Wang Li stroked her hair tenderly, his fingers tracing soothing patterns on her back. He could feel the delicate rise and fall of her chest against his own, and he took a moment to appreciate the quiet vulnerability she had shared with him.
Lan Mei's initial shyness had transformed into a deep-seated trust, and he knew that this connection could be leveraged to further his goals.
"I never thought I'd be here," Lan Mei murmured, her voice barely audible. "With you, I mean. I didn't think I could ever feel this way."
Wang Li's lips curled into a gentle smile. "Sometimes, the most unexpected things happen when we least expect them. I'm glad I could be here for you, Lan Mei."
She looked up at him, her eyes glistening with gratitude. "Thank you, Wang Li. I didn't know how much I needed this until now. I've always felt so isolated, so alone in this place."
