His voice was hoarse as he spoke, "What exactly happened to you today? I can trust you, you and Shaochen have nothing between you. But you need to tell me, are you still mad at me because I didn't accompany you on your trip, because I let you down, right?"
Xia Xiaonuan closed her eyes and said nothing.
"Or are you blaming me for not protecting you? I know, last time, my mom hit you... I've already talked to her about that... I've never brought it up with you because I felt guilty, knowing I didn't protect you well, and also because I feared that once I spoke up, you'd think I was suspecting something.
But after all, she's my biological mother. I can't do anything to her, nor can I return that slap to you...
Xiaonuan, if you're still upset with my mom, then I'll apologize on her behalf, is that okay?"
Xia Xiaonuan lifted her gaze, looking at Nangong Yaoling.
His pupils were bloodshot, tinged with helplessness and heartache.
