, it should be at his or Ji Anze's hands, not just like this, so easily.

"Your Highness, you're not a merciful person. You should have known since you were little that kindness only makes you appear weaker and easier to bully. So, are you unhappy because I took action?" Cheng Xing narrowed his eyes and smiled at Ji Chenxi.

What used to be a polite smile from Cheng Xing now felt like a mask—an even scarier facade than indifference.

Ji Chenxi stared directly at Cheng Xing.

They were only a little over a meter apart, allowing him to see her features clearly. As someone with an excellent memory, he shouldn't have such doubts, yet he still asked, "Have you seen me before?"

The question sounded too familiar.

From a young age, Ji Chenxi knew he wasn't a good person in the traditional sense. He felt no pity for injured animals; a cute little rabbit was merely a delicious meal in his eyes, and wilted flowers represented a different kind of beauty. The quiet darkness of night was far more alluring than the daylight sun. He liked mysterious and shadowy things, even his fondness for shiny jewels stemmed from how beautiful they appeared in the night. There was a time when he was perceived as a good child—enthusiastic, kind, helping the weak, always smiling.

That was the most hypocritical yet happiest time of his life, living up to his mother's ideal. One little episode involved him being bullied at school.

Yes, the young imperial prince had experienced school bullying.

Children's malice was far scarier than adults could imagine. Ji Chenxi felt bored but never really fought back.

The main reason was that if he retaliated, he couldn't guarantee he'd do it cleanly. Moreover, it felt pointless to just hit back; he was planning something bigger to make those guys remember for life. Besides, he had a bit of selfishness in him. He wanted his mother to show him pity, to cast more attention his way because he was just a fragile little child, who needed adult protection to grow.

So, don't be sad, just look at me.

There was one person who once told him, when he was being bullied—"Aren't you going to fight back?"

With his own plan in mind, Ji Chenxi seriously played the role of a little rabbit, and then that person laughed—"Little friend, kindness will only make you seem weaker and easier to bully."

Cheng Xing chuckled at Ji Chenxi's somewhat baffling words. "I did notice you quite early on, but as for whether we've met before, I'm not sure."

Lying.