How could he express himself?
How could he make Ignatius understand?
Someone, anyone, tell him how.
Ignatius draped the robe he had been wearing over Shen Xinghui's shoulders gently.
He then slowly pulled him away and creating a physical distance between them.
In that moment, Shen Xinghui felt a different kind of pain grip his chest.
The act of being rejected made it feel as though everything inside him was falling apart.
"I appreciate your feelings. But, Xinghui… you need to value yourself more. I—"
"It's because my body is not clean, isn't it?"
"What?"
The words spilled out as Shen Xinghui trembled, overwhelmed by sadness and frustration.
Tears began to stream down his face uncontrollably and he struggled to breathe properly.
His chest heaved as he fought back sobs.
He took a step back, his body shaking.
He couldn't stay here.
He couldn't remain by Ignatius's side any longer.