Qin Yucen just listened, her smile faint and shallow. She turned to go upstairs when she saw Huo Jingtang standing at the staircase entrance. She didn't know how long he had been there or how much of their conversation he had heard. And he was staring at her, his eyes deep and dark.
When she thought about what Liu Ma said earlier, that he liked her, her heart began to tremble slightly. Such an outstanding person he was, high above her, his fondness for her was both flattering and astonishing. Her heart was conflicted. He was always so kind to her but what had she done for him in return! Even if he didn't blame her, she couldn't help feeling ashamed in his presence. And now that she was disgraced, the gulf between them seemed insurmountable. So even if she wanted to stand with him, she had to wait until she was strong and glorious enough to be worthy.
