When Xia Chuyi followed Huo Shiqian into the study, she was still engulfed in a bewildering mix of emotions.
"Don't worry, I'm always here." She heard Huo Shiqian's deep voice resonate by her ear.
Then, she was embraced by Huo Shiqian, strongly yet gently, into his arms.
"Brother Shiqian..." For some reason, upon hearing this, Xia Chuyi felt a slight sting in her nose.
"It's okay." She heard Huo Shiqian's gentle whisper reassuring her.
Leaning against Huo Shiqian's warm and solid chest, Xia Chuyi felt as though she had found support, relaxing entirely into his embrace.
"Brother Shiqian, I..." Xia Chuyi opened her mouth, but felt overwhelmed, unable to find the words.
Images flashed through her mind: battles with the main branch of the Xia family in her youth, Mother Xia's tear-streaked cries, the heart-wrenching collapse of Mrs. Ou when she arrived in Beijing, and Ou Jun asking her to call him brother...
