It took approximately five to ten minutes for Li Yuilan to regain her composure after being moved by Xie Qing's confession.
She wiped away her tears and straightened up, assuming a more ordinary appearance. Despite her attempts to hide her embarrassment and joy, she wasn't very successful—every now and then, a cheerful laugh would escape her lips.
Xie Qing seemed to have endured a calamity—his face showed relief after Li Yuilan stopped crying and regained her composure. He felt too awkward seeing someone from his circle cry.
He moved to sit beside the girl and, taking her hand, silently stroked her palm with his thumb. Li Yuilan leaned against him, resting her head on the man's chest. They were silent, but their heartbeats spoke for them.
***
