At stake
"You are not going anywhere!" Chen Leike spat in Anyue's face.
The horses whined at his approach. The usual fake smile on his visage had been replaced with a harsh scowl.
Liu Sumeng felt the need to step in, anger blossoming in his gut as sharp as lava. But he instantly backed down when he took notice of Chen Anyue's open hand that was held out to signal him to stand down.
Respecting her wishes, Liu Sumeng took a step back but he kept his alert, in case Chen Leike would try anything too overbearing.
"Dage," Chen Anyue spoke with a leveled voice, not backing down even when her brother's breath was bearing down on her from above. "We've spoken about this. Allow me to do my part in this. What is more important? This life of mine or the well-being of our Reling?"
"You…!" Chen Leike was seething, his face went red from anger. He growled like a beast, reaching out to grab Chen Anyue's collar.