Chapter 88: "Hatred and Scheming"

  Lin Zihao's eyes were red as he spoke, his voice trembling with emotion. "I don't know how I became like this... a devil consumed by hatred."

  Cheng Yixi's heart ached as she listened to Lin Zihao's words. She had never seen him so broken before.

  "You're crazy," Cheng Yixi said, trying to keep her voice steady. "You can't just give up on life like this."

  Lin Zihao shook his head, his eyes welling up with tears. "I'm not giving up. I'm fighting for my freedom... for the chance to be with you again."

  Cheng Yixi's expression softened slightly at Lin Zihao's words. She had never stopped loving him, but she couldn't forgive him for what he had done.

  "What evidence are you talking about?" Cheng Yixi asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

  Lin Zihao hesitated before speaking. "I... I'm not sure if I should tell you yet."

  Cheng Yixi's eyes narrowed. "You're hiding something from me again, aren't you?"

  Lin Zihao sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I just need a little more time, Cheng Yixi. Please trust me. I promise I'll make it up to you... I'll tell you everything soon."

  Cheng Yixi's expression was skeptical, but she couldn't deny the desperation in Lin Zihao's eyes. She nodded slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll give you time... but don't think that this means I've forgiven you."