Finally, Li Na's lips parted, but she paused, gathering her thoughts carefully, letting the silence do most of the talking. She tilted her head slightly, a small, almost imperceptible smile appearing—not one of warmth but one that conveyed just how clearly she saw through his deflection. Bai Tian's posture shifted, an edge of discomfort crossing his face as he felt her unspoken anger. Did he said too much?
"Thank you, Bai Tian, for your honesty," she said, her tone deceptively calm. "I understand the heartfelt concern you have for your big brother, and unrequited instinct of protection from whatever you think I might bring… but you might be underestimating me a little here."
Her words were deliberate, each one held a note that seemed to dig deeper than they sounded. Bai Tian felt the effect immediately; the usual confident stance she held, though polite, now bore an edge that made him rethink his assumptions.
