Dirtier than mud

Chuntao opened her eyes and saw Nianzu, who was smiling. "You are awake," he said. The memories of the day flashed in front of her eyes once again, and it brought tears to them. She averted her gaze from Nianzu. 

"It was not your fault, Chun," she heard him. Nianzu caressed her head in a gentle, loving motion. "It is the fault in the eyes of him, who objectified you," Nianzu said. "And it was also my fault, unable to protect you from such a beast. Because of me, you underwent this," Nianzu asserted. 

Chuntao turned her head to look at him. "How was it your fault? I should have stayed back," Chuntao stated. "Because of me, your identity was almost revealed," she stated.