[Bonus Chapter 14]
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The storm of grief stretched out for a few long moments. Eventually, though, the twin sobs of a man and a beast faded, quietening until they ceased all together.
Much to Li Xinyuan's relief. As a surgeon, he was far from accustomed to comforting people. Even after a failed surgery, the most words of comfort, he had ever used were:
'I am sorry.'
'We tried our best.'
'Unfortunately, the patient couldn't make it.'
"You will not understand the reasoning behind my actions. And I pray that you may never come to understand it." Li Xinyuan whispered in a grave tone, his fingers petting the white fox's back continuously. "But I beseech you to let me do this regardless."
With his other hand, Li Xinyuan ran his fingers through Hu Lijing's hair. His heart clenched, breaths tight when he felt the amber-haired man shudder.
"Why?" Sniffling, the nine-tailed fox whispered. His amber eyes flitted upwards to take in the sight of Li Xinyuan's expressionless face.
