Yan Xiuchen averted his gaze, but didn't push her hand away from his face.
"Others would have done the same." He said, but Xiao Rufeng disagreed with him.
"No." She smiled humorlessly. "You haven't been exposed enough to other people because you are limiting yourself here, but I have."
The scarred man looked at her with confusion, but didn't dare to question her.
"That night, I was sure as hell that I would be sexually violated." Her tears pooled in her eyes, and Yan Xiuchen's jaws hardened upon seeing it. Seeing her like this made him feel like his heart was being ripped out of his chest.
He wanted to see her laughing and smiling, making his dull life look brighter.
"I'm not saying these to remind you that I've only come here because you saved me, but I want you to understand that if it wasn't you who received me that night, the first thing you would see in the news the next day would be my own death."
Yan Xiuchen sucked in a deep breath at that. He couldn't imagine that his bright star would cease shining if she ended up on someone else's bed. He shouldn't be concerned about her because if that was the case, he wouldn't have known she existed, but the thought of her losing the glint in her eyes, being lifeless made him feel uncomfortable.
'Damn you. Xiao Yunyao.'
He had been relentless, punishing Xiao Yunyao in public without Xiao Rufeng knowing. However, he had to admit that he wouldn't be able to meet Xiao Rufeng if it wasn't for her vicious younger sister.
"You saved me, and I'm not just talking about my safety. You saved not only my future and career, but you also saved my life. You've never made me feel less than a person. Do you know that I have to compete with Xiao Yunyao every single day of my life? That I'm reminded every single day that being a Xiao is what defines me and I have no other options in life?"
Yan Xiuchen's heart ached for her, and he couldn't understand why some people were so bent on ruining her.
"Do you know what I'm seeing now?" She asked him, and he shook his head in response.
"You might find it strange, but I really don't find you ugly, Yan Xiuchen. We all have our own flaws, and we aren't perfect either. Just because you don't see a scar on me doesn't mean I'm not enduring anything."
Yan Xiuchen wanted to tell her she was wrong and that she was perfect in his eyes, but he didn't voice it out because he knew she would disagree with him.
"What I see is a man who holds respect for another person. He is a man who wouldn't think twice to help a person in need. I saw a man who kept his distance away from others because he didn't want them to feel uncomfortable with his presence. A man who barely leaves the safety of his own house, but would make sure that his employees wouldn't be lacking anything that his company could provide. You helped them by improving the quality of their life at the expense of a possible higher profit."
Astonishment flashed through Yan Xiuchen's face as he looked at her. He had never heard these words from other people, until she came along.
"You aren't as bad as you think you are. Please don't sell yourself short. If you think people hate you, feel repulsed by your face, that's because they are horrible, and it's not you. Compared to other men I've met in life, you are a wonderful person, Yan Xiuchen."
So why are you denying the happiness you deserve? You are so convinced that your face is hideous, and no person would take a liking to you and see the real you. You know what? I'm proud of you. Not all men can do what you've done. I hope one day you will realize that you aren't the monster you thought you were."
"But isn't that the truth? I look like a monster and I doubt that anyone would take me at face value, not unless they see the fat wallet I have with me." He grimaced.
She shook her head and sighed. Xiao Rufeng realized that mere words wouldn't be enough for her to change Yan Xiuchen's opinion of himself.
"Don't you know that there's a thin line between the hero and the villains— the very same monster they need to defeat?"
Yan Xiuchen took her hand that was still on his face and kissed her palm so tenderly.
"Thank you." He whispered with gratitude.
"No. I should be the one who should be thankful for everything. Although I'm not sure if I deserve your feelings, rest assured that I will treasure it dearly."
His breath was caught at that. She wasn't rejecting him?
Xiao Rufeng's cheeks were tainted with a blush again, and he wondered…
"I don't understand." He started and inclined his head, studying her face closely. It was hard for him to believe that he was the reason for this reaction of hers.
She couldn't possibly like him, right?
The actress blinked and furrowed her brows, which made her look adorable in his eyes.
"Understand what?" She asked.
"I don't understand why you are blushing like this? You've been blushing like this lately, I wonder if this is because of me or am I just seeing things?"
"Well…" Xiao Rufeng's blush intensified until the tips of her ears turned red. A hint of unease flashed through her face as she looked at him.
"Is it really hard to believe that I like you too? I'm not sure where this is headed, but I want to know more of you, if that is okay with you." She said shyly.
His eyes warmed and for the first time in his life, Yan Xiuchen felt like he was wanted by another person.
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