```
Gazing into Shen Yang's pained eyes, Shen Ruo felt a sudden sharp tug at her heart.
In recent days, her life had been far from good; every day was oppressive and joyless. She thought she had hidden it well, but Xiaoyang saw through her at just a glance.
With downcast eyes, Shen Ruo murmured, "Xiaoyang, we can't overcome Gu Kai..."
The strength she had held for months started to crumble at that moment; she too wished for a shoulder to lean on, to ease her exhaustion.
Shen Yang reached out and drew her into his embrace, comforting her softly, "How can we know the ending without trying? Xiaoruo, I can't stand by and watch you suffer. Try giving me a chance, and give yourself one as well, okay? If I don't try to help you, I'll never forgive myself..."
A tear slid down Shen Ruo's cheek; she nodded with a smile, "Alright, I promise you. But you have to promise me, too, that you'll take good care of yourself and not let anything happen to you."
"Mhm, I promise you too."
