When she thought of the nightmare just now, Ji Zhao felt suffocated.
Shen Yao patted her back gently and comforted her in a low voice, "Ah Tao, don't be afraid. I'm here."
These simple words actually miraculously calmed Ji Zhao's emotions.
She leaned into Shen Yao's arms and listened to his steady and strong heartbeat. She finally calmed down completely.
"Are you feeling better?" After a moment, Shen Yao rubbed her shoulder and asked softly.
"Yeah."
Ji Zhao forced a smile. "I just… had a terrible nightmare, so I was scared awake."
"Don't be afraid. Dreams and reality are the opposite." Shen Yao kissed her forehead, his deep voice filled with gentleness. "Be good and sleep. I'll be with you."
"…Okay."
The two of them lay down together. Ji Zhao nestled in his arms and unknowingly fell asleep again—
She slept peacefully in the latter half of the night.
She only woke up when the sky was bright.
