Ningyan's lips parted slightly in disbelief as Rong Chao's words echoed in his mind, over and over, refusing to fade.
Even Lan Meishan looked momentarily stunned and then the tears came.
They slipped silently down Rong Chao's cheeks, his composure breaking apart piece by piece.
"It… shattered me," he said, his voice trembling, uneven. "When I heard that you were married, I…"
His words trailed off.
Behind the shelf, Ningyan exhaled slowly and leaned back against the wood, his chest feeling strangely heavy.
Jun Shenzhen, still beside him, reached out and patted his shoulder awkwardly, but well-meaning.
"I apologize… if I have caused you pain." Lan Meishan's voice was calm, gentle.
Ningyan and Shenzhen immediately leaned forward again, peeking through the narrow gap.
Meishan had placed a reassuring hand on Rong Chao's shoulder.
"I was not aware of your feelings," he continued. "Even Ningyan has told me… I am not particularly perceptive when it comes to such emotions."
