```
"Mmm—" Xiaowu let out a soft groan of pain in his arms, awakening Tang San from his complete immersion in joy and excitement. It was then that he realized he had been hugging her a tad too tightly. He hurriedly relaxed his arms, looking down at Xiaowu in his embrace. Her delicate features were such that he could look at them for a lifetime and never tire.
There was no expected call of "Brother" from Xiaowu; instead, what Tang San saw was the emptiness in her eyes and the faint reliance on her pretty face. Even though her body was bare, she seemed so ethereal at that moment.
"Xiaowu, I'm sorry, I was too excited and hugged you too hard," Tang San softly apologized.
Xiaowu continued to stare blankly at him, remaining silent. She slowly rested her head against his chest without saying anything.
"Xiaowu, what's wrong?" Tang San's excitement began to rapidly wane at the sight of Xiaowu's vacant gaze. A cold chill slowly rose from the bottom of his heart.