Facing Li Qiao's soothing words, Shang Yu still gripped her wrist, but his hold was noticeably weaker.
The man wrapped his other arm around her waist, yet the gesture, meant to be tender, appeared incredibly rigid due to the tense muscles.
His Adam's apple continued to bob up and down, eyes closed as he tried to settle his emotions, but it seemed... to little effect. Symptoms that had not surfaced in a long time now overwhelmed even his restraint.
"Good girl, go back, get some rest early," said Shang Yu, his voice hoarse yet gradually stabilizing, though his taut body still betrayed his self-control.
In such a state, Li Qiao couldn't bring herself to leave him alone, no matter what.
She kept stroking the man's back, shaking her head and whispering reassurances: "I'm not in a hurry."
Li Qiao had noticed Shang Yu's struggle from the start, his paranoia flare-ups resulting in irritability and anger. If he could have released his emotions, perhaps he would not be in such agony.
