"... Water..." Chen Yulan murmured, her gaze still fixed downwards. The simplicity of the request contrasted sharply with the turmoil it had caused, leaving her feeling empty and helpless.
"Okay, wait a minute," Yu Lei said, her voice carrying a note of purpose. Turning on her heel, she descended the staircase with a sprightly hop, each step taken with an eagerness that contrasted the late hour.
A soft hum accompanied her movements, a light melody that seemed out of place in the quiet of the night.
Within moments, she reappeared, now bearing a tray with a fresh glass of water. "Here, take this," she offered, her smile gentle yet knowing.
Chen Yulan looked up, her eyes momentarily lost, reflecting a mix of surprise and gratitude as she took in Yu Lei's presence. "T-Thank you..." she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she accepted the tray. Her hands were steady now, thanks to Yu Lei's unexpected kindness.
