Before Xinyi and Ming reached the ball, Nianshi spoke. "Governor, I'm sorry, but you have to stay where you are. Only the mistress can come here."
Ming obeyed and stopped walking but, "Wait!" He pulled her toward him and looked straight into her eyes. "Promise me, you won't leave without me," Ming said with pleading eyes. His sincerity touched her, so she said: "I won't, so can I go now?"
Her casualness made Ming uncertain, so he didn't let her go but only stared at her, waiting. Xinyi knew what he meant and shrugged. "I promise. Is that enough? Or do I need to say more to ease your mind and trust me?"
"No, that is enough," he said with a smile as relief suffused his being. "Thank you," and let go of her hand.
For Ming to say thanks was something new to her and took her by surprise... and a slight smile broke on her face. However, she hurriedly looked away and faked a cough to cover her amazement. Yet-Ming noticed it and eased his heavy heart.
