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Jin Guangyao knows he is out of time, and his past is catching up to him. He will do his best to try and evade once more, but he also knows that its time to plan for the worst.
"So that's why you've come here? To say goodbye?" The words come spiteful, heated. There is no sympathy for his plight, but Jin Guangyao doesn't expect it.
"A-Cheng, I came to make sure that everything I worked for won't come unravelling because of my misdeeds."
Sect leader Jiang Wanyin — Jiang Cheng, his A-Cheng — huffs. His posture is tight, hands coiled into fists. "Am I some misdeed then — the worst mistake of them all — that you are trying to hide?"
Jin Guangyao softly shook his head. "No. You are the most precious thing I'm trying to protect."
That strikes through to Jiang Cheng's heart, and he takes a second to look away, before blinking back the tears and putting up a brave front. As if grief isn't already outlined in his features.
"Protect me?" He sneered. "Whoever is after you has already dug up all your petty little secrets. What makes you think you have any ability to protect me now?"
"I don't, that's why I'm asking for your help."
"What you're asking of me is to play the part of a villain! To pretend like all the years we spent were nothing, and that we were nothing but strangers who hated each other!
"My enemy is smart and cautious. This is only way to save you from getting dragged down because of my crimes."
"And the best way to do that is a reenactment of my argument with Wei Ying? For me to join their side against the one I love once more? I suppose you still remember how badly that all ended up. If you want them all to think I hate you, then perhaps I won't need to lie at all, you bastard."
Jin Guangyao winced. Jiang Cheng learning Jin Guangyao's part in Wei Ying's death — in Jiang Yanli's death — had been something that nearly broke them apart years ago. But A-Cheng had chosen to trust him again, to love in him still. That's why, Jin Guangyao had to do everything to ensure his safety now.
Dearest one, you know all my most shameful secrets. Drag them all out, attack me where I am most vulnerable to protect yourself.
But out loud, he merely said. "If it means you'll survive, I'd take all your hate."
"Then you make me the cruel and spiteful man that everyone believes me to be. The terrible Sandu Shengshou." Defeat looms over Jiang Cheng, making him curl into himself, making him seem smaller than Jin Guangyao.
Jin Guangyao steps forward to finally embrace him. "No, I'm the most cruel one. But I'd die to just to know you'd survive." Jiang Cheng's shoulders were trembling. "It's what I deserve." For making you go through this.
"What you deserve? Don't you know, my hands are just as bloody as yours. I killed my brother like you. I let all those innocent women and children die. I tortured countless just because they reminded me of Wei Ying. Whose to say that after they rip out your throat, they won't come for me? In fact, why don't I do some penance and go out and confess to all my crimes — like the way everyone else wants me to." Jin Guangyao could see him attempt to plan. Trying to find a way for Jin Guangyao to live, even if it means Jiang Cheng taking the heat himself.
But Jin Guangyao cannot allow him do that.
"Because one of us has to live." Jin Guangyao says. "For Jin Ling. "
And that, was Jiang Cheng's breaking point. Jiang Cheng reared his head back and away, and slapping him. Sparks flew from Zidian, betrayal glowing in his eyes.
To use what was most precious to Jiang Cheng to manipulate him like this. He truly was despicable, unchanged from his old ways.
Jin Guangyao didn't cower, couldn't back down nor regret. "One of us has to live." he continued. "To care of him just a little longer."
"If you're looking to die, I should just kill you now."
Jin Guangyao smiled again, that sardonic smile Jiang Cheng hated. "A-Cheng, I'd give you my life, my heart, and everything you want."
"Except live."
Jin Guangyao couldn't, so he presses a kiss to Jiang Cheng's lips instead. Jiang Cheng resists only for a moment, before returning it, both pretending he isn't crying.
They both know they don't have much time left after all.