The girl's voice was light, carrying a hint of someone looking to settle a score.
But those light words gave Shen Yuan's heart a gentle squeeze, leaving it feeling both achy and tender.
He turned to face Li Zhi squarely.
Under the dim, yellow light, the hint of accusation and hurt in the girl's eyes seemed magnified, reflected in his own gaze which was overflowing with tenderness for her.
He suddenly lifted his left hand. With an almost instinctive tenderness and remorse, his palm came to rest gently on the crown of Li Zhi's head.
His warm fingertips brushed through her soft hair. He'd touched its silky texture so casually before, in the classroom and the hallway, but now, weighed down by her words, the sensation felt exceptionally precious.
"Li Bao..." Shen Yuan's voice grew deep and slightly hoarse. He gently ruffled her hair.
"I'm sorry."
