Xu Jingli did not respond to her call.
Chen Mumu called out again, "Xu Jingli?"
The figure remained still, and she felt a wave of unease wash over her. It was up to her to find out what was happening. Steeling herself, she moved closer, her steps careful, and quickly turned on the lights. The sudden brightness illuminated the room, and as she moved to stand in front of him, she was shocked by what she saw.
Xu Jingli's eyes were distant, unfocused, and tears were streaming down his face. His entire body was trembling slightly, as though caught in some emotional storm. Even when Chen Mumu gently took his hands in hers, it did nothing to stop the trembling.
Panic rose in her chest, but she fought to stay calm. She placed her hands on his face, cupping his cheeks softly. "Hey, hey, come back to me. What's wrong?" she asked, her voice a mixture of concern and fear.
