"Xiao Mai," are you... also fond of him?"
Zhu Yulan's statement momentarily distracted the usually stoic Zhao Lianmai.
The frying pan clattered against the stove, sending sparks flying.
She silently turned her gaze to Zhu Yulan and, after a brief eye contact, her delicate cheeks moved slightly. Yet she eventually replied with a hint of resignation, "Fondness… what does fondness really count for? I am well aware of my own limitations."
Zhao Lianmai's words were calm, but the very act of speaking them was itself an answer.
Indeed, feelings like fondness are intangible and fleeting, akin to a dream.
Fondness, liking, love...
Three stages, each vastly different from the other in essence.
Without a doubt, Zhao Lianmai was indeed fond of Xu Musen.
Or, if one were to view it from her perspective;
