"Thank you, Haoran," Ye Hongyan smiled at him, her voice softer and more delicate than it had ever been.
The sharp, rigid authority that usually defined her presence as a supreme master teacher had completely melted away, replaced by a radiant, peaceful warmth.
The two of them currently stood outside her office, with Ye Hongyan now looking visibly better than she did before.
The heavy shadows of sorrow and betrayal that had clouded her striking features under the willow tree were entirely gone, washed away by the tender, calculated affection she had just received.
The pale moonlight filtering through the high arched windows of the library corridor illuminated her face, catching the slight, unprompted curve of her lips.
"No, you don't have to thank me, Hongyan," said Haoran.
His voice was smooth and comforting, hitting the perfect notes of a gentle, selfless protector.
