Ma Qiu stared at Tang Na with wide eyes.
Tang Na parted and closed her lips a few times, then explained softly, "Senior, I was afraid I'd get squeezed away and wouldn't be able to find you, so I had no choice but to hold your hand. Um... that's okay, right, Senior?"
Hearing that, Ma Qiu felt as though someone had squeezed his heart. He truly wanted to pull this adorable junior into his arms and protect her with all his strength.
But he also understood where the red line lay. He repeatedly recited one sentence in his heart: He was carrying out the school's mission right now. He absolutely could not act on impulse. Stay calm, stay calm.
Stay calm!
"Whoosh—haa—"
After taking several deep breaths and spending more than a full second composing himself, Ma Qiu smiled at Tang Na. "It's fine."
With that, he led Tang Na into the Materials Exchange Conference venue. With tremendous self-control, he accompanied her through dozens of stalls and bought all the daily necessities they needed—two large bags' worth.
More than half an hour later.
Ma Qiu and Tang Na each carried a large bag as they walked out of the Materials Exchange Conference venue. As the number of people around them gradually dwindled, their clasped hands naturally came apart.
Ma Qiu let out a long breath inwardly, feeling as if a stone had finally fallen from his heart. Yet for some reason, he also felt a faint hint of disappointment.
Looking at Tang Na, Ma Qiu said, "Junior, I can take you back to school now."
"Mm, okay." Tang Na nodded, but her expression suddenly changed as though she had seen something. She pointed to the side and asked, "Senior, what's that?"
Ma Qiu looked over in confusion and saw four