Bairan nodded, as if she had just been told something ordinary. Then she said softly, "Qing'er, raise your head."
Qing'er slowly lifted her face — it looked more haggard now, tears streaking down her cheeks.
Bairan looked directly into her eyes and smiled faintly. "That one doesn't count. You said it too quickly."
Qing'er's tears fell even harder.
Bairan continued, her tone light but sharp. "Let's start again. I'm only giving you this one chance, so be careful."
Then, taking another bite of the mooncake, she added with a soft laugh, "Let me help you — only honest answers can win."