Don't lose the skin off your back

tw: corporal punishment, blood, talks of forced prostitution (that will remain just talks!)

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Xi Zirui doesn't know what he's going to do.

He can't risk Xiao Gou's life, the boy doesn't deserve to suffer the consequences for Xi Zirui's decisions.

But he also can't stand the idea of exposing Han Yu to public scorn, humiliation, exile, or perhaps worse, depending on how ruthless Su Xueyi decides to be with his punishment. 

It all hinges on how well he can lie, and if it's enough to save both Xiao Gou and Han Yu. 

In the end the decision is made for Xi Zirui, when Han Yu makes his way towards him and kneels down gracefully at his side.