Relief was too small a word for what Lan Meishan felt.
He looked at Ningyan as though something precious had just been returned to him.. something he had already begun to lose.
There was no distance in his gaze, only quiet, overwhelming affection.
Ningyan was still covering his mouth, but Meishan smiled against his palm, the curve of his lips soft and fond.
Then his hand moved from Ningyan's waist to his cheek, his fingers resting against his skin.
Ningyan stilled.
The contact sent a faint shiver through him, his breath catching before he could stop it. His fingers loosened against Meishan's lips, lowering gradually, revealing the small, uncertain smile beneath.
"You're… adorable," Meishan said.
Ningyan's face flushed instantly. He hadn't expected that.
Meishan didn't look embarrassed. He only continued to stroke his cheek, his thumb brushing lightly beneath Ningyan's eye.
"And you're alive," His gaze softened further. "You have to stay alive.... please."
